5 must-see festivities at Homecoming 2018

“It’s an opportunity for alumni to return to campus, connect with each other and explore this evolving next-gen university,” says Leisha LeCouvie, senior director of Alumni Relations. “Concordia is a network of communities that unite to form an outstanding institution. At Homecoming, we aim to celebrate your many diverse experiences — and have a lot of fun!”

This year’s festivities span 20 events in five days, from September 20 to 24.

Homecoming 2018 includes everything from landmark anniversaries — like a half-century of Concordia’s MBA and BEng programs — to the annual general and special meeting of the Concordia University Alumni Association.

 

1. Fly the flag for alumni diversity

Thursday, September 20 at 6 p.m.

Back by popular demand, Concordia’s second-ever Queer Homecoming welcomes alumni, faculty, staff, students and allies of the LGBTQ community. Enjoy a conversation with Florence Gagnon, BFA 11, founder and president of Lez Spread the Word, followed by a cocktail reception. The event’s emcee Richard Burnett, BA 88, is the author of “Three Dollar Bill,” Canada’s first and only nationally syndicated LGBTQ column.

2. Meet the president

Friday, September 21 at 5:30 p.m.

Join Concordia’s president Alan Shepard — plus distinguished faculty and staff, alumni and friends — at the Homecoming Cocktail. Live accompaniment will be provided by the Beth McKenna Quartet, which blends pop with jazz, rock, groove and indie influences to great effect. Tickets are $10.

3. Mark 50 years of Concordia’s BEng and MBA

Saturday, September 22 at 4 p.m.

All Concordia engineering and computer science alumni are invited to the Bachelor of Engineering’s 50th Anniversary. The event includes the faculty's Distinguished Alumni Speaker Series with Fay Arjomandi, BEng 98 — recently described as “one of the most influential women business leaders in Silicon Valley” — and Jeremy Clark, digital privacy expert at the Concordia Institute for Information Systems Engineering. The panel is followed by a cocktail dinatoire. Tickets are $15.

The John Molson School of Business also has cause for great celebration: 50 years of its MBA program. The evening starts with a lively panel discussion about the emerging cannabis industry, followed by a cocktail reception. Then alumni are invited to share memories and renew friendships at an anniversary dinner hosted by JMSB’s dean Anne-Marie Croteau. Tickets to the dinner at $50.

4. Get your Buzz on

Saturday, September 22 at noon

It’s a big year for former student athletes, with a golden reunion of the 1968 Loyola warriors football team; a special soccer game for Warriors, Georgians and Stingers; the retirement of 50-year veteran coach Pete Regimbald; and much more.

But Stingers fun is for everyone: at this year’s Homecoming Football Game, our home team squares off against Université de Montreal’s Carabins at the Concordia Stadium. Kickoff is at 1 p.m. — so put on your school colours and head to the Alumni Zone to share #CUpride!

5. Take a master class from a Tony winner

Monday, September 24 at 5:30 p.m.

Join Christine Jones, BFA 89, for the third annual Wild Talks lecture hosted by Concordia’s Faculty of Fine Arts. Jones is a world-renowned set designer, and artistic director of the critically acclaimed Theatre for One. Her Olivier and Tony Award-winning scenography can be seen in the current Broadway and original London productions of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

A reception will follow Jones’ talk; admission is complimentary, but you must reserve your seat in advance.