For 105 years the Faculty of Human Ecology (so named in 1981) evolved with the times. From its beginnings early in the last century as the department of household science through to the present day—including transformations as the School and later the Faculty of Home Economics in 1943 and 1970 respectively—Human Ecology has been characterized by the respect, compassion and care for families and family life evidenced in these archival photos.

That same spirit of discovery and innovation inspired the faculty to seek new partnerships with other academic units in 2012 as part of the University of Manitoba’s Academic Structure Initiative. The result? Human nutritional sciences joined the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences; family social sciences, the department of community health sciences in the Faculty of Health Sciences; and textile sciences, the department of biosystems engineering in the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences.

These changes were made official by July 1, 2015. While the Faculty of Human Ecology has closed, the innovative research and teaching conducted in those departments will continue to evolve to meet society’s needs into the future. Human Ecology’s impact will continue!

We are celebrating one of Human Ecology’s most notable graduates in this issue. As well as one of its newest grads.

The Hats Off to Human Ecology events, Sept. 29 to Oct. 4, will celebrate the faculty’s history and commemorate the transition of the departments to their new homes.