More than 1,000 people attended events at Alumni Weekend
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.
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.
Before the screening, alumni had the chance to pose with their favourite bands in the green-screen photobooth.
Attendees enjoyed a special display of nostalgic memorabilia from Waterloo's Special Collections and Archives.
After 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
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 enjoyed a lecture from new dean Bruce Frayne before posing in the atrium of LEED Platinum Environment 3.
Environment alum and former dean Jean Andrey (PhD '89) joined the festivities.
Arts alumni joined a tour with current students in front of a familiar building: Dana Porter Library.
Health alumni enjoyed a tour of new buildings and facilities with current students and dean Lily Liu.
Student design teams, including the Formula Motorsport Team, showcased their projects for Engineering alumni.
Engineering nostalgia wouldn't be complete without a visit, and photoshoot, with The Rigid Tool and its Toolbearers.
After 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
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.
After lunch, alumni took advantage of photo opportunities with old friends.
Luncheon attendees enjoyed flipping through old yearbooks and Imprint collections at the nostalgic displays from Special Collections and Archives.
Some 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!
