Fall in the Okanagan—is there a better time to be on UBC’s campus in Kelowna? We’re ready to welcome you back with the best that our beautiful region has to offer at harvest time.
Visit campus and see what’s changed. Reconnect with old and new friends while you sample local beer and cider at Streetfest. Meet an Olympian and taste the best of local chefs, wineries and breweries.
There are so many reasons for joining us at Homecoming 2018—you don’t have to choose just one!
Events
A royal visit, a prime minister’s town hall, a conversation with an astronaut—just a few of the events we’ve held recently on UBC’s Okanagan campus.
Let us treat you like royalty at a selection of Homecoming events designed with you in mind. Taste the best of the Okanagan harvest, meet an Olympic champion and, most importantly, catch up with some old friends.
Signature Event
Nourish
Saturday, October 20, 6–9 p.m.
Begin your evening by enjoying an inspiring talk by Jon Montgomery, Olympic gold medallist in skeleton and host of The Amazing Race Canada. Then stay for a harvest-themed reception at 7 p.m. featuring the delectable delights of the Okanagan Valley’s finest executive chefs and Kelowna’s premier pâtissière.
Activities by Day
Kick-off Breakfast
8:30–11 a.m.
University Way
Calling all students! Help us kick off this inaugural UBC Okanagan Homecoming. Breakfast food, coffee, prizes and fun to start your day!
Free for students; $3 for UBC employees.
Sponsored by VEDA | Exclusive Student Living
Visual Arts Alumni Exhibition
4–6 p.m.
FINA Gallery, CCS
Join the Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies for an exhibition of new works by alumni from our BFA and MFA programs followed by a wine and cheese reception with the artists.
Free admission.
Engineering Industry Night
4–6 p.m.
Lower Level, EME (Engineering, Management and Education Building)
An opportunity for networking with local industry professionals, followed by vignettes of featured School of Engineering alumni. Reminisce with guided lab tours and check out the new Maker Space!
Free admission, but registration required.
Earth, Environmental and Geographic Sciences Department BBQ
4–6 p.m. (followed by Streetfest)
University Way Beer Garden
Alumni from the Earth, Environmental and Geographic Sciences department are invited to join the faculty and current students for a reunion and a BBQ dinner. Revisit with old friends and make some new ones.
Free event, but registration is required.
B.A.R.K. Drop-in
4:30–6 p.m.
EME1123, Engineering, Management and Education Building
Come and learn about B.A.R.K. (Building Academic Retention Through K9’s), a research-informed program that supports the emotional well-being of students and the university community.
See the B.A.R.K. dogs in action, meet the leadership team of the Okanagan School of Education (Interim Director Dr. Margaret Macintyre Latta and Dean Dr. Blye Frank), and enjoy ice cream sundaes.
Free admission, but registration required.
Faculty of Management Reception
5–6:30 p.m.
Ancient Hill Estate Winery
4918 Anderson Road
Reconnect with fellow Management alumni during the Faculty of Management’s Homecoming reception. Come network, learn about the BC Wine Industry Collaboration Project and enjoy some local wine and appetizers.
Free admission, but registration required.
School of Social Work Reception at Foundry Kelowna
5:30–7:30 p.m.
Foundry Kelowna
100–1815 Kirschner Road
Alumni, School partners and interested community members are welcome to attend this short talk on the School of Social Work and our current partnership with Foundry, followed by a reception.
Free event, but registration is required.
School of Nursing Partner Appreciation Reception
6:30–8:30 p.m.
Hotel Eldorado
500 Cook Road
Alumni, School partners and interested community members are welcome to attend this wine and appetizer function.
Free event, but registration is required.
School of Health & Exercise Sciences Partner Appreciation Reception
7:30–9:30 p.m.
Sandhill Wines
1125 Richter Street
Alumni, School partners and interested community members are welcome to attend this wine and appetizer function.
Free event, but registration is required.
University Way Streetfest
6–9 p.m.
University Way
The Okanagan is becoming as famous for craft breweries as it is for amazing wineries. Join us for a night of food trucks, a craft beer garden, carnival games, and line-dancing to the sounds of Okanagan country artist Ben Klick, a North American Country Music Association winner and hot on the heels of his sophomore album release. Fun and delicious for all ages.
Free admission; limited number of half-price coupon books available for pre-purchase during registration—$15 (valued at $30) for use at food trucks, drink vendors.
Sponsored by 99.9 SunFM
Mindful Walking/Mindful Teaching
11 a.m.–Noon
Meet in Richard S. Hallisey Atrium, Ground Level, EME (Engineering, Management and Education Building)
Bring teaching and learning back to the elements of nature by joining a Mindful Walk around the campus Pond and through the Learning Garden outside EME. Led by Dr. Karen Ragoonaden, Director, Centre for Mindful Engagement and Dr. Margaret Macintyre Latta, Interim Director of the Okanagan School of Education, the walk is a great way to relax after a long flight or drive or amidst other Homecoming festivities.
Education alumni will have the chance to discuss their craft with two lifelong educators and current faculty members. But you don’t have to be an educator to take part—all are welcome and encouraged to join!
Free event, but registration is required.
School of Nursing Lab Tour
11 a.m.–1 p.m.
2nd Floor, CCS (Creative and Critical Studies Building)
Alumni and community members are welcome to attend and see the School of Nursing simulation lab.
