REGINA — Past and present students from Luther College gathered to mark the institution's 100 years on Royal Street on Monday.
Luther College opened in the Queen City on Aug. 8, 1926, after serving as an academy in Melville for over a decade. Today, it serves students in Grades 9 to 12 and also offers university classes.
Sara Hanson, a Luther College alumnus of 1988, said the celebration is about the community that’s been built here.
“It's an amazing thing. It's such a community, and when you're here as a student, then you become part of this community, and it never lets you go.”
Hanson noted the school’s Luther Invitational Tournament (LIT) was her most fond memory as a student, as it brought everyone together.
“We were here for a whole week getting ready for it. It was a student-run tournament. We worked together, and we're proud when that came together.”
Fellow alumna of 1983, Lisa Smith, said her fondest memories were spending time with other students while navigating independence at just 15 years old.
Learning the importance of community, both Smith and Hanson enrolled their children at the school.
“I knew by sending my children here that they'd become part of this community, this tight-knit community, that would always support them and be with them throughout their entire lives.”
Smith said she took great pride in seeing her children grow at Luther College.
“My one daughter was involved in musicals and in the technical aspect, while my son was a basketball player, along with Sarah's son. And so, he, too, was able to play in [the] LIT.”
New president at the century mark:
Last year, Dr. Tom Phenix was appointed as the institution’s new president, calling the role both an honour and a privilege.
“It means I've got big shoes to fill. It means that I've got to take this job very seriously and ultimately remember who I answer, [the students and families].”
Phenix said he’s focused on the students, as they're the future of the community.
“It's literally about our future, and we need to do the best job to prepare these students for a world that badly needs them.”
As Luther College marks nearly 100 years in Regina, Phenix reflected on the institution’s goals for the next century.
“I want to make sure in 100 years from now that this is the very best high school in this province.”
He added, “I want Luther College High School to be the place that you want to send your children when you want your children to have a community of care that's going to prepare them for the world better than any other place in this province.”
School officials believe roughly 40,000 students have enrolled in the institution since moving to Regina.
Many graduates of Luther College eventually attend prestigious schools, including Harvard and Yale.
The 100 years in Regina will be celebrated leading up to the 2026-2027 academic year, including a special homecoming.
