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From Oct. 17-19, a record 3,529 alumni registered to return to campus, with plenty more joining the fun.  

The weekend overflowed with tricolour spirit, from the grand reopening of the JDUC to the parade to Richardson Stadium to the reunions across Queen’s and all over town. Even a 31-28 football loss to the Windsor Lancers couldn’t dim Gaels’ pride.

But at its heart, Homecoming is about people: the smiles, the stories, and the memories they bring back to campus. Here are 10 of the faces that made this year’s celebration unforgettable.    

Who: Joe Smillie, Artsci’70, Ed’71
Where: Grant Hall, Welcome and Check-In  

The first and only other time Joe Smillie (aptly pronounced “smiley”) came to Homecoming was 10 years ago, for his 45th reunion. Now he’s back, up from his home in Vermont, for his 55th. “We missed our 50th because of COVID, so we said, ‘See you in 2025, if we make it!’” he laughs. “But I just love it, all of it. The parade. Seeing everybody. Queen’s Bands. And the football game, which we better win – we’re playing the Lancers!” (Sorry, Joe.) 
 

Who: Jim Rose, Artsci’70, Ed’71, and Joan Rose, Artsci’69, Ed’70
Where: Grant Hall, Welcome and Check-In

It’s a true Homecoming for Jim and Joan Rose, who first met at a party at Morris Hall almost 60 years ago. But their first date to The Pirates of Penzance at Grant Hall was, by their own admission, a flop. That is, until a spontaneous, post-opera game of ping-pong turned awkward silence into laughter. “We just laughed and laughed,” says Joan. That laughter led to daily letters, love, and a 1969 wedding. “We’ve been in Kingston ever since,” says Jim. “And it all started right here.” 

Who: Queen’s Chancellor Shelagh Rogers, Artsci’77, LLD’19
Where: John Deutsch University Centre, Opening Celebration

Standing in the newly revitalized JDUC, Chancellor Rogers can’t stop smiling. “It feels like the building is literally lifting you up – the light, I can’t get over the light,” she says. “And features like the Seven Grandfather Teachings etched in the steps of the Agora are beautiful. It’s all been so respectfully done.” Between receptions and the football game, she’s soaking up Homecoming energy. “It’s wonderful that this is all happening during Homecoming – seeing the alumni, the joy. It just feels right.”  

Who: Kayla Payne, Sc’27, and Adrian Payne, Sc’93, MASc’97
Where: Outside Carruthers Hall

It’s Adrian Payne’s first Homecoming in 25 years, and he’s back for a special reason: his two daughters are now in Smith Engineering, including Kayla, smiling beside him. “The student engineering design teams at Queen’s today are incredible,” he says. “What’s available now pales in comparison to when I was here, and those skills apply directly to the workplace.” Still, some things never change. “Like the stairwell to Clark Hall Pub – that’s just fantastic!”  

Who: Johnelle Lanham, Sc’05, MASc’07, and Kendra Hartley, Sc’05
Where: University Avenue

Back for their 20th reunion, Johnelle and Kendra are taking a relaxed approach to their first real Homecoming since 2007. “We’re just going with the flow, seeing what happens and who’s around,” says Johnelle. The trip so far has been a mix of nostalgia and discovery. “It’s so great seeing a lot of the same restaurants and storefronts on Princess Street,” says Kendra. “And the JDUC – spent a lot of time there,” adds Johnelle with a grin. “Lots of doughnuts, lots of coffee.” 

Who: Erin Pyle, BNSc’20, Emma Lane, BNSc’20, and Chelsea Mckoy, BNSc’20  
Where: Common Ground Coffeehouse, Five Year Reunion Coffee Up

This Homecoming feels like a long time coming for nursing grads Chelsea, Emma, and Erin. Their final year was upended by COVID, cutting short campus life and celebrations. For Emma, it’s her first time back. “Not having a graduation, I wanted something to mark it.” Erin laughs: “Part of the tradition of Queen’s alumni is returning for Homecoming, so I thought I’d uphold my alumni duties!” Chelsea says it’s incredible to see how far they’ve come. “We became friends in first year, when we didn’t think we’d make it here. But almost 10 years later, here we are. We made it.”  

Who: Marcos Otazo, Sc’93, and Marcia Otazo, Com’95
Where: Outside Clark Hall

For siblings Marcos and Marcia Otazo, Homecoming is a shared promise fulfilled. “I came two years ago for my 30th reunion,” says Marcos. “This time, I’m here for moral support and fun.” Marcia smiles: “When he came two years ago, I made him promise that he’s got to come with me for my 30th!” Now living in the U.S., they’re taking it all in – the new buildings, the familiar streets, the path to today. “Queen’s and Kingston were huge parts of my life,” says Marcia. “They shaped who I am.” 

Who: Tim Andrews, Artsci’16
Where: University Avenue, Alumni Parade to Richardson Stadium  

Homecoming wouldn’t be Homecoming without Queen’s Bands, at least not for Tim Andrews. “I’ve come every year since I graduated,” says the Kingston native. A proud former section leader and clarinetist, he grew up watching Queen’s Bands from the stands at Richardson Stadium and always knew he’d join. “Playing on the field, getting the crowd going – those are really special memories for me,” he says. “In 2014, we even marched in the Boston St. Patrick’s Parade. That was just legendary to take the Queen’s spirit abroad.”

Who: Eastal Law, Artsci’25 
Where: Agnes Benidickson Field, Fall Harvest Alumni Gathering

Taking a quick break from her art booth, Eastal Law smiles as she talks about her work: prints fittingly inspired by memory, childhood, and growth. “They’re from my thesis exhibition,” she says. “I was part of the second last graduating class of fine arts before it switches to visual arts, so it feels special to share them here.” For her, being part of Homecoming is about more than selling art. “It’s the community – that’s why I chose Queen’s.”  

Who: Cam Johnston, Artsci’85 
Where: Richardson Stadium, Homecoming Football Game

With the roar of the crowd all around him, Cam Johnston laughs: “I had too much fun at Queen’s, so I took the five-year path.” A former AMS and ASUS leader, he’s been a regular at Homecoming ever since. “The friendships you make here – you never lose them,” he says. “You can see someone you haven’t seen in 40 years and you’re right back in the groove.” As the Gaels play on, he grins. “It’s so nice to be back.”  

Next year is Queen’s 100th Homecoming. Stay tuned to queensu.ca/alumni for full details on everything being planned for the milestone weekend!