From an Emmy-Award winning actress and stand-up comedians to musical performances and academic lectures, Concordia's Homecoming 2021 lineup has something for everyone.
The second virtual edition of the unviersity's Homecoming events will feature Schitt’s Creek star Annie Murphy, BFA 10; Anne Whitelaw, BFA 87, GrDip 92, PhD 96, provost and vice-president, Academic; blues queen Dawn Tyler Watson, BFA 94; soul man Patrick Lehman, BFA 09; and comics Tranna Wintour, BA 10, and Thomas Leblanc, BA 14, among many others.
Register for your fill of entertaining, inspiring and informative events taking place from September 21 to 25.
Emmy-winning Concordia grad Annie Murphy will join Jennifer Hollett, BA 97, executive director of The Walrus, in conversation at this pre-Homecoming kick-off talk.
During the September 17 event, "From Concordia to Schitt’s Creek", Murphy will discuss her journey into acting, her time at Concordia and what’s next for this break-out actor.
Members of Concordia's Black alumni community will connect online on September 21 to advance the interests of Black students and the Black alumni community.
Featured guests will include members of the Black Alumni Council, as well as Yinka Ibukun, BA 07, West Africa Bureau Chief at Bloomberg News, and Omari Newton, BA 06, professional actor, writer and speaker — both recently named among Concordia's 50 under 50 Shaping Tomorrow.
Pascale Sicotte, Concordia’s new dean of the Faculty of Arts and Science, will moderate "Reopening Anxiety: Managing the Fear of Going Back to “Normal”," a virtual panel on mental health.
Joining her in conversation are psychotherapist Natacha Pennycooke, BA 08, and Erin Barker, associate professor in Concordia’s Department of Psychology.
The Concordia University Alumni Association will host its Annual General Meeting on September 21, where 2021-23 association directors will be elected.
Julie Podmore presents at Queer Homecoming 2021.
This year’s Queer Homecoming event on September 22 shines a spotlight on Julie Podmore, an affiliate assistant professor at Concordia's Department of Geography, Planning and Environment.
One of Podmore's recent publications includes a chapter in The Life and Afterlife of Gay Neighborhoods: Renaissance and Resurgence, looking at Montreal's Mile End neighbourhood as a case study of the queer inner city.
Stand-up comics Tranna Wintour and Thomas Leblanc, hosts of the CBC’s Chosen Family podcast, will close the show.
“Thomas and I have a really fun interactive performance planned that's going to take people on a nostalgia trip,” says Wintour. “When I was a student at Concordia, I was not very involved in student life, which I regret. So being able to contribute today and be part of an alumni event like this feels really good!”
Two faculty-led discussions take place featuring Concordia alumni among panel guests:
The Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science presents "From IP to commercialization: Strategies for business success," which will feature Dean Mourad Debbabi, along with guest panellists, in a conversation moderated by Nadia Bhuiyan, BEng 95, vice-provost, Partnerships and Experiential Learning.
The John Molson School of Business hosts "Transit-oriented development: How the REM will transform real estate in and around Montreal." The event will feature faculty Dean Anne-Marie Croteau in a conversation with panelists moderated by Michel Deslauriers, BComm 85, director of the Jonathan Wener Centre for Real Estate.
Homecoming 2021 is anchored by three-time Concordia alumna Anne Whitelaw, provost and vice-president, Academic, in conversation with Ingrid Chadwick, academic director of the Centre for Women Entrepreneurship and Leadership.
Whitelaw will share her thoughts on leadership, bold career moves, leading in uncertain times and more. Don't miss her talk, "Committing to Inclusivity, Decolonization and Sustainability," on Thursday, September 23, at noon.
Blues artist Dawn Tyler Watson, BFA 94.
This year's Homecoming Coffee House will feature performances by Juno-Award winning blues musician Dawn Tyler Watson, BFA 94, Patrick Lehman, BFA 09, DJ Chris Tan, BFA 11, La Voix contestants Willis Pride, BFA 14, and Matt Holubowski, BA 12, international oud performer Ali Omar El-Farouk Enaam, BFA 09, and a special duo performance by Corey Thomas, BFA 19, and Emily Reuangrith (Ziyíng), MFA 17.
“I’m super happy to be performing again at Homecoming! Concordia meant so much to me when I was there and still does today. I stay connected in any way I can,” says Watson. “This year, I was also asked to be part of the Art Volt Mentorship program in which I get to work closely with a recent graduate just beginning on her career path. It's a real honour.”
Musician Ali Omar El-Farouk Enaam is also happy to be on the lineup: "In these strange times where one can easily feel isolated, this is a great initiative that brings people together and sheds some much needed light on Concordia’s performing arts."
Amazon gift cards valued at $50 will be awarded to the household with the Best Coffee House Vibe and the Most Dynamic Dancer at this event.
Registration is required for all virtual Homecoming events. To register, and for more information, visit concordia.ca/homecoming.
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