Alumni Week, which kicks off on Monday, serves as an “important reminder” of the various ties that bind the University of Victoria with the Greater Victoria area, including Saanich, says an official from the university.
“There’s a good chance that if you’re a resident of Saanich, you either attended UVic, know some of our current students [and future alumni], or visit campus for any number of events,” said Terry Cockerline, UVIC Alumni relations director. “Alumni Week is a fun, informative way to think about those bonds and to celebrate them.”
Roughly one out of 10 people in the Capital Region has attended UVic, said Cockerline. “They’re a huge part of our community,” he said. “UVic and the volunteers who lead the UVic Alumni Association want our alumni to feel proud of their contributions and their connection to the university.”
More than 110,000 people have attended the university since it opened its doors, and last year nearly 3,000 alumni, friends and community members took part in Alumni Week activities, said Cockerline.
Events get underway on Feb. 6 and run through Feb. 12. Events include art displays, a job fair, seminars, various social events, including an early Valentine’s Day Dinner on Feb. 11. Several highlights stand out.
On Feb. 7, Moussa Magassa, UVic human rights education advisor, will deliver a lecture that will explore current global and societal issues of refugees, immigration, cross-cultural/intercultural communication, settlement, integration, and citizenship and belonging in Canada.
On Feb. 8, the Distinguished Alumni Awards will recognize 13 alumni who have made outstanding contributions in their respective fields. They include Bob Cummings, WestJet executive vice-president, Bev Sellars, former chief of the Xat’sull (Soda Creek) First Nation in Williams Lake, and longtime City of Langford councillor Denise Blackwell.
On Feb. 9, UVic chancellor Shelagh Rogers will talk about her experiences as an honorary witness to the proceedings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, beginning at 7:30 p.m. in Victoria’s First Metropolitan Church.
On Feb. 10, it is Vikes for Life Basketball Night as the University of Victoria men’s and women’s basketball teams host the Winnipeg Wesmen.
Overall, Alumni Week will feature more than 12 events.
“It’s also about nostalgia, so we’re also encouraging alumni to dust off their old photos from their student days and post them to our social media channels and enter our Flashback Foto contest,” said Cockerline.
He expects that most of the individuals attending Alumni Week will come from the Capital Region, adding Alumni Week gatherings will also take place in Calgary and Seattle.
For more, see http://www.uvic.ca/alumni/impact/home/alumni-week/index.php.