News about UWO --- Thousands 'ride the tide of purple pride' at UWO

By FRANCES WILLICK. Sun, October 5, 2008

Purple hoodies, purple socks and purple shirts are de rigueur on the University of Western Ontario's campus this weekend. But there are more grey hairs peeping out of the purple UWO sweaters than usual.

Alumnus Ken Arthur's white hair stood out among the crowd yesterday as he watched the Homecoming parade wend its way through Western's main gates back onto campus.
"You'd never know it, but his nickname used to be 'Red,'" said Eileen, Arthur's wife. "He used to have bright red hair."

Arthur graduated with a business degree from Western in 1958 and worked as a financial analyst, travelling to Malaysia, Costa Rica and northern Africa for his work.

"Western gave me a stepping stone to do something I could never have done otherwise," he said.
The Arthurs travelled from their home in Cornwall to take part in Homecoming activities, stroll around the campus and reconnect with old friends.

The last time Arthur saw some of them was in 1998 when he returned for his first Homecoming.
When he sees the young faces of current students, Arthur said, "I wish I was that age again with the same knowledge I have now."

About 15,000 alumni are expected to take part in "Ride the tide of purple pride," the theme of this year's celebrations.

Some students say Homecoming weekend motivates them to work harder at their studies.
Sara Lord is a third-year nursing student and is also a member of the university's cheerleading squad. "I love seeing the alumni," she said. "I'm at school so I can make something of my life. Alumni are very encouraging. They give you inspiration."

The Homecoming parade and football game were not the only attractions on campus this weekend.

For alumni wanting to hit the books during their visit, the faculty of arts and humanities offered classes yesterday morning, including instruction on how to say the 20 most common Spanish phrases.

Alumni from 1958 and earlier were invited to a golden anniversary dinner last night.

Today's activities include a golf event in Komoka and a garden reception at the university president's home for graduates celebrating reunion years.