Eric Breugst (BA ’89, MA ’93) beloved academic advisor in the Arts Undergraduate Office (AUO), died on August 12, 2024, while travelling in the United Kingdom. Retired as Manager of Academic Advising in 2020, Breugst made outstanding contributions during his 25-year career in Arts, which were recognized with a 2018 Faculty of Arts award for Excellence in Service.
“The loss of Eric is truly heartbreaking,” said Richard Eibach, Associate Dean of Arts, Undergraduate Students. “However, his legacy will endure through the innumerable students, colleagues, and friends whose lives he touched.”
Julie Mulvey, Academic Officer, was a close colleague during Breugst’s entire Waterloo career. She shares: “Eric was an integral part of the AUO, starting as a Secondary School Liaison Officer in the early 1990s and then moving into academic advising and management roles later in his career. He relied on this vast experience to mentor colleagues and guide students through challenging academic situations. He always had an upbeat attitude, and this is what I will remember most about Eric: his timely pop culture references or wisecracks that set everyone at ease and made meetings much more enjoyable. The AUO will never forget him!”
Bill Chesney, Professor Emeritus and former Associate Dean of Arts, Undergraduate Students, wrote: “I was privileged to work with Eric for twelve years in the Arts Undergraduate Office […] he was a superb colleague who always led by example with an unfailing work ethic and a genuine care for everyone around him. He contributed mightily with good will, good humour, which made Eric such a gifted and trusted advisor to students.”
Taking early retirement to pursue his passion for global travel, Breugst generously established the Eric Breugst International Exchange Award to promote global awareness and enable two Arts students annually to participate in study abroad experiences. “Eric was a sports enthusiast, cottager, student of history and world traveler who always managed to combine them all into one experience,” wrote his family in The Record.
“Eric was a friend, a mentor, a caring and amazing advisor, manager, and leader,” said Andri Efstathiou, former Arts advisor and current Administration Officer in the School Architecture. “He saw the best in everyone - students, staff, and faculty. And for that he made the University of Waterloo and the Faculty of Arts, a better place to study and work.”
Kayla Lorentz, current Manager of Academic Advising who was trained for the role by Breugst, shared: “Eric was truly a beloved part of our AUO team and a staple within the advising community in the Faculty of Arts and at the university. Eric was incredibly kind, patient, and knowledgeable. He was passionate about travelling and was a serious sports fan! Eric was very well connected with our students, alumni, faculty, and staff, and I know this news will be difficult for many people to hear, as he kept up connections with friends across campus after his retirement.”
Renowned for his ability to find brilliant solutions to many student advising puzzles, Breugst was a go-to for his “his deep knowledge and experience,” says Kathy Acheson, Associate Dean of Arts, Undergraduate Programs. “He was always thoughtful and committed to the best outcome… we remember him with great fondness and respect, and know that he enriched and improved the lives of thousands of students and many colleagues.”
We remember him with great fondness and respect, and know that he enriched and improved the lives of thousands of students and many colleagues.
A blast from the past: Eric, Julie and Arts staff in the 1990s.
Eric and Jessica Jordao ready to greet students at the annual Fall Open House.
The Arts Undergraduate Office gets in the holiday spirit (and of course there's a goose).
Dressing up for Halloween is a favourite tradition in the AUO. The man behind the mask is none other than Eric.
Bill Chesney and Eric with Porcellino at Open House.
Eric in advisor mode, helping a new student and family.