From virtual to reality: Celebrate the graduates of 2020 and 2021

This year’s Dinos KICKOFF has a new spark, one that shines as bright as the stadium lights. It is more than a football game. It is our chance to finally celebrate.

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, friends and family, the sense of community you get from an event shared with classmates. This fall, those alumni are invited back to campus to get together and Celebrate Something.

“We’re 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

The event takes place Sept. 2 with a variety of events and activities. Grads can re-cross the real stage at the Jack Simpson Gym with Chancellor Emerita Deborah Yedlin, and have their photo taken with her and Rex. There will also be a tailgate party presented by the Students’ Union, and a barbecue hosted by the University of Calgary Alumni Association (UCAA).

The day’s events will culminate with the 2022 KICKOFF football game, with the Dinos facing off against the University of Saskatchewan Huskies — a game that holds special meaning this year not just for alumni, but also for everyone returning to campus after two years of pandemic restrictions. There will also be an exciting halftime show in honour of our 2020/2021 alumni.

“We’ll be on the grounds with them, cheering and celebrating in a way unique only to them.” says Bangs.

Friends, family, and UCalgary faculty and staff are encouraged to attend and help Celebrate Something. Graduates from 2020/2021 are eligible to claim a free ticket to the 2022 KICKOFF as well as half-price tickets for family and friends.

Here's what's happening during Celebrate Something:

Photo with Chancellor Emerita Deborah Yedlin (and Rex) 

Cross the stage in the Jack Simpson Gym. Meet and get a candid photo with Chancellor Emerita Deborah Yedlin and Rex! Grads can bring their friends and family to watch and capture a special moment. Photos will be available for free online, courtesy Artona and the UCAA. 

Happy hour at The Black Lounge 

2020/2021 graduates will be eligible for drink specials from 1 to 5 p.m. Grab some drinks and snacks and reminisce with old friends. 

Photo stations 

Snap some photos, but don’t just keep them to yourself. Upload your selfies or group shots to the UCalgary Mosaic Project. 

Degree frames 

Frames for your degree will be available for purchase on-site at a discount of 50 per cent, for one day only.

Students' Union tailgate party and UCAA barbecue

Join the Students’ Union and UCAA for a tailgate and barbecue at 3 p.m. There will be an inflatable obstacle course, selfie stations, Spolumbo’s sausages and more. 

UCalgary KICKOFF 2022 

Don’t just enjoy the game — here’s a chance to lead the athletes’ charge into McMahon Stadium. Sign up to be one of 50 UCalgary 2020/2021 alumni who’ll lead the charge before kickoff. Register now. 

Learn more and register for Celebrate Something.