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Celebrate Concordia’s 40th at Homecoming 2014

From September 18 to 22, alumni return to learn, mingle and reminisce
September 11, 2014
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By Marilla Steuter-Martin


While technology and course curricula have changed since Concordia’s founding in 1974, the beating heart of the university — the people who make up our community — remain vibrant.

Concordia celebrates its 40th anniversary during Homecoming 2014, from September 18 to 22. It’s the perfect opportunity for graduates to return to their alma mater to reminisce and reconnect — and see new faces and places.

alumni reunion Alumni reminisce during a reunion event

Concordia President Alan Shepard kicks off the festivities on Thursday with Concordia at 40. A cocktail reception follows his lecture looking back on our community’s achievements and to the university’s future.

Homecoming moves outside on Friday, September 19, starting with the 25th edition of the Concordia Shuffle in the afternoon. The walkathon raises funds toward student awards.

At the Homecoming football game Friday evening, the Stingers face Université de Sherbrooke’s Vert et Or at Loyola Campus. Spectators are encouraged to wear the Stingers’ signature maroon and gold to support the team.

The Department of Recreation and Athletics hosts a pre-game party. A special Alumni Zone is reserved for graduates, with a groovy, ‘70s-themed photo booth — the TD Insurance Meloche Monnex Green Screen — where visitors can snap throwback pictures to Concordia’s founding decade. Head Coach Mickey Donovan will be on hand to talk shop before the game.

Having recently returned to Concordia, new Senior Director of Alumni Relations Leisha LeCouvie says Homecoming is an especially important event for her. “I was hired in 1990 to organize Concordia’s first Homecoming, so this is a very special weekend for me,” she says.

“Homecoming is an event that is very near and dear to me. Now that I’m back, I’m really looking forward to seeing some familiar faces around campus and getting the chance to connect with some new ones as well.” 

Reunions and faculty activities

Already sold out is Saturday’s signature event, the President’s Reunion Dinner, hosted by Shepard and emceed by alumna Mutsumi Takahashi, BA 79, MBA 95, LLD 13, at the Ritz-Carlton Montreal.

Alan Shepard Concordia President Alan Shepard opens Homecoming 2014 with "Concordia at 40: Looking back, looking ahead" on Thursday, September 18.

New this year is the District 3 Grinder. In a reality show atmosphere, Dragon’s Den-style, two teams of student entrepreneurs pitch to a panel of judges. Moderated by Xavier-Henri Hervé, founder and director of District 3, Concordia’s innovation hub, the panel will include alumni from a range of backgrounds.

Fine Arts alumni can look forward to a presentation by seasoned art professionals. They’ll speak about contemporary drawing practices, with a nod to alumna and longtime faculty member Marion Wagschal and her upcoming exhibit at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts.

“Like a Fine Arts education, it’s all about new understandings, contemporary existence and lasting learning for a lifetime,” says Wagschal.  

Other reunions on Saturday — for grads of Economics, Engineering and Computer Science and the John Molson School of Business — offer opportunities to meet former classmates and professors over cocktails. The Science College welcomes back alumni, faculty and staff to celebrate its 35 years.

Closing Homecoming weekend is an open house at the historic, recently renovated Grey Nuns Student Residence and Reading Room on Sunday afternoon. Visitors will enjoy complimentary lunch and tours. President Alan Shepard will be on hand to greet alumni.

  • For full program and details, visit concordia.ca/homecoming.
  • Tag your social media posts with #CUhomecoming and #CUalumni.


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