University of Guelph-Humber

More than 80 University of Guelph-Humber graduates recently got together for UofGH’s annual Alumni Reunion, with former students joining together at Toronto’s famous Gladstone Hotel to reconnect with old friends, network, and reflect on their time together at UofGH.

Alumni from all graduating years were welcome at the reunion, one of many exciting events offered to past UofGH grads by Alumni Services. The guests of honour were students from the graduating classes of 2008 and 2013 – celebrating their 10- and five-year anniversaries respectively – and it seemed as though many graduates were energized to be back amongst friends they might not have seen in years.

“You could see looking around the room groups of people who knew each other reconnecting and rekindling those friendships,” said Alumni Advancement Coordinator Laurie de Fleuriot.

“In many cases, these alumni haven’t seen each other in years and years, and it was clear how much they enjoyed being back together.”

Distinguished alumni

At the event, a roving illusionist entertained attendees with card, coin and other sleight-of-hand tricks, while a caricaturist sketched portraits of any alumni brave enough to pose. Meanwhile, guests snacked on hors d’oeuvres, cheese, meat and pizza platters, and a late-night poutine station that proved a popular hit.

Amid the festivities, two UofGH graduates were celebrated with alumni awards.

Justice Studies alumna Safa Khan, who works at the non-profit Community Innovation Lab in Oshawa, won the Alumni Award of Achievement, which honours a graduate who has achieved excellence while inspiring alumni, faculty and students with integrity and ability.

Ovais Ahmad, another Justice Studies alumnus who is now studying toward his Juris Doctor degree at Osgoode Hall Law School and who volunteered his time to help prepare UofGH students in the Guelph-Humber Pre-Law Society to compete in the Ottawa Cup and Osgoode Cup mooting competition this past year, was honoured with the Distinguished Alumnus Award.

University of Guelph-Humber instructor Glenn Barenthin (left) with award-winning alumnus Ovais Ahmad.

Making the most of an opportunity

As celebratory as the Alumni Reunion always is for graduates, it isn’t solely about fun and frivolity.

“The Alumni Reunion ends up being a fantastic networking opportunity for graduates,” de Fleuriot said. “They’re connecting with people they attended classes with and spent time with in-person on campus – people they know well.”

Further, the annual reunion and other alumni events are a reminder that UofGH graduates remain part of the University’s community long after Convocation.

“As soon as graduates cross the stage, they’re welcomed into the alumni family and become part of our community,” de Fleuriot said. “Being able to see those folks come back to our alumni events is really important for us.

“It helps us to engage with them and learn about how we can support them – not just in Alumni Services, but as an institution.”