Editor:
Brandon Sweet
University Communications
bulletin@uwaterloo.ca
Thomas Duever named interim Vice-President, Academic and Provost
Photo courtesy of Toronto Metropolitan University.
A message from Vivek Goel, President and Vice-Chancellor.
I'm pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Thomas Duever, as interim vice-president, academic and provost effective July 1, 2025. He will serve in this role until June 30, 2027.
Tom earned his bachelor, masters, and PhD degrees in Chemical Engineering from the University of Waterloo. After three years as a research engineer in the pulp and paper industry, he returned to the University as a faculty member. During his 24-year career at Waterloo, he spent 15 years in leadership roles, including associate chair of graduate studies, associate chair of undergraduate studies, and as chair of the chemical engineering department for nine years. His work as a professor earned him a Faculty of Engineering teaching excellence award.
Under his leadership, Waterloo's chemical engineering department's faculty complement increased by over 50 per cent and the number of graduate students more than doubled. He also oversaw the development of Engineering 6 - the dedicated, 5,400 square metre state-of-the art chemical engineering research building - and the move of faculty members into the Mike & Ophelia Lazaridis Quantum-Nano Centre.
For the last decade, Tom has served as dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science at Toronto Metropolitan University. As dean, he evolved the faculty’s academic offerings, collaborating with faculty members to launch new programs such as the undergraduate Mechatronics program in 2023 and instituted a faculty-wide co-op program. He also oversaw the evolution of graduate studies at the faculty which now boasts twelve programs and numerous degree pathways.
Tom previously served as chair of the Association of Canadian Chairs of Chemical Engineering and as chair of Engineering Deans Ontario. He is a fellow of the Chemical Institute of Canada and of the Canadian Academy of Engineering and is a licensed professional engineer in the province of Ontario.
In recognition of his commitment to championing student success, the student-led Metropolitan Undergraduate Engineering Society presented Tom with the Dean of the Decade award in 2024.
Dr. Duever will provide continuity and stability through the upcoming senior leadership transitions, and I am confident that he will provide excellent leadership in this role. I know that his commitment to the academic mission of the university and institutional knowledge will be an asset for Waterloo and our senior leadership team during these next few years.
He looks forward to returning to the Waterloo community where he lives and to meeting new faces as well as reconnecting with former colleagues.
Black Pharmacy Professionals of Canada held inaugural summit at Waterloo's School of Pharmacy
This is an excerpt of an article originally published on the School of Pharmacy's website.
The Black Pharmacy Professionals of Canada (BPPC) held their inaugural in-person event, the BPPC Excellence Summit: Annual Educational Conference, Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Black History Month Recognition, at the University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy on February 7 – 9, 2025 with over 130 attendees.
"Our heartfelt thanks to the University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy for hosting the inaugural BPPC summit! Your support plays a crucial role in advancing growth and equity in healthcare,” says Lisa-Kaye Williams, pharmacist and director of operations, BPPC Board of Directors.
BPPC was formed in 2022 by a team of Black pharmacists looking to inspire change. The group came together and launched their first virtual online event in 2023, highlighting how much they’ve contributed as Black pharmacy professionals to the field of pharmacy. After their initial event, other organizations recognized their important work and they gained sponsorships, daring them to dream bigger.
“We are pleased to have had a small part in this by making the School available to support the BPPC inaugural event and are thrilled it was a success. We are looking forward to the great work this group will continue to do,” says Andrea Edginton, Hallman Director, Waterloo Pharmacy.
BPPC is dedicated to empowering Black pharmacy professionals by providing mentorship, advocacy and opportunities for community health and growth. Some highlights from the event:
- Pharmacy and healthcare professionals, students and healthcare leaders attended to connect and inspire change
- Researchers showcased their innovative ideas
- Allies committed to equity in pharmacy gathered to connect with one another
- The AGM served as a formal gathering for BPPC members to discuss organizational updates, future initiatives and governance matters
- Educational sessions were held for pharmacy professionals
- A panel on boosting Black representation in Canadian pharmacy leadership highlighted key opportunities
- Professionals networked to build meaningful relationships to encourage change
“I had a quiet dream to host our BPPC inaugural summit at Waterloo Pharmacy for years,” says Olivia Nwaokocha, PharmD’24 and event committee chair at BPPC. “This is just the beginning.”
