There was a new wave of blockbuster films aimed towards teenagers (like the hit “10 things I hate about you”), skater fashion was all the rage, Nunavut became Canada’s third territory and the fear of Y2K was growing. It was the year you graduated from the University of Waterloo: 1999.
Discover campus circa 1999
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 1999
Buildings marked in grey were built after 1999
Mackenzie King Village
The University received approval to build a new 300-bed residence for first-year students in response to increasing enrollment. Known today as Mackenzie King Village, this project cost $24 million.
Modern Languages Building
UWaterloo announced the first ever offering of a Portuguese language course. It was offered by the department of Spanish and Latin American Studies.
Physical Activities Complex (PAC)
UWaterloo alumni, family and friends were invited to the first annual “Alumni Night” hosted in the PAC. The Warrior’s men's and women's basketball teams took on the University of Guelph. This alumni tradition has continued ever since.
Did you know...
In 1999, peer-to-peer file-sharing network Napster launched, changing the way music is streamed and shared. Meanwhile, PayPal was viewed as one of the 10 worst business ideas.
Remember when...
A Waterloo legend, told by alumni
Take a step back another 30 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: Fraxinus quadrangulata Common name: Blue Ash Dedication: Class of 1999
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