UOIT Paints the Town Blue for Homecoming 2013

Grey skies didn't dampen the enthusiasm of alumni, students, faculty and staff attending the University of Ontario Institute of Technology's (UOIT) Homecoming 2013.

"Homecoming 2013 recognizes the ambition, commitment, perseverance, enthusiasm, creativity, energy and leadership that students invested in UOIT throughout their time here," said Jaclyn San Antonio, Homecoming 2013 Alumni Co-chair, who completed her Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Criminology and Justice in 2007 and her Master of Arts in Criminology in 2011. "It also celebrates the remarkable ways in which alumni have translated these qualities into their own professional careers and personal life successes. I was proud to welcome everyone back for fun, friendship, inspiration and celebration."

UOIT faculty served up burgers and fun during the Homecoming BBQ to a hungry crowd of revellers leading off the Saturday afternoon festivities. Later on, the Polonsky Games featured UOIT-favourite Dodgeball followed by an Ultimate Frisbee™ tournament that brought out many teams to compete. Founding President Gary Polonsky himself was on hand to officially launch the Games.

Health Sciences student Joseph Guirguis and alumni Robert Burden were the lucky winners of the Student and Alumni Championship Awards of $1,000 each, which are used to offset current tuition costs or student loans. And, for the first time ever, faculty members were also invited to compete in the Minute-to-Win-it events. The Faculty of Education won the inaugural competition for a $1,000 award that can be used for a bursary to support a student within the faculty.

A special highlight for the 10^th anniversary this year, two Toronto Maple Leaf legends participated in special Homecoming events. Former Leafs' captain Doug Gilmour shared some inspirational words on what it takes to succeed. A silent auction was also held, with proceeds going to the UOIT Student Success Fund. 

Gilmour later went behind the bench to coach a team of hockey enthusiasts against a team led by former Leaf great Bob Baun. Participants played their hearts out under the careful eye of their coaches, with Team Baun winning the game.

"Homecoming is an opportunity for UOIT students to show their school pride," added Shane Comella, Mechanical Engineering and Management, class of 2015 and Homecoming 2013 Student Co-chair.

Two alumni were presented with the first annual Alumni Association Awards. Veronica Cole, class of 2012, received the Up and Coming Award in recognition of her role as Chief Executive Officer for Squabble Inc., a game development studio that specializes in educational games. Jaclyn San Antonio received the Humanitarian Award for her community efforts.

Homecoming 2013 was made possible due to the generous support of the following sponsors:

• 1847 Wine & Beer Bistro
• ARAMARK
• Auto Workers Community Credit Union
• Avanti Trattoria
• Downtown Oshawa BIA
• GDI Integrated Facility Services
• Gervais Party and Tent Rentals
• Johnson Inc.
• Nustadia Recreation
• Odgers Berndtson
• Ontario Power Generation
• Oshawa Centre
• Oshawa PUC Networks
• TD Canada Trust
• The Student Association
• Veridian.Connections
• VIA Rail Canada

Want to help organize our next Homecoming celebration? Contact us at alumni@uoit.ca.

Save the date!
September 19 and 20, 2014.