Drumming up support for Queen’s 175th anniversary has been anything but arduous, according to David Walker, chair of the executive organizing committee.

“We have been greeted with tremendous interest and enthusiasm everywhere we’ve gone,” says Dr. Walker, who, along with coordinator Mike Blair (Sc’17) and special project assistant Celia Russell, will have met with more than 130 internal and external stakeholders by the end of March.

At every stop on the outreach tour, the executive committee members have asked individuals and groups to consider marking the occasion by hosting their own celebrations or incorporating the 175th anniversary into their existing events and activities. An events calendar on the 175th website lists all of the events and activities that groups have identified.

I’m excited for the 175th anniversary celebrations. The various events and the moments project are going to show Queen’s as it is today, where we came from, and offer a glimpse of where we can go in the future.
— David Walker, Chair, 175th Anniversary Executive Committee

In addition, the executive committee has hosted three collective meetings with representatives from campus units or departments and local community groups. These meetings have allowed people to gather and share what they are doing for the 175th anniversary. Dr. Walker says bringing people together in one room has resulted in “cross-pollination,” with some groups working together on celebrations.

While units and departments across campus are busy preparing their celebrations, the 175th anniversary executive committee is spearheading some key initiatives as well. Work continues on the 175 moments project, with University Historian Duncan McDowall three-quarters of the way through drafting entries for the moments. The moments will be unveiled this fall on the 175th anniversary website and shared across the university’s various publications and social media platforms. 

Special events are also planned around University Day on Oct. 16, orientation of the 175th class, Homecoming and the opening of the revitalized Richardson Stadium.

“I’m excited for the 175th anniversary celebrations. The various events and the moments project are going to show Queen’s as it is today, where we came from, and offer a glimpse of where we can go in the future,” Dr. Walker says.

Visit the Queen’s 175th anniversary website for more information.