[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/vets-plaque.jpg” caption=”McMaster is preparing to welcome a number of Second World War veterans to campus this weekend. Photo by Matt Terry. “]Just as it did more than 60 years ago, McMaster is preparing to welcome a number of Second World War veterans to campus this weekend, though for dinner and dancing rather than classes.

As part of Alumni Weekend 2009 the McMaster Alumni Association has invited McMaster veterans, some of whom were a part of the special veterans-only session launched on campus in 1946, to dine, dance and reminisce about their time at the University. The celebration was conceived by McMaster grad and veteran Don Dawson ('49) who led the planning from his home in Hawaii.

“Don was the driving force behind this event and we are so grateful for his leadership, initiative and passion for his alma mater,” said Karen McQuigge, director of alumniadvancement.

The event will be hosted by Roger Trull, vice-president of university advancement, and will feature remarks by McMaster President Peter George, the president of the Canadian Army Signal Corps and other special guests. A commemorative oak tree and plaque will also be unveiled near Alumni Memorial Hall, which was erected through gifts from alumni and students of the McMaster men who gave their lives in World War I and II.

Initiated at the request of Veterans Affairs in Ottawa, the special session for veterans allowed those who had been unable to qualify in time for the first post-war university registration to continue the schooling they had left behind when war broke out. One hundred veterans, ten of whom were women, were admitted under the plan.

For more information on Alumni Weekend 2009, check out the McMaster Alumni Association.