Victoria University (Toronto, Ont.). President's Office fonds

Scope and Content

While it contains material very similar to that found in the general correspondence files of Brown's predecessors, the series is smaller in size than the previous two, reflecting the fact that the bulk of Brown's correspondence is to be found in the general and specialized subject files which form separate series. The letters discuss fund-raising and finances, as well as more academic matters such as appointments and curriculum. Under the Victoria University Act of 1944, the offices of President and Chancellor were separated for the first time since 1884, reflecting the increasingly onerous administrative duties of the President. Brown and his successors as President relinquished some of their ceremonial functions in favour of the title of Vice-Chancellor. Brown's presidency was ground-breaking in another sense as well: although trained in theology, he was the first layman to hold the position. Victoria's relationship with the United Church, nevertheless, continued to be of vital importance. Brown's term of office was a stressful one, encompassing as it did severe financial deficits requiring careful economy and aggressive fund-raising, the disruption of the Second World War, and then the strain placed upon Victoria's physical and human resources by booming enrollment in the immediate post-war years. Despite these heavy demands, Brown continued the policy of his predecessors in becoming personally acquainted with every student at Victoria and Emmanuel.

Records relate to fund raising, finances, curriculum, appointments, and the disruption of the Second World War