Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Celebration 2017 Legacy Project design unveiled

The winning student design for the Celebration 2017 Legacy Project was unveiled at the President's Town Hall Meeting.

Team Interlace, made up of Bennett Oh (Engineering), Michael Ahn (Mathematics), and Ian Song (Science), was named the winning design team, receiving $10,000 and moving their innovative redesign of the Arts quad to the next phase of development. Team member Bennett Oh was on hand to witness the reveal as his teammates were both on co-op work terms this fall.

The team's design for the arts quad was based on the notion of a micro-chip, an homage to Waterloo's reputation for excellence in engineering and computer science, while also highlighting the interconnectedness of the University's six faculties.

Check out the full story on the Innovation 60 website.

Experiencing multiculturalism

by Michelle Pressé. Waterloo is celebrating International Education Week with a variety of on-campus activities, as well as a series of stories showcasing some of the international experiences of our students, faculty, and staff.

For some, a 14-hour flight means discomfort, anxiety, and travel sickness. For first-year health studies student Sarah Ali, the 14-hour flight to Canada meant opportunity. Born and raised in the United Arab Emirates, Sarah is Somalian, and has only travelled between the two countries before this fall.

As one of six Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation for Education (AGFE) scholars studying at Waterloo, Sarah embodies the foundation’s mission of creating the next generation of leaders.

“I’ve been so busy with my studies and settling into my new normal here that I haven’t had as much time to pursue the things I’m passionate about, like volunteering,” says Sarah. “Once I get more comfortable with my classes and workload, I plan to spend my spare time doing that, and hopefully join the chess team.”

So far, Sarah has been enjoying all of her classes and looks forward to her first co-op. The University’s co-op program is one of the things that attracted her to Waterloo.

As of 2016, 37 per cent of graduate students and 17 per cent of undergraduate students at Waterloo are international.

“Having international students at Waterloo enriches the entire University community,” says Ian Rowlands, Associate Vice-President, International. “It is our goal to make sure students feel welcome and at home, no matter how far away they’re coming from. Partnering with the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation for Education has allowed us to strengthen our commitment to internationalization and reputation as being one of the most diverse schools in Canada.”

Sarah says Canada’s diversity is comforting and loves hearing people speak different languages on campus.

“Sometimes, I’ll hear someone speak Arabic and forget I’m not at home,” she says. “I also wear a hijab, which I thought could be an issue in Canada at first, but it hasn’t been at all. I don’t feel like I’m different or judged because of who I am.”

One of her favourite places to hang out on campus is the Dana Porter library, where she can focus on studying. When she’s not there, she can usually be found hanging out with friends or Skyping her family. She says her mom supported the idea of her studying in Canada immediately, largely due to the stereotype of how friendly and polite Canadians are, but her dad was nervous about her being so far and in an unfamiliar country. Those nerves went away as soon as he realized the value of Sarah’s opportunity to study at Waterloo.  

Most importantly, she says, he understands how happy she is here.

Sarah also has three younger sisters at home. When she feels homesick, she talks to them and makes sure she eats healthy and stays active.

“Homesickness is nothing to be embarrassed of,” says Sarah. “As an international student, you’re never alone. Campus has so many resources and there’s so many people dealing with the exact same thing as you.”

While she looks forward to the next time she can see her family, she is most excited about experiencing all of Canada’s seasons – especially winter, where she will see snow for the first time.

“I’ve seen it in pictures, but I can’t wait to see it in person for the first time,” says Sarah. “It’s beautiful.”

Thank you for giving to Waterloo!

by Joanne Shoveller, Vice-President, Advancement.

Today is National Philanthropy Day^® — a celebration of charitable giving and the impact it has on our lives and communities. As we pay tribute to our generous supporters, I’d like to take this opportunity to personally thank you for your contributions to Waterloo.

Whether you volunteer at events, serve as a mentor, sit on a committee, or donate to scholarships and special projects, you enrich the University and the Affiliated and Federated Institutions of Waterloo. You help our campus community to flourish, and for that we’re truly grateful.

Together, we ensure that our students, researchers and colleagues can pursue their ambitious work. Some develop new technologies, some volunteer with populations in need, and some earn their degree while they’re also raising a family. Through your gifts, you help to make these efforts possible, and you build a vibrant culture of philanthropy at Waterloo.

Ours is a very generous campus community. Each year, our Keystone Campaign raises more than $1 million for the University, with volunteers giving countless hours to raise awareness and funds. At the same time, our alumni, partners and friends offer their resources — including financial assistance and gifts of time and expertise — to support everything from student awards to new facilities to international experiences and wellness programs.

Combined, these acts of giving make a powerful statement — that we believe in our work and its positive impact on the world. It’s an inspiring message, and one that instils confidence as we continue to shape this remarkable university.

