Editor:
Brandon Sweet
University Communications
bulletin@uwaterloo.ca
Tasting the legacy of five Waterloo foodie founders
By Angelica Marie Sanchez. This is an excerpt of an article originally published on Waterloo News.
Many of the world’s most vibrant culinary and food innovation scenes are rooted in strong academic communities and the University of Waterloo is no exception. Known for its legacy of entrepreneurship, Waterloo has also helped cultivate a new generation of food innovators who are transforming how we grow, prepare and experience food.
Across the Waterloo-Wellington area, alumni-founded food shops, cafés and breweries are redefining what it means to eat local. These five ventures are more than just places to grab a bite; they’re creating jobs, supporting local food producers and drawing visitors to vibrant, community-driven spaces that offer everything from handcrafted ice cream to bold Egyptian street food.
Elora Brewing Company
In 2015, Jim Murphy (BASc ’95) joined fellow Waterloo Engineering alum, Jonathan Laurencic (BA ’10), along with Matt Lawson, Don Smith and Alex Nicols, to turn a shared passion for home brewing into Elora Brewing Company. Housed in a 160-year-old limestone building, the brewery blends their love of craft beer and locally sourced food with a welcoming community space that’s alive from morning to night.
Murphy, now co-founder, chairman and CEO, has spent more than 25 years driving innovation — building exceptional teams, launching cutting-edge products and shaping the technology landscape. After selling his software design firm, Boltmade, to Shopify in 2016, he led their Waterloo office as director of Engineering.
In a spirited celebration of 100 years of the Iron Ring tradition, Elora Brewing Company partnered with Waterloo Engineering to release the limited-edition Ring Road Lager, with proceeds supporting future engineering students through the 100 Years of Canadian Engineering Fund.
Four All Ice Cream
Ajoa Mintah (BASc ’01) studied chemical engineering at Waterloo and went on to explore different careers from product developer to consultant before becoming an entrepreneur. After 15 years in engineering, she followed her creative instincts and founded Four All Ice Cream, becoming its chief ice cream maker.
Her journey began during a 2003 heatwave, when she bought an ice cream maker instead of an air conditioner — saving money and discovering a passion for hand-crafted, all-natural ice cream. Today, with two scoop shops in Kitchener-Waterloo, Mintah crafts ice cream made with locally sourced ingredients that’s both delicious and health conscious. Four All uses A2 milk — a natural and easy-to-digest option — and offers flavours in four categories: classic, vegan, childhood and foodie, delivering on its mission to bring “a taste of joy for everyone.”
For nearly a decade, Four All has partnered with local farmers and makers to invent fresh and seasonal flavours that celebrate the best of Waterloo region. In 2022, Four All received the Small Business of the Year award from the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce.
Sweet Dreams Teashop
Founded by Jin-Hee (Jinny) Song (BA ’02) while still a fourth-year student, Sweet Dreams Teashopquickly became Waterloo’s original bubble tea hotspot — known for its authentic Taiwanese tea flavours and East Asian bites. But Song’s vision went beyond drinks; she wanted to create a space where students and locals could relax, connect and feel at home.
Now surrounded by more than 20 bubble tea spots in the region, Sweet Dreams still stands out. Loyal customers — including generations of Waterloo grads — return for the warm atmosphere, nostalgic memories and community spirit.
Brave spaces at UW
By Mifrah Abid, Anti-Racism Specialist, Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism.
Canada prides itself on diversity—and for good reason. Again and again, we’re enriched by the perspectives, experiences, and worldviews of those around us. Variety, as they say, is the spice of life.
But diversity for diversity’s sake doesn’t mean much if people can’t be their authentic selves—or if those around them don’t have the tools to understand each other beyond the surface.
Living in a diverse environment is more than grabbing shawarma from the corner shop or dancing to Caribbean music at a summer festival. Our introduction to different cultures may begin there—but it shouldn’t end there. Diversity isn’t a playlist or a plate. It’s people.
And real inclusion means going beyond cultural artefacts. It means being able to ask respectful, thoughtful questions to better understand each other’s lived experiences, customs, and beliefs—without tokenizing or exoticizing. It means staying curious, even when we’re unsure how to ask.
The trouble is, many of us have become so afraid of saying the wrong thing that we’ve stopped asking anything at all. For instance, you might have a genuine question about why someone wears a hijab—but you’re afraid it’ll come across as offensive. And so, what could have been a moment of mutual understanding stays suspended in silence, and assumptions fill up the awkward gaps. No one wants to be labeled insensitive, or worse—racist. So we avoid the conversation altogether. We walk on eggshells around topics that matter deeply to our colleagues and communities. But avoidance doesn’t protect inclusion. It limits it.At the same time, even well-intentioned curiosity can miss the mark when asked in the wrong setting. I once stood in a long airport security line—jetlagged and exhausted—when a stranger tapped me on the shoulder. She pointed to a group of Sikh men ahead and asked what the different turban colors signified in my faith. As a Muslim woman in a hijab, I politely told her that I wasn't the right person to ask, and that I wasn’t sure of the answer.
