Advanced Education Minister Andrew Wilkinson has made the following statement in recognition of the 75th anniversary of Royal Roads University.

“Royal Roads has grown significantly since it first opened its doors as a military officer education and training facility in 1940.

“The institution was known as the Royal Roads Military College from 1940 to 1995, and it provided training to naval reserve officers during the Second World War. Royal Roads University was established with the passage of the Royal Roads University Act when the military college ceased operations in 1995.

“Today, Royal Roads University offers applied and professional programs in management, social and applied sciences, primarily to working professionals and career-focused students. Approximately 4,000 students, including around 500 international students, studied full- or part-time at Royal Roads in 2013-14.

“The beautiful Vancouver Island campus is home to more than students, however. As a National Historic Site, the grounds include Hatley Castle, a piece of B.C. history that houses the Hatley Park Museum.

“Congratulations to Royal Roads University faculty, staff, students and alumni on 75 years of growth and success.”