Thursday, June 16, 2022

Today, Convocation does the Math

More than 1,370 graduands from the Faculty of Mathematics will cross the Convocation stage in three ceremonies today. 1,177 undergraduates, 158 master's, and 34 PhD candidates will receive their degrees.

The first ceremony takes place this morning at 10:00 a.m.

Mark Giesbrecht, Dean of the Faculty of Mathematics, will present Tony Chan for the conferment of admission to the degree of Doctor of Mathematics, honoris causa. Professor Tony Chan is an esteemed leader in computational models and algorithms for image processing. He received his Ph.D. in Computer Science from Stanford University, followed by a Research Fellowship at Caltech. He also holds an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Strathclyde. After serving as president of The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology for nearly a decade, Chan became the third president of the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in 2018. He is a member of the US National Academy of Engineering, and a Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM). Chan was also awarded the 2020 SIAM Prize for Distinguished Service to the Profession.

Tony Chan will address convocation.

At 2:30 p.m., graduands will gather for the second Mathematics ceremony.

Changbao Wu, Professor, Statistics and Actuarial Science, will introduce Mary E. Thompson, Distinguished Professor Emerita to address convocation. Mary Thompson is Distinguished Professor Emerita of Statistics at the University of Waterloo in Waterloo. She holds a BSc from the University of Toronto, and an MS and PhD from the University of Illinois. She was a founding Co-Director of the University of Waterloo Survey Research Centre, and Director of the Data Management Core for the International Tobacco Control (ITC) Policy Evaluation Project. Thompson was elected as a Fellow of the American Statistical Association in 1985, and of the Royal Society of Canada in 2006. She is also an elected member of the International Statistical Institute and a Fellow of the Institute of Mathematical Statistics. She won the Waksberg Award of Survey Methodology in 2008.

Farzaan Nathoo-Khedri will deliver the valedictory address.

The third Mathematics ceremony takes place at 6:30 p.m. tonight.

David McKinnon, Professor, Department of Pure Mathematics, will present Kathryn Hare for conferment of the title of Distinguished Professor Emerita. Professor Kathryn Hare retired from the Department of Pure Mathematics in July 2021, after joining in 1988 as the first female professor. Hare has an extensive research portfolio on harmonic analysis, fractals, thin sets and multipliers and maximal operators. She has supervised dozens of postdoctoral, PhD and master’s students, many of whom earned prizes for research excellence, including a Morgan Prize winner, and an AIM Fellowship winner. Hare is a Fellow of the Canadian Mathematical Society, and the recipient of an honorary doctorate from Chalmers University, and the Faculty of Mathematics Award for Distinction in Teaching. She tirelessly served the University, notably as department chair from 2014 to 2018.

Jochen Koenemann, Chair, Department of Combinatorics and Optimization, will present Ian Goulden for conferment of the title of Distinguished Professor Emeritus. Professor Ian Goulden received his PhD in Statistics from the University of Waterloo in 1979. He joined the Department of Combinatorics & Optimization in 1980, and was promoted to full professor in 1990, before retiring in 2019. Goulden is a leader in the field of enumerative combinatorics, and co-authored the influential textbook Combinatorial Enumeration with David Jackson. In 2010, he was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada. Goulden is an exceptional teacher, and received the Faculty of Mathematics Award for Distinction in Teaching in 2009. He is also an accomplished administrator who served three terms as chair of Combinatorics & Optimization, and one term as dean of the Faculty of Mathematics.

Ian Goulden will address convocation.

During today's ceremonies, a number of special awards will also be handed out to honour academic excellence.

Simone Hu will receive the Governor General's Gold Medal award at the master's level.

Patrick Naylor will receive Governor General’s Gold Medal at the doctoral level.

Leni Ven will receive the Governor General's Silver Medal.

Robin Wen is the Alumni Gold Medal winner for the Class of 2022.

Meng Yuan will receive the Faculty of Mathematics Doctoral Prize.

Excellent teachers and supervisors honoured at Convocation

This week, the University of Waterloo's distinguished teachers and excellent graduate supervisors will be recognized at Convocation.

