Experiential learning builds on the academic knowledge that students develop in the classroom. By applying their new knowledge to real-world problems, whether close to home or across the globe, students gain the experience and confidence to make meaningful contributions to society.
“As an Arts and Business co-op grad, six work terms in places like IBM had a huge impact on my career development,” says Tony LaMantia (BA 1987), President and CEO of the Waterloo Region Economic Development Corporation.
Experiential learning helps to focus the mind and gives students confidence to excel in the real world.
Students who initiate their own opportunities create the best possible circumstances for the learning, collaboration and development that complement their goals. And yet, financial barriers can keep such experiential learning opportunities out of reach. The costs of travel and accommodation continue to rise and entry fees for competitions or conferences can be prohibitive.
A circle of support
Fortunately, the Faculty of Arts recently established a new way to help motivated students take charge. The Arts 360 Fund enables Arts undergraduate students who want to participate in experiential learning activities outside their regular courses to apply for financial support.
In addition to giving Arts students a better chance to pursue unique educational opportunities, this donor-funded award gives alumni an easy and meaningful way to help students make the most of their education, build community with other alumni-donors and give back to society.
Arts 360 donor Tony LaMantia (BA '87), on the right, meets the Canadian Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Eric Walsh.
The fund is an excellent way to support many more students in accessing experiential learning — especially for the 72 per cent of Arts students who are not in co-op. “The Arts 360 Fund will give them a taste of what’s out there and a competitive edge that distinguishes them from their peers,” says Tony LaMantia, who is an Arts 360 donor.
As well as addressing a top strategic priority, the Arts 360 Fund aligns with the Faculty’s vision to be known for our research, for our commitment to student engagement and experiential learning and for the success of our students and graduates worldwide.
”When we talk with future students about coming to Waterloo Arts,” says Doug Peers, Dean of Arts, “I’m happy we can tell them that alumni, who understand the value of experiential learning, are investing in their education.”
Banner photo courtesy of Christie Lo, Global Business and Digital Arts student
New Awards in Arts
We are delighted to share these new award opportunities for Arts students, each initiated by generous donors to the Faculty of Arts.
Every gift makes a difference — thank you!
For more information on the Faculty’s fundraising priorities and to learn how you can make a gift in support of the Faculty of Arts, please visit Support Arts, or contact Kim Bardwell, Director of Advancement, or Nancy Mattes, Associate Director. To learn how you can make a lasting legacy through a planned gift, or if you have made provisions for the University of Waterloo in your estate plans, please email Sharon McKayTodd, or call at 519-888-4567, ext. 35413, or refer to the University’s Planned Giving web page.