Celebrating the career of Stephen Markan
By Lisa Tomalty, Manager, Customer Relations and Support, IST.
Please join me in congratulating Stephen Markan on his upcoming retirement! Stephen’s last day of work will be Friday, February 28(and his actual retirement date is June 1). Stephen has been a staff member at the University of Waterloo for over 35 years.
Stephen grew up in the farming community of Utopia, Ontario. Despite the idyllic setting of his childhood, he decided to seek knowledge beyond Utopia and enrolled in the Computer Science program at the University of Waterloo. After a detour through System Design Engineering (along with a few other side trips and explorations), he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. Stephen then joined Equitable Life, providing computer support. After this brief brush with ‘the real world,’ Stephen returned to the University of Waterloo, to study Environment and Resource Studies.
His early part-time positions at the University of Waterloo were at the Turnkey Desk in the Campus Centre (now the Student Life Centre) and as Chair of the Creative Arts Board for the Federation of Students. In 1990, he started working full-time in the University Library and has worked for Information Systems & Technology (IST) since 1997.
While working for the Library, Stephen joined the new Library Workstations group, managing Macintosh computers via AppleTalk networks for admin staff and IBM PCs for public CD-ROM databases. He was also a member of the Library Staff Advisory Council, Library Client Services Group, Associate Librarian Selection Committee, and 1996/97 Cost-Reduction Taskforce.
Since starting with IST in the Client Services group (hired by Paul Snyder), Stephen has been integral to many projects, committees, and initiatives. He is well known for providing excellent client support for a myriad of systems and services (most notably SharePoint). Some of Stephen’s earlier projects included implementing Request Tracker as the IST Ticketing system and implementing Mailman to replace Majordomo mailing lists. He was a key member of the University's Y2K preparation team and contributed to a KW Record article about Y2K.
Stephen has most recently been the primary SharePoint support contact, the IST Account Rep to the Faculty of Science (providing a variety of support and consulting to the Faculty of Science), IST Account Rep to the Library, chair of the IWAG committee, a member of WNAG, EndPoint Management project participant (including Intune macOS management rollout support), and supported Request Tracker, Windows/macOS/Linux, M365 apps (OneDrive, Teams, Email, etc.), SCCM/AD for the Faculty of Science, and more. Stephen has also taught various IT courses, presented many PDAGs, and presented at conferences.”
In addition, Stephen has provided other valuable services to the University of Waterloo. He served as a member of the Vice-President Academic and Provost Nominating Committee, Presidential Nominating Committee (helping select David Johnston), and Dean of Environmental Studies Nominating Committee. He has been elected to the University of Waterloo Board of Governors twice, was appointed to the University of Waterloo Board of Governors Executive Committee, and took on significant involvement in the University of Waterloo Staff Association, serving more than once as Director, President, Past-President, member and Chair of Staff Relations Committee, and was served on the Provost Advisory Committee on Staff Compensation.
Stephen has built excellent relationships with clients, colleagues and leaders across campus over the years. He has been praised for his dedication, knowledge, ability to solve a variety of IT problems, contributions to many IT initiatives and services, and his overall friendliness and helpfulness. Stephen has been a wonderful colleague to many on campus and a valued and appreciated member of the University of Waterloo and IST.
On behalf of IST, I would like to thank Stephen for his dedication and many contributions to the University of Waterloo over the past 35+ years. Stephen will be missed by his clients, colleagues and the University community.
Please join me in wishing Stephen all the best in retirement.
Notes on Election Day
Today is the day to exercise your franchise in the provincial election as Ontarians go to the polls.
