Contact Info
Combinatorics & Optimization
University of Waterloo
Waterloo, Ontario
Canada N2L 3G1
Phone: 519-888-4567, ext 33038
PDF files require Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Like most entrepreneurs, Michael Egan (BMath ’74) has experienced his fair share of twists and turns on the road to success.
Before founding his first company, Egan tasted and overcame failure as an undergraduate student at Waterloo. Despite a natural aptitude for computer programming, he struggled in his largely theory-based computer science courses and co-op program. He dropped out, worked in construction for a time, and enrolled in Combinatorics & Optimization upon his return. “I realized that I was better suited for a more practical field where I could build systems,” he explains.
The change was exactly what he needed. Over the next forty years, Egan would go on to build and sell several international technology companies, one for more than $150 million.
Early on in his career, Egan made the decision to invest in the next generation of entrepreneurs. He has generously given back to the Faculty of Math at Waterloo, creating several endowed scholarships to ensure reliable streams of funding for students who aspire to follow in his footsteps.
“I have always felt very grateful to be a graduate of Waterloo,” he affirms. “My Waterloo experience was a key ingredient in what I have been able to achieve, and I will continue to do whatever I can to help students achieve their own version of success.”
Read the full story of Mike's road to success.
Combinatorics & Optimization
University of Waterloo
Waterloo, Ontario
Canada N2L 3G1
Phone: 519-888-4567, ext 33038
PDF files require Adobe Acrobat Reader.
The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is co-ordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.