Thursday, January 9, 2020

University issues statement on Iran plane crash

A message from the University of Waterloo.

With deep sadness, the University of Waterloo confirms that it is aware that two students are among the people who died in the crash of Ukrainian International Airlines Flight PS752 in Iran last night. 

Marzieh (Mari) Foroutan was a PhD student in geography and Mansour Esnaashary Esfahani was a PhD student in civil engineering.

“Everyone at Waterloo is shocked and saddened to learn of the death of Mari Foroutan and Mansour Esfahani,” said Feridun Hamdullahpur. “Our hearts ache for them, their friends and family with whom we all mourn together. Mari and Mansour were part of a close-knit community of researchers here at Waterloo who will need our care and support. We are united with the Canadian academic community and all Canadian-Iranians in grieving the loss of Mari and Mansour and the loss of so many other students and researchers from across Canada. As we grieve, we will support the family, friends and co-workers of those who have died and keep them in our thoughts at this most difficult of times.”

If you are grieving or need any support, there are people who can help you. Please contact any of the following resources:

• Counselling Services - 519-888-4567;32655
• UW MATES (Mentor Assistance Through Education and Support)
• Here 24/7 - 1-844-437-3247
• Health Services - Student Medical Clinic - 519-888-4096
• Grand River Hospital - 519-749-4300
• St. Mary's Hospital - 519-744-3311
• Good2Talk - 1-866-925-5454
• Crisis Services Canada - 1-833-456-4566 or by text 45645 
• Employee and Family Assistance Provider (Homewood Health) - 1-800-663-1142
• Occupational Health - Linda Brogden at ext. 36264 or Karen Parkinson at ext. 30338

Digital storytelling for truth and reconciliation

This article was originally published on the Faculty of Arts website.

Students in a fall 2019 Digital Arts Communication course on digital storytelling produced three beautiful and compelling short documentaries around the theme of Truth and Reconciliation on Turtle Island. Guided by Professor Aynur Kadir, the students developed their skills in creating reality-based digital narratives, collaborative production, and post-production analysis.

“The films not only represent strong technical quality, but they are also a very good example of Indigenizing curriculum and decolonizing classrooms,” says Kadir, who is a new faculty member in the Department of Communication Arts. “This course is designed to empower students to engage with this content through a creative project that provides them with a deliverable they can include in their portfolio for years to come.” 

As a key part of the learning experience, the students in DAC 302 were asked to work in collaboration with a local cultural or community organization to produce their documentaries. These organizations were the Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre and the Games Institute, which generously volunteered time and resources for this process.

“The process of the filmmaking is an important learning and collaboration experience. Not only were the students getting involved with real world projects, but they also worked closely with Indigenous scholars and artists who are at the front line of decolonization," says Professor Aynur Kadir.

Kadir’s research interests and pedagogical practice center on producing multimedia for social justice and decolonizing digital technologies. This work includes collaborations Indigenous communities internationally to develop digital media that document, manage, safeguard, and represent Indigenous cultural heritage.  Inspired by the land she lives on, Kadir’s recent work in British Columbia was built on collaboration with the Stó:lō Nation and Haida nation. Since the summer, she is developing a collaborative relationship with Six Nations of the Grand River.

Visit the showcase page to view all three videos from the three DAC 302 production teams: Truth and Access, Decolonization through Art, and qCollaborative. Below is the first of these created by Samantha Lim, Anna Chow, and Manuel Calvino, about the life and work of Heather George, a Waterloo PhD candidate in History.

Waterloo alumnus receives Barnraiser Award

Waterloo alumnus Mike Farwell (BA ’97) is the most recent recipient of the Waterloo Region Record Barnraiser Award. The annual award recognizes individuals and organizations for their selfless and often courageous community work. The award was created in 2008 and originated as a challenge from former University of Waterloo president David Johnston.

Farwell, a broadcaster on 570 News and Kitchener Rangers play-by-play host, was chosen unanimously by a panel of four judges assembled by The Record. A recommendation letter from alumni relations says “Mike has tirelessly promoted philanthropy in our region, raising money for a variety of charities and initiatives including Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region and his own Farwell4Hire campaign in support of cystic fibrosis research.”

During the annual Farwell4Hire campaign, Mike hires himself out for odd jobs throughout the month of May and donates the money to cystic fibrosis research, a cause near his heart since he lost two sisters to the fatal disease at a young age. He has raised almost $500,000 for cystic fibrosis over the past six years and is an altruistic community leader who can be seen at many local events, often as a host or emcee.

Farwell is also an ongoing champion of the University of Waterloo. He often shares career advice or connects with alumni at special events. He was the Grand Marshal of the 2018 Fun Run and has emceed at the President’s Charity Golf Tournament for the last few years.

Farwell will receive the award on February 5 at a luncheon at the Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum.

FASS auditions and other notes

Auditions for FASS 2020: Nothing Beats Rock! will be held on January 9 and 10 from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. in HH 123. Anyone wishing to be involved with the show (onstage, backstage, or helping with production) can drop in for approximately an hour on any of the nights.

Retiree Bruce Logan passed away on December 28, 2019. Logan worked in Plant Operations' Grounds department for 26 years before retiring as foreperson in 1996.

Here's an update to yesterday's piece about the Order of Canada recipients with Waterloo connections. New Member of the Order of Canada Paul Born, in addition to being the co-founder of the Tamarack Institute, is also a Waterloo alumnus (BA '86) and 20-year donor to the University.

The Warriors Basketball team will be squaring off against the Guelph Gryphons on Saturday, January 11 as part of Youth Basketball Day and Staff and Faculty Appreciation Day. The women's team plays at 1:00 p.m., with the men's team playing at 3:00 p.m., with both games taking place in the PAC main gym. Staff and faculty and email warriorstickets@uwaterloo.ca for free ticket details sponsored by Campus Dentist.