Brandon University welcomes all alumni back to campus for Homecoming Weekend

It is back-to-school season for Brandon University (BU) alumni, as we get ready to welcome grads from years past to campus for Homecoming weekend.

“This year’s Homecoming is especially poignant for alumni who are celebrating milestones, like the Class of ’66,” says Carla Eisler, the BU Alumni Officer. “They were one of the last classes to graduate from Brandon College, before we became Brandon University, and they’re celebrating their 50th anniversary this year.”

Other special class reunions at Homecoming this year will be the Class of ’51, the Class of ’56 (including Teacher Training and Bachelor of Paedagogy), the Class of ’66 (including Teacher Training) and the Class of ’76. As well, all students who have attended the Applied Disaster and Emergency Studies program from 2001–16 are extended a special invite, as the program celebrates 15 years of education and practice.

Of course, Eisler says, all alumni are welcome at Homecoming, and many people choose to attend each year, for the impromptu reunions of old friends, and to see what’s changed, and what’s still familiar at their alma mater.

Homecoming 2016 includes the traditional class reunions, campus tours, and Brandon University Alumni Association Awards. Five outstanding alumni will be honoured with awards this year, which will be presented Saturday evening.

There are also a few special touches to make this year special.

“Friday evening we’re kicking things off with a special Bobcats basketball alumni game in our Healthy Living Centre,” said Tyler Crayston, Events Coordinator with the BU Bobcats. “It’ll be a thrill to see some names from the past, like former All-Canadians John Carson and O’Neil Gordon, hit the court again in a friendly match.”

The Bobcats will also be inducting seven new individuals and a team into their Wall of Fame over the weekend.

Two other events on Saturday will also leave a lasting legacy on campus from this year’s Homecoming.

“On Saturday afternoon, we’re really proud to be a dedicating a new study space in the Education building as the McCutcheon Alcove,” Eisler said. “Then, at our awards banquet on Saturday evening, we’ll be presenting the Senior Stick back to students and the University.”

The McCutcheon Alcove is a refurbished study space named in honour of Dr. Wilfred McCutcheon, who was Dean of Education from 1955 – 1967 and who was instrumental in the formation of the first Teacher Training Program at Brandon College.

Following a successful alumni-led fundraising campaign, the Senior Stick, which was once a symbol of student government at Brandon College, has been painstakingly recreated by an archaeological silversmith.

Homecoming wraps up with a fond farewell brunch on Sunday, as friends exchange addresses and say their goodbyes.

Brandon University Homecoming 2016 runs Oct. 14–16 this year. Learn more and register at brandonu.ca/homecoming (some events may already be full).

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