Friday, November 21, 2025

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• Remembering Professor Emeritus Gary Waller, prolific senior administrator
• Celebrate Jean Becker's leadership and lasting impact on December 11
• The 2025 Stanley Knowles Dinner and Lecture: a night of connection and conversation

• Warriors Weekend Wrap-Up: Top-10 take-downs in all three sports

• Friday's notes

Remembering Professor Emeritus Gary Waller, prolific senior administrator

Retired Waterloo professor and senior administrator T. Gary Waller passed away on September 12, 2025.

Born in Yazoo City, Mississippi in 1939, Waller studied at the University of Southern Mississippi and received a PhD from Vanderbilt University in 1967. Waller briefly taught in Vanderbilt’s psychology department before accepting an appointment at the University of Waterloo in September 1968. He was promoted to associate professor in July 1972 and received tenure in July 1973. He became a full professor in Waterloo’s Psychology department in July 1979.

Dr. Waller’s research interests were in the areas of cognitive psychology and in human performance in applied settings. He focused on adult literacy and reading difficulties related to on-the-job training. Among his academic activities, Waller was an instructor in the University’s FrontLine Leadership program, offering numerous workshops to Waterloo faculty and staff.

Beginning in the 1970s, Waller took on a series of academic leadership and administrative appointments, both interim and permanent, that would last beyond his retirement in 2005. His willingness to step up and step in led Daily Bulletin editor Chris Redmond to refer to Waller as the “utility man” of the University’s senior administration.

In July 1975 he was named Associate Chairman (Graduate Affairs), serving through to June 20, 1976, and was reappointed for two terms ending in April 1978. He was then appointed acting Chair from January to April 1978. He served as Chair of the Department of Psychology from March 1979 to April 1982, and again from April 1987 to June 1994. From August 1994 to December 1995, he served as acting Dean of Research.

Waller was then named Associate Provost (Academic and Student Affairs), a role in which he served from May 1996 to June 2003. Before the role was renamed Associate Provost, Resources in 2010 and wound down in November 2017, it was considered the third-highest post in the University’s administrative hierarchy, behind the President and Vice-President, Academic and Provost. The role also included management responsibilities for academic support units, including the Library, distance and continuing education, the audio-visual centre, and the Registrar’s Office. In this role, Waller was responsible for the University’s space planning, tuition fee negotiations, program reviews, and planning for the “double cohort” of incoming first-year undergraduate students resulting from the elimination of the OAC year in Ontario high schools. He was succeeded by Dr. Bruce Mitchell in July 2003.

“He was always a ray of good hope and reasonableness,” remembers Martin Van Nierop, former Director of Communications and Public Affairs at the University.

Waller served as interim Dean of Graduate Studies from September 2002 to August 2003, working closely with then-Associate Dean, Graduate Studies Jim Frank to balance day-to-day operations while responding to the recent external review of graduate studies at the University. He was succeeded by Dr. Ranjana Bird.

“In these pivotal and challenging roles,” wrote then-Provost Amit Chakma in February 2003, “he provided dynamic vision, direction, and drive.”

In April 2005, Waller was named as the second Director of the Waterloo Centre for the Advancement of Co-operative Education (WatCACE, now the Work-Learn Institute), succeeding founding director James Downey. Waller was a natural fit for the role – as Associate Provost (Academic and Student Affairs), he supervised Waterloo’s Co-operative Education and Career Services unit (now Co-operative and Experiential Education). He served in that role until 2011, when he was succeeded by Dr. Judene Pretti, but continued working as an associate of WatCACE.

“I am deeply grateful to have known and worked with Gary,” writes Judene Pretti. “He was a mentor and a trusted sounding board in the early days of building the WatPD program. Gary had a profound appreciation for the value of co-op at the University of Waterloo and played a pivotal role in establishing the Waterloo Centre for the Advancement of Co-operative Education, now known as the Work-Learn Institute. I cherish the many stories and wisdom that Gary shared. His impact on our community and on me personally will not be forgotten.”

Waller was instrumental in the creation of the Academic Leadership Program in 2002, which provides leadership development and support for associate chairs, associate deans, chairs and directors.

