Wednesday, November 5, 2025

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• Waterloo remembers Professor Wayne Chang
• Vote for your favourite photo from students’ international co-op work terms
• UWAG to host artist talk with Andrew McPhail tomorrow
• What's up on a Wednesday

Waterloo remembers Professor Wayne Chang

By Tori Coles. This article was originally published on Waterloo News.

The University of Waterloo community is remembering Dr. Wayne Chang — an inspiring teacher, mentor and entrepreneurial champion whose optimism, creativity and compassion helped shape generations of students and founders.

An associate professor in the Faculty of Engineering’s Conrad School of Entrepreneurship and Business and coordinator of the Enterprise Co-op (E Co-op) program, Chang passed away suddenly on October 30, 2025.

Beloved by students and colleagues alike, Chang was known for his infectious positivity and unwavering dedication to helping others realize their potential. He fostered a culture of creativity, collaboration and confidence that continues to define the Conrad School and the Faculty of Engineering.

“Wayne was one of the most beautiful human beings I have ever met,” says Dr. Mary Wells, dean of engineering. “He embodied everything we hope a professor will be, and our students absolutely adored him. He radiated a positive, infectious energy that uplifted everyone around him. Wayne made us all better—students, colleagues and friends alike.”

A life dedicated to teaching and entrepreneurship

A proud Waterloo alumnus (BSc ’87, Physics), Chang earned his MEngSc and PhD from Western University before returning to his alma mater in 2012 to teach at the Conrad School.

He quickly became known for his energy in the classroom and his deep commitment to students, earning Waterloo’s Distinguished Teacher Award in 2018 — a testament to his passion for experiential learning and mentorship.

As a lecturer, co-op coordinator and later associate professor (teaching stream), he helped shape the Enterprise Co-op (E Co-op) program into a defining feature of Waterloo’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Chang (centre) with a group of his students.

Chang taught courses such as BET 300: Foundations of Venture Creation and BET 608: Business Model Validation, encouraging students to embrace experimentation and iteration as part of the learning process. His classes routinely became transformative experiences for aspiring founders.

“I honestly think I learned more through Foundations of Venture Creation and Enterprise Co-op than I did through my entire undergrad up to that point,” says Andrew Leest, a former student and manager of venture growth for TechAlliance of Southwestern Ontario.

“Wayne enables students to discover utility in their existing knowledge by creating a venture. You become so driven to build something successful that you learn much more, much faster, and in ways that expand beyond the classroom.”

Mentorship beyond the classroom

Beyond the classroom, Chang’s mentorship shaped hundreds of student ventures and connected founders to Waterloo’s wider innovation network. Through his leadership in E Co-op, he guided pitch competitions, built lasting partnerships and helped young entrepreneurs turn ideas into impact.

Esteban Veintimilla — a former student who completed BETS and Enterprise Co-op as an undergraduate, later earned his part-time MBET, and returned to the Conrad School as BETS program coordinator and manager, outreach and international programs — says Chang’s influence was deeply personal.

“Wayne gave without ever expecting anything in return,” Veintimilla says. “He noticed what people and the community needed and quietly did the right thing. As my professor, first mentor, colleague and friend, he made you believe in yourself. His BET 300 class changed my life.”

Reflecting on Chang’s passing, Veintimilla adds, “The world would have truly benefited from a few more decades of Wayne Chang.”

An enduring influence

Throughout his career, Chang was admired for his empathy, humility and unwavering commitment to students. He created spaces where learners from every background felt seen, supported and celebrated.

Chang often reminded his students that 'the future is bright'. That optimism continues to guide the Conrad School and the communities he helped build. His influence endures in the ventures launched, the mentorship he inspired and the culture of creativity and compassion he helped define at Waterloo.

“Wayne never said no when asked to help,” says Wells. “His only condition was that it would not take him away from engaging with students. He poured his heart into E Co-op, and because of him, so many young founders found the confidence to start ventures that shaped who they would become.”

Wells adds: “Wayne drew students from every background, every personality, every identity by creating spaces where they felt safe, valued and celebrated for exactly who they were. He will be deeply missed.”