That moment wasn’t malicious—but it was misplaced. What could have been a meaningful question in a respectful setting instead became an awkward exchange.
That’s why we need brave spaces.
As a community we need to create structured spaces where we can bravely ask our questions- without fear of judgment and bravely answer these questions- even if they make us feel vulnerable. Responding to questions about your identity requires as much fortitude as asking them.
Brave spaces allow us to be curious and respectful. They remind us that dialogue isn’t about agreement; it’s about understanding.
We may not always share each other’s beliefs, perspectives, or ways of life. But when we take time to understand where someone is coming from, we build empathy—and empathy is crucial to co-existing in diverse spaces, especially when we work, live and learn in those spaces.
The Brave Space Conversations online workshop is happening next Wednesday, July 23. The workshop is hosted by the Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism, offers a 90-minute, equity-rooted experience designed for exactly this kind of growth. It equips staff, faculty, and leaders with practical tools to move from silence to dialogue—to engage in hard conversations with confidence, compassion, and care.
Because when it comes to building an inclusive campus, we don’t need to have all the answers.
We just need the courage to start asking the right questions—in the right space. Register for the upcoming Brave Spaces Conversations workshop.
Velocity co-op workplace simulation set for July 23
Velocity’s next Co-op Workplace Simulation will be held on Wednesday, July 23 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Dana Porter Library Learning Lab (room 323).
“Join Velocity for an engaging simulation where your mission isn’t to fix a problem—it’s to understand it,” says a note from Velocity. “Show your employer how you can go from Excellent to Outstanding and gain the skills you need to win part of the $7,250 available through the Velocity Co-op Problem Awards.”
“In this unique experience, you'll meet AI-powered coworkers, ask them questions, listen to their stories, and piece together the hidden challenges shaping your workplace. Learn to ask sharper questions, gather real insights, and level up how you think on the job.”
“Challenge yourself this summer and set the stage to make a meaningful impact during your co-op by attending this workshop. This event empowers you to tackle real-world problems, no matter your field of study.”
There’s still time to register.
Office closure
The International Experience Centre (IEC) will be closed for in-person appointments and walk-ins today,Thursday, July 17; however, students can still book virtual appointments with the Immigration Consultants and connect with us via success@uwaterloo.ca.
Link of the day
World Day for International Justice
When and where
The Campus Wellness Student Medical Clinic offers healthcare visits with Physicians and Nurse Practitioners to current undergraduate and graduate students. Services include: vaccinations, immunity testing, naturopathic services and more. Counselling Services offers appointments with counsellors in person as well as via phone and video. Students can book appointments for these services by calling Campus Wellness at 519-888-4096.
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. Covid booster shorts are available by appointment only – please call ext. 33784 or 519-746-4500. The Student Health Pharmacy’s summer hours are Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Naloxone kits are still available – pick them up in the pharmacy at no charge.
Integrated Accessibility Retreat (CTE7032), Thursday, July 17, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., MC2036.
WISE Public Lecture, “Integrating Health Co-Benefits Assessment Across the Whole Energy System” by Jonathan Buonocore, Sc.D., Assistant Professor, Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Thursday, July 17, 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., In person and on Zoom. Register today!
University of Waterloo Choir end of term concert, Saturday, July 19, 7:30 p.m., Trillium Lutheran Church, 22 Willow Street, Waterloo. $5 students/$10 general, tickets available at the door.
Quo Vadis: Orchestra@UWaterloo, Sunday, July 20, 7:30 p.m., Knox Presbyterian Church, 50 Erb St. West Waterloo. Free admission.
Brave Space Conversations, A Care-Centered Approach to Navigating Difficult Dialogues Through an EDI-R Lens,Wednesday,July 23, 12 noon to 1:30 p.m., online. Register.
The Co-op Workplace Simulation, Wednesday, July 23, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Dana Porter Library Learning Lab room 323.
Structure and dynamics of the dopamine and ochratoxin A aptamer complexes, Wednesday, July 23, 10:30 a.m., C2-361 (Reading Room)
Lunch and learn: Menstruation and Mental Health,Monday, July 14, New date - Thursday, July 24, 12 noon to 1:00 p.m., online.
Shad Waterloo 2025 Open Day Exhibits, Thursday, July 24, 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Conrad Grebel University Great Hall.
WIN Distinguished Lecture with Prof. Orlando Rojas | Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, "The Role of Bio-Based Colloids in Gelation Technologies and Green Interfaces," Thursday, July 24, 2:00 p.m., QNC 1501.
