Alumni from Western University will be celebrating Founder’s Day around the world at 12 events on three continents – North America, Europe and Asia – and New Zealand this week.  
Marking the 136th anniversary since Western’s founding in 1878, Founder’s Day, officially Friday, March 7th, is a grassroots celebration, which was launched by Western’s Alumni Association in 2009.
“Founder’s Day is an occasion to celebrate Western’s accomplishments and to recognize those who have made Western what it is today,” says Robert Collins, President, Western’s Alumni Association. “And it’s an opportunity for the Western community – its staff, students, faculty and alumni – to celebrate their shared connection to The Western Experience.”
Events include:
March 6
Toronto Chapter Celebration
Purple & White: An Extraordinary Evening
Trump International Hotel & Tower, 6 p.m. to 12 midnight
Guest: Scott Russell, BA’80, BEd’82, MA’85, CBC Sports, Master of Ceremonies
2014 Purple & White Award will be presented to Perry Dellelce, BA’85
Ottawa Chapter Celebration
Lord Elgin Hotel, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Guest: Debbie Trenholm, BA’92, Accredited Sommelier
March 7 (Founder’s Day)
Western Community Founder’s Day Coffee Break
Mustang Lounge East, Main Floor, UCC, Western University, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Guest: Live music by Rick McGhie
London Chapter Celebration
Windermere Manor, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Guest: Paul Mitchell, BA’92, Tasty Tours
Windsor Chapter Celebration
Medical Education Building, University of Windsor, 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Calgary Chapter Celebration
The Bow Valley Club, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
         
Vancouver Chapter Celebration
The Vancouver Club, Georgian Room, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Guest: JoAnne Strongman, BA’97, Food Stylist and Professional Artist
New York Chapter Celebration
City Winery, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Hong Kong Chapter Celebration
Bar Six, 6F Parekh House, 7 to 9 p.m.
Shanghai Chapter Celebration
Tock’s Montreal Deli, Shanghai, 5 to 9 p.m.
 
New Zealand Chapter Celebration
La Zeppa, Auckland New Zealand, 7 to 10 p.m.
Ways to celebrate include attending a Founder’s Day event in your area, wearing purple or Western attire on Friday, March 7 or posting a photo of yourself or a group of alumni on Twitter and Instagram with #since1878.
You can also play the Founder’s Day trivia contest on Twitter or add a Founder’s Day cover photo to your Facebook and Twitter page. Follow @westernu for details.
For more information, please visit www.westernu.ca/foundersday
MEDIA CONTACT: Jeff Renaud, Senior Media Relations Officer, 519-661-2111, ext. 85165, jrenaud9@uwo.ca
ABOUT WESTERN
Western delivers an academic experience second to none. Since 1878, The Western Experience has combined academic excellence with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social and cultural growth in order to better serve our communities. Our research excellence expands knowledge and drives discovery with real-world application. Western attracts individuals with a broad worldview, seeking to study, influence and lead in the international community.
