By Michael Onesi, Alumni Communications Officer

The class of ’88 has good reason to celebrate this fall: Homecoming is returning and a new tradition of honouring alumni coming back for their 25th reunion in being inaugurated. With Homecoming’s new two-weekend format, the 25th reunion will take place on the first weekend, followed by special events for the Tricolour Guard (50 or more years after graduation) on the second.

“It’s nice to have a focal point on each Homecoming weekend,” says Kathryn Vilela, a Queen’s Alumni Officer in charge of reunions. “Twenty five years is a major milestone, so it’s great that the new Homecoming format allows us a perfect opportunity to recognize these alumni.”

When the class of ’88 returns on the October 4-6 weekend, its members will have a full schedule of events, including repainting their class crests and a 25th Reunion Celebration at Richardson Stadium before the football game featuring '80s music, memorabilia courtesy of the Queen’s Archives, and activities for kids and families.

“I think it’s a nice recognition on the school’s part,” says Johanne Blansche, a reunion coordinator for NSc’88. “It is important Queen’s acknowledges that you were there and doesn’t wait until you are a 50 year graduate. It is important to keep the alumni engaged.”

Derek Vaughn, a doctor in St. Thomas, ON, and Meds’88 reunion coordinator, is eagerly looking forward to seeing his old classmates and visiting the campus.

“Every time I go back, the city has changed. I was at Queen’s for my undergrad as well so I have real connection with the city. It’s a great chance to reconnect with my classmates who have become colleagues and to see what they are now doing around the world,” says Derek.

Homecoming activities for both the Oct. 4-6 and Oct. 18-20 weekends have been posted online, and specific plans for all classes and groups can be found on their class webpages.

Homecoming holds a special place in the hearts of Queen’s students and alumni and plans for its 2013 return are a result of extensive consultation and collaboration – with students, alumni representatives, and especially with our partners in the community – local officials and the Kingston Police. Safety for all participants is Queen’s first priority.

The new vision for Homecoming involves connecting invited alumni with each other, with students, and with the Kingston community in a safe and respectful celebration of the spirit and initiative that makes Queen’s the unique university that it is.

There is more good news for Artsci’88 grads – a reunion coordinator has been found. There are no definite plans yet, but stayed tuned for some events to be added.