February is Black History Month. At the University of Waterloo, this is a time to honour the achievements of Black innovators, including UWaterloo alumni, and to refresh our commitment to supporting emerging Black leaders.
Our University is working with our alumni, donors, partners — and most importantly, members of the Black community — to build an environment where Black students, staff, faculty and researchers can excel. Together, we are creating entrance scholarships that help students access post-secondary education and research fellowships that seek to address historical inequalities in academia and STEM. We are providing opportunities for Black entrepreneurs and promoting Black talent among our vast network of co-op employers. Across our campuses, groups like the Advancement Anti-racism Task Force seek to promote equity and inclusion through education and dialogue.
We still have a long way to go, but here at Canada’s innovation university, we know that by embracing diversity, we enrich the learning experience for everyone. When we encourage and support Black talent, we fuel solutions that address some of the world’s most pressing problems. An inclusive UWaterloo benefits not only our University community but society as a whole. It is a strategic investment in a brighter future for us all.
Nenone Donaldson
Vice-President, Advancement
University of Waterloo