Friday, June 27, 2025

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• Looking back with pride, looking ahead with purpose
• Waterloo celebrates Jim Rush, Vice-President, Academic and Provost 
• WatSPEED wins two national awards for program and marketing excellence
• What’s open and closed on an extra-long Canada Day weekend

Looking back with pride, looking ahead with purpose

A message from the President.

As we head into the Canada Day long weekend (a reminder that the University will be closed for an additional day this Monday) and summer months, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible year we’ve had at the University of Waterloo. It has been a year of progress and momentum, marked by the creativity, commitment, and care that define our community.Across our campuses, in our labs and studios, and in communities around the world, UWaterloo continues to be guided by our values as we’ve celebrated major milestones and laid the groundwork for the future. 

Thanks to the hard work of our Community Relations and Events team who organize Convocation, this June, thousands of graduates from multiple classes crossed the stage to receive their degrees, diplomas, and certificates. As I shared the stage with Jagdeep Singh Bachher, the University of Waterloo’s committed new Chancellor, we couldn’t help but see that for some, this moment had been years in the making—and for all, it was their entrance into the exclusive club of 255,000+ members of the UWaterloo global alumni network. 

This year we continued to make important investments in our physical spaces and long-term vision of being Canada’s leading university in health technology innovation. The announcement that our North Campus will be home to the region’s new hospital signals an exciting new chapter of collaboration between healthcare providers, researchers, and educators. 

That vision is already taking shape at our Health Sciences Campus in downtown Kitchener, where we celebrated the opening of the Innovation Arena. This new space is equipped with cutting‑edge labs, workshops, and collaboration zones, and has become home to Velocity, enabling our flagship incubator to grow beyond its original garage footprint. 

These health-related investments also connect to our leadership in digital-health scale-up and applied research. Hosting the Times Higher Education Digital Health 2025 summit in April brought more than 200 global leaders to campus, highlighting Waterloo’s ability to shape the future of patient-care innovation through research, entrepreneurship, and partnerships. 

As the weather warms, I’ve noticed the new Indigenous Outdoor Gathering Space being used as it was intended—a shady stop on the way between classes, work, and meals, where students and employees can pause, relax, and reflect. 

The launch of the new Warriors logo, designed by Indigenous artist Kyle Joedicke, is another example of what it means to act with purpose in our efforts to decolonize campus. Ten per cent of revenue from merchandise sales featuring the new logo goes directly to the Indigenous Student Development Fund, supporting the next generation of leaders. 

Throughout the year, our community has continued to engage with complex and often difficult conversations, from affordability and mental health to free expression and belonging. These dialogues are central to our academic mission and are essential to our growth. They remind us that being a values-based institution means not shying away from hard questions, but approaching them with openness, care, and a willingness to listen and learn. 

While this year has also brought financial challenges that required tough decisions and collective resilience, I have been encouraged by the way our community has responded—with creativity, care, and a shared commitment to our mission. 

I want to acknowledge the enormous contributions of our faculty and staff this year. Even in these challenging circumstances our Advancement team raised a total of $66.7 million last year. This achievement highlights the kind of dedication and creativity shaping every success we’ve celebrated, and I know many of you are looking forward to well‑deserved time off this summer. 

Read the full message on the President's blog.

Waterloo celebrates Jim Rush, Vice-President, Academic and Provost 

Dr. James Rush, Vice-President, Academic and Provost, outside Needles Hall.

Family, friends and colleagues of Dr. James Rush gathered at Federation Hall on Tuesday, May 27 to celebrate his seven years as the University of Waterloo’s Vice-President, Academic and Provost. His term as Provost ends on June 30, 2025. 

At the celebration event, President Vivek Goel and Indigenous Knowledge Keeper Myeengun Henry both spoke about Provost Rush’s commitment to Indigenization in their opening remarks. “We made a formal commitment to reconciliation and Indigenization three years ago and I know this commitment is particularly important to Jim,” President Goel said. “He’s worked over the years to advance our commitment to truth and reconciliation, working to ensure that Indigenous cultures and ways of knowing are represented in our teaching, research and scholarship, across our campuses, and in the daily operations of our campus.” 

Since joining the University of Waterloo in 2000, Provost Rush has been a driving force in advancing the institution’s reputation for academic and research excellence. Through a series of progressive leadership roles—including Associate Dean of Graduate Studies and Research, Associate Chair of Graduate Studies, and Chair of the Department of Kinesiology—he has consistently demonstrated visionary leadership and a deep commitment to scholarly advancement. 

