Headlines (News Releases)
WLU
Laurier celebrates 80th annual homecoming weekend
Comedian Russell Peters and charitable run add to traditional lineup
Public Affairs
Sep 4/08| For Immediate Release
| Contact: | Brian Breckles, Director, Alumni Relations |
| or | Teresa Smiley, Alumni Relations Officer |
WATERLOO – Wilfrid Laurier University will welcome approximately 10,000 visitors to its 80th annual homecoming weekend, which runs September 19 to 21.
In addition to the traditional homecoming celebrations, this year’s lineup includes a sold-out performance by world-renowned comedian Russell Peters, and the inaugural Laurier Loop, a charitable run in support of Laurier’s Movement Disorders Research and Rehabilitation Centre (MDRC).
Homecoming weekend kicks off with the annual Dean’s Alumni Golf Classic at Rebel Creek Golf Club on Friday, September 19, followed by the Athletic Hall of Fame dinner.
Saturday highlights include a free pancake breakfast in the Fred Nichols Campus Centre quad and a family-oriented Interactive Zone at University Stadium, including games, face painting and a barbecue. The annual homecoming football game and tailgate party begins at 1 p.m. with the Laurier Golden Hawks facing the Windsor Lancers. Canadian comedy superstar Russell Peters will cap off the day’s festivities with a sold-out evening performance at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium.
“Laurier’s homecoming allows alumni, students and community members to come together and celebrate our tradition,” said Brian Breckles, director of alumni relations. “Adding Russell Peters to our weekend of events takes the celebration to a whole new level.”
Homecoming weekend continues on Sunday with the Laurier Loop charitable run, beginning at 10 a.m. on the University Stadium track and running through Waterloo Park.
“We’re proud to partner with the Waterloo Running Series to coordinate this new event,” said Teresa Smiley, alumni relations officer. “The 2.5-km loop gives participants the option of completing a 10 km, 5 km or 2.5 km race individually or as part of a relay team.” Highlights include post-race massages and free refreshments. There will be prize draws for those who raise $100 or more in pledges for the MDRC, which directly supports individuals living with Parkinson’s disease through the research, development and evaluation of exercise rehabilitation programs designed to improve balance and gait.
Homecoming weekend will also host a number of alumni celebrating reunions. Class reunions are scheduled to celebrate the golden anniversary of Laurier’s class of 1958, as well as milestones for the classes of 1983, 1988, 1998 and 2003.
For registration, tickets and detailed information about all of Laurier’s homecoming events, visit www.laurieralumni.ca/homecoming or contact Janet Robinson at 519-884-0710 ext. 3180 or alumni@wlu.ca.
Events are open to Laurier alumni, students, community members, faculty and staff unless otherwise stated.
