Carleton University’s Throwback 2025 brought more than 10,000 alumni and community members back to campus – not only to enjoy a weekend of events, but to celebrate what makes Carleton unique: its tradition of innovation, strong alumni connections and vibrant community spirit.
“Throwback marks one of the most exciting times of the year as it celebrates our shared pride, our traditions, and the connections that link our diverse community across generations,” says Hillary Rose, director of Advancement Communications and Alumni Engagement. “It’s a celebration of Carleton in its entirety – our past, our future and the people who connect it all.”
Throwback Events Open to All
Throwback balanced beloved traditions with new experiences, underscoring Carleton’s role as both a university rooted in history and one shaping the future.
The weekend kicked off with the women’s basketball sweep of their fall invitational tournament, shining a spotlight on one of the university’s most successful varsity programs. Carleton’s women’s team – one of the top-ranked teams in Canada – continues to inspire pride among alumni and fans, embodying the strength, discipline and spirit that define the Carleton Raven’s community.
Carleton President Wisdom Tettey and Andrew Abraham at the 56th Panda Game. (Morgan Nordskog Photography)
The always-popular Biology Butterfly Show drew hundreds of visitors to the Nesbit Greenhouse, where more than 1,000 exotic butterflies filled the air in a dazzling display of biodiversity. Carleton’s award-winning STEM outreach program Virtual Ventures, invited alumni families to an interactive engineering workshop led by current Carleton students. For many, it was a reminder that Carleton continues to prepare the next generation of innovators while sparking curiosity in young learners.
Carleton student Amy Bachhuber at the 26th annual Biology Butterfly Show.
The Carleton University Art Gallery highlighted the university’s role as a hub of arts and culture with Ties that Guide – a conversation by Indigenous curators on intergenerational practices in curation. It was followed by a tour of Runs in the Family, an exhibition showcasing the work of artists from Inuit, Flatland and Anishinaabeg communities.
“These celebrations truly capture the spirit of community,” says Rose. “They featured beloved campus traditions while building exciting new ones. Whether you’re an alum, parent, donor, sports fan or community member, Throwback offers something for everyone to enjoy – and a chance to strengthen our connections to Carleton.”
Building Connections Across Generations
Events throughout the weekend also underscored the strength of Carleton’s alumni network. The Economics Alumni Chapter and Department of Economics hosted their annual reception with a keynote presentation by esteemed economist Christina Caron, while the Parents Breakfast in MacOdrum Library offered families an inside look at the library’s history, and upcoming initiatives made possible through philanthropic support.
Alumni gather for a photo at the Pancaker Breakfast event. (Morgan Nordskog Photography)
A cornerstone of any homecoming celebration, class reunions brought graduates together from across the decades. The Engineering Class of 2000 hosted its 25th anniversary reunion, while volunteer alumni organized reunions for the Bachelor of Architecture classes of 1979 to 1982.
To stay in the loop for information on future reunions and news, alumni can keep their contact information up to date.
Celebrating Community: Pancakes and Panda Game
Throwback closed on a high note with the Panda Game – the epic annual event showcasing the biggest rivalry in Canadian university football.
The excitement began with the inaugural Pancaker Breakfast in the hours leading up to the game. Alumni gathered at Craft Beer Market to reconnect and recharge over a meal of pancakes, bacon, sausage and eggs.
Carleton student Raquel Steele Saunders. (Morgan Nordskog Photography)
“The Panda Game is always a highlight of Throwback and a great way to celebrate our Carleton community by coming together to cheer on the Ravens,” says Roberta Kramchynsky (BPAPM/06), vice-president of the Carleton University Alumni Association. “The Pancaker Breakfast was an excellent kick-off for the day, and an opportunity connect with Carleton alumni before the game.”
The indomitable Ravens spirit was on full display that afternoon as the football team overcame early and late-game challenges by the Gee-Gees to secure a thrilling 20-14 victory – returning the Pedro the panda trophy to the Carleton community.
Carleton’s Enduring Legacy
With the close of Throwback 2025, one theme was clear: Carleton is more than a university – it is a community of changemakers, scholars, athletes, artist, leaders and lifelong Ravens.
The weekend’s celebrations highlighted Carleton’s enduring role as a hub of innovation and connection — reaffirming the university’s deep-rooted commitment to building a caring, inclusive community where everyone is welcome and can flourish. Reconnected and energized, Ravens of all walks of life look forward to the community’s unlimited potential.