Applied Math Distinguished Lecture - virtual finite element and hyperbolic problems: the PAMPA algorithm by Professor Rémi Abgrall. Thursday, July 24, 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., MC 5501
Spring Forward, Fall Back: Jazz Ensemble Concert. Sunday, July 27, 2:00 p.m., Conrad Grebel University College Great Hall (room 1111). Free admission.
Instrumental Chamber Ensembles, Sunday, July 27, 7:30 p.m. Conrad Grebel University College Chapel. Free admission.
Cycles, Cramps, and Cravings… Oh My! Nutrition for Menstrual Wellness, Tuesday, July 29, 12 noon to 1:00 p.m., online.
Lectures and classes end, Wednesday, July 30.
Buckthorn Pull, Wednesday, July 30, 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon, meet between Village 1 - South 3 Building and the forest.
Community Wellbeing Fruit and Veg Market, Wednesday, July 30, 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Engineering 7, 1st floor.
In-person Grad Writing Cafés, Wednesday, July 30, 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., SLC 3216.
Pre-examination study days, Thursday, July 31 and Friday, August 1.
August civic holiday, Monday, August 4, most University operations closed.
Final examination period, Tuesday, August 5 to Saturday, August 16.
University of Waterloo Knowledge Mobilization Community of Practice 2025 Summer Social, Thursday, August 7, 12 noon to 1:30 p.m., Grad House. Please let Nadine Quehl know if you’re planning to join.
PhD oral defences
Physics and Astronomy. Yi Hong Teoh, “Autoregressive Generative Models for Many-body Physics.” Supervisors, Dr. Roger Melko, Dr. Kazi Rajibul Islam. Please visit the Faculty of Science Thesis Submission Notices website for details on requesting a copy. Oral defence Friday, July 25, 9:00 a.m., remote via MS Teams.
Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering. Mazin Jassim Oheil Khalati, "Cold Spray Assisted Mg/Al Dissimilar Resistance Spot Welds." Supervisors, Dr. Adrian Gerlich, Dr. Hamid Jahed Motlagh. Thesis available via SharePoint - email eng.phd@uwaterloo.ca to request a viewing link. Oral defence Monday, July 28, 9:00 a.m., E5-3052.
Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering. Ahmet Gulsaran, "Miniaturized Sensors: Effects, Packaging, and Interface." Supervisors, Dr. Mustafa Yavuz, Dr. Eihab Abdel-Rahman. Thesis available via SharePoint - email eng.phd@uwaterloo.ca to request a viewing link. Oral defence Monday, July 28, 11:15 a.m., E5-2004.
Department of Sociology and Legal Studies. Sandra Majthenyi, "An Assessment of the Utility of Academic Research to Intelligence Professionals in Canada: A case study in Knowledge Mobilization." Supervisor, Dr. Lorne Dawson. Available upon request from the Faculty of Arts, Graduate Studies and Research Officer. Oral defence Monday, July 28, 1:00 p.m., PAS 2464.
Psychology. Allison Drody, "Towards a Holistic Understanding of the Drivers of Media Multitasking." Supervisors, Dr. Dan Smilek, Dr. James Danckert. Available upon request from the Faculty of Arts, Graduate Studies and Research Officer. Oral defence Monday, July 28, 1:00 p.m., PAS 3026.
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:
-
Psychology, Anthropology, and Sociology (PAS) building southeast corner exterior stair closure, Friday, June 20 to Friday, July 18, exterior stair to the 2nd floor podium/seating area will be closed for the duration of the shutdown, pedestrian access will be directed around the construction activity.
-
Modern Languages washroom closure, Saturday, June 21 to Friday, August 1, washrooms ML-112 and ML-118 will be temporarily closed for upgrades, please use the nearest available washrooms located at ML-251 and ML-252.
-
MC second floor closure (NE Corner: Loading Dock 2039, Corridor 2078, 2097), Monday, June 23 to July 28 (approximately)
-
Needles Hall steam shutdown (original portion of building only), Thursday, July 17, 5:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., there will be a steam shutdown to accommodate meter installation, steam and hot water will not be available for the duration of the shutdown.
-
School of Architecture fire alarm testing, Friday, July 18, 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
-
Digital Media Stratford fire alarm testing, Friday, July 18, 12 noon to 3:00 p.m.
-
Engineering 3 room 2174 substation electrical shutdown, Sunday, July 20, 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., power will be off to hydraulic pump in 2101C, Heavy Lab Panel in 2121N, The Gia Lab, Press located in room 2136, PP2121 located in room 2121.
-
Engineering 2 (E2) and Engineering 3 (E3) electrical shutdown, Monday, July 21, 1:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m., all power will be off in E3 except for the GAIA Lab, 600v power will be off in E2, all air handling units in E2 will be affected during the shutdown.
-
Engineering 2 (E2) and Engineering 3 (E3) electrical shutdown, Wednesday, July 30, from 1:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m., all power will be off in E3 except for the GAIA Lab, 600v power will be off in E2, all air handling units in E2 will be affected during the shutdown.