Welcome to 1974

1974 banner

United States President Richard Nixon retired, musical duo Sonny and Cher split, Dungeons and Dragons was published and computers became small enough to use in homes. It was the year you graduated from the University of Waterloo: 1974. 

Discover campus circa 1974 

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 1974

Buildings marked in grey were built after 1974

1974 a volleyball game

Physical Activities Complex (PAC) 


Although the Warriors basketball teams did not qualify, the Canadian Intercollegiate Athletic Union (CIAU) national basketball championship took place at the PAC in spring 1974. 

1974 people

East Campus 3 (EC3) 


The Computer Communications Networks Group received a federal grant in 1974 to become a Centre of Excellence. This is now the Centre for Teaching Excellence (CTE) located on the second floor of EC3. 

1974 sitting people

School of Optometry & Vision Science  


1974 marked the opening of North Campus' School of Optometry & Vision Science building. James Auld, who was the Ontario Minister of Colleges and Universities, arrived by helicopter for the event. 

rubiks cube and skittles in 1974

Did you know...

Popular inventions in 1974 include the Rubik’s cube and the candy skittles. 

In 1974...

Song Graphics
Top song The Way We Were by Barbra Streisand
Movie Graphics
Top movie The Towering Inferno
Show Graphics
Top show All in the Family
Jennifer
Top baby name for girls Jennifer
1974 a tree

Botanical name: Fagus grandifolia Common name: American Beech Dedication: Class of 1974

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. 

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