Message from Western Mustangs Athletic Alumni President, Pat Kitchen

By Patricia Kitchen

Western Ring Ceremony pre-event photos and photo of the rings distributed at the ceremony. Courtesy of Sports and Recreation

We are well into spring and the Western 2023-24 academic term has come to an end.

In early April, I joined other Western Mustangs Athletic Alumni (WMAA) colleagues to participate in the Western Ring Ceremony, welcoming the graduating athletes into the alumni community. It was wonderful to hear how meaningful their student-athlete experiences were – a sentiment we can all relate to! We were happy to tell them they can stay engaged as alumni. Once a Mustang, always a Mustang!

Over the season, we celebrated the John P Metras Museum during basketball and volleyball games and alumni events. It was great to see alumni, athletes and their families enjoy the memorabilia. Check out the museum website to read about our history and see if you can find your team photo!

Much of our focus this year has been on revitalizing our strategic plan. With input from our board, committee members and stakeholders, we have developed a plan with three pillars: Connections, Support and Recognition.

We will be reviewing the strategic plan at our Annual General Meeting (AGM). I invite you to attend the WMAA virtual AGM on Monday, June 17, 2024 to hear more and to review committee annual reports, thank outgoing board members and welcome new board members. Our signature event, the Western Mustangs Sports Hall of Fame is fast approaching. Mark  Friday, September 27, during Homecoming in your calendars.

In this issue of the Scoop:

• Read Christine Stapleton’s recap of the Western athletics season, highlighting championship wins, academic and community achievements of student-athletes.

• Read an article by Tamra Walji, BSc'96, and Amy Samson about the Mustangs double gold in OUA track & field

• Explore the history and upcoming 50-year reunion of the 1974 Vanier Cup Football team.

• Learn about the connection between Father David Bauer, hockey player, builder and hockey pioneer, and Bill L’Heureux, a Western Mustangs Hall of Famer.

• Reminisce about Western songs with Reid Schneider, BESc’19, Western Mustangs Marching Band alum.

• Hear from student leader Ella St. Martin about the work of the Mustangs Athletes Student Council

• Enjoy Did you Know, a new regular column which profiles extraordinary alumni!

I wish you a great summer filled with rest and relaxation.