Sept. 8, 2026
Your Guide to Alumni All-Access 2026: Part One
October is right around the corner and with it comes Alumni All-Access (AAA), your annual opportunity to reconnect with the University of Calgary, discover something new, and celebrate the people and ideas that make our community special.
This year’s lineup stretches from big questions about artificial intelligence and Alberta’s electricity grid to an up-close visit with some four-legged friends at the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary. You can cheer on the Dinos, learn how AI tools can support neurodivergent minds, and get some timely advice before cold and flu season hits its stride. Of course, it all begins by celebrating some remarkable members of our alumni community at this year’s Arch Awards.
Alumni All-Access runs Oct. 15-25, with in-person and virtual events giving you plenty of ways to take part. Here’s what’s coming during the first five days.
On October 15th the Arch Awards officially kick off Alumni All Access 2626.
Oct. 15 | Celebrate the Best of UCalgary at the 2026 Arch Awards
Alumni All-Access begins with one of the biggest nights on the UCalgary alumni calendar.
The 2026 Arch Awards celebrate alumni whose accomplishments, leadership and contributions to their communities embody the spirit of UCalgary. This year’s recipients include Robert Adamson, MEDes'89; Mark Jones, BPE'82; Max Chan, BA'01; Wilma Shim, BSc’07, JD’10; Karen K. Ngo, BComm'20; and Dr. Yang Gao, PhD'93. Whether you join us in person or tune in virtually, it’s an opportunity to hear their stories, celebrate their achievements, and discover some of the extraordinary things fellow alumni are doing in Calgary and beyond.
When: Oct. 15 at 7 p.m.
Where: In person and online
>> LEARN MORE ABOUT THE 2026 ARCH AWARDS
Oct. 16 | Discover How AI Can Work Differently for Different Minds
Artificial intelligence is changing how we work, but could it also make work more accessible?
Wired Differently, Work Smarter: AI Accessibility for Neurodivergent Minds turns the conversation about AI toward accessibility and explores the potential of these rapidly evolving tools for neurodivergent people. Join Madelaine Robillard, BSW’20, MSW'22, founder/CEO of Revolution Therapy & Wellness, and Suzanna Dreifelds, coach and experiential-learning facilitator at Revolution Therapy & Wellness and founder of PlayLab, a game-based ADHD coaching program online, over the lunch hour for a timely look at AI from a perspective that can sometimes be missing from the larger conversation about the technology.
When: Oct. 16 at noon MT
Where: Online
>> REGISTER
Be sure to take advantage of a free ticket at check out the Dinos at McMahon Stadium on October 16th.
Oct. 16 | Cheer on Your Dinos
Ready to make some noise?
Trade your computer screen for the sidelines as the Dinos women’s soccer team takes to the pitch against the visiting Lethbridge Pronghorns. Whether you’re a longtime Dinos fan or simply looking for an excuse to get back to campus, it’s a chance to reconnect with the energy of university sport and cheer on the home team alongside fellow members of the UCalgary community. Alumni can register for the Oct. 16 game for FREE as part of this exclusive Alumni All-Access offer!
When: Oct. 16 at 6 p.m.
Where: In person (McMahon Stadium)
>> REGISTER
Can't make it out? No worries! Almost half of this years Alumni All Access Events will be available online!
Oct. 17 | What Does the AI Boom Mean for Alberta’s Electricity Grid?
AI may live online, but powering it has very real-world consequences.
As artificial intelligence continues its rapid growth, so does demand for the data centres and infrastructure. AI, Data Centres and the Impact on Alberta’s Electricity Grid takes a closer look at what that growth could mean here at home — from grid reliability and energy security to consumer costs and the regulatory challenges that come with adding more data centres to the province.
Joining the conversation are UCalgary experts Dr. Blake Shaffer, PhD’18, associate professor of economics and an expert in electricity markets; Dr. Sara Hastings-Simon, PhD, whose research explores low-carbon energy transitions; David Wright, associate professor in the Faculty of Law; and Allan Ingelson, BSc’83, JD’90, executive director of the Canadian Institute of Resources Law. Together, they’ll explore how governments, industry, planners and regulators are responding to increasing electricity demand — and what our growing reliance on AI could mean for Alberta’s grid future.
When: Oct. 17 at 10 a.m., MT
Where: In person (Murray Fraser Hall) and online
>> REGISTER
Oct. 17 | Take a Walk on the Wild Side
How often does being a UCalgary alum get you up close with a pack of wolfdogs?
Join UCalgary Alumni at the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary, founded by UCalgary alum Georgina De Caigny, BSc (Eng)’11. The field trip includes a 30-minute intro tour. This tour offers a front-row viewing experience of the wolfdogs and the opportunity to photograph them without visual barriers. You will also have full access to your very own wolfdog expert! As an alumni-exclusive bonus, you will have the opportunity to hear from Georgina about her journey from studying engineering to dedicating her life to rehoming and rehabilitating these incredible animals.
Choose from two morning start times and make a Saturday of discovering something a little different with your fellow alumni.
When: Oct. 17 at 10:15 or 10:45 a.m.
Where: Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary (263156 Range Road 53, Rocky View County)
Cost: $25 + GST (Regular price $52)
>> REGISTER
Join us for What’s Coming This Cold and Flu Season? with Dr. Craig Jenne, PhD'05, professor of microbiology, immunology and infectious diseases at UCalgary.
Oct. 19 | Get Ready for Cold and Flu Season
We all know what’s coming: sniffles, coughs and the annual question of whether that scratchy throat is the beginning of something more. Before cold and flu season gets into full swing, join us online for What’s Coming This Cold and Flu Season?
Join Dr. Craig Jenne, PhD'05, professor of microbiology, immunology and infectious diseases at UCalgary and founder of The Jenne Lab, for a timely discussion on what researchers are watching ahead of this year's respiratory virus season.
This lunchtime session offers a timely opportunity to get informed as we head into the colder months and perhaps head into the season a little better prepared for whatever starts circulating around the office, classroom or household.
When: Oct. 19 at noon
Where: Online
>> REGISTER
And We’re Just Getting Started...
That gets us through only the first few days of Alumni All-Access.
There’s still plenty ahead Oct. 20-25, including science on the big screen, pet health, project management, a behind-the-scenes look at bone and joint research, women’s health, live music, and the return of the Alumni LEGO Challenge.
Watch for Part Two of our Alumni All-Access guide in October’s Alumni News — or explore the full lineup now and start planning your AAA.
>> EXPLORE ALUMNI ALL-ACCESS 2026
Alumni programs are made possible through the generous support of UCalgary Alumni Association Partners TD Insurance and Manulife.