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Twelve Reasons for Giving

Thursday, December 19, 2019 by Megan Vander Woude, Office of Advancement

12 reasons for giving

It's the reason for the season. This holiday, we're celebrating your generosity!

Making the grade

Friday, December 13, 2019 by Victoria Higgins (BSc ’14), Alumnus

Victoria Higgins during convocation

Victoria Higgins (BSc ’14) excelled in her coursework, but after she graduated, she realized that she learned her most valuable lessons outside of class.

Top nine alumni stories of 2019

Wednesday, December 11, 2019 by Claire Mastrangelo, Office of Advancement

Fireworks

We’ve rounded up our most popular posts of the year. Did your favourite make the list?

Everybody writes

Thursday, December 5, 2019 by Megan Vander Woude, Office of Advancement

Notebook and pen on desk

Meet the young alumnus who gives back to improve students’ writing skills

Less paperwork, more experience

Wednesday, December 4, 2019 by Robin Morden, Office of Advancement

Paperwork on a desk

Popy Dimoulas-Graham (BSC) is creating new software to put an end to endless administrative work for charities and schools

Storytelling improves patient care

Tuesday, November 26, 2019 by Robin Morden, Office of Advancement

Jeff Wong

When pharmacists listen closely to their patients, they can provide better treatment, says Jeff Wong (BScPhm ’11, PharmD ’16).

Started from a passion

Friday, November 22, 2019 by Navdeep Dhindsa (BSc '18), Alumnus

Hospital beds

An open mind and clear goals enabled Navdeep Dhindsa (BSc '18) to launch a fulfilling career in the public sector.

The Gift of Experience

Thursday, November 21, 2019 by Robin Morden, Office of Advancement

Student in train

Meet four students who, thanks to donors, found inspiration and purpose through experiential education.

How to make your money work for you

Tuesday, November 19, 2019 by Claire Mastrangelo, Office of Advancement

Student at computer

Award-winning investment advisors Alexandra (BA ’10) and Rosemary Horwood (BA ’12) share their financial expertise.

Three things you didn’t know about starting a business

Tuesday, November 12, 2019 by Claire Mastrangelo and Robin Morden, Office of Advancement

Terrene co-founders

Cam Mills (BSc ’18), co-founder and COO of Terrene, says that sometimes it’s better to break the rules.

Come back

Friday, November 8, 2019 by Matt Austin (BA ’10), Alumnus

Soldiers

Ahead of Remembrance Day, Veteran Matt Austin (BA ’10) reflects on the personal cost of war.

Out of retirement and into the barn

Thursday, November 7, 2019 by Megan Vander Woude, Office of Advancement

How did a retired engineering alumnus end up becoming a farrier?

Building our alumni community in Waterloo

Friday, November 1, 2019 by Katie Lewis (BA ’07), Alumnus

Katie Lewis

Why Katie Lewis (BA ’07) is excited about the new Waterloo Region Alumni Chapter.

Pushing the limits

Wednesday, October 30, 2019 by Drew Ripley (BA ’04), Alumnus

Balloon display

Drew Ripley (BA ’04) reflects on his journey as a maker of whimsical shows and balloon displays.

Grateful and giving back

Tuesday, October 29, 2019 by Megan Vander Woude, Office of Advancement

Joseph Liu

When he chose to study at Waterloo, Joseph Liu's future seemed uncertain. Today, he celebrates that choice with a scholarship for graduate students.

How does community impact entrepreneurship?

Tuesday, October 22, 2019 by Megan Vander Woude, Office of Advancement

Calvin Chu working on prototype

Velocity grads share how a supportive community helped them succeed, and how they give back to other entrepreneurs.

Your life hacks in five words

Tuesday, October 22, 2019 by Staff, Office of Advancement

Life hacks illustration

Waterloo alumni share their words of wisdom for graduating students.

Beyond the classroom

Friday, October 18, 2019 by Carrie Gabla, Office of Advancement

Indra

Indra Sarju (BES ’19) chose the International Development program at Waterloo because she wanted to work abroad.

Diving deep into tech’s impact on sports

Wednesday, October 9, 2019 by Staff, Office of Advancement

Panelists on stage

Expert alumni share their knowledge and predictions at a panel on the modern athlete.

Rare insight

Tuesday, October 8, 2019 by Claire Mastrangelo, Office of Advancement

Marc Lafleur and group of farmers

truLOCAL’s Marc Lafleur (BSc ’14) dishes on meat quality, the business of farming and chasing your dreams.

Ready to give up on your job hunt?

Thursday, September 26, 2019 by Tiana Eghdam (GBDA ’18), Alumnus

People on a computer

When Tiana Eghdam (GBDA ’18) hit a dead end in her search for an internship, she asked for help online. The response she got surprised her in the best way.

