Walter Gage

Walter Henry Gage (March 5, 1905 – October 3, 1978) was a Canadian professor and administrator who spent 50 years at the University of British Columbia, beginning as an undergraduate student and eventually becoming president of the university.

Education

B.A. (Hon. Math)

Assistant Professor 1933-36

Associate Professor 1937-43

Biography

Walter Gage was born in the middle-class neighborhood of South Vancouver to parents Alexander and Ann, immigrants from Great Britain. They raised Walter and his older sister Elsie and influenced both siblings' interest in community and politics. Walter attended Tecumseh Elementary and John Oliver Secondary School in Vancouver, demonstrating an early interest in his studies. As a teenager, he taught Sunday school and coached basketball. In 1921, Gage was the first in his family to attend university when he enrolled in UBC. He earned a Bachelor of Arts with honors in mathematics in 1925, and a Master of Arts in mathematics in 1926. during a period of social change and growth (1969-1975). According to the university's 15th president, Gage's acceptance of the role was important to the university's ability to manage that period.

He continued to teach during and after his presidency. In 1969, he became the inaugural recipient of the university's annual Walter Koerner Master Teacher Award.

Gage is known for his efforts to ensure financial hardship did not prevent capable students from pursuing education. He supported students by establishing bursaries and personally contributing funds when necessary. He was known for his wit, for offering currency to struggling students, for his affection for the arts — especially theatre and music — and for his voluble manner of teaching.

An excerpt from the citation for the honorary degree awarded to him by the University of British Columbia in 1958 described Walter Gage as "'the most and best beloved of the university family', referring to him as 'in a sense, the physical embodiment of this university's academic conscience, and a man whose scholarly attainments and standards of teaching are equaled only by his concern always to do justice to colleagues and students alike'". He was later awarded an honorary LL.D. by the University of Victoria, where he had taught.

In 1971, he was made a Companion of the Order of Canada, the highest rank in Canada's civilian honour system.

Following his death in 1978, the Walter Gage Residence for students at the University of British Columbia was named in his honor.

A book detailing the life and work of Walter Gage was published in 2018. The Age of Walter Gage: How One Canadian Shaped the Lives of Thousands discusses Gage's teaching methods and describes his large classes as being filled with keen students and enjoyment. It also covers his contributions to the UBC campus. The book chronicles Gage's life, and his influence on Canadians.