Monday, April 1, 2024

Athletics is bringing Homecoming back

A message from Athletics and Recreation.

We are thrilled to announce the long-awaited return of the University of Waterloo Homecoming! After more than a decade, we are bringing back this cherished tradition to unite our community in a day filled with excitement, games and spirited competition. This re-brand will be replacing Alumni Black and Gold Day. 

Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 21, 2024 when your Waterloo Warriors will face off against the Laurier Golden Hawks during the Homecoming marquee event in a thrilling match that promises to keep you on the edge of your seats. It's not just a game; it's a celebration of our resilience, unity and unwavering spirit.  

Join us as we come together to create unforgettable memories and support our team with passion and enthusiasm. Homecoming festivities will include: 

• Pre-game activities: Gather with fellow fans, alumni and friends to kick off the excitement with food, music and camaraderie. 
• Family-friendly activities: Enjoy a range of activities for all ages, from games to photo booths and more. 

This Homecoming is not just about the game; it's about celebrating our Warriors spirit and the bonds that unite us as a community. Whether you're a current student, alumni, a faculty member or a dedicated fan, this is your chance to be part of something special.

Stay tuned for more details and updates as we countdown to this momentous event. Let's paint the town black and gold as we cheer our Waterloo Warriors to victory! 

Introducing the Trans Community Corner

A message from the Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism Office.

All Two-Spirit, Trans, Non-Binary and Gender Non-Conforming (2STNBGNC+) University of Waterloo students, faculty, and staff are invited to join our community corner.

On Wednesday, April 3 from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., the Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism Office will be holding space to connect, build community, provide support and care, and celebrate our Trans community at UW. Care packages will be available to all who attend the event and will also be made available at the following pick up locations post event:

• Campus Wellness | Counselling Services - pickup from the 2SLGBTQ+ student support counsellor
• Student Success Office - pickup from the Student Equity and Community Manager
• EDI-R Office - pickup from the Community and Engagement Manager
• RAISE Office
• Glow Centre Office
• Women's Center Office

Register today to attend the event or indicate where you would like to pickup your care package.

Earth Sciences prof launches scholarships for students in need

By Fram Dinshaw. This is an excerpt of an article that originally appeared on Waterloo News.

As a young and ambitious oil rig worker, Maurice Dusseault was a university dropout who got his hands dirty on a northern Albertan rig drilling holes thousands of feet into the earth in search of this precious commodity.

Dusseault is a professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences who has not only established awards, but also contributes to several others, partially inspired by his own hardscrabble beginnings. The Dusseault Bursary in Geology supports students in need from the faculties of Science and Engineering.

With four decades of teaching, running three active companies and some lucrative patents under his belt, Dusseault feels that supporting the next generation of geologists and engineers – especially those facing challenging circumstances – is vital. Skyrocketing rental prices and other high costs of living can negatively impact students as they worry about how to pay for their education.

“Excellence deserves to be rewarded, and that’s why need and merit are the main criteria for these awards,” he added.

Read the full story on Waterloo News

Celebrating the career of Alan Binns

A message from Jacinda Reitsma, Vice-President, Administration and Finance.

Alan Binns (“Binnsy”), Director, Special Constable Service is retiring from the University of Waterloo after a longstanding career with Special Constable Service for over 30 years.

A familiar face on the Waterloo campus, Alan began working at the University in 1991 as a patrol officer after a career in the military and law enforcement in the United Kingdom.

Prior to his appointment as Director, Alan was Investigations Coordinator and Administrative Sergeant, responsible for investigating a wide range of cases, and overseeing VIP security and special event security on campus.

Alan was appointed to the position of Director, Special Constable Service in 2017 where he was responsible for communications, operations, administration, and management of the Special Constable Service.

After a long and successful career, Alan shared that it has been an honour to serve the University of Waterloo and to be entrusted with a leadership position.  Waterloo appreciates Alan’s ability to make meaningful personal connections across campus and for his commitment to our UW community for so many years.

Please join me in thanking Alan for his many contributions to the University and wishing him all the best for his retirement.

Games Institute to host interdisciplinary symposium on April 19

A message from the Games Institute.

On Friday, April 19, interdisciplinary researchers at the Games Institute (GI) will come together to discuss and demo their interactive and immersive projects for the University community during the research symposium “Disrupting Disciplinary Divides for Digital Futures”.

The team’s combined expertise tackles real-world problems facing Indigenous communities, healthcare workers, children with speech difficulties, mothers facing homelessness, citizen scientists, and more using immersive interactive technologies such as social virtual and extended reality, machine learning, interactive training tools, and feminist design. Registration is open now and lunch is provided.

Registration closes on April 12.