When CTV Calgary hit the airwaves in 1960, construction was underway on the new University of Calgary in the city's northwestern outskirts.

Formerly known as the Calgary Campus of the University of Alberta, the institution was officially named the University of Calgary in 1966.

"The community, the students, stood up and made a strong case that we deserve a university to call our own," said Elizabeth Cannon, University of Calgary president.

The new campus was a busy place. They had the very latest equipment in the language labs, in the music department, in the geology and chemistry labs.

Psychology students conducted experiments with rats, drama students performed in fully equipped theatres, and engineers conducted stress tests on construction beams.

The university also built links to the mountains. Botany students studied fish in Kananaskis Country. And an affiliation began with the Banff School if Fine Arts.

Athletics played a big role too. Students cheered on the Dinos in many sports and many athletes went on to the Olympics and professional sports in later years.

"The U of C really grew as the city of Calgary grew. We had limited academic programs, through the 70s started launching more professional programs in terms of our law school, and medical programs, and really became a full-fledged comprehensive university," Cannon said.

The university is now known worldwide.

The solar car team has competed in the North American and World Solar challenges. Science graduate Robert Thirsk received an honourary doctorate from the school while in space. And the University of Calgary-Qatar is training nurses in the Middle East.

Cannon was just installed as the new University of Calgary president this fall. She's the first woman and the first University of Calgary graduate to hold the position. She is now overseeing the biggest capital expansion since 1966.

The Taylor Family Digital Library will provide access to thousands of scanned books. The Energy / Environment / Experiential Learning Building and an expanded Calgary Centre for Innovative Technology will open next year.

And a new downtown campus will be within walking distance of many of Calgary's professionals.

In 1966, the university had 4,000 students. That has grown to 30,000 today. Prominent graduates include Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Mayor Naheed Nenshi.