June saw important milestones for our University community, including a very special Convocation week and a range of events to mark Pride and National Indigenous History Months. It was also an important month for conversations about inclusion and freedom of expression as we marked the one-year anniversary of the hate-motivated attack at Hagey Hall. As we continue to engage in conversations about how to foster inclusion and well-being across our campuses, I want to recognize the alumni and partners whose support enables our researchers and students to improve our world.
More than 1,000 alumni returned to the University last month for Reunion, reliving memories and strengthening friendships at more than 30 events across our campuses. In celebration of their reunion, alumni donated more than $10,000 to a wide range of funds while also funding class gifts to support initiatives distinct to their cohort. I truly appreciate the time and care these alumni took to connect with the University and each other, and to support the talented students who follow in their footsteps as Waterloo Warriors.
Shortly after these proud graduates came to visit, we watched our alumni community grow to more than 250,000 Warriors at our Convocation ceremonies. We also welcomed nine new honourary doctorates including paralympic athlete and advocate Rick Hansen, who received this distinction from the Faculty of Health. While he was visiting campus, Dr. Hansen delivered the 2024 Hallman Lecture on “building an inclusive and healthy world without barriers.” His talk was a wonderful reminder of our individual strengths, and the feats we can achieve when we work together towards a common goal. (The lecture was also a terrific example of the impact of giving, as the series was created through an endowed gift from the late Lyle S. Hallman – another honourary Waterloo alum – and his late wife, Wendy.)
Across the street from the Faculty of Health, the School of Optometry and Vision Science broke ground on the Waterloo Eye Institute (WEI) on June 7. Alumni and donors are playing a vital role in creating this new facility (as donors and volunteers!) which will bring essential vision care to our region and communities across Canada. I’m excited to witness the impact of the WEI, and the extraordinary partners who made it a reality.
These activities are shining examples of Waterloo’s new institutional values. I had the privilege of serving on the Advisory Group for this initiative, and I’m pleased that the results so clearly highlight the defining strengths of our University:
We think differently. We act with purpose. We work together.
To all the Warriors and Waterloo champions who live these values, thank you for your leadership. Your contributions enable us to create a future where everyone can thrive.