Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Co-op Student of the Year Awards | Associate Provost, Co-operative and Experiential Education

By: Emily Totzke

The hybrid award ceremony celebrated current co-op students and Waterloo alumni for their accomplishments.

Co-operative and Experiential Education (CEE) celebrated 20 years of the Co-op Student of the Year Award, a recognition of the hard work and significant contributions Waterloo co-op students have made to their employers.

Alongside associate provost, Dr. Norah McRae and director, strategic enablement team, Dr. Judene Pretti, CEE welcomed past Co-op Student of the Year Award recipients to present the awards.

I’m continually inspired by our co-op students’ innovation and the impact they have on their employers throughout their co-op work terms and beyond.

Dr. Norah McRae, associate provost, Co-operative and Experiential Education

The Waterloo co-op alumni provided words of wisdom to this year's award recipients and reflected on their time at the University of Waterloo.

“I know first-hand the impact co-op can have on a student’s career and personal growth,” said Ingrid Kaffka, BA ’23, 2021 Faculty of Arts Co-op Student of the Year.

“Co-op opened doors for me, giving me invaluable experience, industry connections and the confidence to pursue opportunities I have never imagined.”

Rupa Vemulapalli, BASc ’23, 2020 Faculty of Engineering Co-op Student of the Year had advice to share with this year’s recipient.

“Discover more about yourself through co-op experiences,” she said. “Conquer your fears and say yes to new experiences. Take initiative, be bold and don’t be afraid to ask questions.”