Waller retired on September 1, 2005, but was immediately engaged in a two-year contract to continue as Director of WatCACE. Waller also continued to serve as Director of the Academic Leadership Program until 2016, when he was succeeded by Dr. Sheila Ager.

Outside the University, Waller served as chair of the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony Orchestra.

Waller was predeceased by his first wife Jacquelyn "Jackie" Waller in 2018, and is survived by his children Jim and Amy, two grandchildren, and spouse Lorraine Beattie, former director of library resources management at the UW Library.

An informal celebration of life will be held in the Waterloo area at a yet-to-be-determined date.

Celebrate Jean Becker's leadership and lasting impact on December 11

By Sam Toman.

Join the Office of Indigenous Relations on December 11 to celebrate the retirement of Jean Becker, Associate Vice-President, Indigenous Relations. Jean’s leadership, compassion, and advocacy have transformed the University’s journey toward truth and reconciliation.

Few people have shaped the University of Waterloo’s journey toward Truth and Reconciliation as profoundly as Jean Becker, Associate Vice-President, Indigenous Relations.

Since joining Waterloo in 2020, Jean has been a steady and inspiring force for change. She helped establish the Office of Indigenous Relations, guided the creation of the Indigenous Strategic Plan (2023–2028), and championed initiatives that will leave a lasting imprint on our campus. From the Indigenous Outdoor Gathering Space to the tuition waiver for local Indigenous students, her leadership has brought community, visibility, and belonging to the heart of the University.

Jean’s influence extends far beyond her formal role. She is a mentor, a storyteller, and a bridge-builder whose compassion has touched students, colleagues, and community members alike.

To honour Jean’s remarkable contributions and wish her well in retirement, the Office of Indigenous Relations will host an open house celebration.

Jean Becker Retirement Open House
Date: Thursday, December 11, 2025
Time: 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. (drop-in)
Location: Office of Indigenous Relations (EC5 4201)

All staff and faculty are invited to stop by, share their thanks, and enjoy tea and sweet treats. Registration is encouraged but not required.

The 2025 Stanley Knowles Dinner and Lecture: a night of connection and conversation

By Davandra Earle. This article was originally published on the United College website.

United College hosted its annual Stanley Knowles Dinner & Lecture last Saturday, an evening that brought together alumni, friends, and members of the College community for discussion, reflection, fellowship, and celebration.

Guests enjoyed a delicious three-course meal, reconnecting with familiar faces and celebrating the achievements of outstanding alumni within the United College community. Several awards were presented on the night including the awards for the most Distinguished Alumni – Paul Lorilla (BA ’01) and Emerging Alumni Trishalla Pillai (BA ’16) for 2025, recognizing their remarkable contributions and leadership.

The Stanley Knowles Dinner has long been a cherished tradition at United College, offering a special moment each year to honour the College’s enduring legacy of service, education, and community leadership. The evening serves as both a celebration of connection and a reaffirmation of United College’s values in action.

Following the meal, attendees gathered for the Stanley Knowles Lecture, moderated by the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, United College’s Chancellor and former Governor General of Canada. The lecture featured Andrew Stobo Sniderman, co-author of The Valley of the Birdtail, who shared insights from the acclaimed book and engaged in a thoughtful discussion about reconciliation, understanding, and the power of shared history. Guests also had the opportunity to meet Andrew during a book signing prior to the event.

Reflecting on the evening, United College Principal Rick Myers said, “The Stanley Knowles Dinner & Lecture embodies what makes our community so special, our commitment to learning, connection, and social responsibility. It’s a night to honour our alumni, to be inspired by meaningful dialogue, and to reaffirm our shared purpose.”

The 2025 Stanley Knowles Dinner & Lecture was a memorable evening of inspiration, conversation, and connection, continuing a proud tradition that celebrates the heart and values of United College.

Warriors Weekend Wrap-Up: Top-10 take-downs in all three sports

Cohen Peters sets an attack for his teammate.

By Cam Stirrup. This is an excerpt of an article originally published on the Athletics and Recreation website.

12 games in five cities across three days gave us a Warrior weekend full of resiliency. 

