Approximately 130 alumni, faculty, and staff members from the LIS programs - both past and present - gathered in the Grand Hall at Windermere Manor on April 3, 2008 to reconnect with each other and celebrate the 40th anniversary of LIS education at Western. 

Speakers at the event included Dr. Thomas Carmichael, current dean of the Faculty of Information and Media Studies; former dean and current LIS faculty member, Dr. Catherine Ross; and long-time staff members John Fracasso, Manager of FIMS Computing Services and an LIS alum, and Cindy Morrison, Graduate Programs Assistant. 

Many joking remarks were made about marking the passage of time by the various buildings occupied by the LIS programs over years.  Attendees spanned the range from those who spent time in our first home in the prefabricated building, those who studied and worked in Elborn College, those who joined us at Middlesex College, and our recent alumni and current students familiar with our current home in the North Campus Building.  There were even quite a few in attendance who have been with us through all of the moves! 

We wish to thank everyone who came out and made the reception such a fun event for all!

In June 2006, over 120 Library and Information Science graduates from Western gathered for a reception in Ottawa's trendy Byward Market area at the Honest Lawyer. Graduates from all decades attended, as well as current students of the LIS program. Alumni had the opportunity to mix and mingle in a fun and informal atmosphere after most spent the day at the CLA conference in Ottawa. Gloria Leckie, Acting Dean of FIMS, remarked that she was very pleased to see such a great turnout and to be able to catch up with the activities of various alums. "Everyone had a great time and it was obvious that all were enjoying the food and the chance to network with other alums and faculty from the LIS program," said Gloria.

Everyone had the chance to enter a free draw for a fabulous University of Western Ontario jacket, which was won by Gay Lepkey from Embrun, Ontario!  Congratulations Gay!

Attending from Western were the following people:

Gloria Leckie, Acting Dean 
Karen Boddy, Alumni & Development Officer
Grant Campbell, Associate Professor
Rosanne Greene, Manager, Graduate Student Services
Cathy Maskell, LIS Doctoral Alumna (2006)
Pam McKenzie, Associate Professor
Kirsti Nilsen, Adjunct Professor
Samuel Trosow, Associate Professor 
Margaret Ann Wilkinson, Professor

A wine and cheese reception for grads from our LIS program took place at the Crowne Plaza on June 23, 2003.  Attendance was an amazing 140 graduates, faculty and staff !  Many terms and locales were represented, from the Seventies, right up to recent grads, from Toronto to both coasts.  There was also a strong representation from our international alumni living in the US and beyond.

We want to thank everyone who came out and hope you keep in touch.