UGAA Message - May 2018

U of G Alumni: Students for a Short Time, Gryphons Forever

The University of Guelph was our home away from home for a brief, but important, time of our lives. While many of us haven’t been back to campus since graduation, those who live close have the chance to experience a familiar feeling of coming home each time we approach the campus and see the welcoming face of the gryphon statue greeting us at the corner of Gordon Street and Stone Road.

Did you know that the gryphon statue, which has become an icon on campus and within the community, was funded by University of Guelph alumni? In fact, the University of Guelph Alumni Association (UGAA) has been behind many iconic installations around campus, including the rock climbing wall and the UGAA student lounge at the recently-renovated athletics complex.

This summer our presence on campus will expand further with the unveiling of the new Alumni Plaza at War Memorial Hall. Alumni Plaza is a new space that publicly and formally recognizes UGAA Alumni Awards of Excellence winners and their achievements. The unveiling will take place on Friday, June 22, at an exclusive, event to kick off Alumni Weekend. Guests will include past Awards of Excellence recipients and our 2018 honourees: Tim Lambert, BSc. OAC ’83 (Alumni of Honour Award), Robin-Lee Norris, BA ’80 (Alumni Volunteer Award), and Esther Rhee, BA ’05 (Young Alumni Award).

If you’re planning to attend Alumni Weekend, we invite you to join us at the Awards of Excellence Gala event on June 22 at 5:30 pm and celebrate the accomplishments of our alumni family members. Tickets are still available by visiting www.alumni.uoguelph.ca/awardsofexcellence. Be sure to visit Alumni Plaza throughout the weekend to learn more about how U of G alumni are making a difference and improving lives in their communities and here at the University of Guelph.

We were at U of G for a short time, but our legacy remains through the efforts of the UGAA, whose mission is to represent our vast and diverse U of G alumni family and support the University. The University of Guelph is rooted in a rich history built by each of you. We need your passion to propel our future. Get involved, give back and join us on our path forward!