Distinguished Teacher Awards

The Distinguished Teacher Award is granted to a professor or lecturer who uses their human quality and concern for the needs of the students to create lasting influence on students and on colleagues. Recipients exhibit intellectual vigour and communication skills in the interpretation and presentation of subject matter, along with evidence of educational impact beyond the classroom.

• Robin Duncan BSC, PhD Kinesiology and Health Sciences, Faculty of Health;
• Lowell Ewert BA, JD, LLM Peace and Conflict Studies, Faculty of Arts, Conrad Grebel University College;
• Igor Ivkovic BMath, MMath, PhD Systems Design Engineering, Faculty of Engineering;
• Suzanne Kearns BSc, MSc, PhD Geography and Environmental Management, Faculty of Environment;
• Rick Marta BSc, PhD Chemistry, Physics and Astronomy, Faculty of Science;
• Rajinder Pal BTech, PhD Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering;
• Cynthia Richard Pharm, PhD School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science; and
• Dan Wolczuk BSc, MMath Mathematics, Faculty of Mathematics.

Awards of Excellence in Graduate Supervision

The award for excellence in Graduate Supervision recognizes exemplary faculty members who have demonstrated excellence in graduate student supervision. An outstanding graduate supervisor is a mentor, advisor, role model, humanist and strategist, and possesses a high level of energy and ingenuity.

• Jay Dolmage BA, MA, PhD Department of English Language and Literature, Faculty of Arts;
• Brian Forrest Department of Pure Mathematics, Faculty of Mathematics;
• Carolyn Ren BSc, MSc, PhD Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering, Faculty of Engineering;
• Paul Stolee BA, MPA, MSc, PhD School of Public Health Science, Faculty of Health;
• Gordon Wilmot BMath, MMath, PhD Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, Faculty of Mathematics; and
• Claudio Canizares MASc, PhD, PEng Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering.

Congratulations to all the award recipients.

W Store launches 2022 fundraiser Pride Tee

A message from Print + Retail Solutions.

The 2022 Pride Tee has launched in W Store to celebrate Pride Month. Pride at Waterloo is an opportunity to prioritize the diverse voices and experiences of Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning people and other sexualities and gender identities (2SLGBTQ+).

Five dollars from the sale of every tee shirt will be donated directly to the Glow Centre for Sexual and Gender Diversity. Glow is the oldest continually running university-based queer and trans group in Canada. Run entirely by dedicated student volunteers, it offers a wide variety of discussion groups, social events, advocacy opportunities, awareness campaigns, resources and peer support. Follow the Glow Centre on Instagram to find resources and learn more about the services they offer.  

The tee shirt is available now online and in-store.

Doug Peers to continue as acting dean of arts through August

"I am pleased to announce that Professor Douglas Peers has agreed to extend his appointment as Acting Dean of Arts until August 31, 2022," wrote Vice-President, Academic & Provost James Rush in a memo circulated to the Faculty of Arts last week. "At the moment Dean Ager is looking forward to returning full time in September, but in the meantime, she will be ramping up by working with Acting Dean Peers in July and August."

"I am grateful to Doug for agreeing to take on this extended assignment," Provost Rush writes.

Ericsson accepting EIA competition submissions starting today

A message from the Office of Research.

The Ericsson Innovation Awards (EIA) competition is open to university students based anywhere on earth, and it recognizes innovative concepts that use technology to solve global challenges. This year Ericsson is challenging university student teams to “Impact our Sustainable Future.”

Visit their website for more information on the EIA competition and to register. Submissions will be accepted between June 16 and August 5, 2022.

Like father, like sons

This is an excerpt of an article originally published on the School of Accounting and Finance's website.

For alumnus Ashi Mathur (MAcc ’93) and his two sons, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Brothers Deven and Neel have followed in their father’s footsteps by studying in the same Accounting and Financial Management (AFM) program, decades later.

Ahead of Father’s Day on June 19, the School of Accounting and Finance (SAF) is telling the story of a family that shares a strong bond with UWaterloo. Ashi Mathur (MAcc ’93), now president of Marlin Spring began his career studying in the School of Accounting and Finance, and now, his sons Deven and Neel are enrolled in the AFM program and are expected to graduate in 2023 and 2025.

