Editor:
Brandon Sweet
University Communications
bulletin@uwaterloo.ca
Historical additions: a look back at the construction of Waterloo Math
The original caption from the October 1968 issue of Waterloo Quarterly reads: "Below Computer fans. Students, seen before huge new Mathematics and Computer Building, checking printout, are: Barry Cavens, Richard McClung, David Bernstein, John Clark, John Arnold and Charley Middleton." Photograph from University of Waterloo Archives. Graphic Services fonds.
This is an excerpt of an article originally published on the Faculty of Mathematics website.
“Computers loom large in the world of tomorrow,” declared an October 1968 article in the University of Waterloo Quarterly. “They will help educate children, run complex industrial plants, revolutionize the communications industry; they will drastically alter the way we shop for food, clothing and other merchandise.”
The article accompanied a photo of the brand-new Mathematics and Computer (MC) building, which was completed earlier that year. It was the largest building on campus, and featured the biggest and fastest computer in Canada at the time: a testament to the Faculty of Mathematics’s focus on cutting-edge technology and innovation.
Today, we are living in the world of tomorrow predicted by that writer, and Mathematics 4, the Faculty of Math’s cutting-edge new building, is scheduled to be completed in 2027: just in time for the sixtieth anniversary of the Faculty.
In honour of Math 4, we’re looking back at the other buildings on Waterloo’s “Math Campus,” and how they came to be.
The Mathematics and Computer Building (MC)
The Faculty of Mathematics began as the Department of Mathematics, chaired by Dr. Ralph Stanton and part of the Faculty of Arts. The visionaries in that department – including Stanton, Dr. Bill Tutte, and Dr. Wes Graham – knew that they were at the beginning of something great. Before Math even became an official Faculty in January 1967, construction began on a building to house their research.
The Math and Computer Building (MC) was a departure in size, style, and focus from the brick buildings that had been built since the university’s founding in 1956. An iconic example of Brutalist architecture, it was built primarily from concrete, expressing “frugality, as well [as] strength and functionality.”
It also had something that Math’s previous home in the Physics building didn’t have: designated women’s washrooms!
The heart of the building was the iconic Red Room: a two-story chamber housing an IBM 360/75. Of the building’s $7.5 million price tag (around $65 million today); $4.5 million was just for the computer!
Signing off on that massive purchase was the responsibility of the current provincial minister for University Affairs, the Honourable William G. Davis. Davis believed in the vision of the Faculty’s founders: a university where every student and faculty member, regardless of their field of study, could access a computer.
“That very gutsy decision not only enabled us to reach for our dream,” reflected university president Douglas Wright in 1988, “but it sent shock waves through higher education, and did much to drive the development of computing in universities.”
The W. G. Davis Computer Research Centre (DC)
When it came time for a much-needed expansion, there was no more logical namesake for a new computer science-focused building than Davis.
By the 1980s, computers had undeniably arrived in mainstream society. In 1982, the Faculty of Math established the Institute for Computer Research (ICR), which aimed to “foster computer research…facilitate interaction with industry, and encourage advanced education in computer science and engineering.” The ICR soon outgrew their existing facilities, and in recognition of their pioneering work, the Ontario government announced they would be helping to fund a new building.
As with MC, planners thought big, inviting architects across the country to compete to design this cutting-edge, future focused building.
The winners, IKOY Partnerships, created a design that would accommodate advanced electronic systems, a huge library, and windows for each of the building’s 400 offices. The price tag? Fifty million dollars (including $31 million from the Ontario government): “a bargain,” promotional materials bragged, “at just under $110 per square foot.”
Much like MC before it, the Davis Centre represented a new and exciting look for a campus building. The colourful, industrial building was “a metaphor for the visual world of the computer monitor,” wrote associate professor of architecture Larry Richards in a brochure created for the grand opening. “[R]eal green and pink material lines merging with moving green and pink digitized, screen lines. Add to this romantic notion the flow of thousands of people and the result is a motion picture of academic pursuit, an 80s transformation of 60s op-kinetic art.”
Follow up with the story of Math 3 and Math 4 on the Mathematics website.
Here's what happened at October's Board of Governors meeting
A message from the Secretariat.
The University of Waterloo Board of Governors is comprised of 36 voting members, including external members (mayors and regional chair, community at large, and Lieutenant Governor in Council appointees) in addition to the president, faculty, staff and students. This governing body of the institution is the highest authority on corporate matters and meets regularly to discuss topics such as financial well-being, institutional reputation, university policies, building and properties, and human resource matters.
