Series 7 - McGill Principalship and administrative activities

.5 m of textual records and other materials.

A record of Robertson’s activities as principal of McGill from 1962 1970 is found in diverse documents such as pamphlets, tickets, booklets, newspaper and magazine clippings, and photos, 1962, 1970, 1980 1944 -1992 (Container 1, File 4; Container 5, Files 122, 124, 128 , as well as in his diaries, 1962-1964; 1964-1969; 1969-1970 (Container 12, Files 201-203; Container 18, Files 247-256; Container 14, Files 214-217). Robertson’s appointment to McGill, his installation as principal (Container 1, File 5), his correspondence during his principalship, 1962 1994, 1965 (Container 1, File 9; Container 8, File 175), his resignation and retirement from McGill and an account of the turbulent times that accompanied his principalship are also contained in this series, 1969-1971 (Container 1, File 8; Container 5, Files 125 127; Container 6, File 130). More specifically, Robertson’s meditations on the continuing feasibility of Gerald Bull’s HARP project can be found in Container 18, File 252.

Of particular interest is Robertson’s correspondence and report for Quebec Premier Robert Bourassa 1970 (Container 1, File 6) which discusses Robertson’s unsuccessful attempts to solicit increased provincial government funding for McGill University, particularly through his analysis of the Quebec government’s unfair funding formula. Robertson even contemplated approaching Prime Minister Trudeau with the concept of McGill as a National University in an effort to secure federal funding, 1969 (Container 14, File 214).

Numerous newspaper clippings and case files relate to the Stanley Gray Dismissal Hearings (Container 1, File 7). This information is supplemented by the more personal reflections contained in Robertson’s correspondence with his brother, Bruce, a lawyer from British Columbia. Robertson’s uncertainty regarding his actions caused him to legally clarify his position with his brother and almost led to his decision to retire in 1967, 1939-1969 (Container 8, File 165). Further indications of the atmosphere at McGill include the “Save the Trees Riot” which took place near the construction site of McGill’s Burnside Hall, and the greenhouse bomb incident, both of which are discussed in some detail in Robertson’ Diaries, 1969-1979 (Container 14, Files 214 223).

Also included in the series are McGill University Convocation Brochures, 1963-1970 (Container 16, Files 1/241 3/241) and ephemera related to McGill Programs and Social events, 1956-1988, 1964-1966 (Container 3, Files 1/79 3/79; Container 15, File 230) reflecting the diverse nature of Robertson’s duties as a principal, as well as the administrative changes he made to McGill. These changes included increasing the number of vice-principals, students, and staff, as well as Robertson’s efforts to give students more of a voice by increasing student representation on both the senate and committees of the senate, 1970 (Container 19, File 264). A construction helmet, often worn by Robertson in photos, signifies the building boom that accompanied Robertson’s time as principal of McGill (Container 10, File 191).