When you think about a university community, you may picture a campus of students walking to classes, faculty members giving lectures and researchers crunching data in a lab. This is certainly part of a university community, but it doesn’t give you the entire picture. Our communities include passionate alumni, forward-thinking industry partners, and generous supporters — whose connections span across borders, countries and continents.
On November 23, I was reminded just how far a university’s community can reach at an all-day session for leaders in alumni relations. Hosted by Manulife, an affinity partner to the University of Waterloo and many other Canadian institutions, the event gave me the opportunity to connect with peers and see how their post-secondary communities operate. It was inspiring to see the wealth of different university cultures present from our Canadian institutions, and I picked up some new ideas to enhance support and engagement for UWaterloo’s global network.
The first week in December was spent celebrating parts of that global network, with a trip to visit alumni and supporters in Hong Kong. With hundreds of alumni, donors, co-op and exchange students, the UWaterloo community in Hong Kong is integral to the University's success on a global scale. Throughout the week, I and other University leaders, including the deans of Science, Math and Health, were delighted to meet with a variety of passionate and talented alumni working in Hong Kong’s business, health and technology sectors. Speaking with each of them, I was struck by just how influential UWaterloo’s bold culture can be. On campus, it inspires students to take risks and try new things. Years after they graduate, they carry that same mentality into their work, infusing it into the world.
While in Hong Kong, I was also honoured to witness a milestone moment for Waterloo researchers at the Centre for Eye and Vision Research, who signed an agreement with global health investment firm DEFTA Partners. Together, they will forge new relationships between researchers and Japanese corporations to enhance the commercialization and impact of new eye and vision technologies. Global partnerships like this one create vital connections that could change the future.
Of course, UWaterloo’s community also includes generous supporters, who volunteer their time and provide vital financial resources, and are tied to the University through a belief that we can build a better future — for students on our campus, for faculty uncovering new innovations and for the world at large. At this time of year, the generosity of these supporters is top of mind. On Giving Tuesday (November 28), they answered our call and helped the University raise more than $700,000 toward student programs, new facilities and community programs. More than 1,600 donors gave to the campaign, from all across the globe. Thank you, to each of you. Your support makes a real difference!
As 2023 comes to a close, we have a lot to celebrate. The UWaterloo community achieved so much this year, forming new traditions, implementing new programs and building new solutions for our changing world. Whatever corner of the globe you call home, thanks for being part of it with us. I hope you take time to reflect and celebrate your achievements as we look forward to a new year.
Nenone Donaldson
Vice-President, Advancement