A recap of the events, entertainment and new memories from Alumni Weekend 2011
Another successful Alumni Weekend—the Alumni Association’s largest annual event celebrating the U of A’s history’s and traditions—wrapped up on Sunday, September 25. Alumni returned to campus not only to soak in the nostalgia of school days gone by, but also to take in over 40 faculty events and tours around campus, a number of key events and four gloriously warm and sunny autumn days.
Kicking things off on September 22 was the Alumni Association’s inspiring Alumni Recognition Awards. More than 1,200 attendees turned out at the Winspear Centre for Music to see 38 remarkable individuals—including filmmaker Tom Radford, '66 BA; legal eagles Marguerite Trussler, '69 BA, '70 LLB, and Francis Price, '75 LLM; humanitarian pediatrician John Godel, '53 BSc, '55 MD; digital media entrepreneur Ken Bautista; and video game kingpin Jason Kapalka, just to name a few—recognized for their many achievements and contributions to the university community and beyond.
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The central hub throughout Alumni Weekend was the Big Top Tuck Shop located in Quad—a 5,600-square foot tent named for the original, long-gone U of A hangout the Tuck Shop. Here, alumni gathered to hear award-winning speakers such as CBC meteorologist Claire Martin and Arctic explorer John Geiger; music by The Collective West, The Be Arthurs, Democrafunk, and Marie-Josee Ouimet; have their photo taken in the photo booth; and catch up with old friends and new over a cup of coffee and a famous Tuck Shop cinnamon bun.
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Friday evening’s late-night cocktail party, The Stargazer, wowed over 300 young alumni and students. Hosted at the newly opened Centennial Centre for Interdisciplinary Science, the space age themed Stargazer had much to offer partygoers including observatory tours, Firefly Theatre’s aerial acrobatics and rocket launches.
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The weekend’s marquee event—the Alumni Dinner and Dance—on Saturday, September 24 was a hopping party in its own right. More than 460 alumni enjoyed a cocktail reception, dinner and, new to this year’s event, a short stage program featuring a dramatic reminiscence of past days on campus. Music by DJ Kwake encouraged celebrating alumni to twist the night away.
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Alumni Weekend returns next year, September 20 to 23, with more inspiring alumni award-winners, exciting festivities and celebrations. Save the date!
What was your favourite part of Alumni Weekend 2011?