Welcome home: Spring Reunion 2012

For most graduates, the memories of their university days are cherished and irreplaceable – a once in a lifetime experience.

But what if you really could go home again?

The annual University of Toronto Spring Reunion invites alumni to return to campus for a few days and enjoy lectures, tours, receptions, and meals. This year’s festivities commenced May 30 but the bulk of the activities will take place June 2 and 3. Any of the roughly half-million U of T alumni living around the world are welcome to attend; honoured alumni include graduates from years ending with a seven or two. 

One of the weekend’s main attractions is the Stress-Free Degree. Guests are invited to attend lectures presented by noted U of T professors, graduates, and authors. All lectures are free and alumni can choose from a wide variety of subjects.  

Alumnus Hank Bulmash of Bulmash Cullemore LLP said philosophy professor Mark Kingwell’s lecture on play looks intriguing as does Stuart Macdonald’s talk: The Tumultuous World of King James VI and I: Celebrating 400 years of the King James Bible.

“I was a 60’s era PhD candidate in English who ended up at the northwest corner of Bloor and Bedford - the business school - for an MBA in finance and accounting," Bulmash said. "But I've retained a keen interest in Tudor and Stuart literature and politics."

During the evenings, guests have the option to attend receptions for alumni of specific classes, clubs, or even resident groups. These gatherings provide a great opportunity to catch up with peers and friends from the past.

“The Coffee House Reunion for the University College Literary and Athletic Society is a great idea,” said Steve Rogers, an investment funds manager and UC alumnus who received his MBA from the university in 1992. “I met my wife when we were both Lit members in 1981.”

Many alumni return as volunteers. Marilyn Hahn (pictured below left) graduated from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) at U of T during the 1970's and Jackie Philp graduated from Victoria University at the University of Toronto in 1956.

Other signature events throughout the weekend include: the LGBTQ Alumni Pride Kick-off, SHAKER for Young Alumni, the Chancellor’s Circle Medal Ceremony, and the University of Toronto Alumni Association (UTAA) BBQ and Annual General Meeting.

And this year alumni are encouraged to return for a special event June 5: the viewing of the transit of Venus at Varsity Centre.

Award-winning artist and documentarian Rita Leistner, who graduated with a BA in 1987 and an MA in Comparative Literature in 1990, is looking forward to the event.

“I took Astronomy 100 as an elective as undergrad and did my major assignment photographing the night sky,” Leistner said. “It was one of my favourite classes and has had a lifelong influence on my love of Astronomy.

“As a photojournalist and a humanitarian, I'm inspired by how humbling it is to think of the vastness of the universe and our infinitesimal position in it.”

A great opportunity for alumni to celebrate their experiences, reconnect with old friends and make new ones, Spring Reunion is one of many events organized by Alumni Relations, along with the UTAA, to provide alumni with lifelong and meaningful connections to the university. To learn more, visit: http://alumni.utoronto.ca/