University of Guelph students are here on campus for a short time, and we proudly welcome you to the alumni family upon graduation. Whether you are a new grad or you’re celebrating a milestone class reunion this year or you are somewhere in between, we want you to have as many reasons as possible to stay connected with your alma mater.
What’s in it for you? We’ve been expanding our alumni perks and benefits, and are now offering discounts and special promotions for restaurants, family attractions, sporting events, hotels and much more. Visit uoguelph.ca/benefits to see all that’s available to you — new partnerships are being announced regularly.
Our recent alumni survey showed that young alumni are looking for professional development events to help build their careers and networks. We are working on programs and events for grads who are just beginning their careers, and will be rolling these out soon.
Alumni can benefit from exclusive savings with MBNA, TD Meloche Monnex, Manulife and Pets Plus Us. On the horizon is a partnership with Travel Nation — we’ll be announcing a one-stop shop for alumni to make travel arrangements and receive special pricing.
Over the next year, you’ll find even more benefits to staying involved in the life of the University. Please keep your contact information up to date at alumni.uoguelph.ca/update so we can email you invitations and keep you up to date through the alumni e-newsletter.
Brandon Gorman, B. Comm. ’06
President, UGAA
Jason Moreton, BA ’00
Associate Vice-President
Alumni Advancement
Alumni Events
President’s Open House
![Dr Roberta Bondar](https://www.uoguelph.ca/porticomagazine/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/roberta-bondar.jpg)
Dr. Roberta Bondar, B.Sc. (Agr.) ’68, H.D.Sc. ’90, surprised guests attending the president’s open house on Nov. 19 at the Art Gallery of Guelph. The annual open house is an event for alumni and friends with annual giving of $1,000 or more. Dr. Bondar shared a personal narrative about her exhibition Light in the Land: The Nature of Canada, on display at the gallery this past fall. Her photographs explore the varied Canadian landscape and its biodiversity and sustainability. The beginning of 2017 marked 25 years since Dr. Bondar’s eight-day mission on the Space Shuttle Discovery in January 1992. Named a University of Guelph Alumnus of Honour in 1992, Bondar is recognized for her pioneering contribution to space medicine research, and is a celebrated author, environmental educator and landscape photographer. In 2018, Dr. Bondar will celebrate 50 years since graduating from the U of G. In 2009, Dr. Bondar created the Roberta Bondar Foundation, a charitable organization to improve understanding of the environment, and donated many of her photographs to it. A fundamental belief that underpins the work of her foundation is that the more we learn about our environment and the better we become at asking important questions, the better equipped we will be both to respond to change and to influence positive change.
Career Night
![Dr David Gunderman](https://www.uoguelph.ca/porticomagazine/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/dr-david-gunderman.jpg)
More than 40 alumni attended the College of Biological Science Career Night on Jan. 24, sharing their experience and providing career advice to more than 100 current students.
Frosty Mug
![Frosty Mug game crowd shot](https://www.uoguelph.ca/porticomagazine/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/frosty-mug.jpg)
The Frosty Mug is quickly becoming U of G’s marquee winter event. The annual men’s varsity hockey game at the Sleeman Centre drew a record 4,715 attendees on Jan. 18. The Gryphons beat the Laurier Golden Hawks 5-0 in front of the home crowd. The game ranks as the third largest attendance ever recorded for an OUA men’s hockey conference game.
Grad Perks
Ripley’s Aquarium
Explore the wonders of the deep at Ripley’s Aquarium! Grads and their families can enjoy a 15% discount on admission www.alumni.uoguelph.ca/promotions
The Boardroom
Who doesn’t like a little bit of board game fun? Alumni receive free access to The Boardroom from Sunday to Thursday! www.alumni.uoguelph.ca/promotions
The Cutting Board Sandwich Co.
Time to please your taste buds – alumni can now receive a free side with the purchase of any sandwich at The Cutting Board Sandwich Co.! www.alumni.uoguelph.ca/promotions
You may need to show your alumni card to receive discounts — you can request yours at www.alumni.uoguelph.ca/alumnicard.