“It was magical being back at Queen’s again.” That’s how Rich Lonstrup, Law’99, describes Homecoming 2019. Like 200 other grads, he returned to his alma mater on the weekend of September 20-22, basking in the summer sun – and in each other’s company. 

“In true Queen’s spirit, different generations of Queen’s Law alumni celebrated together as if we had known each other for years,” says Aaron Bains, Law’14, an associate with Aird & Berlis LLP in Toronto. “Being back on campus certainly brought with it the nostalgia of law school and the spirit of connecting with old and new friends on campus.”

For Law’89 returnees, their 30th anniversary reunion had a particularly special meaning. “Many of us made an extra effort to come back to Homecoming this year to support our classmate Mark Walters’ appointment as Dean,” says Tracy Kay, Law’89, a partner with Minden Gross LLP in Toronto. 

Steven Zakem, Law’89, former LSS President, agrees that’s a main reason for his class’s strong turnout. “When it was announced that Mark Walters was to be the next Dean of Queens Law, my classmates and I emailed each other expressing pride and excitement that one of us had achieved such a consequential leadership role at a great institution of higher learning,” says Zakem, managing partner of Aird & Berlis LLP in Toronto. 

“I can honestly say that no one was surprised Mark was selected as Dean. Even during law school, over 30 years ago, Mark exhibited many qualities that will make him a great Dean: intelligence, thoughtfulness, empathy, a self-deprecating sense of humor and a quiet confidence and determination, to name a few,” Zakem adds. “We know that Mark will lead Queen’s Law wisely and well and look forward to supporting him in any way we can.” 

Walters proved them right in hosting Homecoming 2019. 

The festivities kicked off with a get together at the Grad Club on the Friday evening. The next day, grads checked out the downtown Queen’s Law Clinics, and toured the home building of Queen’s Law. 

“As a clinic alumnus, I was very impressed by the look of the Bagot Street offices and by the clinic’s students and staff,” says Rich Lonstrup, now a Crown attorney with the Manitoba Prosecution Service. “The new (well, newer since 1999) look of the law school is amazing.”

“The changes to the school itself are wonderful,” agrees Jacqueline Armstrong Gates, Law’94, a partner with Gowling WLG in Kitchener. “I really enjoyed the front entrance, which showcased the wampum belts that pay tribute to Indigenous peoples. I loved the change in the library and the private rooms in the Learning Commons. I loved the open feel to the student lounge. Even the basement classrooms we used to call the ‘dungeons’ are brighter.”  

Armstrong Gates moderated and participated in a panel titled “Leverage Your Queen’s JD” with three of her Law’94 classmates grads –Daina Selvig, Katherine Tew Darras and Julie Watkinson. On their 25th anniversary, they shared with students and fellow alumni their paths to top positions in different types of careers. This panel will be featured in an upcoming story. 

For another highlight, Tracy Kay, says, “It was very special to be a ‘student’ again in Lecture Hall 001 – this time to hear Dean Mark Walters speak on ‘The State of the Faculty’ and the future of the law school.” Walters gave grads an update on the school’s expanding programs, faculty complement, research prominence and more. 

The Dean’s message was extremely informative,” says Armstrong Gates. “It confirmed for me that Queen’s Law continues to be a great place to study.”

Late on the Saturday afternoon, alumni reconnected with fellow grads from all years, as well as with faculty and staff in the school’s William R. Lederman Law Library. Afterward, alumni continued celebrating with their classmates at private dinners in Kingston’s finest venues. They following day, several of them teed off with students in the school’s charity golf tournament at the nearby Loyalist Golf & Country Club.  

All-in-all, the weekend was incredible,” says Armstrong Gates. “I continue to be proud of being a Queens Law grad.”   

Check out more photos and download them from our Homecoming 2019 photo gallery. Also, see photos of Law’69’s Reunion from September 13 to 15, when 25 classmates received their 50th anniversary medals.