In 2017, the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences (AHS) marked 50 years of setting a gold standard in academic and research leadership, protecting and promoting health and well-being.
From May 2017 to April 2018, we looked back as we celebrated Faculty and department anniversaries and looked forward to our continued efforts to improve quality of life for individuals, communities and populations, both in Canada and around the world.
50 years of global health innovation
Pioneers of a new health model
The Faculty as we know it began in 1967 when we founded the world’s first Department of Kinesiology. Our innovative, multi-disciplinary approach to health and well-being continued by establishing the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies (1968) and the Department of Health Studies and Gerontology (1978) which later became the School of Public Health and Health Systems (2011). Prevention of illness and injury and promotion of health and well-being to improve quality of life has been our focus from the beginning.
Pushing frontiers for impact
Today, while enjoying unprecedented growth and momentum, and during a new era of relationship building, we are pushing discipline frontiers to enhance the impact of our work on quality of life, health and well-being for individuals, communities and populations. Our approach accelerates the creation of applied, innovative solutions to complex health and well-being problems, and provides outstanding academic programming to those who will deliver these solutions to the world.
Prepared to expand our impact and create change
Our focus on impact means we are informed by and responsive to society’s needs. As we embark on our next 50 years, we are prepared to tackle the complex health and well-being issues of the future, and to train the next generation of health leaders to create meaningful change in the world. To do so, we are committed to strengthening partnerships, leveraging technology and increasing our international reach.
50th anniversary launch
On May 8, 2017, the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences (AHS) launched their 50th anniversary celebration with a lunch in the AHS Expansion Building and remarks on AHS’ past, present and future from Dean James W.E. Rush and past deans, Bob Norman and Roger Mannell.
The celebration was followed by a public lecture hosted by the School of Public Health and Health Systems featuring Honourable A. Anne McLellan, P.C., O.C., A.O.E. for a talk titled The legalization and regulation of cannabis – what does it all mean?.
We had a tremendous turn out for both events, with more than 120 faculty, staff, students and alumni at the opening celebration and 225 people at the Anne McLellan public lecture.
50th anniversary closing ceremony
Throughout 2017-2018, the Faculty celebrated 50 years of setting a gold standard in academic and research leadership that protects and promotes health and well-being.
On April 19, 2018, AHS faculty, staff and graduate students were invited for closing ceremony remarks including the reveal of plans for a commemorative redesign of the AHS courtyard. The event was followed by lunch and a farewell to Dean Jim Rush, who began his new appointment as University of Waterloo vice-president, academic and provost on July 1, 2018.
Events
To celebrate, the Faculty held 50th Anniversary events starting from May 2017 to April 2018.