Editor:
Brandon Sweet
University Communications
bulletin@uwaterloo.ca
Feathered friend found — goose contest winner revealed!
A message from the Office of Advancement.
Our holiday contest has officially wrapped — and what a wild goose chase it was!
Our wandering goose managed to blend into the Waterloo sign by Dana Porter Library, sneak around the Davis Centre, hitch a ride in a backpack at the SLC, frolic through the Peter Russell Rock Garden and hide out along the bridge to the AFIWs.
From our campus community and beyond, we received 677 entries, from which one lucky winner was drawn at random. Congratulations to Chad Kirby (BSc ’02) who has scored a $100 W Store swag bag!
Want to see where our feathered friend was hiding? Take a final gander at the answer key on our contest page.
Thanks for playing along. As always, your involvement — in ways big and small — is what makes our campus such a vibrant community.
Fayaz Noormohamed appointed Executive Director, Global Futures
“I am pleased to announce that Fayaz Noormohamed has been appointed to Executive Director, Global Futures effective December 1, 2025,” wrote Interim Vice-President, Academic and Provost Thomas Duever in a memo circulated to Executive Council on Thursday. “Over the last year, Fayaz has been the Interim Executive Director, Global Futures Networks while also serving in the role of Senior Director, Strategy and Implementation in the Office of the President. With this appointment, Fayaz’s responsibilities will be focused within the Global Futures Office, leading initiatives that will foster connections, learning, and growth across research, education, campus innovation, and community impact projects centred upon the themes of the Global Futures and our long-term vision for Waterloo at 100.”
“Dr. Richard Florizone, Special Advisor to the President and Provost, Global Futures, will continue in his position for an additional year to support the success of the Global Futures Fund,” the provost’s memo continues. “His strategic direction to the Global Futures Office will maintain the momentum of advancing initiatives aligned with the five interconnected Global Futures.”
“Over the last year, the Global Futures Office has implemented foundational structures that support the evolution of the Global Futures, including the launch of the Global Futures Fund Steering Committee that adjudicates the delivery of funding to projects that are supporting advancements in our Societal, Health, Sustainable, Technological, and Economic Futures. The Global Futures Fund 2.0 has launched, and we look forward to seeing the ideas and projects that will propel innovation and collaboration across our University community and beyond.”
“Please join me in congratulating Fayaz on this important appointment,” the provost’s memo concludes.
Lectures in Catholic Experience will talk religion and local politics
A message from St. Jerome’s University.
On Thursday, January 15, 2026, St. Jerome’s will welcome Dr. Gary Adler Jr. from Pennsylvania State University to give a lecture “Catholic in Governing, not Catholicism in Government: How Local Government Officials Manage Interaction between Religion and State.” In the U.S. context, Catholic officials comprise nearly 30% of all locally elected officials—how do these officials understand the delineation between church and state? How does their faith, impact their work, if at all? In this talk, Dr. Adler will use case studies of public holiday displays and prayers to demonstrate how local officials are often protectors of religious pluralism.
Gary Adler Jr. is an Assistant Professor of Sociology at Pennsylvania State university. His work examines culture at the intersection of religion and politics. He co-directs the American Local Leaders Study. He is the author/editor of Empathy Beyond U.S. Borders (Cambridge University Press), American Parishes: Remaking Local Catholicism (Fordham), and Secularism, Catholicism, and the Future of Public Life (Oxford University Press).
St. Jerome’s Vice President Academic and Dean, Dr. Carol Ann MacGregor, says “We are excited to welcome Gary for this timely lecture that both speaks to growing interest in ideas of Christian Nationalism in the U.S. context but also might offer a more nuanced picture by including the many local officials doing important work in their communities that gets less national media or scholarly attention. It is a wonderful fit for the Lectures in Catholic experience which are meant to address the interests of scholars, practitioners, and the public.”
The event will take place in the Notre Dame Chapel in SJ1 Academic Building at 7:30 p.m. and will be livestreamed. Register on the SJU website.
A year in review from the Cybersecurity and Privacy Institute
A message from the Cybersecurity and Privacy Institute.
As 2025 comes to a close, we reflect on a pivotal year for the University of Waterloo’s Cybersecurity and Privacy Institute (CPI). This year was defined by securing critical institutional support, advancing impactful research, and fostering the next generation of cybersecurity and privacy leaders.
Our strategic growth and funding
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CPI was proud to be among eight inaugural recipients awarded funding from Waterloo’s Global Futures Fund (GFF). This critical support underscores our alignment with the University’s strategic vision and provides a vital foundation for us to advance research, education and training in the field of cybersecurity and privacy.
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CPI researchers were exceptionally successful in the 2025 National Cybersecurity Consortium (NCC) competition, securing more than $2.4 million in NCC funding. These grants will fund path-breaking interdisciplinary research collaborations across the university.
