Looking back in the IGNITE archives

A look back down memory lane.

For 25 years, IGNITE has taken charge of enhancing the student experience by providing students with the care, advocacy and support they need.

From our early beginnings as the Student Association Council (SAC), to our evolution into the Humber Students’ Federation (HSF), and now as IGNITE, celebrating our 25-year anniversary in August, we’ve come a long way.

I delved into our archives to uncover all the hidden gems in our history. Take a look at how IGNITE has shaped its modern values, rooted in integrity and honesty, as we continue striving to offer students the best possible post-secondary experience.

Check out an idea of our timeline for how IGNITE came to be!

A graphic showing the IGNITE timeline. — *Graphic by Joseph Zago.*

Humble beginnings

Photos of students at a SAC orientation table conversing with SAC staff in 1987. — *Picture by Humber Polytechnic – Humber Archives*

Although IGNITE is 25 years old, our history goes back to the very start of Humber Polytechnic’s history in the early 70’s with the Student Association Council (SAC). This council ran in conjunction with Humber’s administrative team to assist students across campus.

Communication differed in the early days with SAC’s own newspaper, Pandemonium, later renamed to Direction, featuring Toronto and student-centred news. At this time, SAC would set the standard for what was to come in its advocacy for more student rights and financial freedoms, supporting the Ontario Federation of Students in its plight through the early 80’s, among other pressing issues that spanned from the late 1970’s to 2000.

Cover of the student newspaper Pandemonium. — *Pictures by Humber Polytechnic – Humber Archives*

Cover of the student newspaper Direction. — *Pictures by Humber Polytechnic – Humber Archives*

In 1993, although she was not the last SAC president, Lesia Bailey was elected as the organization’s first Black woman president, campaigning to improve inclusion and diversity and set the stage for what was to come.

“Number one, I’m black, number two, I’m a woman, and number three, I’m SAC president. But Humber College is for everyone and we all have to work together,” Bailey told the student newspaper Humber Et Cetera in 1993.

Carlos Costa and Lesia Bailey are talking. — *Pictures by Humber Polytechnic – Humber Archives*

Article from Humber ETC from October. 14, 1993. — *Pictures by Humber Polytechnic – Humber Archives*

From SAC to HSF

A photo of Humber Lakeshore's HSF building with an HSF sign outfront. — *Picture by IGNITE*

In early 2000, SAC was replaced by Humber Students’ Federation by reason of a vote from students. The newly founded HSF came in as an incorporated organization. The historic vote put students in the driver’s seat, becoming an independent organization from Humber, kickstarting IGNITE’s true form.

Throughout the transition, students remained the focus of HSF, giving voices to each campus and eventually incorporating the University of Guelph-Humber.

With the organization’s new independence, HSF employed many more students who had a say in the union’s operations. From student and social issues to events and funding, students were empowered to stand up for what they believed in.

A concert by the Humber Students' Federation. — *Pictures by IGNITE.*

Old Humber Students' Federation office. — *Pictures by IGNITE.*

The Student Centre also received a $4 million facelift in 2009 for all your favourite events to be more spacious.

According to Humber Et Cetera, Humber scored higher than the average college for student engagement later that year. Coincidence? I think not. The HSF ball kept rolling. They continued to drive student engagement with campaigns to support students in their everyday lives.

Humber Et Cetera 2009 report on Humber as a higher-than-average student engagement institution. — *Picture by Humber Polytechnic – Humber Archives*

In 2012, HSF asked the student body what the union could do better for them. And HSF delivered. Students asked for a better health plan that included contraceptives.

The campaign left a lasting impact on the federation’s future budgeting and today it is included in the student health plan across Humber and the UofGH.

IGNITE

In July 2016, IGNITE was born! With a fresh new identity to encapsulate the entire student body.

After thoughtful consideration, the organization decided on the name change for the better inclusion of the UofGH.

Now that all the schools were united by name, IGNITE could continue its work on uniting students in its services, events and support.

Bailey’s legacy and the social issues HSF brought forward are still relevant today. We introduced the first-ever Black Excellence Scholarship to further empower underrepresented voices and encourage students to achieve their full potential.

The scholarship continues on its fifth anniversary, and applications open on Feb. 1, 2026.

IGNITE staff helping students at a table. — *Picture by IGNITE*

The effect that a student union has on students’ lives is unprecedented. The fulfillment of students can be felt and shared throughout the years with an archive of memories. IGNITE’s presence is evergreen for students to have a meaningful, but most of all, positive student experience.

IGNITE is here to ensure you’re well taken care of and have a great time, today and in the future. Petitions are still ongoing, advocacy is still being pursued, and the events keep on coming.

Our name may have changed, but our goals never waver. IGNITE is your partner in discovering your full potential.

Feature image courtesy of Humber Polytechnic – Humber Archives.

IGNITE doesn’t just support students, we highlight their achievements, too. Check out how Shayan Shakil found his rhythm again through campus connection!