March 05, 2015
Western University alumni around the world will think purple this weekend as they celebrate Founder’s Day and their connections to Western in more locations and countries than ever before.
The Western community celebrates Founder’s Day each year on March 7. It is a day for friends, family and alumni of the University to proudly wear purple in honour and recognition of the contributions of Western’s founders and accomplishments of students, staff, faculty and alumni.
“With more than 270,000 alumni around the world, it’s not surprising that Western graduates are leaders in virtually every field of human endeavour you can imagine,” said Western President Amit Chakma. “We’re very proud of our alumni and pleased that hundreds will gather in cities located on four continents to celebrate their connection to Western.”
Spearheaded by Western’s Alumni Association, more than 20 events are being held around the globe in honour of the University’s 137th birthday. Events include deli dining in Shanghai, art collecting in Ottawa and a mix and mingle in London, UK.
Western alumna Kari McCreath, who currently lives in the UK, is organizing a Founder’s Day event and says that a shared history and connection is what draws alumni together in a foreign country.
“Most alumni attending our Founder’s Day event are originally from Canada, but now – like me – call London (UK) home,” said McCreath. “When you live in a foreign country, it’s so important to draw a sense of community with those around you. Western is the common thread between us and that’s why we love getting together.”
In New York, alumnus Jason Chrein is organizing a networking reception to provide Big Apple-based Western alumni the opportunity to celebrate their shared connection and the accomplishments of the University itself.
“Western alumni have a lot of pride in the institution, which is iconic and has such a storied history,” said Chrein. “Following our alumni events, people go home feeling a sense of gratification, which could have been the result of a meaningful conversation, meeting a new contact, running into an old friend, volunteering, being among fellow Canadians, and also from having come out and supported their beloved educational institution that has remained a critical part of their make-up – and for which we all have a soft spot.”
Western alumni who are not able to attend an event can join in the celebrations from wherever they may be in the world – by donning their Western gear and sharing selfies via Twitter, Facebook or Instagram with the tag #since1878.
A full listing of global Founder’s Day events, other information and online activities are available at www.westernu.ca/foundersday
MEDIA CONTACT: Stephen Ledgley, Senior Media Relations Officer, 519-661-2111, ext. 85283, sledgley@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.
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