“It was wonderful to connect with classmates online and discover we shared the same camaraderie as we did decades ago,” says Marianne Friesen, Law’90. From her home in Rosthern, Saskatchewan, she joined many fellow Queen’s Law alumni at this year’s virtual Homecoming Weekend.
Graduates from coast-to-coast and as far away as Australia joined the October 16-17celebration to take a virtual trip down memory lane and into the present-day law school.
“I am also impressed by the way faculty and students are working together to build a strong Queen’s Law community despite pandemic circumstances,” says Friesen. She’s referring to the session in which Dean Mark Walters, Law’89, three professors, and three students shared with alumni the school’s latest developments and how they’re coping with COVID. “I heard hope, determination, and strength in these voices,” adds Friesen.
Dean Walters spoke about the strategic planning process underway; new Indigenous initiatives; the building name process status; the launch of the Anti-Racism Working Group and Cecil Allan Fraser Bursary; faculty research shaping law and public policy; the new Graduate Diploma in Immigration Law and Citizenship; this year’s alumni award winners; and this term’s hybrid model of teaching in class and via Zoom amid the pandemic.
Law Students’ Society President Ross Denny-Jiles, Law’22, host of the one-hour event, spoke about how students are managing in this “uncertain” world. “We’re working with the administration on ways to make our community more connected and engaged,” he said. “We’ll continue to respond to the challenge with optimism and resilience.”
“What impressed me most about the Faculty of Law session was that it was student run!” exclaims the Honourable Helen MacLeod-Beliveau, Law’75’s permanent class president. “It was very inclusive of current issues, academic and research endeavours, and student issues, and was well done.”
Following the Faculty session, alumni split into their individual class reunion chat groups.
“Having suffered social withdrawal due to COVID-19, our class thoroughly enjoyed being able to see and talk to one another from all over the world in the comfort of our own homes,” says Kingston resident MacLeod-Beliveau. “While not as good as in person, the Zoom Reunion lifted our spirits and resolve and made our 45th anniversary memorable.”
Friesen, celebrating her 30th anniversary reunion, says, “I enjoyed hearing about the diverse and inspiring paths my classmates have followed, building upon their legal education. I appreciated the opportunity to gather, reflect, and raise a glass in honour of Law’90.”
Vanessa Grant, Law’95, from Toronto, toasted her class’s 25th anniversary. “The call was a great opportunity to catch up on all the exciting things our class is doing and how far we have come,” she says. “We look forward to celebrating a delayed 25th anniversary IRL (in real life) when circumstances permit!”
While not celebrating a milestone reunion, Allan McGavin, Law’12, joined from his Vancouver home. “I’m very proud to have gone to Queen’s Law,” he says. “It’s great to see the Faculty continue to thrive through various challenges, thanks to the combined dedication and talent of Dean Walters, the professors, staff, students, and alumni.”
“I enjoyed attending the virtual Homecoming,” adds Friesen. “I hope there are virtual events to join in the future!”