This past weekend, more than 1,000 people flooded the University of Waterloo campus to meet with old friends, celebrate milestone anniversaries and see how our institution has changed. The weekend included multiple events, hosted by Alumni Relations, Faculties, Schools, University Colleges and alumni volunteers.

Alumni know how to rock

The events kicked off Friday, June 2 with a special screening of the documentary Rock This Town, produced by Betty Anne Keller (BA ’69). The film follows the rich and surprising history of live music in the Waterloo Region, largely initiated by Joe Recchia (BASc ’68, MASc ’71), who became a local music promoter after hosting successful dances for students and community members. The film and post-screening chat brought more than 300 alumni and friends to Federation Hall.

Alumni pose in the photoboothBefore the screening, alumni had the chance to pose with their favourite bands in the green-screen photobooth. 

Archives displayAttendees enjoyed a special display of nostalgic memorabilia from Waterloo's Special Collections and Archives.

Attendees pose with their snacks

Attendees watching the film

Post-screening chatAfter the film screening, attendees enjoyed a chat with some of the people who made our local music scene (and the documentary) possible.

See more photos in our Rock This Town Facebook album 

Faculty and program events showcase change

Events continued the following morning with Faculty- and program-specific experiences. Alumni joined Faculty tours to see how campus and student experiences have changed. Some also had the opportunity to hear from current students, faculty members and Deans who shared the latest news and visions for the future.

Environment alumni pose in E3Environment alumni enjoyed a lecture from new dean Bruce Frayne before posing in the atrium of LEED Platinum Environment 3.

Jean Andrey Environment alum and former dean Jean Andrey (PhD '89) joined the festivities.

Arts alumni on a tourArts alumni joined a tour with current students in front of a familiar building: Dana Porter Library.

Health tourHealth alumni enjoyed a tour of new buildings and facilities with current students and dean Lily Liu. 

Eng alumni with F1 student teamStudent design teams, including the Formula Motorsport Team, showcased their projects for Engineering alumni.

 Toolbearers and alumniEngineering nostalgia wouldn't be complete without a visit, and photoshoot, with The Rigid Tool and its Toolbearers.

Engineering alumni pose with deanAfter a visionary lecture from Engineering dean Mary Wells, alumni had the opportunity to meet her in the Engineering 7 atrium.

See more photos in our Alumni Weekend Open Houses Facebook album

Anniversary luncheon brings back memories

Without a doubt, Alumni Weekend’s flagship event was the Forever Black and Gold Luncheon, a special celebration for alumni celebrating milestone anniversaries. More than 200 guests joined us to honour the classes who graduated 25, 50, 55 or 60 years ago. The nostalgia was palpable, with multiple alumni donning their leather jackets, and interactive displays from the Library’s Special Collections and Archives.

View of luncheon from above

Alumni smile together at a luncheon table 

Health alumni group shotAfter lunch, alumni took advantage of photo opportunities with old friends. 

Alumni give the thumbs up (and bunny ears!) 

 Alumni pose together at the luncheon

Alumni point to an old yearbook photo of their friendLuncheon attendees enjoyed flipping through old yearbooks and Imprint collections at the nostalgic displays from Special Collections and Archives.

Alumni flip through old yearbooks 

Alum holds up old t-shirts from residenceSome alumni came to the luncheon with their own nostalgic memorabilia, including t-shirts from their time living in the Villages. 

See more photos in our Alumni Weekend Luncheon Facebook album

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Alumni Weekend! We hope to see you at future events!