It’s time to start making plans for Homecoming. Thousands of alumni are coming home on Oct. 18–20 and staff and volunteers have been busy planning opportunities for alumni to reconnect with classmates throughout the weekend.
But what are the must-see events? Add these five activities to your itinerary to get the most of your Homecoming experience.
1. See our Rembrandts
Where can you see four Rembrandts in one museum in Canada? Only at the Agnes Etherington Art Centre.
Queen’s received its fourth Rembrandt painting this spring, thanks to the generosity of the Linda and Daniel Bader, who donated the masterpiece in honour of Daniel’s late father and Queen’s alumnus, Alfred Bader. The 1659 painting, titled Head of an Old Man with Curly Hair, adds to the university’s impressive collection. Queen’s now has four out of the seven Rembrandt paintings that are on public display in Canada.
Unfortunately the newest Rembrandt is not on display during Homecoming. The good news is The Agnes currently has a new exhibition called Leiden Circa 1630: Rembrandt Emerges featuring three paintings and dozens of etchings by the Dutch master.
When and where: Agnes Etherington Art Centre is open on Oct. 18 (10 am to 4:30 pm) and Oct. 19-20 (10 am to 5 pm). Admission is free.
2. Attend the Homecoming Meet and Greet
Grant Hall is a popular first stop for many alumni when they arrive on campus. It’s a chance to run into former classmates, grab some free snacks, pick up an alumni card, chat with a Homecoming volunteer, and check out displays from campus groups such as Queen’s Archives and Athletics and Recreation.
Alumni are encouraged to register online in advance to speed up the check-in process. Registration is free.
On Saturday between 9:30 and 11:30 am, head to Spirit Corner outside Grant Hall and take a few minutes to write an encouraging note to a first-year student. These letters will be delivered before fall-term exams to students living in residence.
When and where: Grant Hall on Oct. 18 (1 to 6 pm) and Oct. 19 (8:30 am to 1 pm).
3. Cheer on the Gaels and Tricolour Guard
The athletes are not the only stars on the field at the Queen’s-York football game. Help celebrate alumni who graduated 50 years ago or more (the Queen’s Tricolour Guard) as they walk across the field at halftime.
This generation has made an impact in Canada and the world and has helped make Queen’s what it is today. They deserve many cheers and Cha Gheills.
When and where: Richardson Stadium on Oct. 19 during halftime of the football game (1 to 4 pm).
4. Celebrate Club Stauff’s 25th Birthday
Stauffer Library has been the home of caffeine-fueled all-nighters for 25 years. Many alumni remember the thrill of finding a vacant computer station during the busy exam periods when the library was open 24 hours.
Stauffer opened in the fall of 1994 and has space for more than 1,200 students. It is named after Joseph Stauffer, a 1920 engineering graduate who had a successful career in the mining and telephone industries and was a generous benefactor to Queen’s.
The library is hosting a Homecoming social to celebrate the historic milestone. Enjoy refreshments and take a self-guided tour to see how Club Stauff has changed over the past 25 years.
When and where: Alan G. Green Fireplace Reading Room of Stauffer Library, Oct. 18 (5 to 6:30 pm).
