Editor:
Brandon Sweet
University Communications
bulletin@uwaterloo.ca
New Director for Waterloo International
“I am delighted to announce that Vinitha Gengatharan will assume the role of Director, Waterloo International on March 1, 2018,” writes Associate Vice-President, International Ian Rowlands in a memo distributed to Waterloo International and Executive Council earlier this week.
A new position, the Director, Waterloo International will serve as the chief of staff to the Office of the Associate Vice-President, International, supporting both the associate vice-president and Waterloo International, and working collaboratively with other leaders in the Faculties and academic support units at the University.
“Vinitha joins the University of Waterloo from the University of Toronto, where she has served in a number of leadership roles over the past 17 years,” Rowlands writes. Since 2008, she has served as the Director of International Strategy & Partnerships in the Office of the Vice-President, International, Government and Institutional Relations, leading the Office of International Relations team to advance the University of Toronto’s internationalization goals and objectives. Some of her contributions include leading the creation of U of T's China Office, developing a framework for strategic partnerships and country engagement, co-ordinating internal stakeholder engagement and alignment, and successfully executing over 30 integrated outbound missions. In 2015, she led the University of Toronto’s response to the Syrian refugee crisis in partnership with other GTA universities. In 2016, she received the University of Toronto’s Vice Presidents’ Award for her contributions. This past year, Vinitha has been located at University of Toronto Scarborough, developing that campus’s internationalization strategy.
From 2001 to 2008, Gengatharan served as the Assistant Director of Student Affairs & Services at the University of Toronto Scarborough where she provided leadership in the areas of community engagement, student leadership, first year and transition programs, and international student programs. Before joining the University of Toronto, Vinitha worked for the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario in corporate fundraising and volunteer management.
She has also been an active volunteer in the not-for-profit sector, including most recently as Chair of the Agincourt Community Services Association, a United Way anchor agency. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Toronto in Sociology and International Development Studies.
“With internationalization identified as a vital area for the 2020-2025 Strategic Plan, Vinitha’s arrival at the University of Waterloo is particularly timely,” writes Rowlands. “Her extensive knowledge of, and deep experience in, international education will allow her to provide leadership both to the Waterloo International team and to the campus as a whole in the development and implementation of internationalization goals and objectives.”
“Please join me in congratulating Vinitha on her new role and in welcoming her to the University of Waterloo,” Rowlands concludes.
2017 Alumni Award recipients named
By Alumni Relations
University of Waterloo alumni distinguish themselves by dreaming big, charting unconventional paths, embracing innovation and inspiring others. The annual Alumni Achievement Awards recognize these exceptional alumni.
Congratulations to our 2017 alumni award recipients!
Trade ink for ink at the Library's Tattoo Tuesdays
A message from the Library.
Looking for your next favourite novel? Send us a photo of your tattoo (and Instagram username) and our team of book experts will use it to inspire a personalized recommendation from our Waterloo Reads collection!
Follow us on Instagram to see a new tattoo and recommendation every #TattooTuesday.
Tuesday's tales and testimonies
To celebrate the Winter Olympic games, The Bombshelter Pub has a, shall we say, tasteful promotion on for employees and students alike. Come out and rep your country and cheer on your teams while enjoying a burger and pint for only $15.99. The games will be playing on all screens for your enjoyment. The offer is good until February 25.
The 2018-2019 Undergraduate Academic Calendar has gone live online as of Friday, February 9. Previous undergraduate academic calendars are available in the List of Undergraduate Studies Archived Calendars section.