Meet our 2025 Alumni Award recipients
Eyitemi Popo
Rising Star Alumni Award
This visionary entrepreneur and Forbes-listed changemaker whose work is reshaping how women explore and experience Africa.
Susan McKenzie
Alumni Achievement Award
This communications and fundraising leader whose personal journey as a kidney transplant recipient sparked a powerful movement
Madam Justice Avvy Yao-Yao Go
Alumni Achievement Award
With more than 30 years of advocacy and litigation experience in support of disadvantaged communities, she is the first Chinese Canadian to be appointed to the Federal Court.
Arts exploring AI
Higher education is part of Canada's AI secret sauce
One clear advantage for Canada is a post-secondary sector that rivals the world’s best and is at the core of our nation’s capacity in leading AI, writes Mark Schaan, Associate Deputy Minister, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
How to make wise AI systems
An interdisciplinary study led by Waterloo Psychology professors is the first to suggest realistic ways to integrate wisdom into artificial intelligence to create AI systems that will be more robust, transparent, cooperative and safe.
AI, art and impact: MFA student pushes creative boundaries
James Malzahn explores AI, surveillance and human perception through immersive art to challenge audiences to question truth, authorship and the impact of emerging technologies
Impact of Giving
"You put it out there, and then you get to have the fun of seeing what happens next"
Francesca (Fanny) Patterson celebrates the legacy of her parents, who were among the first Arts professors, by establishing scholarships in their names that support the study of Indigenous histories and fine arts.
Arts at the Olympics
The 2026 Winter Olympics felt even closer to home with Arts alumni competing and winning, and a master’s student working for the Canadian Olympic Committee.
New books by alumni
It's never too early to start your summer reading list!
Achievements worth celebrating — from local communities to the world stage
This winter felt especially long. But, as always, the Winter Olympics offered moments of joy, connection and inspiration.
For the 2026 games, that connection felt even closer to home with two Arts alumni competing (and winning!) on Olympic teams and a master’s student contributing to the Canadian Olympic Committee.
At the heart of this issue, we are proud to honour our 2025 Alumni Achievement Award winners—three remarkable individuals whose accomplishments reflect the values shaped by an Arts education. From local community impact to national leadership to creative enterprise with global reach, their journeys show how an Arts education plants seeds that flourish in diverse and meaningful ways.
This issue also highlights the importance of legacy, featuring a powerful story of generosity that honours the lifelong impact of two early Arts leaders and supports the future of Indigenous histories and fine arts. We also explore how Arts alumni, researchers and students are helping shape thoughtful, responsible approaches to Canada’s AI future.
As you explore this issue of Arts & Letters, I hope you’ll see reflections of your own Arts experience and feel pride in being part of a community that continues to respond, lead, and make a difference.
If these stories spark a moment of pride or reflection, I’d love to hear from you. And if you know an Arts alum doing remarkable work, I hope you’ll consider nominating them for a 2026 Alumni Achievement Award.
Happy Spring!
Phoebe Wong (BA ’98)
Senior Alumni Engagement Officer
Faculty of Arts
phoebe.wong@uwaterloo.ca
Watch your email!
Waterloo Giving Day is coming May 21, 2026