Approximately 1,000 University of Guelph graduates will return to campus June 12-14 for Alumni Weekend, including members of the first-ever graduating class gathering for their 50-year reunion.

This year’s festivities include a new, re-designed Friday night Alumni Awards of Excellence gala, 35 class reunions, a photo scavenger hunt, a craft beer tasting, the traditional alumni celebration dinner, the annual family picnic and a dance with live music open to the community.

Saturday’s concert and dance called “‘Rock the Hall” will feature God Made Me Funky, who performed at last year’s Conversat Ball on campus and were enthusiastically received by the crowds. The group includes classically-trained jazz artists, as well as hip-hop and R&B singers.

Tom Cowan, honorary chair of this year’s Alumni Weekend, was among the first U of G graduates in the Class of 1965.

“I was honoured to be part of that class, and while many years have passed, my connection with the University of Guelph remains strong,” he said.

“Alumni Weekend is a great time to keep that connection going — see what has changed on campus, reunite with former classmates and old friends, and relive some of those wonderful memories of your time spent at Guelph.“

Campus tours will include a look at ice cream technology complete with sampling, and visits to the Mona Campbell Animal Cancer Centre, the Gosling Research Institute for Plant Preservation and Macdonald Hall – the oldest residence on campus now being renovated for the new home of the College of Business and Economics.

Below are some of the events that will take place on Saturday, June 13, as follows:

10 a.m. –              Tours of the Ontario Veterinary College Small Animal Hospital and the Biodiversity Institute of Ontario

12 p.m. –            President’s milestone lunch

1 – 3 p.m. –          “Great Gryphon Race” photo scavenger hunt

3 p.m. –                Tours ofice cream technology, the Mona Campbell Animal Cancer Centre, the Gosling Research Institute for Plant Preservation and Macdonald Hall

4 – 6 p.m. –          “Let’s Get Crafty” beer tasting and food pairing

6 – 9 p.m. –         Alumni celebration dinner

9 p.m. – midnight –         “Rock the Hall” concert featuring God Made Me Funky

On June 14, the alumni family picnic will take place at Creelman Hall and Creelman Green from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For more details, a complete list of events and to register, visit the Alumni Weekend website.