“They knew that facing war meant facing death, yet with cheerful if saddened hearts they went. They were of our best, the finest scholars and athletes in the University, and we assured them they would not be forgotten.” 

–President Henry Marshal Tory, The Gateway, January 29, 1925

In 1925, the University of Alberta installed and dedicated an organ (Casavant Opus 445) in Convocation Hall to honour the lives of the 82 student and staff members who had died in World War I. In 1945, the organ was rededicated in honour the 156 U of A students who died in World War II. The original organ was replaced in 1978 with a new organ (Casavant Opus 3358), though the casework from the original organ to the left and right of the main stage in Convocation Hall remains. The new organ was again dedicated to the staff and students who had died serving their country. 

In March of 2026, the university announced that it was renovating Convocation Hall. In their public statement, there was no mention of the Memorial Organ. In April, after it was discovered by organist and music professor emerita Dr. Marnie Giesbrecht, the university admitted that as part of the renovations to Convocation Hall it was removing the Memorial Organ. The university made this decision without consulting faculty, students, or alumni. Nor did they consult with military/veterans organizations, heritage organizations, the City of Edmonton, or Veterans Affairs Canada. 

There are no issues with the functionality of the organ. It is in excellent shape, and takes little effort or money to maintain. The university’s main argument—that it prevents accessibility to Convocation Hall and is in violation of code—is simply not true. The entire first floor of the Hall is accessible to wheelchairs and other mobility devices. Furthermore, historical buildings such as the Arts Building—where Convocation Hall lies—can receive code exemptions from the Government of Alberta.

In its secrecy and failure to consult, the university has not honoured its recent commitment to better engage with the community. It has also failed President Tory’s original vision of the University of Alberta, an institution of service dedicated to the “uplifting of the whole people.”  

Removing the Memorial Organ from Convocation Hall accomplishes nothing other than dishonouring the 238 U of A soldiers who sacrificed themselves in love of  our country, as well as the generations of students, staff, faculty, alumni, and Canadians who have personally experienced the pain, joy, and solace that the Memorial Organ—with its 36 stops, 51 ranks and nearly 2500 pipes—can provide.

It is our belief that the University of Alberta should reverse its decision to remove the Memorial Organ that graces Convocation Hall. It is also our belief that it should be designated as a historic resource under the Alberta Historic Resources Act, and protected as a war monument by the Government of Canada. 

In this endeavor, we ask for your help.