York gears up for Homecoming 2012

Lions football game

York University is gearing up for its biggest Homecoming celebration in years. Slated for the weekend of Saturday, Sept. 22, this year’s Homecoming is jam-packed with activities open to the entire University community, including football, food trucks, lectures, tours and more.

Kicking off the festivities on the night of Friday, Sept. 21 is the 2012 York University Sport Hall of Fame dinner and induction ceremony. Five photos of Joel Brough (BA ’95), Nancy (Watson) Popovich (BSc ’85), Allan Reddon (BA ’87), Enzo Spagnulo (BA ’85) and Irvin Studin (BBA ’99, PhD ’11). former interuniversity athletes will be recognized for their contributions to sport at York: Joel Brough (BA ’95), Nancy (Watson) Popovich (BSc ’85), Allan Reddon (BA ’87), Enzo Spagnulo (BA ’85) and Irvin Studin (BBA ’99, PhD ’11).

For more information about this event and how to purchase tickets, visit the York Alumni website.

On Saturday morning, the York Circle will present a special instalment of itspopular Lecture & Lunch Series.

With support from Alumni Relations and print media sponsor Toronto Community News,York Circleevents provide an exciting showcase for some of the University’s leading thinkers. In just three years, the have headshot of Harvey Skinnerattracted more than 1,200 members, including parents and family ofYorkstudents, alumni, staff and friends.

More than 300 people have registered for Saturday’s event, which will feature inspiring headshot of Allan Hutchinosnlectures from Faculty of Health Dean Harvey Skinner (left) and Osgoode Hall Law School Distinguished Research Professor Allan Hutchinson (right). For more information, visit the York Circle website.

The York University Lions football team will take on the Waterloo Warriors at 1pm at York Stadium. The Lions won the previous match-up between the two teams, 20-18 in overtime last season, and are undefeated at home this year.

There is lots of excitement planned with free Homecoming commemorative t-shirts for the first 500 fans, face painting, in-game contests and more!

Admission is free for current York students, alumni, and children 12 Lions football gameand younger, $5 for faculty, staff and seniors and $8 for adults.

Adding to the excitement of the game, the Toronto Argonauts will also be on hand with games and prizes, and a specialArgosticket offer for those in attendance.

There will be plenty more action taking place on the stadium grounds. The Alumni Beer Garden, hosted by the Council of College Masters from 12 to 4pm, is welcoming grads to spend the afternoon catching up with fellow alumni over a drink or two. Each grad will receive one complimentary drink ticket when they register for the event online.

If that isn’t enough to whet appetites, a few of Ontario’s favourite food trucks, including Donkey Streatery, Food Cabbie, Hogtown Smoke, Hula Girl Espresso Bar, Pretty Sweet, Smoke’s line ups at food trucksPountinerieand Stuft Gourmet Sausages,will join the Food Truck Caravan just outside the stadium.

“We’re thrilled to be a part of this year’s Homecoming,” said Pretty Sweet Cupcakes owner andYorkbusiness and society student Savera Hashmi. “I want to thank YorkU for equipping me with the necessary skills and knowledge to make my dreams a reality. Look for our truck, come say hello and get your cupcake fix.”

Several organizations and departments from across the University – the Council of College Masters, Alumni Relations, Sports & Recreation, Campus Services & Business Operation, the York Federation of Students and Student Community & Leadership Development were involved in putting together this year’s festivities.

“Homecoming 2012 has truly been a team effort,” said James Allan, senior director, York Alumni Relations. “It wouldn’t have happened without the commitment and support of everyone who was involved in making this our biggest celebration yet, including members of the steering committee.”

More information about Homecoming is available at the YorkU Homecoming website.