Provost Rush held the prestigious Canada Research Chair in Integrative Vascular Biology for a decade, underscoring his internationally recognized contributions to research and innovation. His dedication to teaching and mentorship has earned him the distinction of University Professor, a testament to his enduring influence on both students and the University. 

As Dean of the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Provost Rush led a period of remarkable growth, setting new records in research funding and spearheading the development of cutting-edge infrastructure to support the Faculty’s expanding ambitions. His leadership has not only elevated the Faculty, but has also strengthened the University’s standing as a global leader in health sciences education and research. 

He was appointed Vice-President, Academic and Provost in July 2018 and reappointed in July 2022. Provost Rush’s leadership brought much-needed continuity and stability to a role that had seen seven different individuals—both interim and permanent—serve the position in the preceding nine years, including one who served twice in a non-consecutive interim capacity. “In a role as foundational as the Provost, such turnover can create significant challenges,” said President Vivek Goel. “Jim stepped into the position and provided a sustained period of stability during a time when the University, the country, and the world were navigating unprecedented difficulties—not the least of which was the Covid-19 pandemic.” Throughout his tenure, Provost Rush has been a steadfast champion of transformative initiatives. He has led with purpose in advancing indigenization, truth and reconciliation, and equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism. His commitment to interdisciplinarity has been equally impactful, as he worked closely with Deans to launch cross-faculty networks, academic programs, research initiatives, and infrastructure projects that have laid the groundwork for the University’s Global Futures framework. 

“Jim has also been a tremendous advocate for student success,” President Goel added. “Under his leadership, we established the Centre, the International Student Centre, and the Indigenous Student Centre — now part of the Office of Indigenous Relations — all of which have significantly enriched the student experience on campus.” 

“During his tenure, Jim redefined the legacy of the Office of the Provost,” said President Goel. “He strengthened its foundations by enhancing support, coordination, and operational effectiveness across the institution. Through his visionary leadership, he reimagined the role of the Provost’s Office—championing integrated planning and budgeting, advancing faculty planning and policy, and fostering leadership among academic administrators. Jim’s legacy will continue to guide Waterloo long into the future.” 

Dr. Rush served as Vice-President, Academic and Provost under two University Presidents—Feridun Hamdullahpur and Vivek Goel—during a time marked by profound and ongoing transformation. From steering the University through the global COVID-19 pandemic, to addressing complex financial challenges, to helping us create a more sustainable, coordinated, and empowered University through commissioning the work of the Provost’s Advisory Committee on Building a Resilient University of Waterloo, his steady leadership and unwavering commitment helped the institution navigate uncertainty with resilience and confidence. 

Other speakers at the event included Chris Read, Associate Provost, Students and Christine McWebb, Associate Vice-President, Faculty, Planning and Policy, as well as Deans Mary Wells, Mark Giesbrecht, Alexie Tcheuyap, Lili Liu, Bruce Frayne, and Chris Houser. 

As he took the stage to offer a few words of reflection, Provost Rush began with heartfelt gratitude: “I want to express my deepest thanks to so many of you, for so much,” he said. “The scope of the Provost’s responsibilities are vast, and success in this role demands both humility and trust. Humility—because no one can be an expert in every portfolio. And trust—because empowering talented people to lead is essential. It’s about bringing people together, making thoughtful recommendations, and recognizing that the best outcomes come from collective wisdom. I’ve learned that true leadership lies in appreciating the people who help you do your best work.” 

Provost Rush reflected on how his experience as Dean shaped his approach to the role of Vice-President, Academic and Provost, and he extended sincere thanks to the senior leaders who worked alongside him throughout his tenure. 

“To all of you who’ve reported directly to me—thank you,” he said. “Not only for what you’ve accomplished and led, but for what you’ve taught me, the relationships we’ve built, and the memories we’ve created together. Serving in this role has been the highlight of my career.” 

Addressing President Goel, Provost Rush reflected on the strength of their partnership: “The relationship between a Provost and a President is a vital one, and it can take many forms. For me, our working relationship has been deeply fulfilling. It has been more than simply conducting the business of the University—it has been a true partnership. The complementarity of our styles, the mutual respect, and the sense of unity, support, and friendship we’ve shared have made it an honour to serve alongside you, Vivek.” 

