Doris Saunders is a distinguished scholar and teacher. After graduating from Kelvin High School, she earned a double honours B.A. in English and Philosophy and won the University Gold Medals in both disciplines in 1921. She taught at an elementary rural school before going on to Oxford to earn a Diploma in Education at St. Hugh's College in 1923. She returned to Winnipeg, teaching and completing her post-graduate work in English at the University of Manitoba, for her Master of Arts degree. She won a traveling scholarship and went back to St. Hugh's College, intending to study for a Ph.D degree. However, Oxford did not approve of doctorates for women. Instead, Doris took the Bachelor of Letters program, the basic Oxford research degree - and wrote a thesis on Dr. Johnson.
In 1928, returning to Winnipeg, she became the first woman ever to be appointed to the staff of the English Department of the University of Manitoba. I am sure there are many of us who attended her classes and worked hard to meet her high expectations. In 1994, the University conferred the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws on Doris Boyce Saunders.
We have benefited in many ways from her association with the Club. She was President from 1943-1945 and President of CFUW from 1955 to 1958. The Drawing Room is named after her. Recognizing the needs of our members, she made a significant donation for an elevator or lift for the House.
On behalf of all of us Doris, thank you for all you've done, for teaching and sharing, for giving of your time, for providing leadership, for challenging us. A very Happy Birthday!
By Mary Scott (with special thanks to the Past Presidents)