Off and Running...

The biggest alumni event of the year is back, and it’s shaping up to be an unforgettable 15-day experience. From Oct. 15-30, in-person and virtual sessions will bring the University of Calgary community together for activities, discussions and special offers that span a wide range of interests. Last month, we shared a preview of the first half of this year’s Alumni All-Access (AAA) lineup, and the response has been incredible.

Now, we’re thrilled to reveal the second half of this year's lineup, promising more excitement, learning and connection.

Imagine settling in for a movie night with a scientific twist, engaging in a thought-provoking discussion about renunciation and the good life, or writing your own story with the help of an award-winning instructor. Whether you’re drawn to cinema, storytelling or exploring campus life with your family, there’s truly something for everyone.

Alumni All-Access 2024 invites alumni, community members and their families to join in on the fun. With limited spots for certain events, we encourage early registration to secure your place in this celebration of knowledge and community.

For more details on the full lineup or to register, visit the Alumni All-Access 2024 page.

All our events offer opportunities to learn, connect and engage with the UCalgary community, making it a true celebration of knowledge, community service and campus spirit. Here's a closer look at what’s in store for the second half of this exciting event series:

Oct. 23:
Picture yourself gaining invaluable insights into leadership and collaboration, without the need for formal authority. This engaging session put on by Continuing Education, Influencing Without Authority (virtual) is designed to empower you with essential skills for effective leadership and collaboration. Learn how to influence others and drive change, even when you don’t hold formal authority. Whether you’re a seasoned professional, or just starting your career, this session will provide valuable insights and practical strategies to enhance your impact. Don’t miss the chance to connect with fellow alumni and broaden your influence.

DID YOU KNOW? 
UCalgary alumni are eligible for a 15-per cent discount on Continuing Education courses. Navigate your career and enrich your life through an impressive variety of offerings, from art to IT!  | Learn More

Next, settle in with some popcorn and imagine yourself being transported into the world of cryptography as you watch The Imitation Game, a film that tells the gripping story of Alan Turing, the father of modern computing. This special screening is part of the ongoing Science in the Cinema series. After the film, engage in a thought-provoking discussion that explores the scientific and historical significance of Turing's work, as well as his personal struggles as a victim of persecution as a gay man in the 1950s. 

The Q & A will begin immediately following the screening and will include technology and inclusion experts who will discuss attitudinal accessibility, ethics and AI in today’s modern world. FREE admission and popcorn! Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.   Don’t miss out — register now for your tickets!

DID YOU KNOW?  

Screenwriter Graham Moore designed the script for The Imitation Game as a puzzle for the audience to solve. One of the most intriguing aspects of the film is its non-linear structure, which aims to provide a fuller picture of who Turing was and the motivations behind his actions, challenging viewers to piece it together.

Oct. 24: 
Drop in on this fascinating lecture, The Joyful Sage: Renunciation and the Good Life in the Mahābhārata (in-person) presented as a part of the Wayne O. McCready Lecture series, hosted by the Calgary Institute for the Humanities. Dr. Christopher G. Framarin, PhD, will delve into the intriguing tension between renunciation and the good life in the Sanskrit epic, The Mahābhārata. Dr. Framarin poses thought-provoking questions such as: How should we rationalize guilt and grief — or should we even try — and what is the proper response to loss? Gain a deeper understanding of early South Asian literature and its contemporary relevance, distinguishing between the good life and the moral life. Afterwards, engage in discussion that highlights the impact of personal narratives in fostering connection and understanding. 

FEATURE: Want to go back to university? You can during Alumni All-Access! 

Oct. 25:
Have you ever wanted to craft words so rich with imagery that they leap off the page? Unlock the power of your writing with Writing Better with Vivid Descriptions! Join us for an interactive session to enhance your storytelling by using descriptive language to create vivid imagery. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting out, this workshop is designed to elevate your writing skills. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with fellow alumni and refine your craft.

“Vivid descriptions help our readers see things differently, so they can take the emotion, action, object or person that we’re describing in their hands, turn it over and over, and examine it as something new for them to discover,” says Heather Clitheroe, BA’01, award-winning writing instructor and session facilitator. “I think there’s something incredibly special and unique about our ability to tell stories. Whether we’re creating fiction or describing a process to a customer, we’re engaged in storytelling as we relate how something happens, how we understand it and why it’s important.”