When Deven expressed that he enjoyed his accounting and economics classes in high school, and wanted to continue those passions in university, his dad (rather unsurprisingly) suggested he look into the AFM program. What Ashi liked most about the program was the lifelong friends he made, the community, and that his education gave him an edge right out of the gate. What ultimately sold Deven on applying to the program was co-op and a campus visit where he met faculty and current students.

Outside of school, Deven has a passion for sports, and Neel has a passion for gourmet cooking. While unique in their hobbies – what the brothers share is a hardworking nature and deep admiration and respect for their father. The School caught up with Ashi and Deven to discuss their family bond, career journey, and how their family plans to celebrate Father’s Day this year.

What do you love the most about your dad/sons?

DM: He’s always there for us. My dad is always willing to lend an ear, and he is always ready with advice. He does whatever he can to help my brother and me be our best.

AM: I am very fortunate to have two sons that have both chosen to enroll in the AFM program at the University of Waterloo. While they share many of the same qualities including a strong sense of family and respect for others - they are also both unique. Deven (Class of 2023) has a true passion for sports trivia. I have seen him debate senior colleagues of mine over the most minute details of just about any professional sports team. Neel (Class of 2025) is passionate about gourmet cooking and has prepared us some of the most elaborate meals we have ever had (so long as we purchase the ingredients and clean up the dishes).

DM: The immense respect others hold for my dad.
While on a study term, my dad presented to the managing partner and senior management at my current firm. On my first day back the senior managers who attended that presentation came up to me to compliment my dad on what an excellent presenter he is. I’ve heard many stories from people who have worked with my dad in the past, and I am immensely proud of the praise and reverence they hold him in. 

AM: I am most proud of Deven and Neel’s determination and focus on everything they do.  For example, Deven was able to achieve his black belt in Taekwondo at the young age of 10, and Neel decided to take up drumming at a very young age and stuck with it all through high school. Neel’s passion for music and the arts landed him his high school graduating class’s art award.

They are both now focused on pursuing a career in finance and understand the need for being well prepared for the competitive workforce. I think they chose AFM because they saw the edge the program would give them. The AFM program not only provides a strong educational foundation but also affords them the experiential learning that comes from the co-op program, the Student Investment Fund (SIF) and the Student Venture Fund (SVF). 

What is a piece of advice you’ve received from your dad that has stuck with you throughout your academic and professional career?

DM: My dad has a couple of sayings he plays on repeat: “Nothing ventured, nothing gained” and “The worst they can say is no.” 

Do you remember how you celebrated your first Father’s Day as a parent?

AM: My first Father’s Day was celebrated with family. We played host to both sets of grandparents and had a BBQ. I remember taking a pause during the day and reflecting on how much life had changed over that year. Having your first child makes you reset your purpose and focus in life. 

DM: To live with less fear and to be bold. I can be shy at times, which leads to me not pushing to better myself. My dad has always pushed me to stand up and fight for myself and put myself first.

Read the rest of the article on the School of Accounting and Finance website.

Thursday's notes

Here are the latest offerings from the Writing and Communication Centre (WCC):

Hybrid Writing Cafés 

Calling all grads, postdocs, and faculty: Connect with your peers and make progress on your writing at the Hybrid Writing Café. Sessions are held online and in the SLC Grad lounge on Tuesdays and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and Wednesdays from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

Online English Conversation Circles  

The ECC program offers a place to share resources, tell stories, and practice everyday communication. Make new friends and join the conversation at our English Conversation Circles on Fridays from 9:30-10:30 am and Wednesdays from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

IBPOC Workshops

The IBPOC Writing and Communication Workshops are spaces where graduate students identifying as Indigenous, Black, and people of color can come together to form a supportive community of writers. This is an intentional IBPOC-only virtual space. Join us on June 23 from 5:30-6:30 pm for our first IBPOC Writing and Communication Workshop, Writing Prompts. You can join the IBPOC writing groups channel through WCC’s Teams.