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
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.
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.
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.
Did you know...
Popular inventions in 1974 include the Rubik’s cube and the candy skittles.
Remember when...
A Waterloo legend, told by alumni
Take a step back another 6 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.
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.
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!
Presented by TD Insurance Meloche Monnex
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