Join U of G in celebrating a century of hosting College Royal, the largest university open house of its kind in North America.
Entirely student-run and organized, 2024 College Royal events start on March 6 and culminate in the free and family-friendly Open House Weekend on March 16 and 17.
100 Years of College Royal
To kick off Open House Weekend, the Opening Ceremony at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 16 will feature the unveiling of a legacy gift – a painted mural capturing 100 years of College Royal. Shelby Bohn, a postdoctoral researcher and alum of the College of Biological Sciences, will begin painting the mural in the University Centre south lounge during Open House Weekend.
As the mural will depict, College Royal has served as a unique opportunity for over 20,000 students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members to come together annually on the U of G campus for classic events such as square-dancing, a dog show, livestock shows, club displays, Department of Food Science milkshakes, teddy bear surgery at the Ontario Veterinary College and more.
“To this day as an alum, it continues to be a passion to be able to return back to campus and still be involved and engaged with the events and students and fellow alumni,” said Julia Romagnoli, alumna of the Animal Science program and College Royal President 2016.
In addition to the mural, this year attendees will get the chance to take a trip down memory lane with the 100th anniversary book. Encapsulating 100 years of College Royal in one place, the 100th Anniversary History Book of College Royal can be purchased from now until March 18, 2024.
The students behind College Royal
College Royal has also been an incredible experiential learning and leadership opportunity for the students who participate in the College Royal Society, made up of 10 officers, 99 executive members and volunteers from across the University.
“Through taking on the roles as a College Royal officer and exec member I have really improved my communication skills, my time management skills, and my independence skills,” said Lexi Johnson, College Royal president and Animal Science undergraduate student.
“It’s so cool to see the campus so full of people, people excited to learn about agriculture, people excited to see different things, learn about the campus, learn about the Guelph community.”
College Royal Events
Come be a part of College Royal history!
U of G community members are invited to dance through the ages at the annual College Royal Ball on March 9. Purchase your tickets by March 3.
Everyone is invited to attend Open House weekend events such as the Livestock Shows, Square Dancing Competition, Old MacDonalds New Farm and more!
View the full schedule of College Royal Events.