USask Alumni Week a virtual experience this year
SASKATOON — Traditionally, Alumni Weekend is a time to get together and reconnect with old friends and reminisce about old times, visit old haunts and have a few laughs. This year’s University of Saskatchewan (USask) Alumni Week will still allow for that, but in a decidedly different fashion.
While alumni can’t physically be together, USask still plans to connect with its 160,000 alumni worldwide. Instead of bringing alumni back to the campus, USask has organized various online events and activities throughout Sept. 8-12.
COVID-19 research update:
A highlight will be Thursday, Sept. 10 when Dr. Volker Gerdts gives alumni an inside look at the innovative COVID-19 research at VIDO-InterVAC. Gerdts and his trailblazing team are global leaders in research and are on the front lines in the race to secure a vaccine.
Hometown happy hour:
As a former lawyer, alumnus Shawn Moen (LLB’05) took a leap of faith from a professional practice into the craft beer game. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Moen once again pivoted and shifted much of his business model by creating a virtual online taproom.
Celebrating Golden Grads:
Every year, the USask Alumni Association celebrates and honours alumni who graduated 50 or more years ago. Normally, Golden Grads are given the opportunity to retrace their convocation and walk across the stage in Convocation Hall. This year, a special video greeting from USask chancellor Grit McCreath (BEd’91) will be found online and on social media Wednesday, Sept. 9.
Other special plans in place:
Alumni will have the chance to virtually visit a number of places through tours of the campus and revisit old hangouts and get up close to newer buildings, such as Gordon Oakes Red Bear Student Centre and Merlis Belsher Place. As well, USask trivia will test memories in contests during Alumni Week.
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For more information, contact:
Leslie-Ann Schlosser
USask University Relations
306-966-6036
leslieann.schlosser@usask.ca