Queen’s to celebrate Homecoming 2021 with virtual events
Queen’s University’s Homecoming 2021 weekend will be celebrated virtually again this year. Alumni from around the world will be able to enjoy mix of music, nostalgia, and the latest campus news during the virtual Queen’s Homecoming celebration, running Oct. 14-17.
Award-winning broadcast journalist Shelagh Rogers, Artsci’77, LLD’19 and Queen’s University Alumni Association (QUAA) President Rico Garcia, Artsci’13, will reprise their roles as co-hosts for the virtual celebration, according to a release from the university.
“Queen’s gave me so much: research skills, a sense of discipline, a career in radio (thank you, CFRC) and most significantly, lifelong friendships. I’m so excited to be co-hosting Homecoming with my friend Rico. Last year’s Homecoming was very moving. This years’ will be powerful, too. Nothing tops that feeling of community,” said Rogers.
According to the university, there is a full slate of virtual events taking place. Attendees can look forward to an interview with The Honourable Murray Sinclair, the former Senator from Manitoba who recently became the university’s 15th chancellor and led the federal government’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
There will be musical acts throughout the day, including the Queen’s Bands and a performance by Juno-Award-winning singer-songwriter William Prince, a rising star on the Canadian music scene, Queen’s said.
There will also be events highlighting exciting research, including new advances in cancer treatment, according to the release. Alumni will learn how graduate students have helped communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, and hear from prominent alumni who actively work to advance women in leadership.
This year’s Homecoming coincides with the celebration of Queen’s Day. On October 16, 1841, Queen’s was officially incorporated by an Imperial Royal Charter issued by Queen Victoria. Alumni and Queen’s community members are being invited to celebrate the university’s 180th birthday by sharing photos and memories to social media using the hashtag #QueensuDay.
The university decided to go with a virtual Homecoming for a second year in a row due to public health guidelines that continue to emphasize minimizing large group gatherings and global travel to limit the spread of COVID-19, according to the release. It was also part of an effort to ease the burden on hospitals and other healthcare providers, especially with the rise of the Delta variant, the university said.
“The health and safety of all members of the Queen’s and Kingston communities remain our number one priority, and we want to ensure that the measures we are taking protect our community,” said Vice-Principal (Advancement) Karen Bertrand, Artsci’94. “We look forward to reconnecting and celebrating with our alumni and friends, in a way that is safe and that allows members of our global community to attend from the comfort of their own homes.”
Details and the weekend’s schedule can be found on the Queen’s Homecoming website.