Trinity Western University hosted its second-annual Homecoming event on September 21, 2024. It was a memorable and joyous occasion, as over 1,100 alumni, friends, and families returned to the Langley campus to enjoy a series of special events designed to celebrate and connect TWU alumni.
Honouring TWU Golden Circle graduates
A hearty Homecoming Kickoff Breakfast launched the weekend to a bright start, with many alumni and families sharing meals together under the fresh autumn sun. Alumni who graduated 50 or more years ago were especially welcomed to the university’s "Golden Circle," each receiving the inaugural Golden Circle medallion. Each year, the university will welcome a new graduating class into its Golden Circle.
“The event not only honours this University's legacy and ongoing vision but also reflects the best of who we are as a TWU community.”
What's new at TWU
After breakfast, a Campus Tour led by staff and student volunteers showed alumni “what’s new at TWU.” Recent capital projects include an outdoor amphitheatre, branded walkways, the Trinity Commons shared study and gathering space, upgraded Library and Learning Commons, the new four-storey Robert G. Kuhn Centre, remodeled DeVries Centre, and improved dormitory and dining facilities. The campus tour also brought back memories of long walks along McMillan Lake, ventures into the Ecosystem Study Area, affectionately known as the “back forty”, as well as conversations under the iconic bell tower and historic apple tree. Faculty members joined the campus tour as well, to reconnect with graduates and reminisce about old times.
...Alumni businesses owners were invited to connect with the community at the new Alumni Marketplace.
Alumni Praise Chapel
A mainstay of the TWU experience for many students is gathering at Chapel. That’s why Homecoming wouldn’t be complete without a Praise Chapel led by an Alumni Worship Team. Familiar chapel leaders from across 30 years, including Tim McCarthy (‘97, ‘06), Phil Vanderveen (‘96), Brittany Martin (‘17), and Robbie Down (‘24), led worship together, inviting alumni and friends to celebrate God’s goodness through songs and prayers.
"...It was beautiful to witness the reminiscing, reconnection, and celebration of our alma mater.”
Welcoming Alumni families
With so many alumni bringing their children with them to campus, Homecoming offered a number of exciting events for kids and teens as well. The Family Fun Fair & Lunch was everything you’d expect at an outdoor fair: inactive games, inflatables, animals, face painting, balloon twisting, and even—arcade games. An outdoor lunch was the perfect opportunity to reconnect with classmates, former professors, and staff. A display of graduation photos from TWU’s past graduating classes invited kids and parents alike to hunt for class photos of special people.
New Alumni Marketplace
In addition to family life, many alumni have launched their own businesses. Local alumni entrepreneurs and alumni businesses owners were invited to connect with the community at the new Alumni Marketplace. Alumni businesses, including Cushy Couch, Inbox Booths, Fit Ortho Studio, and Santas Little Helpers, showcased their services and products to the campus community.
Artistic legends
Another favourite memory for many alumni is the campus 11:07 Improv Comedy Show. Homecoming featured a special 11:07 Alumni Edition to entertain friends. Alumni improv legends including Julia Church (‘11), Dave Swan (‘95), and Andrew Bright (‘96). As the afternoon turned sunny, jubilant sounds echoed across campus from the award-winning MEI Screaming Eagles Marching Band. High school musicians entertained the crowd and drew people towards the David E. Enarson Gymnasium ahead of the Homecoming volleyball match.
It was an epic event for the whole family...
Spartans volleyball alumni showdown
The capstone Homecoming event was a Spartans alumni battle between former men's national champions, ranging from 2011–2017. The winning team then advanced to play against the current Spartans men's volleyball team, with the delightful outcome of a victory by the alumni team. It was an epic event for the whole family—full of excitement, incredible giveaways, prizes, and our inaugural alumni baby race!
"...TWU Homecoming “truly felt like ‘coming home’.”
Reflecting our best memories
“I am grateful to everyone who helped make Homecoming such a success,” Interim President and Provost Todd Martin remarked, “The event not only honours this University's legacy and ongoing vision but also reflects the best of who we are as a TWU community.”
Vice President of Alumni Engagement Clement Wee remarks that the best feedback he received was from several people who shared that TWU Homecoming “truly felt like ‘coming home’.”
Annual highlight
“Homecoming is one of my favourite days of the year!” Wee adds. “It was so special to see so many alumni return to TWU to reconnect with professors and classmates.” “Whether it was Trinity Junior College alumni from the 1960’s or recent 2024 graduates, it was beautiful to witness the reminiscing, reconnection, and celebration of our alma mater.”
We hope to many more alumni for the next Homecoming 2025. We invite you to connect with TWU Alumni.
About TWU Alumni
Whether you’re a recent graduate or one of TWU’s original alumni pioneers, you belong here. Our desire is to nurture an engaged and flourishing global community of alumni who are serving God and people in the various marketplaces of life. We invite you to stay connected, proudly represent TWU, and participate in the University’s vision to equip graduates for life. Learn more at TWU Alumni.
About Trinity Western University
Founded in 1962, Trinity Western University is a global Christian liberal arts university. We are dedicated to equipping students to discover meaningful connections between career, life, and the needs of the world. Drawing upon the riches of the Christian tradition, seeking to unite faith and reason through teaching and scholarship, Trinity Western University is a degree-granting research institution offering liberal arts and sciences as well as professional schools in business, nursing, education, human kinetics, graduate studies, and arts, media, and culture. It has campuses in Canada in Langley, Richmond, and Ottawa. Learn more at www.twu.ca or follow us on Instagram @trinitywestern, Twitter @TrinityWestern, on Facebook and LinkedIn. For media inquiries, please contact: media@twu.ca.