The Textiles Building is being demolished and will be no more. It was never a particularly elegant building, much overshadowed by the magnificent red brick buildings across the way that housed the Macdonald Institute. But I always had a fondness for it because it was there, in its earlier incarnation as crop science, that I started my teaching career in September 1965 ─ something that will enter its 46th year this fall.

My students back then were the first cohort of arts and science students attending the new University of Guelph. I don’t think any of them had ever heard of philosophy, but within a couple of weeks, our rather shabby surroundings had been forgotten and we argued cheerfully and loudly about Plato’s Republic. I am still proud that together we were able to start the long journey upwards that led to the much-loved university that thrives today.

Prof. Michael Ruse, Florida State University