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We are pleased to announce that Kyndryl, an IBM spin-off and the world’s largest IT infrastructure services provider, renewed its industry sponsorship of CPI, emphasizing the value of our research and knowledge exchange for the private sector.
Knowledge exchange and education
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Our 7th Annual Conference was a resounding success. Thanks to the dedication of our team and community, we brought together diverse groups to share insights and address pressing societal issues.
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We hosted the inaugural Graduate Student Conference, a first-of-its-kind event in Canada. The event successfully bridged the gap between graduate scholars and industry partners, providing a platform for the next generation of researchers to showcase their work.
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Through a new collaboration with WatSPEED, CPI members can now access an exclusive 20% discount for cyber education programs designed for professionals.
Institute news and engagement
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We have successfully progressed the search for CPI’s next Executive Director (Interim) and look forward to sharing a formal leadership announcement in early 2026.
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The release of the UnMarker tool, featuring breakthrough research from CPI faculty, garnered the University’s second highest earned media hits year to date, highlighting the public’s urgent interest in privacy preserving technologies.
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Our digital community has grown. We have now surpassed 3,000 followers on LinkedIn. Your likes, comments, and shares have expanded our digital presence and enabled us to create a dynamic community.
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We were delighted to host University of Waterloo co-op student, Fatima Rahman, this fall. Her contributions were instrumental to the success of our annual conference, among other initiatives.
The steadfast engagement and support of the CPI community enables us to sustain our initiatives and create impact far beyond Waterloo. Cheers to 2026! May it be a peaceful, secure, and prosperous New Year for all!
Save-the-date for CPI’s 2nd Graduate Student Conference on Monday, March 30, 2026.
Celebrating retirees from 2025’s fourth quarter
Human Resources has reported that the following faculty and staff members have retired this fall, including a few September retirements that were initially overlooked:
September 2025
- Kumaraswamy “Ponnu” Ponnambalam, who began working at Waterloo on July 1, 1988, retired a Professor in Systems Design Engineering;
- Leslie Schaefer, who joined the University on September 15, 2008, retired as Catering and Event Coordinator in Food Services;
- Jonathan Li, who began working at Waterloo on January 1, 2007, retired as Professor in Geography and Environmental Management;
- Sebastian Siebel-Achenbach, who joined the University on September 1, 2017, retired as Lecturer and Associate Director, Undergraduate Studies at the Stratford School of Interaction Design and Business; and
- Susan Cadell, who began working at Renison University College on August 1, 2012, retired as a Professor in the School of Social Work.
October 2025
- Darla Steinmann, who started at Waterloo on August 1, 2010, retired as Grants and Contracts Manager, Institutional Research in the Office of Research;
- Jennifer Haas, who joined the University on August 1, 2005, retired as Head, Information Services and Resources in the UW Libraries;
- Fred Martin, who worked at Conrad Grebel University since November 15, 2001, retired as Director of Advancement;
- Annette Dietrich, who joined the University on July 25, 1988, retired as Assistant to the Associate Dean, Graduate Studies in the Faculty of Engineering’s Dean of Engineering Office; and
- Tiuley Alguindigue, who began working at Waterloo on October 27, 2003, retired as Lab Instructor and Software Specialist in Electrical and Computer Engineering.
November 2025
- William McIlroy, who joined the University on September 1, 2006, retired as a Professor in Kinesiology and Health Sciences;
- Qi-Ming He, who began working at Waterloo on July 1, 2010, retired as a Professor in Management Science and Engineering;
- Anthony Munro, who joined the University on February 13, 2012, retired as Manager, International Recruitment and Partnership in the Registrar’s Office;
- Janet Bender, who began working at Waterloo on March 3, 1980, retired as Library Assistant, Derived Cataloguing in the UW Libraries;
- William Kern, who joined the University on July 9, 1984, retired as Arena Coordinator in Athletics and Recreation;
- Stewart Tripp, who began working at Waterloo on December 13, 2021, retired as Fire Systems Serviceperson in Plant Operations;
- John Karakalpakis, who started at the University on October 19, 2015, retired as Custodian I in Plant Operations;
- Vicki Brett, who began working at Waterloo on August 20, 2007, retired while on leave;
- Bruce Vowles, who joined the University on January 26, 1987, retired as Receiving Coordinator in Central Stores while on leave;
- Maria Couto, who began working at Waterloo on October 19, 2015, retired as Custodian I in Plant Operations; and
- Donna Golubovic, who joined the University on September 13, 1992, retired while on leave.
Congratulations all on your much-deserved retirement!
Ho, ho, holiday closures
As campus winds down for the holidays, some early closures to note:
St. Jerome's University will close at the end of the day on Friday, December 19 and re-open on January 5, 2026.
Renison University College will close at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, December 19, and will re-open on Monday, January 5, 2026.
Campus Housing front desks at MKV, REV, UWP and V1 will close after 10:00 a.m. on Friday, December 19 and will re-open on January 3, 2026 at 8:00 a.m.