At the October 28 meeting, the following items were approved:
- A reorganization of the Faculty of Arts
- The Audited Financial Statements for the year ended April 30, 2025
- A land use request, which will allow the development of a land-based learning capital project to be presented in the future
- Amendments to Policy 42 – Prevention of and Response to Sexual Violence
- A new Signing Authority and Approval Policy, replacing current signing procedures
- Amendments to the Statements of Investment Policies and Procedures for the Endowment and IQC Trust Fund
Additional updates received by the Board included:
- Update from the President on a range of matters, including community event highlights, post-secondary education sector developments and a review of the 2024-2025 Institutional Performance Report
- Update on the ongoing Campus Plan project and future campus energy planning
- Update on Q1 of the 2025-2026 Budget
- Discussion of proposed changes to the Responsible Investment Policy, as recommended by the Task Force on Social Responsibility of Investing
- The Annual Report of the Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office
- An update on the ongoing Board Committee review and restructure
- Housekeeping changes to Policy 68 – Vice-President Research & International
- Updates from Board standing committee chairs
- A welcome to all new governors for the 2025-2026 governance year:
- Jordan Bauman
- Catherine Boivie
- David Borcsok
- Laura Deakin
- Matthew Klassen
- Steve Mennill
- Damian Mikhail
- Tricia O’Malley
- Meray Sadek
- Rida Sayed
- Stan Woo
Please refer to the open session Board meeting agenda package for related material and complete information. The meeting minutes form the official record of the meeting, and will be available following approval at the Board’s next meeting on February 3, 2026.
Faculty of Health to host organ donation awareness event
A message from the Faculty of Health.
Are you interested in being an organ donor, or want to learn more about it? Come to the Expansion Foyer on Thursday, November 13 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and meet Kinesiology alumnus Eric Celentano (BSc '79, Alumni Council) to hear his inspirational story of being a double lung transplant recipient, and learn how you can register to give the Gift of Life!
Eric's story
During an x-ray for tendonitis, Eric Celentano was diagnosed with an incurable rare fibrosis that was progressively hardening his lungs like cement, and would eventually kill him. The only way to save his life was to undergo the major operation of a double-lung transplant. In 2018, Eric was given this chance, thanks to an organ donor and their family, and created long-lasting friendships along the way. Read more about Eric's fascinating journey.
Interested in being an organ donor now?
Join Eric's campaign and register for organ donation today!
This event is free and no registration is required to attend. Please join us!
Fall Open House set for Saturday
A message from Marketing and Undergraduate Recruitment.
We’re excited to welcome future students and their families to campus for our Fall Open House this Saturday, November 8. This is one of the most important days of the year for prospective students to experience what life at Waterloo is all about.
Visitors will have the chance to:
- Attend central information sessions to learn about programs and student life.
- Explore their faculty of interest and connect with academic representatives.
- Tour residences and University Colleges to see living options.
- Discover campus through guided tours led by our Student Ambassador Team.
Events will take place across all Waterloo campuses, and for those who can’t join us in person, we’re offering livestreamed sessions and virtual tours after the event.
As of today, thousands of guests have registered, and with more signing up daily, we anticipate over 20,000 attendees on campus. This is an incredible opportunity to showcase our community and help future students picture themselves at Waterloo.
Remembering Joe Bevan
This article was originally published on the Faculty of Environment website.
We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Joe Bevan, a staff member in the Faculty of Environment. Joe worked at the University of Waterloo for 27 years, holding key positions such as a Multimedia Specialist with Mapping, Analysis and Design (now ETIS).
Joe was passionate about photography and animation and was never afraid to try new things. He managed the MAD photo and sound facilities and often used them in workshops to teach students about photography, sound editing, and animation techniques. His animation workshops for high school outreach activities were always a favourite. In an era before drones, his aerial kite photography produced incredible shots.
Before the inception of drones, Joe flew kites to take aerial photos. Photo from the Waterloo Archives.
He got to know many people in the faculty while taking pictures at faculty events. Beyond his exceptional technical skills, Joe was a fantastic co-worker who had the ability to connect with anyone and talk to anyone about anything.
"Joe was a pleasure to work with and was one of the most friendly and personable people you could imagine,” says James McCarthy, Director of ETIS. “Most of my days would start at the water cooler outside Joe’s office where he and I would chat about the latest TV show we were both watching. It became a routine to start my day talking with Joe, and those positive and friendly feelings he brought were infectious through our office.”