Free admission; walk-ins welcome but registration appreciated.
School of Social Work Mental Health Clinic—Family Fun Event
11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Interprofessional Clinic, ASC 167
Free admission; walk-ins welcome but registration appreciated.
School of Health & Exercise Sciences Lab Tours
11 a.m.–1 p.m.
ASC 163
Alumni and community members are welcome to come and see a demonstration on how the brain and spinal cord control balance and voluntary movements.
Free admission; walk-ins welcome but registration appreciated.
Engineering Extravaganza
11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Lower Level, EME (Engineering, Management and Education Building)
Fun for all ages! A bouncy castle with children’s activities provided by Geering Up UBC Engineering & Science for Kids. A trebuchet competition for children, teens and adults.
Complimentary food truck service.
Free admission, but registration required to reserve up to two $10 food truck vouchers.
Element of Discovery
11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Fipke Building Foyer and FIP 121
Join UBC Okanagan Chemistry Outreach ambassadors—Chembassadors—to discover the chemical elements of our world. Explore chemical phenomena with fun hands-on activities, visit research and undergraduate laboratories, and discuss the importance of chemistry in our everyday lives.
Come by for explosions of fun, prizes and liquid nitrogen ice cream. No chemistry experience required! This event is targeted at both the young, and young at heart.
Free admission, but registration required.
Campus Tours
Various times starting at 1 p.m.
Leaving from University Centre
UBCO is your home-away-from home, so if you want to wander campus to reminisce and delight in the many changes, go for it! If you want a guided tour, our guides are standing by to help you enjoy the many great things about UBC Okanagan.
Rumour has it that we have at least one very special tour guide…Professor Santa J. Ono, UBC’s President and Vice-Chancellor!
Free. See Schedule a Tour below for details.
Men’s Soccer Match: UBC Heat vs. UBC Thunderbirds
1–3 p.m.
Nonis Sports Field
Catch the action as UBC’s two men’s soccer teams go head-to-head.
Free admission.
UBC Okanagan Eco Tour
1–2 p.m.
Meet in the Science Building Foyer
Enjoy an eco tour around campus with tour guides Blythe Nilson and Robert Lalonde from the Department of Biology—and don’t forget to check out the Birds of UBC Okanagan fundraising calendar.
Tour is free, but registration is requested.
The Great UBC Okanagan Scavenger Race
3–6 p.m.
Stone Circle (east of EME & Transit Exchange)
With special guest Jon Montgomery, host of Amazing Race Canada
Think you know the Okanagan campus? Love some friendly competition? How about great prizes? Sign up a team of 4 and be inspired by Olympic champion Jon Montgomery before you set a course through a series of challenges and clues. Students and alumni are welcome. Teams that include both are encouraged!
Following the race, we’ll celebrate with food, drink and prizes. Check back for prize updates and race rules.
Registration Fee: $20 +GST per team. Only the team captain needs to register.
Nourish
6–9 p.m.
6 p.m. Presentation in ASC 140, Arts & Sciences Building
7 p.m. Reception in Richard S. Hallisey Atrium, EME (Engineering, Management and Education Building)
Make your Homecoming unforgettable by joining Canadian Olympic champion Jon Montgomery for his inspiring talk at 6 p.m. Then stay for a 7 p.m. harvest reception of lush samplings from local chefs, wineries, craft breweries and cideries.
Featured chefs include: Mark Filatow (Waterfront Wines and Catering), Jeremy Luypen (Summerhill), Darren Kashen (Craft Beer Market) and Sandrine Martin-Raffault (Sandrine French Pastry and Chocolate). Check back for more updates on chefs, wineries and breweries.
This is a 19+ event (no minors).
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
Complete just one registration form for Homecoming 2018, and choose your events. Fees apply for some events.
Rediscover UBCO
Reflect on the Past
UBC’s Okanagan campus has seen tremendous growth and change since opening its doors to 3,500 students in 2005.
Take a look back at campus milestones: building booms, innovative research accomplishments and events that put campus on the world-stage while connecting UBCO to the local community.
Our Campus Today
Volunteer
Want to be part of the action at Homecoming 2018? Join our volunteer team as a promoter or organizer, or help out at guest services or events.
Plan Your Visit
Book travel
Find a place
Accommodations
Homecoming Hotels
We’ve partnered with the following hotels to give you a preferred rate:
Get to campus
Resources for Arriving
Parking
- Register for Homecoming and receive a campus parking pass, courtesy of Kelowna Nissan.
- UBCO Parking
Schedule a tour
Register for Homecoming to reserve space in a specialty tour:
- Art Collection Tour
- Natural Environment Tour
- Tour led by Professor Santa J. Ono
Or attend a walk-up tour at 3:30 p.m. led by one of our amazing students.
Show your pride
Show Your Blue and Gold Pride!
Visit the Bookstore in the Administration Building (ADM 110C) and get suited up in UBC gear.
Check back for merchandise deals during Homecoming weekend.
Tell a friend
Invite Classmates
Don’t forget to tell your people about Homecoming—text, message, maybe even place a call!
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Questions?
Contact our helpful Alumni team with all your Homecoming questions. Email us: ok.alumni@ubc.ca
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Thank you to our Partners and Sponsors
Photo Credits:
- Okanagan Valley photo courtesy of Destination BC Photo/Andrew Strain
- Bluebird photo courtesy of Ian Walker
