Since May, we’ve been counting down to the 100th anniversary of Homecoming with stories about everything from the very first homecoming in 1926 to what’s been happening behind the scenes this year. With the big weekend coming up Oct. 16 – 18, this will be our last installment – nine events you just can’t miss at Homecoming 100. Thanks for following along!
1. Welcome and Check-In
When: Oct. 16, 2 – 7 pm; Oct. 17, 8:30 am – 12:30 pm
Where: Grant Hall
The first kickoff of the weekend has to be at Grant Hall. It’s the hub for all things Homecoming 100 – where you check in, get info, and snag your commemorative nametag buttons and reunion pins. You can also pick up your football tickets here on Friday. On Saturday, get your tickets at the alumni tent at Richardson Stadium from 10 am – 1 pm. Questions? Volunteers will be at Grant Hall all weekend to answer anything you've got.
2. Queen's University Biological Station Tour and Homecoming Celebration
When: Oct. 16, 1 – 4:30 pm
Where: 280 Queen's University Road, Elgin, ON. Bus pickup in front of Grant Hall.
The fall colours should be peaking for this open house at one of Canada's premiere scientific field stations – the Queen’s University Biological Station (QUBS). Expect tours of the 3,400-hectare property north of Kingston, including of the new Environmental Science Research Centre, plus research displays, guided walks, and refreshments. A bus will be available from Grant Hall, but you can also drive yourself. Either way, pre-registration is required.
3. Beyond the Surface: Queen’s Research with Everyday Applications
When: Oct. 16, 3 – 4:30 pm
Where: Chernoff Auditorium
From metal corrosion to cancer treatments, Queen’s researchers are tackling some of the most challenging problems of our time. World-renowned chemistry professor Dr. Cathleen Crudden is one of them, and in this special presentation, she'll take you inside her team's work at the Carbon to Metal Coating Institute, where discoveries at the molecular level are leading to more sustainable semiconductors, stronger materials, new approaches to hard-to-treat cancers, and beyond. Stick around after for a Q&A and reception.
4. Defending Canada: A Conversation with General Wayne Eyre
When: Oct. 16, 4 – 6 pm
Where: Biosciences Complex
Canada faces big questions about defence and security. Former Chief of the Defence Staff General (Ret’d) Wayne Eyre will dig into what those challenges mean for the country in this fireside chat with Associate Vice-Principal (Research) Stéfanie von Hlatky. Principal Patrick Deane will offer opening remarks, and afterward you can meet General Eyre and some of Queen’s defence researchers.
5. Open Gym: High Performance Training Centre Tour and Training
When: Oct. 17, 9 – 11 am
Where: Athletics and Recreation Centre
Want to see where Queen’s varsity athletes train? Start your Homecoming Saturday at the High Performance Training Centre, where you can tour the 4,000-square-foot weight room, medicine ball power wall, and 35-metre turf area. Meet Head Strength and Conditioning Coach Colin McAuslan and, if you’re feeling ambitious, jump into an optional training session with coaches and student-athletes. Light snacks and refreshments will be available. Pre-registration and a waiver are required.
6. Celebrating Home Movie Day: Archives Lecture Event
When: Oct. 17, 10 am – 3 pm
Where: Douglas Library
Queen’s University Archives will mark Home Movie Day with screenings all day in Douglas Library’s 1924 Reading Room, including a film created for the very first Homecoming. You’ll also see found footage and donated films that help tell the story of Queen’s through the years. The screenings showcase recent digitization work by the Archives, students, and the Vulnerable Media Lab at Film Studies.
7. Alumni Parade to Richardson Stadium
When: Oct. 17, 11 am – 12:15 pm
Where: Grant Hall
Few traditions say Homecoming quite like the Alumni Parade. Gather at Grant Hall at 10:50 am for a special Queen’s Bands performance, then join the crowd at 11 am sharp as the parade winds up University Avenue, along Union Street, and into West Campus and Richardson Stadium ahead of the football game. Need a lift? A bus will be available along the route. Don’t forget your tricolour!
8. Fall Harvest Alumni Gathering
When: Oct. 17, 11 am – 2 pm
Where: Agnes Benidickson Field
For a more laid-back Homecoming stop, head to Agnes Benidickson Field for an afternoon of live music, lawn games, face painting, food trucks, and a pop-up market featuring local Kingston artisans. The Fall Harvest Alumni Gathering is an easy place to grab a bite, browse, and spend some time with family and friends between other Saturday events.
9. Homecoming Football Game
When: Oct. 17, 1 – 4 pm
Where: Richardson Stadium
Pack Richardson Stadium in your best tricolour and cheer on the Gaels as they take on the Guelph Gryphons in the centrepiece of Homecoming. And remember to stick around at halftime for the Tricolour Guard parade. It’s one of the most memorable sights of the weekend – when alumni who graduated 50 years ago or more take their annual celebratory lap.
Head to the Homecoming home page for everything you need to know about Homecoming 100, including details on all of the events happening, planning your visit, and reunions.
