Teachers’ Day is on the 1st September - but this day took an additional meaning for some people from School of Computing in 2007. A group of alumni, staff and students from the School of Computing had made this day CISAA’s 4th HomeComing event.

On this bright sunny day, the alumni first gathered at Block S16, the site of the old School of Computing. During registration a video treat was presented to the early birds with snippets of past events.

The day started with a Treasure Hunt which took the Alumni around the campus to find treasures. Due to the relocation of the School of Computing premise, she had now been placed at Law Link where the Faculty of Law used to be. The hunt helped the alumni to recall memories of the then S16 home of Computing before making their way to the new premises on foot. The participants were divided into 4 groups, facilitated by ‘tour guides’ who led the way to the final treasure, the newly refurbished Block COM1.

Along the way, the alumni walked past various new installations and establishments, including the University Hall, the Alumni House and even the Munchie Monkey’s at Yusof Ishak House. Along the treasure hunt, the participants took part in various activities and noted down interesting points of interest. At the same time, the participants accumulated the “treasure stickers” and completed a fun quiz for the lucky draw.

One of the most memorable activity was definitely the encounter with the “Oracle Lady” at the park behind Central Forum - also more fondly known as the “Lovers’ Park”. Before giving out the pass-code, she tasked all the participants to count the number of ‘bugs’, which were made by colorfully drawn insects placed within the park.

Eventually, after the 2 hours of walking, talking and activity under the beautiful weather, the alumni arrived at their destination of the treasure. The alumni were impressed with how the facilities were set up at COM1. While some of the alumni could not help but feel envious of the current facilities, all of them found joy that things were going well for the school and their junior schoolmen and the juniors to come.

As the alumni settled down in the new Seminar Room, they were treated to a poster display of memories of 23 years of history. Vice-Dean, Professor Khoo Siau Cheng welcome the alumni presented the latest happenings at the alma mater and shared some insights on the plans in the near future.

As the adults took a listening ear to the presentations, in an adjacent room, the organizers had provided a “Kiddies’ Room” for their children. There were shaped-balloons by the all-time favourite “Balloon Man”, helping out the third time consecutively for HomeComing. The kids were treated to a series of cartoons screened on the big screen as well as episodes of “Powerpuff Girls” and “Barney and Friends”. Sounds of screaming with shrill and laughter of joy, I rest my case. The children were more entertained on this teachers’ day.

Being part of the National University of Singapore, there would be some part of the culture heavily influenced by the Singaporean flavor. One national pastime is appreciation of food. Food … Glorious Food! How it is possible not have a good meal and catch up with old time mentors and friends whom the alumni have not seen for a while. The alumni did precisely that.

They were treated to a sumptuous spread. Various academic staff also returned on this day to catch up with the developments of their past students. Almost every lunchtime conversation was that which reminiscences the old times and spoke the joy of reunion.

During his speech, Mr Oliver Tian called upon the alumni to make a wish for the School of Computing: “What do you want to see next year when you come Home to the alma mater?”

All wishes were collected and the time capsule was planted for 365 days. Mr Tian also informed the alumni that the alumni association would be initiating a project to accumulate memorable collection of the past for a heritage display at the School. All alumni were urged to contribute generously for this special project.

No one walked home empty handed that day. While every alumnus would have got a goodie-bag sponsored by School of Computing and Office of Alumni Relations, some lucky winners got to take home more with their prizes from the lucky draw.

All in all, Homecoming 2007 was more than just a Teachers’ Day. It not only commemorated the gratitude for the academic staff, but also rekindled old friendships and reminded the alumni of their learning days in their alma mater. Mostly importantly, it celebrated the membership within the School of Computing family.

Looking forward to see all of you at Homecoming 2008!