New Year’s Day Levee at UPEI a hit with revellers

Festive greetings and good wishes filled the air as guests were welcomed to the New Year’s Day Levee held by the University of Prince Edward Island and the UPEI Alumni Association on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, in the Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering building. 

The well-attended event saw over 400 levee-goers. Joining UPEI President Wendy Rodgers in the receiving line to greet attendees were the Hon. Diane Griffin, UPEI Chancellor; Sjors Reijers, Vice-President, UPEI Alumni Association; George Jiang, President, UPEI Student Union; and Dr. Ian Reade.
 

The use of the term "levée” (from French, noun use of infinitive lever, “rising”) for a reception dates back to mid-17th century France, during the reign of King Louis XIV. It was his custom to receive subjects just after rising in the morning. The idea of paying respect to government representatives at a levee spread throughout Europe, and then became associated with New Year's Day when the first recorded levee in Canada was held on January 1, 1646, by the Governor of New France (from Wikipedia). 

New Year's Day levees have continued to be a Canadian tradition, especially with the Canadian Armed Forces, as an occasion to exchange best wishes for the new year, renew old acquaintances, and meet new friends. While most provinces have levees hosted by representatives of the monarch, government, and military, Prince Edward Island takes the custom to a whole new level with many different types of organizations, including UPEI, holding receptions on New Year’s Day from early morning to late evening. UPEI has held its annual levee in a number of locations over the years—both on- and off-campus—but the current FSDE venue is a popular one with attendees because of the availability of parking, lots of space to mingle, no stairs to climb, and great food.