Honouring Wayne’s legacy

In celebration of Wayne's life and legacy, members of the community are welcome to make a gift to the University of Waterloo's Wayne Chang Memorial Fund.

The Conrad School of Entrepreneurship and Business is gathering memories, reflections and condolences for a public memorial page. Share yours by emailing the Conrad School.

Vote for your favourite photo from students’ international co-op work terms

A message from Co-operative and Experiential Education (CEE).

Co-operative and Experiential Education (CEE) invites the University of Waterloo community to experience the incredible journeys of co-op students working abroad through the “Where in the world?!” photo contest.

As part of International Education Week (November 17 to 25), explore ten breathtaking finalist photos that showcase the skills, stories and unforgettable moments captured during international work terms. These images offer a creative glimpse into the global impact of co-op experiences.

1. View the photo finalists
2. Vote for your favourite
3. Submit your vote by Tuesday, November 18, to make your voice count!

Celebrate student success and global adventure, one photo at a time.

UWAG to host artist talk with Andrew McPhail tomorrow

Members of the campus community are invited to join the University of Waterloo Art Gallery (UWAG) for an in-gallery artist talk and Q&A with artist Andrew McPhail on Thursday November 6, starting at 7:00 p.m.

McPhail's current exhibition, TEXTiles, This is not an AIDS Quiltis a survey of works made between 2019-2025, featuring 59 of the artist's hand-sequinned bedsheets, pillowcases, and quilts.

Andrew McPhail is a visual artist who received his MFA from York University in 1987. In his accumulative, craft-oriented practice he uses ephemeral, disposable materials such as Band-Aids, Kleenex, and Post-its to create monumental yet ephemeral sculptures, installations, and performances. Over the last decade he has been hand-stitching sequins to spell out text on pillowcases, bedsheets, and quilts. His work has been exhibited nationally and internationally. He was the recipient of the Canada Council International Studio Residency in Paris in 2013 and the Nordic Artist Residency in 2023. He is the cofounder, with Stephen Altena, of the Hundred Dollar Gallery, and a founding member of The Assembly in Hamilton, Ontario.

What's up on a Wednesday

The Community Well-being Fruits and Veg Market, takes place today from 12 noon to 4:00 p.m. while supplies last.

Engineering 7 first floor (by the Robohub) and Health Expansion Building first floor foyer.

The Noon Hour Concert Series continues today with the Magisterra Quartet performing Mozart & Oswald in G Minor.The Magisterra Quartet, led by Annette-Barbara Vogel, will perform Mozart's Quartet No. 1 in G Minor, K. 478 (1785) and Henrique Oswald's Quartet No. 2 in G Minor, op.26. Members of Magisterra Soloists International performing today include Annette-Barbara Vogel on violin, Jutta Puchhammer on viola, Kayami Satomi on cello, and Durval Cesetti on piano.

The concert takes place at 12 noon in the Conrad Grebel University College Chapel. Admission is free.

The Hallman Lecture: Health and Happiness – Prescribing Beyond Medicine takes place tonight from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in Health EXP and LHI 1621. The event will feature a panel of experts engaged in a conversation that explores the vital interplay between physical activity, nutrition, and social connection—not only as key components of well-being, but as meaningful and preventative health strategies.

Follow the yellow brick road this fall with K-W Musical Productions’ presentation of The Wizard of Oz! “Join Dorothy, Toto, and friends on a journey that reminds us there’s no place like home,” says a note from K-W Musical Productions. “Experience this beloved classic reimagined for a new generation — live on stage at the Humanities Theatre, November 27 to 30.”

University of Waterloo faculty and staff can enjoy an exclusive offer: Use code WATERLOO4 and save $4 per ticket. "Don’t miss your chance to see this timeless story come to life," says K-W Musical Productions.

Get your tickets today on the Theatres at Waterloo website.

Information Systems & Technology (IST) has published the latest in the Atlassian blog series entitled Reporting Made Easy: Using Jira’s Built-in Reports and JQL Power.