Vanier College was established in 1966 as York University's second college on the Keele Campus. It is named after the Late Governor-General Georges Vanier whose esteemed military career was characterized by service on the behalf of human dignity. For this, he was awarded the first Honorary Fellow of the College. In 1915 he enlisted in the Canadian army and joined the 22nd Regiment as a founding office. Vanier's courage and valour were recognized on numerous occasions, leading to the Military Cross being awarded to him multiple times. He was appointed to the League of Nations and later served as the Secretary to the Office of the High Commissioner in London, Canada's representative to the United Nations and Governor General of Canada.
It is one of four colleges that are connected to each other. It is home to a rich history of student involvement and caters vastly to student life. When it first opened its doors in 1966 the enrolment was only 550 students for the 1966-1967 school year. At this point in time Vanier College housed students ranging from the Faculty of Science to the Faculty of Arts and the Faculty of Education. When Vanier College was established there was no clear divide as to what programs it will cater to. Over the years Vanier has fellows from the following programs: Humanities (History, English), Law, Biology, Social Science, Mathematics, Chemistry, Philosophy, Sociology, Psychology, Physics, Economics and Linguistics.
The Vanier Panther mascot
Vanier College is home to the Vandoo newspaper, YU Players, Open End pub, and a plethora of student clubs. The student council is bound by a constitution that has been remodelled as need be throughout this college's establishment. Handbooks that functioned as a "how-to" guide to get through life at York University were provided to every first year student. Within these books was information on Vanier College, its history, the faculty/staff that students may run into, residence, study/social spaces, extracurriculars, and so much more. Vanier College has a very active history in associating with other colleges on the Keele Campus through athletics, symposiums, lectures, and more. This gives students the opportunity to socialize with other students who are and are not part of their program and college.