Monogram reimagines the user experience

Tuesday, September 17, 2019 by Claire Mastrangelo, Office of Advancement

Monogram Creative Console on Desk

With help from Waterloo, Calvin Chu builds a thriving company that caters to creative professionals.

Waterloo runs in the family

Tuesday, September 10, 2019 by Evangeline Dryburgh, Mechatronics Engineering student, Schulich Leader

Students walking in front of the library

Evangeline Dryburgh wanted to study at Waterloo, just like her parents did. Thanks to the Schulich Leader Scholarship, she’ll have access to unique opportunities and guidance as a student.

Waterloo goes to the movies

Wednesday, September 4, 2019 by Claire Mastrangelo, Office of Advancement

Movies alumni have worked on

Meet alumni disrupting the film industry and showcasing their talents on big screens around the world.

Two fathers remembered

Friday, August 30, 2019 by Gordon T. Finlay (BA ’77), Alumnus

Baby and father

With the approach of World Alzheimer’s Month in September, Gordon T. Finlay (BA ’77) shares his poem about a son whose father lives with dementia.

Rukshan de Silva named Australian Young Planner of the Year

Wednesday, August 28, 2019 by Claire Mastrangelo, Office of Advancement

Rukshan

Two-time Waterloo alumnus recognized for leadership, collaboration and advocacy in his field.

Part of a life story

Thursday, August 22, 2019 by Megan Vander Woude, Office of Advancement

Karen Wilkinson

With a planned gift, Karen Wilkinson (BA ’90, MAcc ’90) will support the Waterloo students of the future.

Why I go to the Fun Run every year

Friday, August 16, 2019 by Tai-Lee Chen (BSc '09, MBET '11), Alumnus

Tai-Lee Chen running in the Fun Run

Tai-Lee Chen (BSc '09, MBET '11) explains why this annual event is a family favourite.

Michael Litt named to Canada’s Top 40 Under 40

Thursday, August 15, 2019 by Claire Mastrangelo, Office of Advancement

Michael Litt

Waterloo alumnus recognized for entrepreneurship, innovation and commitment to the greater good.

Supporting students and beyond

Tuesday, August 13, 2019 by Megan Vander Woude, Office of Advancement

Jacklyn

The donor-funded program that helps students give back while gaining experience.

How you can change the world

Thursday, August 8, 2019 by Manreet Birdi (BA in progress), Student

Night sky and people silhouette

Waterloo alumni share practical advice that can help us all achieve our goals.

The Warriors: a family like no other

Friday, August 2, 2019 by Doug Colbon (BMath ’74), Alumnus

Hockey team picture

Doug Colbon (BMath ’74) reflects on the friendships he formed with his hockey team leading up to the 1974 CIAU Championship.

Cultural videos spark conversations

Wednesday, July 31, 2019 by Claire Mastrangelo, Office of Advancement

Chérisse Mike

Chérisse Mike (BA ’17) uses her creative talents to tackle assumptions about Africa and the Caribbean.

The ocean is a classroom

Monday, July 29, 2019 by Carrie Gabla, Office of Advancement

Waves on a boat

It’s a fish-eat-fish world down there, and PhD candidate Ashley Stasko is trying to find out who’s at the bottom and who’s at the top of the food chain.

Waterloo alumni on a mission to expand the entrepreneurial mindset

Tuesday, July 23, 2019 by Claire Mastrangelo, Office of Advancement

Nirbhay Singh (BASc ’17) and Zaham Mustaq (BMath ’17)

Business founders Nirbhay Singh (BASc ’17) and Zaham Mustaq (BMath ’17) aim to help entrepreneurs prioritize their personal wellness.

Thank UWaterloo!

Friday, July 19, 2019 by Laurin Black, Alumnus

Laurin Black

Five lessons Laurin Black (BSc ’18) learned as a Warrior to help her succeed in life.

Beyond imagination

Wednesday, July 17, 2019 by Celena Alcock, Office of Advancement

Hamoon

Hamoon Ekhtiari (BMath ’09, MAcc ’09) sticks to his vision and brings bold ideas to life.

Ready when the bell rings

Tuesday, July 9, 2019 by Claire Mastrangelo, Office of Advancement

Dick Callahan

A little audacity — and endless grit — enabled Dick Callahan (BA ’62) to build a dream career as a sports announcer.

Reimagining health with technology

Monday, July 8, 2019 by Staff, Office of Advancement

Health technology

Tech innovations like quantum sensors, 3D printing and AI are transforming the health care sector. Explore what the future holds at the Waterloo Innovation Summit.

