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Supporting current athletes. It’s the main goal of the Vikes alumni community. When UVic hosted the 2015 Canadian Interuniversity Sport Women’s Field Hockey Championship, alumni took the opportunity to reconnect and rally together to support the team.

Organizers received a $1,000 grant from the UVic Alumni Association—funded through alumni contributions to the Alumni Fund—to help cover the costs of a Women’s Field Hockey Alumni & Friends Dinner. On the eve of the championship finals between UVic and UBC, three decades of past Vikes and Victorial College alumni got together at Uplands Golf Club.

The dinner was covered through the alumni grant and from ticket sales, which meant the alumni gathered there could focus on raising money for the future of the program through a raffle and other activities.

During the evening, every alumni athlete was called up to sign a poster, which is now on display in the team room in the UVic Centre for Athletics, Recreation and Special Abilities (CARSA).

The dinner also recognized the distinguished career of coach Lynne Beecroft, MEd ’94, who was later named CIS Coach of the Year at the tournament.

The next day the attendees were out in force to cheer on the Vikes squad.

In a tight game, the Vikes lost in a shoot-out against UBC, but finished as Canada West Champions and won many other awards.

Ali (Lee) Baggott, the Alumni Chapter Chair for the Women’s Field Hockey, said: "The Vikes women's field hockey program is so grateful for everyone that continues to support us. Our events are centred around engagement and motivation for the current Vikes squad the night before they headed into their championship match.

"We were able to reconnect with lost alumni, share memories and bring over 100 alumni 'home' to cheer on the Vikes. Without alumni donors these moments would not be possible and we would not be able to continue supporting the incredible dynasty that is Vikes women's field hockey."

You can help alumni groups reconnect and support current athletes with your contribution to the UVic Alumni Fund.