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Remembering Paul Koenderman
The Daily Bulletin has learned that Paul Koenderman, formerly the chair of the University of Waterloo’s board of governors, died following an accident on Highway 400 on Wednesday, January 27. In addition to serving as University of Waterloo board vice-chair from 2004 to 2005 and chair from 2005 to 2006, Koenderman was a Waterloo alumnus (BASc ’71) and chief executive officer of Aecon Industrial Group, a major Canadian infrastructure and development contractor. He was awarded the Faculty of Engineering Alumni Achievement Medal in 1998. The Daily Bulletin extends condolences to Koenderman’s family and friends.
HeForShe January update
Each semester since the University of Waterloo announced its involvement in the United Nations HeForShe campaign last year, we have provided an update on our progress towards the commitments the University made at that time. This update will focus on a range of initiatives that we have launched in the past few months, and in future, we will continue to describe the results of some of these initiatives in more detail.
Our HeForShe involvement is part of the IMPACT 10x10x10 program, the goal of which, is to make substantial and sustainable progress towards gender equity on campus. When our involvement in IMPACT 10x10x10 was announced, the University made three important commitments:
- boost girls’ participation in STEM experiences to build future female leaders;
- enhance female faculty representation to drive towards parity in the future; and,
- advance women into positions that lead the University
Read the full HeForShe January update.
"What's next for Canada?": COP21 climate summit panel
Last fall, the global media spotlight was on the United Nations climate change summit (a.k.a. “COP21”) when 195 countries came to an agreement to act on climate change. Are you curious about what this might mean for our community, our country and the world?
Join the Faculty of Environment for a panel discussion on Monday, February 1 at 6:00 p.m. to hear from five speakers who travelled from Waterloo Region to participate in COP21 in Paris. You'll hear stories from Mayor Vrbanovic's meetings with fellow Mayors from around the world, learn about Laura's experience representing the small island state of the Republic of Kiribati, and gain a view into what a UN climate summit looks like through the eyes of a first-timer as well as someone who was at both COP1 and COP21!
Whether you are just starting to be curious about climate change or already well-versed and keen to discuss the details, this event will provide a space to engage with others. Your questions are an important part of the discussion! Submit any and all of your questions in advance by tweeting with the hashtag #UWCOP21. Make sure to follow @envwaterloo and @climatestudents to keep up to date on climate news and events.
To see a full list of speakers, and to register in advance for the panel, check out the COP21 event page.
February is Carpool Month
February is Carpool Month in Waterloo Region, a time to split the costs and stress of driving, make new friends, and shake off the winter doldrums. Staff, students, and faculty can complete easy weekly challenges for a chance to win great prizes. These include:
- February 1-5: Post your carpool on Waterloo Region’s innovative carpool matching network for a chance to win a $25 Canadian Tire gift card. Plus, you can find a carpool that suits your schedule and location.
- February 8-12: Log your carpool trips for a chance to win a Samsung tablet.
- February 15-19: Post a selfie of your carpool for a chance to win a $25 Tim Hortons card.
- February 22-26: Share your carpool story for a chance to win a FitBit Flex.
Carpool Month is organized by the TravelWise program, of which the University is a member. To learn more and participate, visit the sustainability website or contact Mat Thijssen, sustainability coordinator.
Monday's notes
Be part of eCampusOntario's strategic planning process.
eCampusOntario wants to work with Ontario Colleges and Universities to foster innovation, collaboration, and excellence in online and technology-enabled learning on behalf of Ontario students. They are currently developing a 3-year strategic plan and would like input from the broader student community. To be a part of the process, fill out eCampusOntario's online survey. To learn more about eCampusOntario in general, visit their website.
Human Resources has reported that the following faculty members have retired effective February 1, 2016:
- Associate Professor Wayne Loucks of Electrical and Computer Engineering, who joined the University in August 1985, and received tenure in July 1990. He was acting associate chair of the department from January 1 to April 30 1992, associate chair of the department from May 1993 until April 1998 and also served as associate dean for undergraduate studies for many years.
- Professor Richard Oakley of Chemistry, who joined Waterloo in July 1998.
All the best in your future endeavours.
Colleagues of Lisa Hendel in the Management Sciences Department would like to wish her the best as she celebrates a ‘milestone' birthday today. Happy birthday Lisa!