After the pomp and circumstance, the newest Queen’s alumni gathered on the lawn outside the university’s oldest building to celebrate at Summerhill Sendoff. Laughter and live music filled the air as gown-clad graduates posed for photos with a tricolour backdrop, embraced family, and connected with housemates and classmates one more time.
The occasion: Summerhill Sendoff
The moment: Spring Convocation
The stars: Spring 2026 graduates
The vibe: Gratitude, celebration, and new beginnings
New leadership in Smith Business and Arts and Science
Queen’s welcomed two new deans to the university over the summer, both taking up their posts on July 1. Dr. Wim A. Van der Stede is the new dean at Smith School of Business, taking over from Dr. Lynnette Purda, who served as interim dean for 18 months and was recently appointed vice-provost, professional and continuing education. A seasoned academic leader with international experience, Dean Van der Stede joined Smith from the London School of Economics and Political Science, where he served as dean of extended education and the CIMA professor of accounting and financial management. Dr. Kevin Kee, Artsci’92, MA’95, PhD’99, is the new dean of the Faculty of Arts and Science and will also be a tenured professor jointly in the Department of History and School of Computing. Dr. Kee, an internationally recognized scholar in digital humanities, joins Queen’s from the University of Ottawa, where he served as dean of the Faculty of Arts from 2015 to 2025 and as senior adviser to the president on digital strategy and learning innovation.
New plaque in Chernoff Hall honours Alfred Bader
On May 8, Queen’s hosted an American Chemical Society International Historic Chemical Landmark ceremony recognizing the remarkable legacy of Alfred R. Bader, BSc’45, BA’46, MSc’47, LLD’86. Dr. Bader was a graduate of Queen’s engineering chemistry program and one of the university’s most influential alumni. Organized by the Queen’s ACS Student Chapter (Q-ACS), the event marked the first ACS Landmark designation in Canada in more than two decades, celebrating Dr. Bader’s impact as a chemist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. His journey, from arriving at Queen’s in 1941 as a young refugee to building a global scientific enterprise and becoming a transformative benefactor, remains a powerful part of the university’s story. The ceremony featured keynote addresses from numerous stakeholders, including Daniel Bader, President of Bader Philanthropies, and Rigoberto Hernandez, President of the American Chemical Society, followed by the unveiling of a commemorative ACS Landmark plaque in Chernoff Hall.
Save the date: Registration is now open
Registration is now open for Homecoming 2026 on Oct. 16–18. Celebrate a century of Homecoming, renew old friendships, and forge new ones. This is a milestone reunion for classes ending in one and six, and for the Tricolour Guard (alumni celebrating having graduated 50 years ago, or more). All alumni are welcome to attend festivities on campus during Homecoming weekend, so mark your calendars and be sure to book accommodation early.
Gaels’ hockey coach retires after two decades of service
Queen’s Men’s Hockey Head Coach Brett Gibson retired after 20 years behind the bench with the program. The respected coach announced his retirement from the Queen’s program shortly after the 2025–26 season. “It’s time. For the past two decades I have had the privilege to lead the men’s hockey team at Queen’s University and what an amazing experience it has been,” he said. Mr. Gibson coached in his 500th game with the Gaels this past season, a milestone recognized at the 38th Carr-Harris Cup. Gibson will continue to work closely with the team through the transition to a new coach.
University recruits top research talent
Queen’s has secured 14 awards – eight doctoral student and six post-doctoral researcher positions – from the Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards to support priority research areas in artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, clean energy, and cancer therapeutics. These awards represent $1.8 million in funding for Queen’s. Across the country, a total of 659 training awards, have been offered to nominees from 72 countries, representing a commitment of $84.3 million over three years, the first phase of a $133.6-million total investment. Research areas identified as national priorities under the initiative include advanced digital technologies, health and biotechnology, clean technology, environment and climate resilience, and defence and dual-use technologies. Doctoral scholarships are valued at $40,000 per year for three years, and post-doctoral research awards at $70,000 per year for two years.
Celebrate Indigenous artists at Union Gallery
The Queen’s University Office of Indigenous Initiatives, Agnes Etherington Art Centre, and Union Gallery will be collaborating once again for the fifth annual Indigenous Art Exhibition. Programmed in conjunction with the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the exhibition is a celebration of Indigenous artists in the community. Open to Indigenous artists based in the Katarokwi–Kingston area, this year’s exhibit will focus on themes of relationship and community building. The exhibition opens Sept. 15 and runs until Oct. 3. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation will take place Sept. 30, 2026. Union Gallery is located on the first floor of Stauffer Library, 101 Union St.
