by Rebecca Wagner, Director of External Relations
As the University of Waterloo welcomed alumni back to campus for the annual Alumni Weekend, a smaller, more intimate gathering of alumni and friends was happening across the creek.
It was a coming home for local craft brews, delicious gourmet homemade bites, a reliving of memories and a making of new experiences.
For the second year in a row, all four University Colleges at the University of Waterloo joined forces to host a beer tasting walking tour of Renison, St. Jerome’s, Conrad Grebel and United College.
This was a coming home of former dons and student leaders who formed life-long friendships, graduates from the 1960’s to the 2020’s, current graduate building residents, a mother-daughter duo, former roommates, and several alumni who met their partners while living in residence.
The University Colleges are uniquely positioned to offer such an event, where small groups of alumni come together to rekindle the sense of community they developed during their time on campus.
Reasons for attending ranged from; “I wanted to kick-off Alumni Weekend in style!” “I was excited to see what has changed on campus over the last 40 years since I graduated.” “Last year was so much fun I just had to do it again!” “It’s my birthday today – what better way to celebrate.”
Alumni and friends had the opportunity to explore University Colleges they hadn’t previously visited. “I’ve never been to Renison before! Their dining room looks like Hogwarts!” “Wasn’t there a St. Paul’s previously? Did their name change to United?”
Stories were shared, and memories relived. Four alumni from Renison who formed a lasting friendship over a decade ago reminisced about a time when they were all on Don duty on St. Patrick’s Day, when a lively volleyball game launched on Renison’s outdoor court. As students made their way back to campus from beer-fueled festivities, the game swelled until dozens of students were either playing or cheering on their roommates. “I remember finding sand in my residence room for weeks after that game,” recalled one alumnus.
The post-graduation journeys of attendees took them to new places and spaces. Some are professors, mathematicians, engineers, social entrepreneurs, social workers, technical writers, University of Waterloo faculty and staff, and an Associate Dean of Engineering.
Out into all corners of the world they went, and back home to campus they came, back to where it all began.
That’s the thing about a tight-knit community. It will always feel like home, and it will pull you back, year after year, for tasty bites and brews.
Article originally published in the University of Waterloo’s “Daily Bulletin” on June 4th, 2024 here.