Friday, September 9, 2022

Waterloo remembers Queen Elizabeth II

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip make a stop in Waterloo region during their 1973 Royal Tour of Canada. Photograph provided by Special Collections & Archives, from the Kitchener-Waterloo Record Photographic Negative collection.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II died Thursday in Scotland at the age of 96.

The United Kingdom's longest-serving monarch, Queen Elizabeth reigned for 70 years, from 1952 to 2022, and was Head of State of several countries, including Canada. Her title as Queen of Canada was conferred in 1953 by an Act of Parliament entitled the Royal Title and Styles Act, which gave the following appellation: Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom, Canada and Her other Realms and Territories Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith (Elizabeth Deux, par la grâce de Dieu Reine du Royaume-Uni, du Canada et de ses autres royaumes et territoires, Chef du Commonwealth, Défenseur de la Foi in French).

"We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II," wrote President and Vice-Chancellor Vivek Goel on his blog yesterday. "As Canada’s longest reigning monarch and Head of State, she has made an impact on many lives across our country and around the globe. I also understand Her Majesty had a special relationship with many Indigenous peoples in Canada." 

Canada, and nations across the Commonwealth, will join the United Kingdom in an official period of mourning leading up to the Queen's funeral at Westminster Abbey. Flags at federal buildings and provincial legislatures have been lowered to half-mast. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Governor General Mary Simon have made official statements and will travel to the funeral.

Canadians are invited to sign a virtual book of condolences, with physical books installed in legislatures across the country and at Rideau Hall.

"We acknowledge that some members of our community may have different feelings and attitudes toward the role of Queen and the institution of the monarchy," the president's statement continues. "Her Majesty’s 70-year reign witnessed enormous social and political change over the decades. As Queen and as a person, she was beloved by many. To many others, the institution of the monarchy represents a system of colonialism that historically has affected, oppressed and marginalized so many people around the world and continues to have consequences." 

The Queen and Prince Philip made many visits to Canada during her reign, including Waterloo region. Their 1973 visit by train to Cambridge and Kitchener as part of a royal tour, pictured above, saw thousands of onlookers turn out to the Kitchener Cenotaph on Frederick Street as they paid respect to local war dead.

Queen Elizabeth last visited Waterloo in July 2010, when she toured Research In Motion (now BlackBerry) facilities near the University campus. Only days later, it was announced that David Johnston, then-president of the University, would be appointed Governor-General of Canada.

In 2012 and 2013, a number of Waterloo students, faculty and staff received Diamond Jubilee Medals, a national honour in recognition of the Queen's 60^th anniversary, recognizing citizens of all ages and walks of life who had made significant contributions to their communities.

"Earlier today we lowered our flags to mark the deaths in James Smith Cree Nation," President Goel writes. "Our flags will remain lowered until further notice in remembrance of Her Majesty The Queen as well as the tragic incidents in Saskatchewan." 

"The news coverage of the Queen’s passing over the coming days may be difficult for many in our community for a variety of reasons," President Goel's statement concludes. "If you need support, resources are available on our Campus Wellness pages."

Queen Elizabeth's successor is His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, who as of yesterday became His Majesty King Charles III. This is one of those times when using the phrase "it's the end of an era" seems appropriate, as Canada marks the close of the longest monarchical reign in Commonwealth history, and the beginning of a new one.

Helping people see

This article was originally published on Waterloo News.

The School of Optometry & Vision Science is renaming its Centre for Sight Enhancement to celebrate a $1.5 million gift from longtime supporters George (OD ’64, DSc ’19) and Judy Woo.

This is the largest donation the School has received in its history.

“I’m deeply grateful for George and Judy’s commitment to the School of Optometry & Vision Science,” says Vivek Goel, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Waterloo. “George’s leadership in eye and vision care has made a profound impact on Waterloo and institutions around the world. I look forward to seeing patients benefit from George and Judy’s extraordinary gift.”

The Woos made their donation as part of the School’s Seeing Beyond 2020 campaign. The $35 million fundraising initiative will create the new Waterloo Eye Institute — a national resource for education and research that will expand access to eye and vision care and bring new treatments from the lab to the clinic to enhance patient care in our communities.

"After a cancer diagnosis, I was faced with the reality of living with permanent damage to my vision. I couldn’t drive, read or work, and could barely function properly in society. This left me in despair," says Rick, a Centre for Sight Enhancement patient. "The Centre for Sight Enhancement worked with me, and provided the counselling and assistive devices I needed. They helped me learn how to live in my new world. They saved my life.”

The George & Judy Woo Centre for Sight Enhancement houses the Low Vision Clinic, which provides a range of rehabilitation services for patients who have reduced vision or have lost some or all of their sight.

Low vision can be genetic or caused by diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy or acquired brain injury. Patients can face challenges with learning and employability, and experience increased prevalence of falls, depression and isolation. In many cases, the loss of sight is irreversible.

Currently, one in five Canadians is at risk of losing their sight due to eye disease. With a rapidly aging population, this number is expected to double in the next 25 years and significantly increase demand for low vision services. The Woos’ gift to the Centre for Sight Enhancement will enable more patients to access multi-disciplinary care that will improve their quality of life.

“I’m delighted to contribute to Seeing Beyond 2020 by supporting a part of the School with deep personal significance,” says George. “I’ve seen firsthand the impact the Centre for Sight Enhancement has made on members of this community, and I know the Waterloo Eye Institute will build on that proud history by delivering critical services and leading research to promote eye and vision health for Canadians.”

