Tuesday, June 13, 2023

Convocation turns up the heat to 7,350 degrees

More than 7,300 degrees, diplomas and certificates will be awarded to undergraduate, Master's and PhD graduates as they cross the convocation stage in 14 ceremonies over the next five days as part of the University's one hundred and twenty-sixth Convocation celebration.

The Convocation ceremonies will all be held in the Physical Activities Complex, which has been decked out in black and gold for the pomp and circumstance. You can watch the Convocation livestream this week on the Convocation website.

The Convocation ceremonies follow a pattern developed over more than 60 years since the University's first convocation was held in what was then Seagram Stadium in June 1960. The graduating students will come in first, filling up the main body of the hall. 

After the graduands have come in, the academic procession will begin. A new tradition begins this year with the ceremonial Eagle Staff leading the academic procession. The staff is a symbolic representation of the continuous presence of Indigenous peoples, and will be carried in by an Eagle Staff carrier. Next, a selected faculty member will carry the mace, a traditional symbol of the University’s authority. Then, faculty members enter, walking two by two, dressed in their academic finery. The final party to arrive is the Chancellor’s party.

As the ceremonial head of the University of Waterloo, the Chancellor presides over convocation ceremonies every June and October and awards all degrees, diplomas and certificates, including honorary degrees. The Chancellor also offers an inspirational message for the graduands.

14 exceptional students have been selected as valedictorians for each convocation ceremony. Check out their stories on Waterloo News.

Following each convocation ceremony, graduates and their guests are invited to the BMH Green to celebrate with their classmates, professors and family members who supported them through their Waterloo student experience.

The June and October Convocation ceremonies form the pinnacle of the University's academic calendar, and this week's ritual celebration represents the culmination of years of effort for students, faculty and staff alike as the newest members of Waterloo's alumni family take their first steps off the Convocation stage as graduates of this institution.

Congratulations to all Waterloo graduands, their families and supporters.

Convocation kicks off with the Faculty of Health ceremony this morning

School of Public Health Sciences Professor Chris Perlman carries the mace in 2018.

First across the stage are the graduands from the Faculty of Health. 550 undergraduates, 54 Master's, and 22 PhD candidates will receive their degrees at today's 10:00 a.m. ceremony.

The special guest speaker at the Faculty of Health's convocation ceremony is Dr. Scott Leatherdale. Dr. Leatherdale is a professor in the School of Public Health Sciences. He is a Cancer Care Ontario Research Chair, a CIHR-PHAC Chair in Applied Public Health Research, and a University Research Chair at the University of Waterloo. Before coming to Waterloo, he was a Scientist at Cancer Care Ontario, responsible for leading Ontario’s cancer prevention system. For the past 15 years since joining Waterloo, Leatherdale has developed and led the COMPASS System, the world’s largest and most comprehensive youth-focused cancer prevention and mental health learning system. He was an inaugural winner of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Trailblazer Award in Population Health Solutions and is the first (and only) Canadian researcher to be awarded Fellow status in the American Academy of Health Behavior. His proudest achievement is being the father of two fun and energetic little boys, Thomas and James.

Terry Stewart will be named Honorary Member of the University. Terry Stewart’s involvement with the University of Waterloo spanned nearly 50 years. He completed BA and MA degrees in Recreation and Leisure Studies in 1975 and 1976, respectively. He started his role as a research associate in the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies in 1981, followed by microcomputer laboratory manager and coordinator of the Leisure Studies Bank in 1984. His role changed to coordinator of computing in 1991, then manager of information technology in 2005, and director of information technology in 2012. Stewart retired in 2015.

Valedictorian Katie Ivancic will deliver the valedictory address.

Kendra Elizabeth Fortin, Master's graduate in Recreation and Leisure Studies, will receive the Governor General's Academic Gold Medal, which is awarded to the student with the highest standing in a Master's program.

Jackie Doreen Zehr, PhD graduate in Kinesiology, will receive the Governor General's Academic Gold Medal, which is awarded to the student with the highest standing in a doctoral program.

The Faculty of Environment ceremony takes place this afternoon

At the 2:30 p.m ceremony this afternoon, the Faculty of Environment takes centre stage. 345 undergraduates, 95 Master's, and 22 PhD candidates will receive their degrees.

The special guest speaker at the Faculty of Environment's ceremony is Dr. Raphael Ayambire. As the University of Waterloo’s 2021 Caivan International Experience Postdoctoral Fellow, Dr. Raphael Ayambire brings a unique perspective to the challenge of planning and building the world's future cities. After growing up in rural Ghana supporting his parents’ agricultural activities, he graduated with a BSc in development planning in Ghana, then journeyed to Canada to complete a planning PhD at Waterloo. Ayambire’s lived experience and his education on two continents, has shaped his passionate vision for future cities that can respond to the climate crisis and transformative new technologies while ensuring social equity makes these communities truly sustainable. Ayambire will continue working toward this goal as an assistant professor in the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Architecture, Department of City Planning.