Outside of the university, Joe was a true family man, a devoted husband, loving father, and fun grandpa. In his obituary, his family shared “he was curious and creative, a gifted storyteller who could fill a room with laughter and conversation, loved nature, and family adventures. With a career and passion for photography Joe captured many memorable moments and transformed scenic landscapes into pieces of art. He will be remembered by his community for his firework shows, one-of-a-kind Halloween decorations, quick-witted humour, and his love of music and movies.”
We extend our sincere condolences to his family and friends. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Flags lowered tomorrow for Indigenous Veterans Day
Flags on campus will be lowered on Saturday, November 8 in recognition of Indigenous Veterans Day. Indigenous Veterans Day is observed annually on November 8 to recognize the contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis veterans.
Link of the day
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 shots 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.
The Waterloo Eye Institute optometry clinics in Waterloo and downtown Kitchener offer comprehensive eye exams and eyewear, including glasses and contact lenses, with the Waterloo location offering various specialized services including urgent eye care. Discounts apply for University of Waterloo students and employees. The Waterloo Clinic is at a nearby interim location, 419C Phillip St, during construction at the School of Optometry and Vision Science. The Kitchener Clinic remains at the Health Sciences Campus, 10B Victoria St. S. Book online or by phone at 519-888-4062.
Why Religion Went Obsolete: The Demise of Traditional Faith featuring Christian Smith, Friday, November 7, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., online via Zoom.
Warriors Women’s Basketball vs. Nipissing, Friday, November 7, 6:00 p.m., Carl Totzke Court, PAC. Home Opener, Smudging Ceremony, Three Point Thrills student contest for Tuition. Buy your tickets today!
Warriors Men’s Basketball vs. Carleton, Friday, November 7, 8:00 p.m., Carl Totzke Court, PAC. Home Opener, Smudging Ceremony, Three Point Thrills student contest for Tuition. Buy your tickets. today!
Fall Open House, Saturday, November 8, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Warriors Men’s Hockey vs. Laurier, Saturday, November 8, 4:00 p.m., CIF Arena. Battle of Waterloo, Alumni Day, Camps and Minor Leagues Day, W Store Pop Up Shop. Buy your tickets today!
Distinguished Lecture Series, featuring Professor Erol Gelenbe, Institute of Theoretical and Applied Informatics, Polish Academy of Sciences, The Random Neural Network and its Applications to Image Processing, Network Routing, and Cyberattack Detection, Tuesday, November 11, 10:00 a.m., DC 1302 and online via Zoom.
NEW - Remembrance Day service, Tuesday, November 11, 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., SLC Great Hall.
Campus meditation session, Tuesday, November 11, 12:15 p.m. to 12:45 p.m., HLTH EXP 1686. No registration required. Contact fmcalist@uwaterloo.ca if you have any questions.
Chirped Pulse Amplification 40th Celebration with Donna Strickland, Wednesday, November 12, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., CIGI auditorium.
A knowledge exchange conversation: Enforced Disappearances in Colombia and Indigenous Missing Persons in Canada, Thursday, November 13, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Alumni Hall, United College or online via Zoom.
School of Pharmacy Public Lecture, Unpacking Obesity: Myths, Medicine and Motivation, Thursday, November 13, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., School of Pharmacy, 10 Victoria Street South, Kitchener.
CareNext Collective event: “From bottleneck to breakthrough: Reducing ambulance offload times through organizational innovation,” Friday, November 14, 12 noon to 1:00 p.m., online via Slido.
Balinese Percussion Ensemble Concert, Friday, November 14, 7:30 p.m., Humanities Theatre. Admission $10 general/$5 students.
Balsillie Technology Governance Survey deadline, Monday, November 10. Monday, November 17. Please note the new deadline.
Tim Hortons Holiday Smile Cookie promotion, Monday, November 17 to Sunday, November 23, cookies are $2 with 100 per cent of proceeds donated to charity, available at Tim Hortons locations across campus.
Theatre and Performance presents A Midsummer Night’s Dream: Reimagined, Tuesday, November 18 to Saturday, November 22, 7:30 p.m., Theatre of the Arts, Modern Languages.
Waterloo Centre for Automotive Research (WatCAR) Webinar, Driving Towards the Future: Deployments, Designs, and Challenges of Autonomous Vehicles, Tuesday, November 18, 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. online via Zoom. Register on the WatCAR website.
NEW - WaterLeadership - Sharing Science: Effective presentations, presented by Elise Vist, Workshops and Integrated Programs Coordinator, Writing and Communication Centre, Wednesday, November 19, 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., DC 1304. Part of the Water Institute WaterLeadership training series.