Polls will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. today in the community and across the province.
There is a polling station located in the Multipurpose Room of the Student Life Centre set up to serve two polls (011 and 018) for those living in campus residences.
WUSA has shared some election-related information on its website.
Students and employees alike should check the information on their Voter Information Card, Elections Ontario's website, or the Elections Ontario App for more details on how and where they should vote today.
The “Surveillance, Privacy and Algorithmic Power in the Workplace” panel discussion, part of the Antagonism and Intimidation in Academia Speaker Series, is taking place this afternoon in the Humanities Theatre. There's still time to register.
The event will be livestreamed on Zoom beginning at 3:00 p.m.
The event gets underway at 3:00 p.m. with a reception to follow at 4:30 p.m.
Register on the Velocity website.
"Please note that the Lectures in Catholic Experience with Dr. Gary J. Adler Jr. scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on February 27th has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances," says a note from St. Jerome's University. "We apologize for any inconvenience this has caused, and we hope to reschedule his lecture in the future."
"For information on the Lectures in Catholic Experience and the schedule of speakers, please go to our Lectures in Catholic Experience website."
Link of the day
When and where
The Winter 2025 Student Experience Survey is now open. Students should check their @uwaterloo email or visit LEARN to see if they have been invited to complete the survey. Students who submit their responses will receive $5 on their WatCard. The survey is open until March 14.
The privately-run Student Health Pharmacy (located in the lower level of the Student Life Centre) is now offering new COVID booster shots and flu shots. Call for appointments to register for the vaccination at 519-746-4500 or dial extension 33784. Walk-ins are welcome.
WIN Seminar with Dr. SJ Claire Hur, "Microfluidic Systems for Patient-Derived Cellular and Acellular Specimens in Personalized Medicine," Thursday, February 27, 11:00 a.m., QNC 1501.
Research Impact Canada “Dr. RIC”: artificial intelligence (AI) and knowledge mobilization (KMb)," Thursday, February. 27, 11:00 a.m. to 12 noon, online via Zoom. Please contact Nadine Quehl to access the Zoom link.
Staff Association office hours, Thursday, February 27, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., DC 3608.
Anti-Racism Reads: Black Boys Like Me, Thursday, February 27, 12 noon to 1:00 p.m., Federation Hall.
Antagonism and Intimidation in Academia Speaker Series 2.0, "Surveillance, Privacy, and Algorithmic Power in the Workplace," Thursday, February 27, 3:00 p.m., reception to follow at 4:30 p.m., Humanities Theatre.
Kafka Around the World – 2025 Grimm Lecture, Thursday, February 27, 7:00 p.m., CIGI Auditorium, 67 Erb St. West, Waterloo.
Lectures in Catholic Experience presents, Dr. Gary J. Adler Jr., Thursday, February 27, 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Notre Dame Chapel, SJU. Please note this event has been cancelled.
Balsillie School of International Affairs/Department of Anthropology Book Talk, "Zainab’s Traffic: Moving Saints, Selves, and Others across Borders" featuring Emrah Yıldız, Friday, February 28, 12 noon to 1:30 p.m., Balsillie School of International Affairs.
Leveraging Generative AI Chatbots in Public Health Communication, Friday, February 28, 12 noon to 1:00 p.m., online via Zoom.
Waterloo Nanotechnology Conference, Saturday, March 1, 9:00 a.m., QNC 0101.
Warriors Women’s Hockey vs. Laurier, Saturday, March 1, 7:00 p.m., CIF Arena. OUA Playoffs Quarter-Final – Game 3 (if necessary). Tickets will be available after the Saturday night game if needed.
Home Routes folk concert: Poor Nameless Boy, Sunday, March 2, 7:00 p.m., Brubacher House - North Campus.
2025 International Conference on Games and Narrative, Monday, March 3 to Thursday, March 6.
WISE presents “Hydrogen Workshop,” Monday, March 3, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Enterprise Theatre, EC5 (East Campus 5), Room 1111, 305 Phillip Street, Waterloo., In-person & on Zoom. Register today.