Nature inspires new ways of seeing

Friday, July 5, 2019 by Melanie MacVoy (BA ’95), Alumnus

Melanie painting of trees

Exploring the wilderness of BC leads Melanie MacVoy (BA ’95) to an abundant career as a landscape artist.

Catching up with my professor after 50 years

Thursday, June 27, 2019 by Peter Golem (BASc ’74, MASc ’76), Alumnus

Park with a group of past students

An unexpected meeting leads Peter Golem (BASc ’74, MASc ’76) to the home of celebrated professor Park Reilly.

Connected by design

Wednesday, June 26, 2019 by Staff, Office of Advancement

Kathleen in front of library books

Kathleen Fu (BAS ’17) reveals the through-lines that run from her graduate studies to her artwork for the Waterloo Magazine.

Rome, meet UWaterloo

Friday, June 21, 2019 by Taylor Imrie (BA ’16), Alumnus

Rome landscape photo

Taylor Imrie (BA ’16) takes the road less travelled, earning her Waterloo degree online so that she can build a life in the Eternal City.

Why give back to Waterloo?

Tuesday, June 18, 2019 by Megan Vander Woude, Office of Advancement

SLC photo

Five alumni reveal the inspiration behind their giving

Growing the Global Alumni Volunteer Network

Wednesday, June 12, 2019 by Staff, Office of Advancement

Alumnus networking

Proud Waterloo graduates create alumni chapters at home and overseas.

Forging a symbol of discovery

Monday, June 10, 2019 by Staff, Office of Advancement

New Alumni Gold Medal

In state-of-the-art labs on campus, a new tradition has begun in honour of Waterloo’s top graduating students.

Lessons from the centre line

Thursday, June 6, 2019 by Claire Mackenzie (BA ’19 expected), Graduating student

Claire serving

Women’s volleyball star Claire Mackenzie prepares for convocation, reflecting on the insights and friendships she’ll carry with her beyond Ring Road.

Three tips to keep your Waterloo spirit alive

Wednesday, June 5, 2019 by Staff, Office of Advancement

Group of new alumni

As spring convocation approaches, three graduating students share important life lessons they learned at Waterloo.

Three reasons to join your local alumni chapter

Thursday, May 30, 2019 by Megan Vander Woude, Office of Advancement

Calgary Skyline

An alumnus shares why she loves her local chapter events

Mind Boggling

Tuesday, May 28, 2019 by Megan Vander Woude, Office of Advancement

Brain image

Meet the Waterloo alumnus and Guggenheim Fellow changing how we understand emotion and the brain

Embrace your difference: weird is rad

Monday, May 27, 2019 by Brandy Wang (BMath ’18), Alumnus

Brandy Wang

Brandy Wang (BMath ’18) took the road less travelled to achieve her goals. Here’s what she discovered along the way.

Workplace Inspiration

Wednesday, May 22, 2019 by Megan Vander Woude, Office of Advancement

Waterloo entryway

Why one employee gives back to Waterloo

Building a better world

Wednesday, May 15, 2019 by Megan Vander Woude, Office of Advancement

Building a world

How Waterloo’s exceptional alumni are working for positive change

Here’s how it all began

Thursday, May 9, 2019 by Al Aitchison (BMath ’69), Alumnus

Class photo

Al Aitchison (BMath ’69) relives the joy of his student days, 50 years after graduating from the Math co-op program.

Come back to campus for the new Alumni Weekend

Monday, May 6, 2019 by Staff, Office of Advancement

Alumni weekend

On June 1, catch up with old friends and rediscover your Waterloo spirit.

Global Game Changers

Tuesday, April 30, 2019 by Megan Vander Woude, Office of Advancement

Global alumni

Meet five young alumni who are disrupting industries around the world

What football and UW have Dunn for me

Friday, April 26, 2019 by Colin Dunn (BA ’17), Alumnus

Colin Dunn

Colin Dunn (BA ’17) translates lessons he learned as a Warriors football player into his academic and professional career.

Beyond reflection

Monday, April 15, 2019 by Carlos Saavedra, Office of Advanement

Eryn O'Neill

Waterloo artist Eryn O’Neill (MFA ’18) finds beauty in letting the paint run.

I nearly left university twice

Friday, April 12, 2019 by Jennifer Vasic (BA ’06), Alumnus

Never stop dreaming

Waterloo city councillor Jennifer Vasic (BA '06) reflects on the values and relationships that guided her through her undergraduate degree.

Putting green values into action

Wednesday, April 10, 2019 by Megan Vander Woude, Office of Advancement

Bulb sustainability

Driven by her passion for the planet, Alice Madolciu (BA ’07) inspires her workplace and society to go green.

Beyond Waterloo soil

Monday, April 8, 2019 by Penny Walford, Office of Advancement

Singapore

Jon Kwan (BMath ’01) unites the Waterloo community half a world away.

