Ryerson University's history is rooted in innovative, career-driven education with the goal of addressing contemporary societal needs. Named after Ontario's first Superintendent of Education and leading public school advocate, Egerton Ryerson, it began as a postsecondary institute designed to combine technical education with academic theory for the first time.
The Ryerson Institute of Technology was established in 1948 in response to the need for skilled tradespeople following the Second World War. Built on the historical site of Ontario's first teacher training college -- known as the Toronto Normal School -- approximately 250 students enrolled in Ryerson's first year. The new institute offered theoretical and practical training in various skilled trades such as architecture, costume design and photography. The student newspaper, The Ryersonian, external link, was founded in 1948.
Following several years of institutional growth, 'polytechnic' was added to Ryerson's title in 1963 to adequately represent its growing range of programs. Ryerson Polytechnic Institute gained degree-granting authority in 1971, and the campus continued to expand with the construction of Lake Devo in 1979. During this time, yearly enrollment at Ryerson exceeded 10,000 students, and the school launched various innovative projects including the Energy Centre and the option to take courses delivered over the radio.
Ryerson is Canada's leader in innovative, career-focused education and a university clearly on the move. It is a distinctly urban university with a focus on innovation and entrepreneurship. Ryerson has a mission to serve societal need and a long-standing commitment to engaging its community. Guided by a bold Academic Plan, an ambitious research agenda, and a Master Plan to revitalize the campus and surrounding neighbourhood, Ryerson is the most applied-to university in Ontario relative to available spaces, and its reputation with business and community leaders continues to rise. Ryerson offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs. Culturally diverse and inclusive, the university is home to 38,950 students, including 2,300 master's and PhD students, nearly 2,700 faculty and staff, and more than 140,000 alumni worldwide.
There's more to university success than classes, labs and lectures. Attending university is your time to explore and grow personally, intellectually and spiritually. Ambrose offes you the opportunity to define yourself and your future path in life. No matter your interests, you'll find a way to get involved at Ambrose. Student clubs and chapel services, leadership opportunities and sport, help you find your place in university life. In addition, our residence and student development services are here to support you along the way. As an Ambrose student, you'll be a part of this community that truly cares about who you are and what you are capable of achieving.
Research at Ryerson is on a trajectory of success and growth: externally funded research has doubled in the past four years. The G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education is Canada's leading provider of university-based adult education. The university's focus on innovation and entrepreneurship is represented most distinctly by the Digital Media Zone, a place for students to collaborate and bring their digital ideas to the marketplace.