Cultural Landmark Evolution - St. Vladimir Institute

The Founders

More than 40 years ago, a group of visionary and enterprising individuals identified the need for a Ukrainian student residence in the heart of Toronto. The idea was born out of and evolved through open discussions within the larger Ukrainian-Canadian community. It represented an opportunity to bring a tradition started by Ukrainians in the western provinces to Toronto, one of Canada's most important and vibrant economic and cultural centres.

The 'founders' of St. Vladimir Institute (SVI) were individuals who shared a common heritage but who also represented a variety of professional and educational backgrounds. The founders were not only the visionaries who initiated the concept but also the broad base of supporters who made their vision real. They were architects, construction workers, engineers, plumbers, HVAC specialists, homemakers, politicians, physicians, media specialists, lawyers, accountants, real estate agents, clergymen, educators, military persons, public servants, and more. The story of SVI is the story of a community coming together to create something of value for themselves and for future generations.

The original concept for SVI and other Ukrainian student residences across Canada involved promoting academic excellence and achievement and supporting the development of better citizens, competent professionals, and future community leaders.

St. Vladimir the Great

St. Vladimir, also known as Volodymyr the Great, was the first ruler of Kyivan Rus', an ancient term for Ukraine, to embrace Christianity. He was canonized for baptizing his subjects en masse in 988.

St. Vladimir began his career as a pagan warrior and conqueror. After his conversion to Christianity, he gave up his warlike career and devoted himself to governing. He built great cathedrals, established schools, introduced ecclesiastical courts, and became known for his mildness and for his zeal in spreading Christianity.

History in Brief: 1944 - 2006

"The encouragement and support of higher education
continues to be a worthy objective" Dr. Peter Smylski

1944: Seeds of the idea of a Toronto Institute are sown at the convention of the Self-Reliance League in Toronto

1949: First summer school program launched for students aged 12 to 16

1950: Name "St. Vladimir Ukrainian Institute" selected

1961: Institute charter and incorporation

1962: Startup funds in the amount of $13,000 transferred to the new organization and membership criteria established.

1963: Purchase of the property at 651 Spadina

1963: The first post-secondary student residents make their home at SVI

1964: Cultural programs were developed to enhance the student experience

1967: Three properties acquired at 620 Spadina

1968: Blessing of the land

1969: Move to new premises and first intake of students to new residence

1971: First year of participation in Multicultural Festival - Metro International Caravan as the pavilion "Odessa"

1975: Position of Cultural Director formed

1976: Lutheran chapel acquired

1978: Plans for unifying and expanding the facility to include auditoriums, a theatre, a museum, and a library were drawn up and implemented; the purpose of the new facilities were to "markedly assist in providing an appropriate environment for continuing cultural and educational activities."

1980: Official Opening Week of new, expanded facility

1988: $1,000 per couple fundraiser attracts 89 couples

1991: Centennial Settlers Dinner, $500 per couple; Leonid Kravchuk, the first president of an independent Ukraine, visits SVI

1992: The first Ukrainian Toastmasters Club forms and is headquartered at SVI; SVI celebrates 20 continuous years of successful Caravans

1997: The Institute launches its website

2001: Michael and Effie Bodnar Scholarship established to annually recognize residents of Ukrainian heritage for outstanding academic achievement

2003: SVI celebrates its 40th anniversary with a nostalgic pub night, gala banquet, and open house

2003: Participation in annual Open Doors Toronto solidifies SVI as a prominent cultural landmark

2005: Renovation of Auditorium B.

2006: Blessing of the St. Vladimir's (Volodymyr's) Chapel

2007: Launch of new website

If you ever think about
students residence in Toronto and you're a student from Canada or abroad - welcome to St.Vladimir students residence