Beyond good advice

Tuesday, April 2, 2019 by Staff, Office of Advancement

Beyond good advice

Redefining success by redefining the rules.

Physics is poetry

Friday, March 29, 2019 by John Caranci (BSc '72), Alumnus

Glasses and book

Beyond a rewarding career as a physics teacher, John Caranci (BSc ’72) makes his mark through creative writing.

Impact beyond borders and languages

Thursday, March 21, 2019 by Rahim Karmali (BA ’10)

Rahim

As a business owner and volunteer, Rahim Karmali (BA ’10) inspires hope and helps to break down barriers worldwide.

Beyond a Cure

Monday, March 18, 2019 by Megan Vander Woude, Office of Advancement

Woods

Remembering the vision and philanthropy of Ken Murray.

Developing global talent

Wednesday, March 13, 2019 by Megan Vander Woude

Calvin and Feridun

Calvin Choi (BA ’01) and the AMTD Foundation create a multi-million dollar fund to support future global leaders.

15,000 km of perspective

Wednesday, March 13, 2019 by Krystal Kowalski (BA ’15) in collaboration with Gregory Mittler (BA ’14)

Globe

Krystal Kowalski (BA ’15) and Gregory Mittler (BA ’14) have disrupted their routines completely by travelling around the world for a year.

How we can turn the tide for women in science

Thursday, March 7, 2019 by Rowan Thomson (PhD ’07)

Doctor

Women are still typically the minority on academic hiring committees in science, and “majority rules.”

Leadership diversity pays dividends

Tuesday, March 5, 2019 by Claire Mastrangelo, Office of Advancement

Business charts

NASDAQ Senior VP Brenda Hoffman (BA ’86) champions gender diversity in tech — and shares advice for the sector’s future female leaders.

The power of an arts degree

Friday, March 1, 2019 by Paula Schuck (BA ’93)

Arts degree

Paula Schuck (BA ’93) follows her passion for writing and becomes an authority on putting words to work.

Beyond the senses

Wednesday, February 27, 2019 by Dana Ciak, Office of Advancement

Kanga meat pies

Biting into a rich meat pie sent Megan Tong (MAcc ’09) on a journey that would change her life.

Beyond human nature

Monday, February 25, 2019 by Staff, Office of Advancement

Mohsen

Why Mohsen Shahini (PhD '11) surrounds himself with people who challenge him.

From gym and geography to garbage girl!

Thursday, February 21, 2019 by Olivia Kwok (BES '11)

Olivia

When Olivia Kwok (BES '11) graduated from Waterloo, she didn't go after her dream job. Here's what she did instead — and why she finds it so fulfilling.

From #Selfies to Scientific Communication

Thursday, February 14, 2019 by Natasha Knier (BSc '18)

Natasha

Natasha Knier (BSc '18) shares how the knowledge of social media communications that she gained at Waterloo enriches her current life as a Master's candidate in medical biophysics.

Celebrating the 2018 Alumni Awards

Wednesday, February 13, 2019 by Carlos Saavedra

Alumni awards

University of Waterloo alumni dream big, chart unconventional paths and inspire others. Our annual Alumni Awards celebrate graduates who embrace these qualities and create a better world for us all.

Beyond the court

Monday, February 11, 2019 by Claire Mastrangelo and Carlos Saavedra, Office of Advancement

Martin Timmerman

Martin Timmerman (BMath ’78) relives the moment that ignited his passion for Warriors basketball, and reveals the secret to a long and happy career.

Predicting and preventing failure

Tuesday, February 5, 2019 by Jeff Guerin (BMath '91)

Jan and Jeff

Interdisciplinary research and development help Jeff Guerin (BMath ’91) and his colleagues solve an important industry problem.

Waterloo: The Other World Wide Web

Friday, February 1, 2019 by John Free, Former student

Team on River

After formative experiences at Waterloo, John Free and Rob McGeachy (BASc '94) build a community of passionate problem solvers to shape the boutique consulting firm of their dreams.

Beyond grateful

Wednesday, January 30, 2019 by Reid McRob, Office of Advancement

Michael Robson

Alumnus builds community through giving. Michael Robson (BA ’13) found his support among African, Caribbean and Black student groups at Waterloo when an unfortunate hip surgery kept him from the football field.

It all started with a leap of faith

Thursday, January 24, 2019 by Katherine Forster (BES ’93)

Katherine

All I knew was that I wanted to do something with nature.

Watching the earth move

Friday, January 18, 2019 by Brittany Russo (BASc in progress)

Mountain

The last thing Brittany Russo (BASc in progress) thought she was going to do was seismically monitor a volcano