From record-breaking runs to the 99th Homecoming, a look back at the Alumni News stories that made 2025 such a memorable year.
A Gaels runner breaks an alum’s longstanding record. Singer-songwriter Jill Barber, Artsci’02, wins the Outstanding Alumni Achievement Award. And alumni give back to support women in medical school, a groundbreaking new wellness course, and more.
It’s been a headline-making year here at Queen’s Alumni News – and 2026 should be no different, with everything from the Olympics to the 100th anniversary of Homecoming on deck.
But before we turn the calendar page, here’s a look back at some of the stories that defined 2025.
January
Jude Wheeler-Dee breaks 47-year-old Queen’s record in the 1500-metre
A Gaels runner rewrites the record books, breaking an alum's incredible feat and setting the tone for a standout year.
Also this month: New Queen’s Micro Summit event series launches
February
Introducing Black at Queen’s
We sit down with the Yellow House’s Tianna Edwards, MA’23, to learn about a new program by and for Black students – and why it matters now.
Also this month: What to read, watch, and listen to for Black Histories and Futures Month
March
Ban Righ Hall turns 100
A century on, we look back at the storied women’s residence that opened in 1925 and the early alumnae whose tenacity and grassroots fundraising’s made it possible.
Also this month: Family of nine alumni find community at Queen’s
April
Queen’s alumni shine at Stratford Festival
The annual cavalcade of plays on Stratford’s prestigious stages has long showcased Queen’s grads – and this year was no exception.
Also this month: Queen’s announces the next Vice-Principal (Advancement)
In January, Jude Wheeler-Dee (second from right) broke the Queen’s record in the 1,500-metre that was held by Bob McCormack, Meds’79, for 47 years. (Photo: University of Manitoba Athletics)
May
A student’s tribute to Professor John Meisel
After the passing of the beloved Political Studies Professor John Meisel in March, one of his former students shared a memorable classroom moment that beautifully captured who he was.
Also this month: Legacy gift creates bursary to support women in medical school
June
Singer-songwriter Jill Barber on the alumni award that caught her off guard
The acclaimed musician and winner of this year’s Outstanding Alumni Achievement Award reflects on why the honour brought up more than just gratitude.
Also this month: Why this scholar sees more than symbolism in National Indigenous Peoples Day
July
13 Queen’s community members named to the Order of Canada
From Canada’s first Chief Public Health Officer to a renowned Indigenous law specialist, 13 Queen’s alumni and supporters received one of the country’s highest honours.
Also this month: The Oil Thigh’s unsung hero
August
Alumni gift brings new well-being course to Queen’s
A groundbreaking new course open to all undergrads gives students practical tools to understand and manage stress.
Also this month: How a new Queen’s camp is engineering belonging
In August, Christel Call, Arts’71, and her husband Ron Call funded the new Well100 course through the Call Family Fund for Wellness.
September
How alumni can help new student club Qlean tackle climate change
The student-led team is taking bold steps toward building clean technologies and workplace skills – with alumni support.
Also this month: 10 students awarded Schulich Leader Scholarships
October
Humans of Homecoming
With a whopping 3,500 alumni registered for the 99th Homecoming, it was a weekend overflowing with tricolour spirit. Here’s a look back through ten photos and the stories that brought alumni home.
Also this month: 10 years later: How Stephen Smith’s historic gift transformed business education and research at Queen’s
November
Service members who died in Second World War honoured at JDUC
Photos of some 175 Queen’s community members who never came home now have a permanent place of remembrance inside the new JDUC.
Also this month: Six honoured with 2025 Distinguished Service Awards
December
Three Queen’s changemakers breaking barriers to accessibility
For International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we highlight three alumni and researchers working to build a more accessible future for all.
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