Our university community is always looking forward — to the next step in a solution, to a new application for technology, to a brighter future. Recently, I’ve been looking forward to an exciting year ahead.
We have a lot in store for 2024: institutional changes, new community members and lively festivities.
In June, Dominic Barton, the University’s 11th chancellor, will attend his final convocation ceremonies. In his six years (two terms) as UWaterloo’s chancellor, Dominic cultivated relationships, ignited collaborations and drew attention from the worldwide academic and business spheres — all enhancing our status as a leading global university. We’re also grateful for his support of UWaterloo’s work to advance the goals of the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action.
In February, the Hong Kong Alumni Chapter will celebrate Dominic at their annual gala. Alumni living across Asia are invited to celebrate his work in our university community and his influence on Canada-Asia relations.
On April 25, I look forward to joining leading researchers, business leaders and global experts at the Waterloo Innovation Summit in Toronto, followed by another very special celebration for Dominic, that evening, where we will honour his impact on UWaterloo and our country while raising funds for Indigenous Initiatives at the University, an area Dominic cares deeply about. Registration is now open and sponsorship opportunities are available!
As Dominic’s term ends, another will begin with three-time alum Jagdeep Singh Baccher (BASc ’93, MASc ’94, PhD ’00) taking the chancellor position. In many ways, Jagdeep exemplifies UWaterloo’s culture, with a strong spirit of curiosity, risk-taking and entrepreneurship. I look forward to seeing the accomplishments and innovations he puts forward in the role.
This spring, we’ll also welcome a new addition to our global alumni network, with the launch of our new Ottawa Alumni Chapter. With more than 230,000 alumni globally, UWaterloo has many active alumni groups located around the world. Each one offers unique events and programs, all led by volunteers. With a strong alumni base in Ottawa, we are thrilled to launch a chapter there and offer new opportunities for connection and learning among our community members. If you are in the area, I hope you’ll join us for the launch event on May 1.
As always, 2024 will be a busy year, and I can’t wait to see the new opportunities it will bring for UWaterloo. With support from our community, we have a lot to look forward to.
Nenone Donaldson
Vice-President, Advancement