Western University’s Homecoming 2020 goes virtual due to coronavirus

A London Ont., university is making arrangements to keep one of its traditions alive despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

Western University says it is proceeding with its 71st annual Homecoming this year, but with a twist.

Given continuing safety measures being taken amid the COVID-19 crisis, including the prohibition of large gatherings, “for this year’s Homecoming 2020, we’ve made the decision we’re going to offer a virtual program,” said Tyler Forkes, Western’s executive director of alumni relations.

This year’s homecoming was scheduled for the weekend of Oct. 16 to 18, and the dates remain the same for the virtual program.

Get daily National news

Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.

Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Details regarding the virtual program are set to be announced in the summer, according to the university.

3:36 Do you still need to practise social distancing when wearing a face mask?

Forkes said Western is expecting to host Homecoming 2021 in-person, and ensuring it is “bigger and better than ever.”

The date for next year’s homecoming is scheduled for September 24 to 26.

Forkes said the school usually sees more than 10,000 alumni returning to campus each year for homecoming.