This week, I have the privilege of participating in our 128th Convocation, where we will welcome a new cohort of Waterloo Warriors to the Alumni Club. These proud graduates will join more than 246,000 Waterloo alumni worldwide, serving as ambassadors for our institution and showcasing the incredible talent that exists within our University community. I’m extremely proud of Waterloo students and alumni and the important contributions they make to the world – contributions like genetic studies of cerebral palsy, nanosized water treatment technology and new approaches to the evolving needs of people in mid-life and retirement. As this week’s graduates embark on new academic programs, careers and ventures, I know we will have exciting opportunities to celebrate similar successes.
Our ceremonies this week will be bittersweet as we say farewell and thank you to our 11th chancellor, Dominic Barton, who concludes his tenure at the University. Last month, I reflected on Dominic’s many contributions to Waterloo. The impact of his leadership will be felt for years to come, and we look forward to continuing our work with him as a donor and champion of our University.
Celebrating Convocation offers a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the diverse strengths of our University community. Students come to Waterloo from across Canada and around the world to learn from top faculty and pursue bold new ideas. Together, our University community equips these future leaders with the deep knowledge and real-world experiences that empower them to solve complex problems. Enhancing these strengths are the life-long connections students build with one another as Waterloo Warriors. Through their shared challenges and achievements, they recognize their ability to improve life for each other, their communities and the Waterloo students who follow in their footsteps. Because that’s what Warriors do – they fight for a better future.
I was reminded of the strength of this connection on Monday, June 3, when our campus community gathered to re-raise the Intersex-Inclusive Progress flag and the Two-Spirit Pride flag in honour of Pride Month and National Indigenous History Month. It has been nearly one year since the hate-motivated attack that occurred during a gender studies class at Hagey Hall. Many members of our community are still healing from that day, and we will continue to support one another as we promote inclusion on our campuses. Coming together for the flag-raising reaffirmed our commitment to build a community where everyone can thrive. As an institution that is renowned for its positive impact on the world, it’s not only our prerogative, but also our responsibility – to ourselves and to Warriors for generations to come.
Nenone Donaldson
Vice-President, Advancement