Tom Fejes (BMath ’86) has been a monthly donor to the Waterloo Warriors Football program since 2002.
While not a former student-athlete himself, Tom became a dedicated donor after attending the football game in London that saw the Warriors defeat the Western Mustangs for their first Yates Cup victory in 1997. After witnessing the victory, Tom was impressed by the dedication of the student-athletes, and wanted to help alleviate the costs of running the football program anyway he could.
Now dedicated to supporting the Warriors each month, Tom sets an example that you don't have to be a former varsity student-athlete to be passionate about the Warriors varsity teams.
Advancement caught up with Tom to ask him more about his dedication to the Warriors and about his life after Waterloo.
Tom with his wife Susan
Can you tell us more about why it is important for you to support Warriors Football every year and why you stay connected to the University of Waterloo?
My interest in supporting the Warriors football team started when they turned the program around in 90’s and beat Western University, winning the Yates Cup. I was impressed at the complete revamp of the program and success of the team led by coach Tuffy Knight and I wanted to give back and support them anyway I could. I always wanted to give back to Waterloo however I could, and I felt like the Warriors football team would be a good way to do that.
Why do you think other alumni should stay connected and give back to the University of Waterloo either through their time, talent or donations?
For me, the University of Waterloo allowed me to have the successful career that I did. It started in my Math program which led me to amazing co-op placements at 3M Canada in Information Technology where I went on to work after graduation and just recently retired from. I wanted to give back to the place that allowed me to have the success I did in my life.
What impact are you hoping your support will have on the football team?
I hope that my contributions to the football program help to support recruiting and retaining top student-athletes, hiring exceptional coaches, purchasing new equipment and technology, and improving training facilities. My donations are to be used by the football coaching staff in the best way they deem to maintain and improve the current football program and to continue to provide the best student-athlete experience possible.
What is your fondest memory of your time at Waterloo?
I can’t think of just one experience. It was really the overall experience for me, the class rooms, the friendships, the intramural sports I played like volleyball, ball hockey, slo-pitch baseball and broom ball, the co-op program. Just everything was a wonderful experience for me and that is what I remember the most.
You recently came back to visit the campus. What has changed the most since your time spent on campus as a student?
The expansion is outstanding. The off campus co-op residences where I lived (University Avenue and Phillips Street) have changed and new residence/apartment buildings have been added. Even driving up University Avenue to get to campus, I was astonished how many new buildings and developments have gone up since my time here, it really is incredible to see.
Any words of wisdom for young alumni?
I would say consider giving back to University if you can, either monetary or even work experience you can pass along to others. Like I said, the University of Waterloo allowed me to have my career and I just want to pay that forward however I can.
