Pierre Trudeau was elected Prime Minister of Canada, the Age of Aquarius was here, and the world was reeling after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It was 1968, a year of turmoil and change — and the year you graduated from the University of Waterloo.
Discover campus circa 1968
A lot has changed on campus since you were a student. See what's happening in select buildings during this time!
Buildings marked in yellow were built before 1968
Buildings marked in grey were built after 1968
Mathematics & Computer building (MC)
When the Mathematics & Computer building (MC) celebrated its official opening in 1968, a giant 85-foot pink tie appeared on the outside of the building as a tribute to Professor Stanton and his valued contributions. It was the beginning of a beloved tradition! To this day, the pink tie is considered the Faculty of Mathematics mascot, and a giant replica hangs on MC every year during Orientation Week.
Dana Porter Library (DP)
After expanding upward, DP opened with seven storeys. One more expansion would eventually bring the library to its current height of 10 storeys, and rumours would begin circulating about its stability. For decades, students have whispered that DP is sinking because the architects didn't account for the weight of the books. Of course, there's no truth to the rumour. It's actually a popular legend among American college campuses as well.
South Campus Hall
A hub of activity at the time, South Campus Hall was the home of a cafeteria and event space, as well as the campus book store. In 1966, students took over the store to protest the price of textbooks. The sit-in was successful, bringing lower book prices and a new policy that made all of Waterloo's student services break-even propositions.
Remember when...
A Waterloo legend, told by alumni
To show the horrors of the Vietnam War, student protestors announced something drastic. In a demonstration on Waterloo’s campus, they promised to burn a dog with napalm. When crowds formed in November 1968, the protest took a relieving turn. Listen to the podcast to hear the full story.
Botanical name: Fraxinus nigra Common name: Black Ash Dedication: Donated by the Graduating Class of 1968
See how your legacy has grown
To honour your time at the University, your class donated a tree to our campus. Just like your tree, your role in Waterloo’s history is still felt today.
Because of your class, and the culture you fostered as students, our campus community has grown and flourished. On behalf of current and future students, thank you for the role you played in Waterloo's legacy.
Want to share your story?
As you celebrate your milestone anniversary, share your memories from campus. Your story could be featured in an alumni publication!
All archival photos courtesy of the University of Waterloo Library. Special Collections & Archives, Kitchener-Waterloo Record Photographic Negative Collection and University of Waterloo Archives, Graphic Services fonds