Campus may be relatively quiet in the summer, but Queen’s University staff, students and alumni are busily preparing for Homecoming 2015. More than 500 alumni and their guests have already registered for the Oct. 23-25 weekend.

“Alumni look forward to – and begin planning for – Homecoming, and celebrating milestone reunions, years in advance,” says Vice-Principal (Advancement) Tom Harris. “A great deal of preparation and hard work goes into ensuring that their homecoming is memorable.”

Homecoming was reinstated as a traditional one-weekend model last year, and alumni response was overwhelming. Faculties and schools engaged their alumni in meaningful and substantive ways; dozens of classes led fundraising efforts as part of celebrating their reunion, most in support of student assistance. In total, 41 classes raised gifts as part of their reunion – almost a 50 per cent increase from 2013.

“We are very grateful to reunion coordinators and the many, many alumni volunteers who work so hard to support class giving while they plan great activities for their former classmates,” says Vice-Principal Harris.

This year’s festivities include the return of classes ending in ‘5’ and ‘0’, as well as those who graduated before 1965. The classes of 2010 and 1990 will have signature events to celebrate their fifth and 25th reunions, respectively, as will the Tricolour Guard, which includes alumni celebrating reunions of 50 years or more.  

The Homecoming football game will feature the Queen’s Gaels taking on the Laurier Golden Hawks on Oct. 24. In addition, dozens of events are being planned by faculties, schools, departments, and student groups. For the second year, the AMS will host the ReUnion Street Festival, offering students and alumni the opportunity to interact and celebrate Queen’s.

“Homecoming is a unique and special event for Queen’s, and is at its best when it’s a safe and respectful celebration of the Queen’s spirit,” says Vice-Principal Harris. “We’re looking forward to welcoming alumni home.”   

For more information or to register, visit the Homecoming 2015 website.