Valedictorian Bennett Paul Gallant will deliver the valedictory address.

Dr. Barbara Schumacher will be named Honorary Member of the University. Dr. Schumacher shepherded the campus community through serious health challenges, including cases of tuberculosis and outbreaks of meningitis and Swine Flu, while championing progressive and equitable programs that enhanced the lives of thousands of students, faculty and staff during her 39 year career at the University. Promoting mental well-being, tackling sexual harassment, and establishing the Occupational Health office for staff were just a few of her initiatives. In addition, Schumacher’s efforts in promoting better health went beyond Waterloo and benefitted people at universities across Ontario. And after retiring as Waterloo’s medical director of Health Services in 2015, she established a fund to help refugees continue their university education.

Carly Roseanne Zander, Bachelor of Environmental Studies, Honours Geography and Environmental Management graduate, will receive the Governor General's Academic Silver Medal, which is awarded to students with the highest standing in an undergraduate degree program.

Discover the power of leadership on Friday with Rola Dagher

A message from the Faculty of Engineering.

Join Waterloo Engineering for an inspired conversation with Rola Dagher, Dell Technologies' Global Channel Chief and 2023 University of Waterloo honorary doctorate recipient.

Rola’s work in the global technology sector has revolutionized business and redefined what it means to be a leader. Fuelled by her ambition to drive meaningful change, Rola’s formidable experience makes for a great story – one that she tells best.

This is your chance to hear Rola’s insights into how transformative leadership can ignite positive change, triumph over adversity and reshape the future. This interactive conversation will leave you inspired, empowered and equipped with actionable strategies to elevate your own leadership capabilities. 

The event takes place Friday, June 16 from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the E7 event space on the second floor of Engineering 7. Register today on Waterloo Engineering’s event page.

History society issues call for undergraduate research presentations

A message from the University of Waterloo History Society.

Attention all UWaterloo historians and scholars! The History Society is thrilled to announce a new project called "Historical Inquiries: Illuminating the Past Through Student Symposium,” and we want your participation.  

We invite all Waterloo historical-minded students interested in showcasing their work and research by sharing their insights with their peers in a virtual symposium. This is a unique opportunity, unlike any other, to spotlight your academic research and interests while contributing to the rich tapestry of historical knowledge at Waterloo.

In a 10-minute presentation, we ask that you present an original slide deck or read an original piece of writing on a historical topic of your choosing and then answer a few questions from the audience. This does not have to be something brand new and can be a presentation/reading of an assignment submitted for a grade that you are very proud of. Either way, we want to display your work and passion and provide a forum for engagement and learning.

The event will be hybrid and held Thursday, July 27, via Zoom and in the MacKirdy Reading Room (HH 117) at 5:00 p.m.

Research themes

We welcome research presentations from a wide range of historical topics and periods. Whether you have delved into ancient civilizations, medieval societies, modern revolutions, or any other captivating era. Here are some suggested research themes (but not limited to):

• Political movements and ideologies
• Social and cultural transformations
• Economic systems and trade routes
• Gender, race, and identity studies
• War, conflict, and Diplomacy
• Historical methodology and sources

If you are interested or want to come and watch your friends showcase their passion, please fill out the form below with your name and contact information, year, and the topic you will present if you are presenting and indicating if you will be attending in person or virtually by June 23. While we cannot facilitate everybody's presentation despite our want to do so, all are encouraged to submit proposals to present.

We eagerly await your contributions.

Event timing: July 27, 2023, 5:00 p.m., via Zoom or in the MacKirdy Reading Room (HH 117). For any questions contact: uwhistory@gmail.com. View the sign-up sheet.

Notes on the cusp of Convocation

Photo credit: Eric Mah, School of Accounting and Finance.

Hundreds of native trees, shrubs, and wildflowers were planted across campus on May 30 and 31 as the Sustainability Office and Grounds hosted two tree plantings with the campus community.

"As part of campus naturalization efforts, 45 volunteers (staff, faculty, and students) planted a variety of native and ecologically appropriate species across parts of main and North campus, including 200 trees/shrubs and 200 wildflowers," says a note from the Sustainability Office. "These native plants replace land recently cleared of invasive species and will provide important habitat for local pollinators and wildlife."

"A big thank you to all the hardworking volunteers who braved the sun and heat, especially our Green Office teams. Stay tuned for more planting events in the fall through the monthly Sustainability News e-newsletter or the Sustainability Office website." 

This project was funded by Waterloo’s Sustainability Action Fund and the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation.

"Let's have some fun while learning English!" says a note from the Writing and Communication Centre (WCC). "Join us for our English Conversation Circles and practice your speaking skills with fellow language learners!"

Round one of the Conversation Circles kicked off on May 24 and runs until June 29, and the second round will begin on July 12 and run until August 17.

The circles come 'round every Wednesday and Thursday from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in SCH 228F.