Oct. 26:
Return to campus with curiosity and excitement as your guide! Whether you are a prospective parent of a student, or educator, we invite you to our Open House. Take this opportunity to engage with more than 40 faculties and service exhibitors, taking in the energy of a bustling campus, exploring program options, and gaining valuable insights into today’s UCalgary campus experience through tours and discovery sessions. Be sure to drop by our Alumni booth for some alumni swag and a fun photo op and learn all about what it means to be a UCalgary alumni! | LEARN MORE | REGISTER

DID YOU KNOW?
More than 12,000 potential students and their family members flocked to campus last year for UCalgary’s biggest Open House ever!
 

Oct. 27
Close your eyes and imagine gliding across The Spookiest Ice in The World, surrounded by playful ghouls, ghosts and goblins. At the Halloween Spooky Family Skate, you’ll step into a fun-filled world of costumes, activities and treats. Feel the excitement as you collect stamps from monsters around the ice or bounce your way through the “boo-tiful bounce house.”

As you skate under the twinkling lights of the Olympic Oval, you’ll experience the joy of Halloween with just the right mix of fun and fright. And, of course, no spooky skate would be complete without devilishly delicious treats all around.

When witches go riding and black cats are seen, the moon laughs and whispers, ‘tis near Halloween! 

DID YOU KNOW?
The Olympic Oval, known as the Fastest Ice in the World, has set countless world records since it opened for the 1988 Winter Olympics. The perfect setting for a family-friendly fright night!

Oct.28
The Dinos Hall of Fame will induct its 13th class on Oct. 28, celebrating the achievements of four athletes, one coach and one builder. This year's inductees include sprinter Sam Effah, BComm’14; Canadian hockey icon Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser, BKin’13, MSc’16, Hon. LLD’18, MD’21; gold medal-winning wrestler Erica Wiebe, BKin’12, BA’16; Super Bowl champion Dan Federkeil, BA'11; soccer coach Gord Franson, BA'69, BComm'72; and track coach Les Gramantik. Join us in honoring these exceptional individuals! | REGISTER FOR TICKETS

DID YOU KNOW?
Hayley Wickenheiser is one of Canada’s most decorated Olympians, competing in five Winter Olympics from 1998 to 2014. She won four gold medals and one silver in women’s ice hockey. While at UCalgary, she was a standout athlete and accomplished student, leading the Calgary Dinos to a national championship in 1998. Wickenheiser earned multiple accolades in Canadian university hockey, including Canada West All-Star honours and the CIAU (now U Sports) Player of the Year award.

Oct. 29:
Don't miss this opportunity to engage in an important discussion about the future of global governance! The Centre for Military, Security and Strategic Studies (CMSS) is playing host to a special Highlander’s Lecture: Make Law Not War, as part of the Alumni All-Access event series. In a world where global security feels increasingly uncertain, how can Canada contribute to strengthening international law? Prepare yourself for a gripping discussion about the lessons Canada can learn from its contribution to the 1919 Paris Peace Conference, and about the power and limits of international law and Canada’s role in the world. 

Oct. 30:
Imagine if the future of children’s health could be shaped by an idea that takes only three minutes to explain? One Child Every Child: 3 Minute Thesis Edition is an in-person & live stream event featuring rising stars from UCalgary’s Graduate College and Cumming School of Medicine as they present their latest research on child-health initiatives. These talented students will share their findings using accessible and engaging language, having refined their presentations during UCalgary's Three Minute Thesis competition. Their goal is to bring their work to life with empathy, clarity and a genuine passion for improving children’s health.

DID YOU KNOW?
One Child Every Child (OCEC) is a Canada First Research Initiative with a vision for all children to be healthy, empowered and thriving. This initiative launched thanks to a $125M grant from the Government of Canada, the largest grant ever awarded to an Alberta university. 

As the lights dim, prepare for an adults-only (16+) evening to close out the final day of AAA 2024 with the return of Oval After Dark. Glide across the ice under the haunting glow of low lights, where every corner holds a surprise. Navigate through a terrifying haunted chamber and the surrounding catacombs, transformed into a maze of horror designed to test your nerves. To keep your energy up during this eerie escapade, refreshments will be provided. Don’t miss out on this hauntingly good time — bring your friends and get ready for a night you won’t forget!

“Oval After Dark will deliver a thrilling experience like no other, especially for students, alumni and faculty members!” says Oval marketing, communications and events specialist Katie De Boer. “You’ll have the chance to step into ‘An Educational Nightmare,’ where your worst academic fears come to life in the most unexpected and chilling ways.”

Alumni programs are made possible through the generous support of UCalgary Alumni Association partners TD Insurance and Manulife.