Find your place at Homecoming

For Leisha Le Couvie, senior director of Alumni Relations, this year’s Homecoming is particularly special.

That’s because 2015 marks exactly 25 years since Concordia hosted its very first Homecoming celebrations in 1990 — an event that she herself helped organize — and established what would become a cherished yearly tradition at the university.

“There’s a place for everyone at Homecoming 2015, whether you graduated from Concordia, Loyola College or Sir George Williams University,” Le Couvie says.

Here are 14 different ways to celebrate Homecoming with us.

Celebrate big milestones

#Coms50th: Concordia’s Department of Communication Studies toasts its golden anniversary this year. The Communication Studies 50th anniversary festivities kick off on September 26 with a screening of Journey to Ithaca — a film directed by Nicolas Zavaglia, BA 77, chronicling the department’s early beginnings — and the grand unveiling of “Imprint,” an experimental, year-long exhibition for which the department’s 5,000 alumni are invited to submit their old film, sound and photographic student projects for display.

From notepads to iPads: The Department of Journalism celebrates 40 years of great journalism education at Homecoming this year. Drop by on September 26 to hear a keynote speech from Justin Kingsley, BA 96, as well as some great stories from J-school grads like CTV News Montreal reporter Maya Johnson, BA 06, and CBC News Montreal host Nancy Wood, BA 85, at the Alumni Presentation Series.

Stop by the John Molson School of Business as it rings in the 25th anniversary of its Master of Science programs on September 25. The full day of events includes a tour of the architecturally stunning John Molson Building, a buffet lunch and panel discussions with MSc alumni.

The Institute for Co-operative Education invites alumni and friends to fête its 35th years of offering experiential learning with a celebratory reception on September 26.

Wine & dine

Enjoy yourself with former classmates at the President’s Homecoming Dinner on September 26, hosted by Concordia President Alan Shepard. Jamie Orchard, BA 91, senior anchor for Global Montreal’s evening news, will act as master of ceremonies for this evening of great food and entertainment. The reunion dinner draws alumni from as far away as Trinidad and Tobago, and who graduated as far back as 1945.

Come celebrate the philanthropic individuals and initiatives that allowed Concordia to grow over the years at a gathering hosted by the JMSB on September 26.                        

Honour your fellow Concordians

Whether you attended Loyola College or Sir George Williams University, we’re all part of the Concordia community. Recognize the distinguished graduates from our two founding institutions at a special ceremony on September 24, when nearly 300 Loyola and Sir George Williams alumni will receive commemorative Concordia degrees. The ceremony will also feature valedictorian speeches by renowned screenwriter and speechwriter Lionel Chetwynd, BA 63, and former Quebec Superior Court judge Pierrette Sévigny, BA 67.                              

At the Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on September 27, clap and cheer the new honourees: Gilles Hébert, BEng 83, EMBA 89, Concordia Men’s Hockey; Maureen Maloney (Kearns), BA 84, Concordia Women’s Hockey; Art Niederbuhl, BA 75; Loyola Football, builder Gary Cummings; the 1973-74 Sir George Williams Men’s Hockey Team; and the 1980-81 Concordia Women’s Hockey Team.

Indulge in the arts

Hear dramatic readings of four celebrated works of iconic writer Mordecai Richler — a former Sir George Williams University student — at the Homecoming Keynote Lecture on September 25. The late author’s son Jacob Richler, a seasoned newspaper and magazine journalist, will be a keynote speaker.

Grab a seat and watch The Abenaki ­­– People of the Dawn, the first in series of animated films on Canadian history created by Scott MacLeod, BFA 03, MA 13, at a September 26 screening and reception organized by the Faculty of Fine Arts. Jason Lewis, a Computation Arts professor, will also showcase the interactive videos he produces using TimeTraveller™, followed by a panel discussion with TimeTraveller™ creator and visual artist Skawennati, BFA 92.

Get outdoors!

Show your Stingers pride! Wear maroon and gold to cheer on the newly decked-out Stingers football team as they go up against the Université de Montréal Carabins on September 26. Before the game, relax in the Alumni Zone, meet head coach Mickey Donovan, BA 06, enjoy refreshments and access VIP seating for the contest. Kickoff is at 2 p.m.

Explore Mount Royal’s flora and fauna with fellow alumni, family and friends during a two-hour, 3.5-km discovery walk through Mount Royal’s forest led by Les Amis de la Montagne on September 27. Cameras and comfy shoes are a must!

Reunite with old friends

Reconnect with your former classmates and professors over cocktails and canapés at the Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science alumni reunion on September 26. Students from the Society of Automotive Engineers and their competition cars will be onsite. So will cyber-security expert Claude Fachkha, MEng 10, who will speak on how big data can generate cyber-intelligence.

Attend a celebratory morning service on September 26 at the beautiful Loyola Chapel with fellow Loyola alumni and friends.

For more information or to register for events, check out the full Homecoming 2015 schedule.

#CUalumni     #CUhomecoming     #Coms50th