Women's Basketball: Newell's consistency not enough against Ottawa gauntlet 

Friday night covered action on the court from the PAC to the nation's capital. After a huge win in their last matchup against Laurentian where they dominated the Voyageurs on home court, Women's Basketball had a tough time on the road in Ottawa; with a 76-54 defeat to the Gee Gees. Ghiselle Pobletecontinued her strong form on the scoresheet, leading the team in points for the second straight game - scoring 14 - and shooting 5-12 from the field. Jaime Newell once again led the team in rebounds with 9, a game after she recorded 20 rebounds against Laurentian; the second highest single game rebound performance across USPORTS this season. 

A new day and a new opponent did not fare well for Women's Basketball on Saturday, as they fell 67-45; to a Carleton Ravens team who have won two of the last three Critelli Cups. Newell once again demonstrated a steady effort across the stat sheet, going 7-8 from the line, and leading the team with 17 rebounds, 11 points, and two blocks.  

Men's Basketball: Warriors take down #5 Gee-Gees, fall to Ravens 

Men's Basketball's Friday evening against the #5 Gee-Gees at Montpetit Hall was all about locking down on defence, and halting a strong Ottawa squad in the fourth quarter; which the Warriors did with a huge 77-75 victory. Isaiah McRae came to play after missing the last game against Laurentian with an injury. He flew out of the gate with a game-high 30 points – shooting 11-19 from the field – and logging in 35 minutes on the court.  

Saturday for the men's team did not go in their favour either; falling to the East Division leading Ravens 93-49.  

Women's and men' basketball are back on the road this coming weekend. They face the Queen's Gaels – whose women's team came in at #5 in yesterday's U SPORTS top 10 – on Friday, and the Ontario tech Ridgebacks on Saturday. 

Women's Hockey: Back-to-back wins sets nationals hosts back on track 

As Women's Hockey took to the ice for the weekend, community spirit was on full display, as the Warriors took part in their third consecutive Hockey Fest in Owen Sound. For more on an afternoon for the ages, read the article. 

Sunday afternoon for the Warriors brought themselves back home to take on the Ottawa Gee Gees, for only the fourth time in OUA competition. A victory which did not come easy, with Ottawa pressuring in the offensive zone with the goalie pulled in the final moments, the Warriors held on for a 2-1 victory. Brooke Williams opened the scoring in the first period – the fourth goal of her rookie season, off a beautiful backhand pass fromBrodi Levitt and Tia Lascelle  netted the game winner on the power play in the third, for her second goal of the campaign.  

The Warriors will face the Varsity Blues once again on Friday, this time in Toronto. They'll stay in the city to face the TMU Bold on Saturday.

Read the full article on the Athletics and Recreation website.

Friday's notes

Conrad Grebel University College's annual Make a Difference (MAD) Holiday Market takes place Saturday, November 22 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the college's atrium. The annual event brings together local vendors and artisans for a day of community and commerce. You can browse unique, handmade gifts and support small businesses while helping spread kindness this holiday season - your generosity will directly support the Working Centre, located in downtown Kitchener.

The music department's end of term concerts continue this weekend. The University Choir and Chamber Choir will perform If the Earth Could Sing on Saturday, November 22. The feature piece will be performed by the 60-voice University Choir, directed by Liska Jetchick. Composed by Katherina Gimon, Unsung: If the Earth Could Sing is a five-movement work for choir, cello, and percussion. Through the lens of various geological landscapes of Canada, it addresses the impact of the environmental crisis, as it seeks to address the question: "If the earth could sing, what would it tell us?" 

The concert takes place at 7:30 p.m. at St Matthew’s Centre, 54 Benton Street in Kitchener. Admission is $10 general/$5 for students.

On Sunday, November 23, Orchestra@UWaterloo presents Love Letters from Bohemia. Directed by well-known local musician Daniel Warren, the orchestra will play Wagner's Overture to Die Meistersinger, Mahler's Adagietto from Symphony no. 5, and Dvorak's Symphony no. 6.  Special guest harpist Daniella Kistemaker will join the orchestra for Mahler’s Adagietto from Symphony no. 5.

The concert takes place at7:30 p.m. at Knox Presbyterian Church on 50 Erb St. West in Waterloo. Admission is $10 general/$5 for students.