It was a day of nostalgia and reconnecting on campus as the Class of 1982 gathered for their 40th reunion. From re-living memories to creating new ones, alumni from all corners of Canada and the world came together and bonded over their shared passion for sport, education and their time spent as undergraduates in the then Bachelor of Physical and Health Education program.
The day was filled with stimulating activities, including tours of the U of T's state-of-the-art facilities, a chance to watch the #1 nationally ranked women’s hockey team in action and dinner at the famous Duke of York pub in the evening. The highlight of the event was the opportunity for them to reconnect and reminisce about their days as students. Professor Gretchen Kerr, dean of the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, a member of the Class of 8T2, was also in attendance.
"The 40th reunion was a special occasion to catch up and learn about the advancements of our Faculty and tour the modern facilities," said Kerr. "Over the years, KPE has made significant strides in providing an exceptional learning experience for students, and it was an honour to share this with my fellow alumni."
Another alumnus in attendance, Peter Baxter, reflected on his time as a student and spoke about how the Faculty provided a unique opportunity to translate his love for sports, recreation and meditative art into platforms for serving and connecting with others. He also highlighted the importance of student leadership and the Faculty's mission to instill empathy and compassion in its students.
Baxter also spoke about the impact of alumni, including Kerr, and how their successes in areas like women's sports can inspire and impact many others. Kerr also reflected on the accomplishments of her fellow alumni, highlighting the diverse range of careers that the class has undertaken. "From teaching to entrepreneurship to coaching, we have all pursued different career paths, yet we still hold onto the fond memories and common threads that unite us," said Kerr.
In addition to reminiscing about their cherished memories, the Class of 8T2 also announced the creation of the Inclusive Excellence Scholarship to support future KPE students. "This scholarship is a way for us to level the playing field for students from diverse backgrounds, and to reduce barriers and expand access for students,” said Kerr.
Baxter went on to say, "The Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education played a significant role in shaping our lives, and we want to give back by ensuring that future generations of students can experience the same benefits we did.”
The 40th reunion was a celebration of the lifelong bond shared by the Class of 8T2. This event was not just a reunion but a testament to the enduring power of the KPE community and the profound impact individuals can make when they come together.
To inquire about the creating a scholarship for your graduation year, please contact Tania Donald at tania.donald@utoronto.ca