Harold Remus, Rose Blackmore & Boyd McDonald, eds. Waterloo, ON: Wilfrid Laurier University Press, 2011; 222 pp; ISBN: 978-1-55458-383-6, paper $24.95 CAD.

I Remember Laurier is the story — actually, 37 stories — of the little university that could, told by some of those who devoted themselves to transforming the school from its modest beginnings into a small liberal arts college, and in turn to the university whose growth, diversification, research, and partnerships characterize it today. Although the stories are diverse in content, viewpoint and tone, readers will note a number of unifying themes, one being nostalgia for a small university where faculty, staff and students were close and new initiatives were readily approved and easily implemented. Here too are reflections, sometimes bemused and sprinkled with humour, on professors, administrators and students, the “Laurier Experience,” and significant events such as “WLU” becoming “WLU” (Waterloo Lutheran University was renamed Wilfrid Laurier University in 1973). Evident throughout is the pride of the contributors in the development of the university to its current status and in having played a role. In the photo album at the back of the book readers will find vintage prints of the authors and of many others mentioned in the book. Published in celebration of the centennial of the university, I Remember Laurier provides glimpses to remind us both that the future springs from the past and, that at WLU, the past is a rich and strong foundation on which to build.

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Text provided by publisher.