From the Nominator

"From virtual to reality: celebrate the graduates of 2020/21!  

Every fall, the University of Calgary Dinos KICKOFF marks the beginning of a new school year—a football game that brings together students and alumni to generate the Rex spirit and energy that is UCalgary. 2022, KICKOFF had a new spark, one that shines as bright as the stadium lights.  

The virtual convocation for graduates from 2020 and 2021 was improvised and unique, but something was missing. The locked-down world took away the excitement, the sense of community you get from an event shared with peers, friends and family. Those alumni were invited back to campus to get together and Celebrate Something that was missing.   

“We were absolutely delighted to welcome our 2020 and 2021 graduates back to campus,” says Colleen Bangs, BA’03, senior director of Alumni Engagement. “We’ve been waiting for a moment like this where we could celebrate the accomplishments of our new grads. Not on a Zoom call. Not from their bedroom—they deserve a celebration in-person.”  

Celebrate Something took place on September 2, with a variety of events and activities unique to the 2020/2021 alumni. Grads could cross the stage at the Jack Simpson Gym with Chancellor Emerita Yedlin and have their photo taken with mascot Rex. There was a tailgate party presented by the Students’ Union, and barbeque hosted by the University of Calgary Alumni Association (UCAA). Local Alumni Businesses - Spolumbos and Pedal Pub participated in the festivities."

From the Judges

Great collaborations with campus partners and alumni-owned businesses. Excellent focus on alumni engagement and future opportunities.