A main element of Boisvert’s talk at the Westmount Public Library centred on the many moves the college has undertaken over the years to accommodate its growing student population and the constant updating of the curriculum.

The school began as Ecole l’enseignement Supérieur in 1908 in the large yellow brick Mother House designed by architect Jean-Omer Marchand for the sisters of the Congregation de Notre-Dame, at the corner of Sherbrooke Street and Atwater Avenue.

By 1925 it was known as Marguerite Bourgeoys College, and had moved to its present location on Westmount Avenue. But less than 20 years later it moved downtown to the corner of Guy Street and Dorchester Boulevard, under the name Marianopolis (Greek word for City of Mary). The curriculum was updated according to the English language universities to include science and chemistry.

Unfortunately, the school had to close for a few months after a fire in January of 1945, which killed one of the sisters. It reopened in September at 3647 Peel St., in the elegant Shaughnessy House, where classes were held until 1975.

In 1969, as a result of the changes made within post-secondary education in Quebec, Marianopolis phased out its degree program and became a CEGEP.

From 1975 to August 2007, Marianopolis College was established in another architecturally exciting building on Côte des Neiges, which it leased from the Sulpician fathers. In 1987, a new modern sports complex was developed, including a much used indoor pool.

It was just 13 months ago that Marianopolis College moved back into the yellow brick building at 4873 Westmount Ave., which it had previously occupied from 1925 to 1943.

Boisvert extended a warm invitation to everyone to come to visit the “new” Marionopolis at its Open House on Nov. 9, as well as to take part in its Heritage Day celebration on Oct. 18 in Old Montreal. For information about these events visit www.marianopolis.edu

• Doreen Lindsay is president of the Westmount Historical Association.