Monday, May 12, 2025

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• The countdown is on to UWaterloo Giving Day

• Saying thanks to Shatitsirótha Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre and United College

• Building Black Futures: a community collaboration for belonging, mentorship, and joy

• Check out what's new at the Innovation Open House

The countdown is on to UWaterloo Giving Day

A message from the Office of Advancement.

UWaterloo Giving Day is just three days away! You can direct your donation to a specific program, scholarship or initiative that you are passionate about. All eligible donations of up to $1,000 will be matched 1:1 (until matching funds run out), meaning you can DOUBLE your impact in the area that’s most meaningful to you!

UWaterloo Giving Day is more than just a fundraising event; it’s a celebration of our community’s generosity and commitment to supporting UWaterloo students, faculty and researchers. Want to learn more before making your gift? Visit the UWaterloo Giving Day website.

If you’re looking for other ways to get involved, spread the word on your social channels, share your story with us and tell your friends and family about Giving Day!

Saying thanks to Shatitsirótha Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre and United College

Jean Becker, Ernie Benedict, Laurie Powless, and Minetta MacNaughton in United College (formerly St. Paul's) Alumni Hall in the early 2000s.

A message from Jean Becker, Associate Vice-President, Office of Indigenous Relations.

This Spring, we look forward to merging the Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre (WISC) and the Office of Indigenous Relations (OIR). This integration will offer Indigenous students access to a more cohesive support system. Currently, WISC operates separately from OIR in United College (formerly St. Paul’s United College).  Aligning these services within OIR, Indigenous Student Services can more effectively collaborate with university departments, provide clearer advocacy, and create a more robust network of resources.   

As we look ahead with excitement, it is also important to look back and acknowledge all the groundwork that laid the foundation for both OIR and WISC and our ultimate union. Let’s take a moment to reflect on the incredible contributions of WISC and United College over the past 22 years. 

The work of implementing Indigenization, decolonization and reconciliation started in 2020 at the University of Waterloo, and the Office of Indigenous Relations was established in 2021, but the background work leading to the creation of the office started decades ago. The earliest known Indigenous student support and education was carried out in the 1980s and 90s by Elaine Garner, an Anishinaabe Kwe and former senior manager, Graduate Studies Financial Aid Programs.

During her 34-year career at Waterloo, before any formation of Indigenous services or associations, Garner provided key support for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students and staff. She encouraged and helped students establish the first Aboriginal Student Association in the mid 1990’s, advocated for the first Native Studies course at St. Paul’s United College and was instrumental in establishing the Shatitsirótha Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre (WISC), which was created in 2003, at St. Paul’s United College. 

I was the first-ever staff hired specifically for Indigenous student support when I started as the Indigenous Student Support Coordinator at St. Paul’s in 2003. Under the forward-thinking leadership of Principals Graham Brown then Rick Myers, my small office eventually developed into the Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre with space for staff and students. Soup lunches began with a crock pot, an electric frying pan and a handful of students and staff into the crowded roomful of diners we see every week at WISC today. 

United serves as a remarkable example of the contributions that our affiliated colleges make to the broader university. United College hosted and ran WISC for two decades when Waterloo had no central Indigenous leadership. This meant that after the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada released the 94 Calls to Action in 2015, Waterloo had a starting point to work with. 

For 22 years, WISC has provided leadership, resources and supports to the entire Waterloo community. WISC’s space at United has served as a sanctuary and home for many, and a source of support and connection for Indigenous students on campus. It has been a place where culture, community and friendships have been fostered, providing opportunities for Indigenous students to gather in good company, learning and growing as their authentic selves. 

On behalf of OIR and the University of Waterloo, I would like to sincerely thank United College for hosting WISC and to everyone who has contributed to the services and support offered to Indigenous students through the years. You have made an incredible impact that remains with students long after they graduate, and I look forward to the good work we will do together in the future.

Building Black Futures: a community collaboration for belonging, mentorship, and joy

A message from the Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism (EDI-R).

A new collaboration is taking shape at the University of Waterloo—one that centres Black leadership, innovation, and belonging. Led by Liftoff Black Innovation Hub (LBIH), founded by Dr. Trevor Charles, an initiative supported by Waterloo Ventures, and championed by the Black Collective including Dr. Christopher Taylor, AVP of the Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism (EDI-R), this initiative brings together students, faculty, and community members to build a stronger ecosystem of mentorship, connection, and innovation.

At the invitation of these community leaders, the Office of EDI-R is honoured to host weekly LBIH Fridays After 5 gatherings and the Building Black Futures Mentorship Programming. While these events take place in Office of EDI-R, the leadership and direction are guided by those who have been championing this work within the Black community.

Fridays After 5

Beginning in March, LBIH has gathered in the Office of EDI-R on Friday evenings to host their Fridays After 5—an event designed to unwind, build community, and celebrate Blackness in all its forms. Previous gatherings have focused on themes of Black mental health, art, culture, and belonging, with vibrant energy, food, music, and reflection filling the space.

These gatherings are rooted in culture, and collective care. We invite you to join and subscribe to the LBIH mailing list to learn about upcoming gatherings and including dates and themes.

Building Black Futures Mentorship Program

The Building Black Futures Mentorship Program officially launched on Friday, April 12th, and will run until the end of May. Organized by LBIH, the program organically connects Black students, emerging leaders, and professionals with mentors who understand their lived realities and dreams. The program supports both personal and professional development through natural one-on-one mentorship, peer support, and community connections.

This initiative is part of a broader vision to create sustainable, culturally grounded pathways to success—on campus and beyond.

From now until the end of May, the mentorship program will be hosted during Fridays After 5. Each gathering will offer opportunities for mentorship, conversation, and shared growth.

LBIH is actively inviting Black students, professionals, creatives, entrepreneurs, and community members to join the mentorship program—whether as mentees or mentors. If you're looking for support in your journey, this is a space where you’ll be seen, heard, and encouraged.

Be a Mentor, Be a Mentee

A Call to Community: be part of building Black Futures

Join us on Fridays at 5:00 p.m., located on the second floor of EC5 at the University of Waterloo.

About LBIH

Initially started to support the LiftOff by CCAWR program that started in 2021, LBIH has grown from its experience supporting Black entrepreneurship to now offering additional resources to also include support for Black students and career professionals. The hub supports Black entrepreneurs and innovators through mentorship, community building, and culturally grounded programming. Read more about Read more about LBIH.

Check out what's new at the Innovation Open House

Velocity is hosting an Innovation Open House tomorrow from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the SCH Cafeteria.

"The Innovation Open House is the perfect opportunity to casually connect with fellow driven students and explore the exciting world of innovation and entrepreneurship options on campus," says a note from Velocity. "You'll get to chat with representatives from Velocity and other awesome groups like Math Innovation, Conrad School of Entrepreneurship and Business, GreenHouse (for social and Indigenous impact), Grebel Peace Incubator, Future Cities Institute, the Library, and Socratica - all in one place!" 

Attendees will be able to make friends with like-minded people, build their networks with valuable campus contacts, discover how Velocity and other innovation resources can help grow their ideas, and, of course, score some free food!

"No experience needed!" Velocity's note continues. "Whether you're just curious about entrepreneurship or already have a brilliant idea, we'd love to see you. Drop in anytime during the event - even if it's just for a few minutes."

"An entrepreneurial mindset can benefit everyone, and your journey starts right here on campus with the Velocity community!"