He continued with gratitude for the broader leadership team: “I’m also deeply thankful for the support of Board Chair Murray Gamble—our University’s champion and chief referee—and for the dedication of all senior leaders whose commitment to this institution is unwavering.” 

In closing, Provost Rush offered a message of optimism and confidence in the University’s future: “The University of Waterloo is strong. It will continue to evolve, to meet challenges and seize opportunities, and it will thrive—because of its greatest strength: you. The people who will lead us forward. Thank you for the profound honour of serving as Vice-President, Academic and Provost of the University of Waterloo.” 

WatSPEED wins two national awards for program and marketing excellence

This is an excerpt from an article that was originally published on the WatSPEED website.

WatSPEED’s Digital Transformation course has received the Gold Program Excellence Award from the Canadian Association for University Continuing Education (CAUCE)—earning national recognition as one of Canada’s top professional education programs.

The award recognizes outstanding lifelong learning programs that demonstrate excellence in curriculum design, delivery, and learner impact, helping professionals build the skills needed to lead change and drive innovation in their fields.

“This award affirms WatSPEED’s commitment to delivering high-impact learning experiences that meet the needs of today’s professionals,” says Aaron Pereira, executive director of WatSPEED. “Digital Transformation is a strategic tool for empowering leaders in a rapidly evolving digital world and we’re incredibly proud to see our course recognized nationally.”

Designed and delivered Peter Carr, associate professor, Management Science and Engineering at the University of Waterloo, the course empowers learners with the tools and confidence to lead organizational change through emerging technologies. It blends live virtual instruction, peer discussions, multimedia content, real industry case studies, and one-on-one consulting.

Participants also complete a scaffolded final project designed to support the development of workplace-ready strategies for digital transformation—an increasingly critical skill set in today’s technology-driven economy.

“This course equips people to lead real change,” says Carr. “Participants leave not just with knowledge, but with a strategy, a roadmap, and the tools to make transformation happen inside their own organizations.”

Since launching as one of WatSPEED’s inaugural programs in 2022, Digital Transformation has enrolled more than 150 professionals from a range of industries. Delivered fully online with flexible pacing and offered twice annually, the course continues to receive praise for its career impact, leadership development, and strategic supports for implementing digital transformation initiatives.

Today, Digital Transformation continues to scale its reach and relevance, setting a benchmark for professional, executive, and corporate learning in the digital age.

With growing demand and consistently strong outcomes, WatSPEED has expanded the course into new sectors. Most recently, a version tailored to health care professionals. These expansions reflect WatSPEED’s ongoing commitment to deliver future-focused, scalable learning that responds directly to workforce needs.

Read the full article on WatSPEED's website.

What’s open and closed on an extra-long Canada Day weekend

Tuesday, July 1 is Canada Day, and the University will be celebrating the statutory holiday with an extra day off on Monday, June 30. Here are the operational changes you can expect over the long weekend.

Athletics facilities, including the PAC, CIF and Field House will be open 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 28 and Sunday, June 29, but closed on Monday, June 30 and Tuesday, July 1.

The Libraries’ Dana Porter and Davis Centre locations will be open on Saturday, June 28 and Sunday, June 29, but will be closed on Monday, June 30 and Tuesday, July 1.

Most Food Services operations will be closed on Monday, June 30 and Tuesday, July 1, with the exception of The Market at UWP (open all weekend and 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Monday, and 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Tuesday). Most operations that aren’t closed for the term will open again on Tuesday, July 2.

Print + Retail Solutions locations will be closed on Monday, June 30 and Tuesday, July 1.

The Turnkey@DC location will be closed on Monday, June 30 and Tuesday, July 1.

Open over the weekend and on Monday, June 30 and Tuesday, July 1 will be the Student Life Centre, SLC’s Turnkey Desk, and the Flock Stop convenience store.

Campus Wellness, Counselling and Health Services will be closed Monday, June 30 and Tuesday July 1.

And here’s an update on Smash Bites and The Bomber (formerly the SLC Student Lounge, formerly formerly the Bombshelter Pub, for those keeping track): both Smash Bites @ The Bomber and the Bomber space will be closed from Monday, June 30 to Friday, July 11 for some painting refreshes. Smash Bites and the space itself will reopen on Monday, July 14.

Have a Happy Canada Day and enjoy the long weekend, including the additional day off. The Daily Bulletin will return on Wednesday, July 2.