Pembina Hall
In 1910, Reg Lister came to Alberta from England. His first campus job was on a University construction crew in 1911. Eventually, he became Superintendent of Residences. His memoir, My Forty-Five Years on the Campus provides an intimate recollection of the University’s early days and poignantly captures the layers of university life: personalities, politics, students’ antics, and stages of the University’s development.
; "Future site of Pembina Hall")
Pembina was constructed in 1914. Notably, the University’s motto, quaecumque vera, which means “Whatsoever things are true” is carved in stone above the main entrance. Dr William Hardy Alexander chose this motto. Above the University motto is a sandstone rendering of the University crest.
; "Pembina Hall")
Pembina Hall also has another motto divided in two and engraved on the southeast and northeast corner stone facings. The motto is written in Cree: "Payuk Uche Kukeyow" and "Kukeyow Uche Payuk." It means "All for One" and "One for All." Wauneita Club, an organization of women students, used this motto.
In 1908, the first 45 students who attended the University of Alberta did so using space in two public schools in Edmonton, as the University had not yet completed buildings of its own. In 1911, the first official university building, Athabasca Hall, was built, followed by Assiniboia Hall in 1913, and Pembina Hall in 1914. These halls were the first true facilities of the University of Alberta.