Published by Communications and Public Affairs (519) 824-4120, Ext. 56982 or 53338
News Release
June 21, 2004
Pre-1965 U of G graduates honoured
The University of Guelph will honour its pre-1965 graduates with the title of Honorary Companion of the University of Guelph June 25 at 10 a.m. in the Gryphon Dome. Before the University of Guelph Act was passed in 1964, graduates of the Ontario Agricultural College, the Ontario Veterinary College and Macdonald Institute were granted degrees from the University of Toronto.
“The founding colleges are a vital part of the history and development of the University of Guelph,” said president Alastair Summerlee, “and we want to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of our pre-1965 graduates as the University marks its 40th anniversary.”
More than 300 alumni are returning to Guelph from across Canada and around the globe, including Trinidad and Tobago, England and the United States, to take part in this one-time ceremony, which falls during the first day of Alumni Weekend. Participants will cross the stage to receive their certificates wearing the U of G robe and hood.
“We’ve been told by many pre-1965 graduates that they wish they were more strongly affiliated with U of G,” said Summerlee. “This is a way of publicly acknowledging that we are proud they are members of our academic community.”
Among the participants will be three graduates from the OAC class of 1939, Leslie Laking, George Atkins and Alan Knight, who all also hold honorary degrees from U of G.
Graduates unable to attend the ceremony will receive their certificates in the mail. For more information about Alumni Weekend events, visit www.uoguelph.ca/alumni.
For media questions, contact Communications and Public Affairs: Lori Bona Hunt (519) 824-4120, Ext. 53338, or Rachelle Cooper, Ext. 56982.
