Over a warm fall weekend from September 27 to 29, 2024, alumni, faculty and staff members of the Faculty of Medicine at uOttawa gathered for exciting Homecoming festivities filled with reconnections and celebrations. This annual reunion is an opportunity not only to visit with old friends and colleagues, but also to measure the progress made, both personally and collectively.
Once again this year the strength of the ties that unite the Faculty community were on full display. Friday's opening night set the tone, with a reception celebrating the outstanding achievements of our graduates. Dean Bernard Jasmin opened the event with words of pride and gratitude for the entire alumni community.
"The Faculty of Medicine at uOttawa is a family," said Dean Jasmin, "and each member of this family has played a key role in our success. Thanks to you, our impact on society and medicine continues to grow."
The presentation of the Alumni Awards of Distinction was one of the highlights of the evening. These awards honour individuals whose contributions to medicine and the communities they serve are remarkable. Their journeys inspire not only their peers, but future generations of healthcare professionals.
"I went to medical school in India, but I did my master's degree in epidemiology here," says Dr. Venk (MSc 2009), who brought his eight-week-old daughter Sofia with him to receive the Exceptional Leadership Award. "Ottawa is my home. The University of Ottawa is my home. So it's very nice to be recognized here.”
The evening’s warm atmosphere continued with participants sharing a meal together. "I came to see my friends again," says Dr. Olivier Gauthier-Kwan (MD’2014) "some of whom I haven't seen for 10 years."
"I was very keen at class meetings, we were a very close group. Our first meeting took place in 1974, then we saw each other every five years. We even went on cruises together," says Dr. Richard Lafleur (MD’1964). "It gives me great pleasure to be here. We are always very well received by the Faculty. I am proud to be an alumni of the University of Ottawa."
On Saturday, graduating classes held individual reunions, offering a valuable chance to reconnect directly with longtime friends. Classes met in different locations across the National Capital Region, enjoying exceptional weather amidst a mild second summer in the region and fall colours beginning to spread. The class of 2004 celebrated their reunion with a reception at Villa Marconi, where they were treated to a special commemorative cake. Members of the class of 1964 gathered at the Sterling restaurant to mark their 60-year milestone, while the class of 1974 chose the Canal Ritz for their 50-year reunion festivities. Additionally, some alumni from the class of 1974 took part in the Life on Campus tour held on the main campus, providing them with a nostalgic glimpse of how their alma mater has evolved over the past five decades.
Sunday morning was dedicated to the traditional alumni brunch. This event was a special opportunity to celebrate the achievements of Faculty graduates and highlight milestone anniversaries. While special attention was given to the 40, 50 and 60-year anniversaries of the classes of 1984, 1974 and 1964, all milestone anniversaries were celebrated, including those marking just 5 years since graduation. Alumni celebrating anniversaries in 5-year increments received certificates to commemorate their achievements. Additionally, the classes of 1984, 1979, 1974, and 1964 were honored with special recognition pins, further distinguishing their long-standing connection to the Faculty.
Between lively conversations and warm hugs, attendees took a moment to honour the faculty's commitment to innovation in medical education and research. "Our faculty continues to stand out for its advances," Dean Bernard Jasmin told the crowd, "particularly with the construction of the Advanced Medical Research Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that will foster collaboration and accelerate medical discoveries." He also noted the recent creation of the Master of Science in Clinical Science and Translational Medicine—a first in Canada—and encouraged everyone to enjoy this moment of celebration and sharing.
Homecoming 2024 didn't just celebrate the accomplishments of the past. The event highlighted the commitment of our community, emphasizing the spirit of camaraderie and collaboration that endures well beyond learners’ years of study.
This spirit is reflected in real gestures of support and solidarity, like the mobilization of the class of 1964 for the benefit of the students of the Faculty of Medicine who followed them. "When we were all in the workplace, we started contributing," recalls Dr. Richard Lafleur (MD’1964). "We wanted to contribute to the University of Ottawa because we were happy with what the university had given us, that it had allowed us to study medicine, and we wanted to help young people financially."
Whether through the Faculty's innovative initiatives, advances in education and research, or the invaluable contributions of its alumni, this homecoming was a reminder that the Faculty of Medicine at uOttawa is more than an institution: it is a family—a family whose members, regardless of where they live around the world (some guests came from the Philippines, the USA and across Canada), continue to work together for a better future.
Find the 2024 homecoming weekend in photos.
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