A Waterloo alumnus and longtime faculty member in the School of Optometry & Vision Science, George co-founded the Low Vision Clinic in 1974 and was the founding director of the Centre for Sight Enhancement.

The Centre is Canada’s first and only vision rehabilitation service to be accredited by the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired. Today, it is world-renowned for its research and its unique clinical service that provides a breadth of care and rehabilitation to patients from across the province.

“On behalf of the Centre’s patients, clinicians and students, I’d like to thank George and Judy for their profound generosity,” says Tammy Labreche (BSc ’99, OD ’99), the Centre’s current director. “With the Woos’ support, the Centre for Sight Enhancement will expand services for patients living with low vision, which will significantly improve their quality of life. This is a remarkable gift to our community and Canada, and a wonderful addition to the Woos’ legacy of care at Waterloo.”

Learn more about the Waterloo Eye Institute.

Save the date: welcome back to campus lunch on September 23

After a remarkable two years, the fall term will see even more energy and campus spirit with more students, staff, and faculty back to the University of Waterloo.

What better way to celebrate than to attend and in-person event with a free lunch? Come out to a special Welcome Back Lunch on Friday, September 23 to greet our new and returning students, reconnect with colleagues, and show your UWaterloo pride. This is a family friendly event.
 
Lunch will be rain or shine and will be held on all four campuses at the following locations:

• Waterloo – 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. on the BMH Green
• Cambridge – 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the back terrace
• Kitchener – 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. in the School of Pharmacy Outdoor Courtyard
• Stratford – 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. in the Atrium at the Stratford School of Interaction Design and Business

In partnership with the Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association, take part in a tour of the new Student Life Centre/ Physical Activities Complex extension at the Waterloo campus.

RSVP is not required but let us know if you are planning to attend.

Waterloo represents on the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences 2022 Fellows list

By Stephanie Longeway. This article was originally published on Waterloo News.

The new 2022 Fellows elected to the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences (CAHS) were announced last week and include David Edwards, professor in the University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy and Ronald Schlegel, professor emeritus in the Faculty of Health and founder of the Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging.

CAHS brings together Canada’s top-ranked health and biomedical scientists and scholars to make a positive impact on the urgent health concerns of Canadians.

“The University of Waterloo is a leader of health technology research and innovation in Canada,” says Charmaine Dean, vice-president of Research and International. “This prestigious recognition from the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences is a testament to the outstanding impact of Professors Edwards and Schlegel through not only their careers at Waterloo, but also their immense and path-breaking contributions to Canada’s health systems.”

Edwards is the former Hallman director of the School of Pharmacy and associate dean of the Faculty of Science from 2011 through 2020. Throughout his career, Edwards has served in numerous leadership roles including president of the Association of Faculties of Pharmacy of Canada and the Canadian Council for the Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs.

“When I look at the national and international accomplishments of the Fellows of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences, I feel quite honoured to be included in this group. I look forward to working with other members of the Academy to address some of the urgent health concerns that Canadians are facing,” Edwards says.

Schlegel was a professor in the Faculty of Health from 1972 through 1991 and former member of the University’s Board of Governors. After his academic career, he turned his focus to business and philanthropy and founded the Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging — a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life and care of older adults. Schlegel is an officer of the Order of Canada and has received numerous awards including the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Award and an honorary doctorate from the University of Waterloo.

Congratulations to the 2022 CAHS Fellows.

Friday's notes

A candlelight vigil for the victims of the James Smith Cree Nation attacks will be held tonight at 7:00 p.m. in the BMH courtyard. The event is organized by the Faculty of Health's Indigenous Knowledge Keeper Myeengun Henry. Flags on campus were lowered yesterday afternoon in recognition of the tragedy in Sasketchewan.

The Office of Indigenous Relations is hosting a Mohawk Institute Residential School Virtual Tour on Wednesday, September 14 from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. "Follow guide, Lorrie Gallant, as she gives a tour of the former Mohawk Institute Indian Residential School," says a note from the Office of Indigenous Relations. "During the video Lorrie provides the history of the institution over its 140 year history. Viewers will get to see the different rooms in the school, from the girls’ and boys’ dormitories, the cafeteria, laundry room, and other rooms throughout the building, as well as hear interviews from five Survivors of the Mohawk Institute. This tour hosted by the Woodland Cultural Centre is intended to provide insight into the experiences endured by Indigenous children, and to share truths about the Residential School system."  

To register, please visit https://uwaterloo.ca/indigenous/events/mohawk-institute-residential-school-virtual-tour.

For more events and to learn more about the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2022 at UWaterloo, please visit https://uwaterloo.ca/indigenous/national-day-truth-and-reconciliation-2022.

Saturday, September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day. If you are in crisis, know that the University of Waterloo supports you and there are resources available to you:

• Students: If you feel overwhelmed or anxious and need to talk to somebody, please contact the University’s Campus Wellness services, either Health or Counselling Services.
• Employees: Our Employee and Family Assistance Program is available 24/7 for counselling, coaching and support. Call 1-800-663-1142 or visit Homeweb.ca.

The IMPACT Integrated Mobile Police and Crisis Team offers after-hours counselling by trained mental health professionals available by contacting UWaterloo Special Constable Service at 519-888-4911.

These community supports are available as well:

• Here 24/7 - 1-844-437-3247
• 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
• Empower Me (1-844-741-6389) 
• MATES is a one-to-one peer support program that provides services to students who are experiencing personal or academic concerns or low-level mental health and wellness difficulties.