University Senate meeting, Monday, March 3, 3:30 p.m., NH 3447 and online.
Menopause Café, Tuesday, March 4, 12 noon to 1:00 p.m., DC fishbowl.
Film screening: “Theater of Thought,” Tuesday, March 4, 6:30 p.m., CIGI Auditorium.
NEW - Department of Germanic and Slavic Studies Public Lecture with Dr. Philipp S. Angermeyer, “Raus! From German Command to Tok Pisin Verb: On the Linguistic Consequences of Colonial Encounters,” Wednesday, March 5, 11:00 a.m., ML 109.
Noon Hour Concert: From Western to Eastern Europe, Wednesday, March 5, 12 noon, Conrad Grebel Chapel, free admission.
Community Corner: Gathering during uncertain times, Wednesday, March 5, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., EDI-R office, EC5. Register to attend.
Exploring Turnitin’s Artificial Intelligence Detection Tool - Online (CTE7545), Thursday, March 6, 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Professional headshots for Science students, Thursday, March 6, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., TC lobby.
Free Store Seed Library Launch, Thursday, March 6, 12 noon to 2:00 p.m. SLC Marketplace.
Future Cities Innovation Challenge kick-off, Monday, March 10, 4:00 p.m., South Campus Hall cafeteria.
Professional headshots for Arts and Health students, Tuesday, March 11, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., TC lobby.
NEW - Master of Taxation, Virtual Information Session, Tuesday, March 11, 4:00 p.m.
Upcoming service interruptions
Stay up to date on service interruptions, campus construction, and other operational changes on the Plant Operations website. Upcoming service interruptions include:
-
Math 3 sidewalk closure, Monday, February 24 to Friday, February 28, sidewalk will be closed and trenched for new watermain/hydrant installation, alternative accessible path will be provided around the work area.
-
Arts Lecture, ENV1, ENV2, ENV3 electrical shutdown, Thursday, February 27, 7:00 p.m. to Friday, February 28, 7:00 a.m., all electrical power off for approximately 11 hours, elevators, fire and life safety systems will be on backup generator power, heating will be off for approximately 1.5 hours.
-
East Campus Hall, Engineering 5, 6 and 7 fire alarm testing, Friday, February 28, 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
-
Wilmot South, Wellesley South, Eby Hall, Claudette Millar Hall fire alarm testing, Friday, February 28, 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
-
Psychology, Hagey Hall, Tatham Centre, Arts Lecture Hall fire alarm testing, Monday, March 3, 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
-
East Campus 1, East Campus 2, East Campus 3 fire alarm testing, Monday, March 3, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
-
School of Pharmacy, Integrated Health Building, Innovation Arena fire alarm testing, Wednesday, March 5, 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
-
University Club, Bauer Warehouse, Avril fire alarm testing, Wednesday, March 5, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
-
EV2 water shutdown, Saturday, March 8, 7:00 a.m. to 12 noon, domestic cold water will be shut off for the duration.
-
Dana Porter Library domestic hot water shutdown, Monday, March 10, 3:00 a.m. until 8:00 a.m., domestic hot water will be shut down to accommodate metering installation. Domestic cold water will still be available.
-
E2 (and E3 for electrical) electrical and domestic water shutdown, Tuesday, March 11, 1:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m., electrical and a domestic water shutdown to accommodate metering installation, normal power will be unavailable within E2 and E3 between 1:00 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. (the E3 Gaia lab will be unaffected), water will be shut off between 3:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m.
-
PHY-SHARC electrical shutdown, Wednesday, March 12, 2:00 a.m. to 6:30 a.m., all normal power to the building will be shut down for a meter installation.
-
Carl A. Pollock Hall domestic cold water shutdown, Wednesday March 12, 3:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m., domestic cold water shutdown to accommodate metering installation, domestic hot water will still be available.