I hope you’ll take a moment to visit our website, where we’ve posted some of our favourite stories of philanthropy from the past year. Once again, thank you for your support. Your generosity is deeply appreciated — on National Philanthropy Day and always.  

Executive actions at Town Hall and beyond

It’s Wednesday, November 15. Do you know where your president is?

From the President’s Town Hall to Hong Kong, here is a non-exhaustive list of President Feridun Hamdullahpur's recent activities on and off campus and a preview of upcoming events.

On Monday, November 6, President Hamdullahpur signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to address a possible global pilot shortage that involves an online introductory course on aviation that anyone in the world can take for free.

“The aviation program at Waterloo is only 10 years old, yet it has quickly become the leading program of its kind in the country,” said the president. “I am proud that our faculty and students at Waterloo will help establish the next generation of professionals to fulfill global needs and demand.”

The agreement, signed in Montreal, comes as a recent study from CAE that projected that an increase in airline passengers is expected to double the size of the commercial aviation industry over the next 20 years.

President Hamdullahpur was also in Montreal for Gender Summit 11 North America 2017. The summit, co-hosted by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, saw more than 600 advocates of gender equality from the fields of science, innovation and development converge to discuss innovation and diversity. The president spoke on Wednesday, November 8 and highlighted the HeForShe campaign as he gave an overview of the University’s progress in achieving its three core HeForShe commitment goals and the initiatives that have been created to reach those goals. 

On Friday, November 10, President Hamdullahpur and Vice-President, University Relations Sandra Banks attended the Remembrance Day ceremony in the Student Life Centre.

And Tuesday, November 14 was the date of the President’s Town Hall Meeting, held in Federation Hall. President Hamdullahpur delivered a presentation outlining the University’s accomplishments and provided an institutional blueprint for the way forward as the University is set to begin consultation on its next strategic plan. He then engaged in a conversation with the campus community, taking questions from the audience and from social media. Look for a recap of the event to appear in the Daily Bulletin later this week.

So what’s next for the President?

This afternoon, President Hamdullahpur will join Vice-President, University Relations Sandra Banks, Vice-President, Advancement Joanne Shoveller and Vice-President, University Research Charmaine Dean for a tour of the Occupational Biomechanics and Ergonomics Lab (OBEL). OBEL is a nexus for research to optimize human performance in the workplace. With a strong emphasis on actionable research, OBEL has emerged as a leading ergonomics-focused research and development program, generating actionable ideas, programs and devices to help optimize the performance of those working in high demand professions like paramedicine and the Royal Canadian Air Force. The director of the lab is Assistant Professor Steve Fischer of the Kinesiology department.

Tonight, the president will be speaking at the annual Years of Loyal Service event for employees marking their 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 and 45 anniversaries with the University. This year, some 399 staff members reach a milestone year.

President Hamdullahpur will be attending the grand opening of the new St. Paul’s GreenHouse residence wing on Thursday, November 16.

Looking a little further out, President Hamdullahpur will be joining a delegation of University of Waterloo representatives for the annual trip to Asia from November 22 to 28 to engage with alumni and university partners about potential opportunities and to celebrate the University’s successes at home and abroad. This year, the delegation's activities will be focused in Hong Kong and highlights include a special event with several Velocity student teams participating in a pitch event at Cyberport on November 23, meetings and agreement signings at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology on November 24, and a dinner hosted by the Consul General of Canada on November 27.

Wednesday's notes

Director of Equity Mahejabeen Ebrahim is no longer with the University, according to a memo circulated by Diana Parry, associate vice-president, human rights, equity & inclusion.

“In the short term, we will be looking at the needs of the campus community to best determine how to fill the Director of Equity role,” Professor Parry writes. “In the meantime, should you require the services of the Equity Office or have any questions or concerns, please contact me at any time.”

Ebrahim was named Director of Equity in October 2013.

"Please join me in extending best wishes to Brad Lantz, who is retiring from the University on November 17^th," writes Wade MacAulay of Housing and Residences. "Brad has been a valued team member in the custodial department for 28 years, he will be missed by students and staff alike. Brad began work at the University in July of 1988, since then we have benefited from his knowledge, work ethic and humorous nature. Brads commitment to his work meant that our students always enjoyed a clean and safe environment to live in."

"We know you all join us in wishing Brad well as he starts a new chapter in his life. Brad's retirement is our loss, but a well-deserved rest for him. You have made many friends and you will be missed, thank you and all the best to your retirement and future endeavours."

Employers on campus next week hosting employer information sessions include PwC Canada, KPMG, and BDO Canada LLP. Visit the employer information sessions calendar for more details.