After many years of dedicated service to the Conrad School and the University of Waterloo, Tracie Wilkinson will be concluding her remarkable career at the end of December 2025.
As Administrative Officer for the Conrad School, Tracie has overseen key operational functions including payroll, financial reporting, human resources, invoice payments, departmental policy guidance and facilities management.
During her tenure, she supported the Conrad School through significant periods of change. From its early days at the Accelerator Centre, through its relocation to the Pearl Sullivan Engineering building, formerly Engineering 7, following its re-branding as the Conrad School in 2018.
Tracie’s contributions extended far beyond administrative duties. She consistently supported the life of the Conrad School, facilitating faculty and staff transitions, helping implement new policies, and aiding event planning and execution. From milestone celebrations such as the 20th anniversary to MBET convocation ceremonies and annual community events including Halloween and holiday gatherings.
At Tracie’s retirement celebration, founding Director Howard Armitage reflected on her profound impact:
“[Tracie is] someone with the perfect mix of skill, steadiness, diplomacy, and good humour to handle the chaos. Her toolkit included event planning, cultural awareness, international admissions, problem-solving, written and interpersonal communication, and organizational skills… essentially everything short of juggling flaming torches. And I’m still not convinced she couldn’t do that, too!
We can list titles, timelines, and responsibilities. But what really stands out is this: at every stage, Tracie has been the steady, reliable, good-humoured heartbeat of the places she’s served.
Tracie Wilkinson
She has made life easier for students, faculty, and staff more times than we can count, and she has done it with competence, kindness, and an unfailing ability to solve problems we didn’t even know we had.
In short, Tracie hasn’t just supported Conrad—she has shaped it. And although we’re thrilled for her as she steps into retirement, we will miss her presence, her wisdom, and her uncanny talent for keeping the rest of us on track.”
This is a small token of our profound gratitude for her many contributions to the Conrad School community.
Congratulations on your retirement!