Celebrated on the first Thursday in March, Western Day is about being #PurpleAndProud as we celebrate the university’s founding in 1878. Join your fellow alumni, students, faculty and staff on March 2, 2023, as we acknowledge Western’s lasting legacy.


  • The 2023 gift offer is now sold out. Please check back in 2024.
  • WEAR purple to mark the occasion. Need new Western clothes? From February 27 – March 2, alumni save 18.78% on Western-branded clothing at The Book Store
  • DOWNLOAD the GooseChase app to play our virtual Western Day scavenger hunt

Thanks to our partners




Founded on March 7, 1878 by Bishop Isaac Hellmuth (1817–1901) of the Anglican Diocese of Huron, ‘The Western University of London Ontario’ opened its doors to students for the first time in 1881 with four faculties – Arts, Divinity, Law and Medicine. Learn more about Western’s history here.