Welcome to 1970

Collection of student 1970s pictures with yellow and gray graphics in the background

The Beatles released their final album, Let It Be; the Apollo 13 mission launched and failed, leading to the infamous quote, “Houston, we have a problem”; and the digital watch was invented. It was the year you graduated from the University of Waterloo: 1970.

Campus map 1970 with yellow highlighted buildings

Discover campus circa 1970

A lot has changed on campus since you were a student. See what was happening in select buildings during this time. 

Buildings marked in yellow were built before 1970

Buildings marked in grey were built after 1970

CPH

Carl A. Pollock Hall


In 1970, Construction was underway for Engineering IV, later renamed Carl A. Pollock Hall.

pac

Physical Activities Complex (PAC) 


Of the many iconic rock concerts held on campus in the ’60s and ’70s, a favourite in 1970 was Neil Diamond who performed at the PAC on February 6. 

sch plaque

South Campus Hall (SCH) 


After fall convocation in 1969, Gerald Hagey received a plaque from the Historical Branch of the Ontario government, marking the University as a historic site. This plaque still stands today in front of SCH.

Girl sitting on a fence in front of DP captured on film with yellow graphics in the background
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Did you know...

The Canadian voting age was lowered from 21 to 18 in 1970.

Remember when...

Group of students sitting on couches on film with yellow graphics in background
Top song Bridge Over Troubled Water by Simon & Garfunkel
Two scientists in lab coats and experimenting on film with yellow graphics in background
Top movie Love Story
Group of students sitting on the ground captured on film with yellow graphics in background
Top show Marcus Welby, M.D.
Three people holding awards captured on film with yellow graphics in the backgroudn
Top gadget Pocket Calculator

A Waterloo legend, told by alumni

Collection of photos from 1998

Take a step back two years to when student protestors announced something drastic. In a demonstration on Waterloo’s campus to show the horrors of the Vietnam War, 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.

Class of 1970 tree

Botanical name: Acer plantanoides 'Drummondi' Common name: Harlequin Maple Dedication: Donated by the Graduating Class of 1970

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!

Tell us below in 400 words or less about the exciting things you have been doing after graduation, how UWaterloo has inspired you, a fun UWaterloo related story, or how you give back to UWaterloo (time, talent, treasure), and you could be featured in an alumni publication.
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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