Registration is now open for Queen’s Homecoming 2013, scheduled for two weekends in October. Alumni celebrating a milestone anniversary year with their class, team or group are invited to register for their Homecoming activities on the weekend of October 4-6 or 18-20.

“We now have 85 classes and groups confirmed to return over the two Homecoming weekends,” says Sarah Indewey, Queen’s Manager of Volunteer Relations and Reunions. “The return of Homecoming promises to bring alumni and students, as well as the Queen’s and the Kingston communities, together in celebration of our remarkable university.”

The weekend of October 4-6 will see classes and groups celebrating their 5th, 15th, 25th, 35th, or 45th anniversary return to campus, and the weekend of October 18-20 will welcome 10th, 20th, 30th, and 40th anniversary classes, along with the Queen’s Tricolour Guard (alumni celebrating a 50th or greater anniversary).

Special programming will be held on the first weekend for members of the Class of 1988, who are celebrating their 25th anniversary, and during the second weekend all members of the Queen’s Tricolour Guard will be honoured at a special dinner.

“These weekends have been a long time in the planning,” says Tom Harris, Queen’s Vice-Principal (Advancement), who is overseeing the Homecoming weekends. “I would like to thank the Queen’s students, alumni, staff, and faculty, as well as the many community members, who have been working together in preparation to welcome our alumni home.”

Dr. Harris also points out that a new programming model is in place for Homecoming 2013. “In the works are fun, family-friendly events in the Kingston community, which aim to get visiting alumni and students, as well Kingston residents, to explore Queen’s and Kingston.”

Special events include movie nights in Springer Market Square, a Kingston scavenger hunt, and a “Queen’s gives back” charity event held on each of the Homecoming weekends. There are more than 80 events planned over the two weekends, from campus open houses to networking events for students and alumni, to football and other varsity sports events. New events will be added throughout the spring and summer as details are confirmed.

With their registration, alumni can book tickets to events, ensure they are included on the “who’s coming” list, as well as see who else is returning for their reunion, and receive up-to-date information on reunion plans.