Françoise Trudeau-Reeves
As thousands of students return to class, hundreds of alumni will descend upon campus from September 15th to 17th to celebrate the second annual uOttawa Homecoming.
This year, Homecoming has been extended by an extra day and a dozen major events. Kicking-off the three-day gathering will be an evening filled with the sounds of a big band orchestra.
“The University wants to foster relations with its alumni, who are truly its best ambassadors,” insists Danielle Bennett, manager of Alumni Loyalty in the Alumni Relations Office. “Homecoming is a new tradition, which will help alumni feel in touch with their alma mater.”
Many new additions have been added to this year’s program, including the Great Homecoming Challenge — a team foot rally that will explore the rich history of the University on campus and within the Sandy Hill community.
Another exciting addition is a performance of Mozart’s charming opera, Don Giovanni, presented by the Department of Music Student Opera Workshop.
Did you know that the University of Ottawa has been an integral part of the Sandy Hill community for more than 150 years? To recognize these historic community roots, the University has invited the residents of Sandy Hill to its inaugural Sandy Hill Community Garden Party.
Few people may know it but the Alumni Association estimates that between 700 and 800 alumni work at the University of Ottawa with a number of these people belonging to the Staff Chapter of the Alumni Association. For the first time, the Staff Chapter extends a breakfast invitation to other University staff members, who are also alumni.
Alumni are invited to bring their families to Homecoming, where the Homecoming Fun Fair promises to provide plenty of fun for the kids, with play structures, special performances and music on the agenda! The Fun Fair will be followed at 11:30 a.m. by the Homecoming BBQ held on the front lawn of Tabaret Hall.
Many alumni will not want to miss the opportunity to climb aboard the special boat flotilla that will carry fans to the traditional Homecoming football game at Lansdowne Park. A boat cruise on the Rideau Canal awaits those who prefer to take in the sunset on the water.
For its part, the Student Federation is hosting a Homecoming Party, allowing students and young alumni the opportunity to mingle.
The organizers are still looking for volunteers to help manage various activities including ticket sales and first-aid, to name a few.
There is a charge for some activities.
Related Link:
Homecoming 2006