PhD oral defences
Systems Design Engineering. Kasra Motlaghzadeh, "Adaptation Pathways for Direct Air Capture Deployment in Canada." Supervisors, Dr. Vanessa Schweizer, Dr. Keith Hipel. Thesis available via SharePoint - email eng.phd@uwaterloo.ca to request a viewing link. Oral defence Monday, November 10, 1:00 p.m., E5 6127.
English Language and Literature. Aleksander Franiczek, “Immersion, Roleplaying, Narrative Design: Concepts for Understanding Videogame Narrative.” Supervisor, Dr. Marcel O’Gorman. Available upon request from the Faculty of Arts, Graduate Studies and Research Officer. Oral defence Thursday, November 13, 1:00 p.m., PAS 2464 and hybrid.
Systems Design Engineering. Fan He, “Integrating Cognitive Work Analysis into an ACT-R Model for Cybersecurity Applications.” Supervisor, Dr. Catherine Burns. Thesis available via SharePoint – email eng.phd@uwaterloo.ca to request a viewing link. Oral defence Monday, November 17, 2:00 p.m., online.
Statistics & Actuarial Science. Ahmad Mozaffari, "Robust Nonparametric Inference on Manifold Spaces." Supervisor, Dr. Shoja'eddin Chenouri. Thesis available via MGO - mgo@uwaterloo.ca. Oral defence Wednesday, November 19, 1:00 p.m., M3 3127.
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:
- School of Optometry temporary washroom closures, Thursday, September 25 until further notice, washrooms in Rooms 2023, 2026, and 3040 are out of service.
- Science Teaching Complex main atrium skylight replacement, Monday, November 3 to Friday, November 21, installation of a crash deck system below the skylight to facilitate the installation of new glass, scaffold will be present on the 3rd floor by the elevator, limiting seating areas during the day.
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Energy Research Centre, Math 3, Burt Matthews Hall fire alarm testing, Friday, November 7, 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
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Minota Hagey, Mackenzie King Village, Ron Edyt Village fire alarm testing, Friday, November 7, 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
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General Services Complex domestic cold water shutdown, Saturday, November 8, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., there will be a cold water shutdown for soft water to accommodate metering installation.
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Student Life Centre domestic hot and cold water shutdown, Sunday, November 9, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., domestic cold and hot water will be shut down to accommodate metering installation, there will be no water to sinks and toilets.
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North parking lot at RAC-1 shoring activity, Monday, November 10 to January 1, 2026, shoring, pile driving, lagging and tie-backs will take place between November 10 to the end of December 2025 as part of WaterFEL construction, traffic restrictions and limited access to be in place, excessive noise and vibration may occur in the work area.
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Engineering 2 and 3, Davis Centre, Math & Computer fire alarm testing, Monday, November 10, 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
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Aberfoyle - BioRem fire alarm testing, Monday, November 10, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
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Fire Research Facility fire alarm testing, Monday, November 10, 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
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Optometry air handler shutdown, Tuesday, November 11, 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., airflow to older areas of the building will be reduced, the 2009 addition will be operating normally.
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Physical Activities Complex, Student Life Centre, RAC 1 and 2, Federation Hall fire alarm testing, Wednesday, November 12, 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
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Biology 2 domestic hot water shutdown, Thursday, November 13, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., domestic hot water for supply and make-up water will be shut down to accommodate metering installation, there will be no hot water to sinks.
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Environment 1, 2 and 3, Modern Languages, Dana Porter Library, Needles Hall fire alarm testing, Friday, November 14, 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
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East Campus 4, East Campus 5 fire alarm testing, Friday, November 14, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
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Biology 1 domestic cold water shutdown, Saturday, November 15, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., domestic cold hard water shutdown to accommodate metering installation, no water to sinks.
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Biology 2 domestic cold water shutdown, Saturday, November 15, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., domestic cold water (hard and soft) to accommodate metering installation, no water to sinks.
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B.C. Matthews Hall building addition domestic hot water shutdown, Wednesday, November 19, 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., domestic hot water shutdown for supply water to accommodate metering installation, no hot water to sinks.
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B.C. Matthews Hall and Lyle S. Hallman Institute for Health domestic hot water shutdown, Thursday, November 20, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., domestic hot water shutdown to accommodate metering installation, no hot water to sinks.
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Chemistry 2 cold water shutdown, Saturday, November 22, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., domestic cold water shutdown to accommodate metering installation, no water to sinks.