Homecoming is one of Queen’s University’s biggest and busiest celebrations of the year.
The weekend-long event that kicked off on Saturday saw thousands of Queen’s alumni as they returned to campus to have fun and reconnect with old friends.
Some former students said a lot has changed at the university since they attended.
“Our total enrolment then was about 3,300 — now it’s like 24,000. So it was a much different environment. Lower key. Smaller town sort of feeling,” said Michael Allen, from the class of ’62.
The sea of gold, blue and red covered the University District as many showed off the school colours. There were also a lot of “purple people,” often only seen during orientation week.
“There was a lot less purple at homecoming in my day. After freshman week, we tended to avoid purple like the plague,” said Alex Newcombe from the class of ’77.
All current students and alumni can attend the celebrations but 2017’s celebrations are especially welcoming to those who graduated in years ending in 2 and 7.
“We have over 3,600 people registered from as far away as Austrailia, Spain, Mexico… Folks are coming from all over the world to attend,” said Sarah Indewey, the Queen’s associate director of Alumni & Volunteer Relations.
Some alumni travelled in large packs like the class of ’72’s engineering crew who brought 55 people from their class.
“It’s a place where you form lifelong friendships and lifelong memories. So that pride stays with you,” said Bruce Miller from the Class of ’72.
The mood was electric on campus as many couldn’t wait to get the party started.
“Pumped. Absolutely pumped. We came with six people this weekend, all ’87ers. The 30th reunion is incredibly special. Many of us have kids at Queen’s so it’s an opportunity to party with them,” admits Naomi Schafler from the class of ’87.
As a signature event and annual tradition, the Queen’s band led the alumni to Richardson Stadium to watch the homecoming game.
2017 marks the 91st year of homecoming at Queen’s University.