Get ready for the sellout celebrations. The countdown is on for a 50th anniversary Homecoming weekend Sept 18-21, which could be the biggest party the University has ever seen.
More than 1,000 graduates and friends will be streaming in from across Canada and the USA for four days of reunions, ceremonies and parties. Joining alumni will be an unprecedented gathering of Brock supporters and former presidents, faculty members and board members.
“I have had the opportunity to talk with many of our alumni about their Brock memories, and they are stories that I would never tire of hearing,” said Shelley Huxley, interim director of Alumni, Development and Donor Relations. “Why? Because they speak to the soul of this institution – the loyalty and pride our alumni feel is seeped into these walls for our current students to soak up, and it reflects in everything we do. The alumni make us proud, and they make our staff and faculty dig deeper to provide an excellent learning environment for our students to reach higher and further. We live and breathe their legacy every single day.”
One of the most significant events events will be Thursday’s (Sept. 18) re-dedication of the Schmon Tower. About 250 guests – including past University presidents and Arthur Schmon’s grandchildren – are expected for the ceremony, which will take place in front of the Tower itself.
Friday events include the Grape Stomp, Steel Blade Hockey Classic (vs. Guelph) and pub night with Pat Hewitt.
Saturday’s much-anticipated Red Dinner – with food trucks, local wine and micro-brews and performer Mark Lalama – is already sold out, as are campus tours.
The Brock University Alumni Association will honour exceptional alumni at the Alumni Recognition Reception Saturday night, with close to 200 alumni signed up to attend.
Special guest and fellow Brock alumnus Rick Campanelli will return to help celebrate the anniversary, and more than 20 reunions are planned.
“We have planned a weekend of events that will allow our alumni to relive their Brock experience, while reuniting with fellow graduates,” said Christine Richard, Brock 50th anniversary special event co-ordinator. “We want attendees to help us paint the campus red that weekend by wearing Brock colours and memorabilia to all athletic games and featured events. We hope that all alumni and the surrounding community will help us celebrate 50 years of being Niagara’s University.”
Tickets for events are selling fast, so visit brocku50.ca and register now to paint the town red and to reserve your spot in being part of Brock’s historic 50th anniversary celebrations.
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The following are a list of events planned for Homecoming, Sept. 18-21. For more information, visit the Homecoming website:
Thursday, Sept. 18
Rededication of Arthur Schmon Tower
Time: 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Schmon Tower
Friday, Sept. 19
Grape Stomp and Homecoming BBQ
Where: Jubilee Court
Time: 12 noon to 1:30 p.m.
Celebrating faculty and librarians in Brock’s 50th year
Time: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Alphie’s Trough
Visit bufa.ca/outlook to view the profiles, which will be posted Sept. 19.
Women’s volleyball alumni game
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Walker Complex
RBC Steel Blade Hockey Classic vs. Guelph
Time: 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Location: Seymour-Hannah Arena
Price: $5
Alumni Pub Night (featuring Pat Hewitt)
Time: 8 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Location: Mansion House, downtown St. Catharines
Price: $5 per person
Saturday, Sept. 20
Educate your senses: Wine and food seminars hosted by CCOVI
Niagara Wine Festival
Time: 2 p.m.; 3 p.m.; 4 p.m.
Location: Montebello Park
Campus tour (SOLD OUT)
Time: 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
CCOVI wine experience (SOLD OUT)
Time: 2 p.m.
Price: $10 per person
Tunnel tours (SOLD OUT)
Time: 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.; 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
50 years of Brock with Ian Brindle (SOLD OUT)
Time: 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.; 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Alumni recognition reception
Time: 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Location: 4th floor Plaza
Red Dinner (SOLD OUT)
Time: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Location: Front of Schmon Tower
Reunions
Location: More than 20 will be taking place on campus. Check brocku50.ca for details.
