Initially, the family hoped Bill would recover, and it was a tremendous relief to have OVC students look after the sheep. Sadly, Bill passed away, and while it took some time to find a new, permanent home for the flock, the students continued their duties faithfully each day. The students were offered remuneration and gas money, but they politely refused, happy to pitch in when the family needed help.

Put simply, U of G has incredible people who care about others and do what they can to help. They jump into action, expecting nothing in return. This story is just one example of how students today are still as caring and connected as always. And that is something we can all be proud of.

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ALUMNI NEWS

You could feel the alumni pride at Homecoming in September, with grads of all ages back on campus reconnecting and celebrating their love for U of G. It was a proud moment for the University of Guelph Alumni Association (UGAA) to present a cheque for $400,000 in support of the Building Potential campaign during halftime at the football game. The gift will be recognized in the naming of the student lounge and climbing wall inside the new Gryphons Athletic Centre. Scheduled to open in September 2016, the centre’s world-class athletics facilities will be another source of pride for the entire U of G community.

Gryphon pride is also felt so keenly during our biggest alumni event of the year, Alumni Weekend. We encourage you to mark the dates on your calendar — June 10-12, 2016 — and plan to celebrate your connection to the University of Guelph. Reunions, campus tours, craft beer tasting, a family picnic, alumni pub night … take your pick! If you’re interested in organizing a class or group reunion event on campus, our staff are ready to help you plan it — just send a note to alumni@uoguelph.ca.

Like proud parents, the University of Guelph community applauds alumni who go on to make a difference in their professions and communities. We celebrated just a few alumni who bring great honour to their alma mater at our first Awards of Excellence Gala in June during Alumni Weekend. It was an inspirational evening, and our winners are exceptional: Ken Murray, BSA ’50, and Marilyn Murray, B.H.Sc. ’55 (Alumni Volunteer Award); Sarah Rothwell, B.Sc. (Eng.) ’07 (Alumni Medal of Achievement); and Karl Stensson, BLA ’73 (Alumnus of Honour). Each one has a story that makes you proud to be a U of G grad. If you missed the gala, you can watch the winners’ videos online at www.alumni.uoguelph.ca/awardsofexcellence.

Honouring excellence and acknowledging Guelph grads for their outstanding achievements helps us tell the U of G alumni story. Please consider nominating an alumnus/alumna in the UGAA Awards of Excellence Program — the deadline is Jan. 31.

Brandon Gorman, B.Comm. ’06, President, UGAA
Jason Moreton, BA ’00, Assistant Vice-President, Alumni Advancement

FEATURED EVENT

Wet weather didn’t dampen spirits at U of G’s Homecoming celebrations on Sept. 19. More than 150 alumni gathered at the Brass Taps for the University of Guelph Alumni Association’s pre-game party, and the College of Business and Economics (CBE) reunion. There were greetings from Malcolm Campbell, vice-president (research), Daniel Atlin, vice-president (external) and Julia Christensen Hughes, CBE dean, before alumni headed off to Alumni Stadium to cheer on the Gryphons as they battled McMaster. Almost 8,500 fans watched as the Gryphons defeated the Marauders 33-23. New this year, the GryFAN ZONE in Alumni Stadium featured a licensed area for spectators on top of the hill.

An annual Homecoming tradition brings varsity football alumni together for a celebration of U of G’s rich football history. This year, the Redmen Reunion celebrated late coach Dick Brown, who coached at U of G from 1966 to the early 1990s. More than 100 alumni attended, and many of them played under Brown. Members of the 1990 and 1965 teams also marked their 25th and 50th anniversary milestones.

ALUMNI GIVE BACK

The University of Guelph Alumni Association’s (UGAA) Elizabeth Thomson, vice-president external, and Rob Naraj, vice-president internal, presented a $400,000 cheque to the Building Potential campaign at the U of G Homecoming game at Alumni Stadium in September. Tom Kendall, director of athletics, and Franco Vaccarino, University of Guelph president, received the donation.

The Building Potential campaign is working hard to raise money for renovations to the W.F. Mitchell Centre. The UGAA is committed to supporting university-wide initiatives, and believes that by giving to the athletics facilities its gift will have impact on students, athletes and the greater community for years to come.

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