Much has been said about the University of Waterloo’s bold culture. We are creative, collaborative and courageous enough to tackle big challenges — even at the risk of failing.
What makes this culture possible? There is one element we don’t speak about enough: support. In the Waterloo community, we don’t just pursue our own ideas, we actively support others’ ideas and experiences as well. In the fall months, a time of transition for everyone, our community steps up to provide help.
One of the largest transitions that takes place each fall is convocation. On October 20 and 21, staff, faculty and alumni will rally around new graduates to celebrate a remarkable milestone and support them as they enter a new chapter. Off campus, our global network of volunteers is ready to make new connections with young graduates, providing multiple programs and events in the coming months.
The support doesn’t end with new grads. This month, I look forward to visiting Miami, where I will host a special event for alumni tech leaders and founders in the area. The event will feature a roundtable discussion about technology, entrepreneurship and venture capital, and I am eager to hear the knowledge alumni share. Events like this one remind me just how important it is to foster a global community, where people can make connections that offer professional and personal support.
Closer to home, preparations are well underway for the Tech Horizons Executive Forum, hosted by WatSPEED, Waterloo’s innovative provider of professional education and executive programs. Today, more than ever, businesses need to leverage disruptive technology to stay ahead. With keynote speakers like Sam Altman (DEng ’17), CEO of Open AI, we are pleased to bring innovative insights from our university community to Canadian business leaders.
On campus, October also marks Waterloo’s annual fundraising campaign for the United Way Waterloo Region Communities — just one of the many ways we assist our neighbours. Throughout the month, staff, faculty and students participate in various events and programs that will support nearly 130 agencies and charities. I’m pleased to say the Office of Advancement has a number of champions for this campaign, raising funds through team-building events and programs that will support our external community and I am proud to be a donor personally as well.
As I reflect on all the happenings this month, I cannot help but feel gratitude toward those who make our supportive community, and bold endeavours, possible. Staff, faculty, alumni, volunteers, donors and students — thank you for backing each other to create the supportive culture we have at Waterloo.
Nenone Donaldson
Vice-President, Advancement