The CLV front desk will remain open until midnight on Friday, December 19 and will have the following modified holiday hours starting Saturday, December 20:
- Open December 20, 21 from 12 noon to 8:00 p.m.
- Open December 22, 23 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Closed December 24 to 28, and December 30.
- Open December 29 and 31 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- Re-opens January 1, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. and resumes regular daily hours from 8:00 a.m. to 12 a.m. midnight Monday to Friday and 12 noon to 12 a.m. midnight Saturday and Sunday.
The Campus Housing Office in REV South will close at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, December 19 and will re-open at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, January 5, 2026. Staff will be available to answer phone calls and emails during University business hours on Monday, December 22 and Tuesday, December 23.
Conrad Grebel University College will close on Saturday, December 20 and will reopen on Monday, January 5, 2026 at 8:00 a.m.
Velocity will be closed on Monday, December 22 until Friday, January, 2, 2026. The building will be card access-only.
Link of the day
25 years ago: The Emperor's New Groove
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.
Warriors Winter Youth Camps, registration is now open for multi-sport and games, baseball, basketball, eSports, football and hockey camps for boys and girls ages 5 to 18. Register today!
Co-operative work term ends, Friday, December 19.
Final examination emergency day, Friday, December 19.
Faculty of Arts AI Forum, Friday, December 19, 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., NH 3407.
Nominations open: WUSA General Elections, Monday, December 22.
University holiday break, Wednesday, December 24 to Friday, January 2, 2026.
Lectures and classes begin, Monday, January 5, 2026.
Co-operative work term begins, Monday, January 5, 2026.
WUSA Welcome Week Brunch, Tuesday, January 6, 2026, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., SLC Great Hall.
NEW - Global Futures Fund 2.0 Online Information Session, Monday, January 12, 2026 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., online. Register Now
Antagonism and Intimidation in Academia Speaker Series 2.0, Monday, January 12, 2026, 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., EC5 1027.
Velocity Innovation Open House, Tuesday, January 13, 2026, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Federation Hall.
Cracking the code: tips for technical interview success, Wednesday, January 14, 2026, 12 noon to 1:00 p.m., TC 2218.
NEW - MPACS Grad Program Info Session, Thursday, January 15, 2026, 12: noon to 1:00 p.m., Register today!.
NEW - Lectures in Catholic Experience presents Dr. Gary Adler, Jr., "Catholic in Governing, not Catholicism in Government: How Local Government Officials Manage Interaction between Religion and State," Thursday, January 15, 2026, 7:30 p.m., Notre Dame Chapel, St. Jerome's University. Register on the SJU website
PhD oral defences
Chemical Engineering. Zahra Negahban, “Media Optimization of CHO Cellculture using a Hybrid Dynamic Fluxbalance Analysis Mode.” Supervisors, Dr. Hector Budman, Dr. Valerie Ward. Thesis available via SharePoint – email eng.phd@uwaterloo.ca to request a viewing link. Oral defence Tuesday, January 6, 2026, 11:00 a.m., E6-2022.
Computer Science. Zhenyang Xu, "Pushing the limit of Language-Agnostic Program Reduction." Supervisor, Dr. Chengnian Sun. Thesis available via MGO - mgo@uwaterloo.ca. Oral defence Wednesday, January 7, 2026, 12 noon, DC2314.
Electrical and Computer Engineering. Ahmed Hussein Salamah, “JPEG-Inspired Encoding for Deep Learning.” Supervisor, Dr. En-Hui H Yang. Thesis available via SharePoint – email eng.phd@uwaterloo.ca to request a viewing link. Oral defence Wednesday, January 7, 2026, 1:00 p.m., remote.
Computer Science. Liam Hebert, “Contextual AI: Integrating Macro-Context with Transformer Architectures for Social Media Analysis, Federated Learning, and Recommender Systems.” Supervisors Dr. Robin Cohen, Dr. Lukasz Golab. Thesis available via MGO – mgo@uwaterloo.ca. Oral defence Wednesday, January 7, 2026, 2:00 p.m., online.
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:
- 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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South campus replacement of 4 main backflow preventers, Friday, December 19, 2:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., all soft water on campus will be affected, some locations will not have the use of hot water, or soft water.
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School of Architecture fire alarm testing, Friday, December 19, 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
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Digital Media Stratford fire alarm testing, Friday, December 19, 12 noon to 3:00 p.m.
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Burt Matthews Hall (original section) domestic hot water shutdown, Friday, December 19, 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., no water available to building for the duration to accommodate metering installation.
- South campus replacement of 4 main backflow preventers, Saturday, December 20, 2:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., all soft water on campus will be affected, some locations will not have the use of hot water, or soft water.
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Modern Languages domestic cold water shutdown, Saturday, December 20, 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., no cold water available to the building for a period of one hour during the shutdown window, toilets and sinks will not have water at this time.
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Psychology, Anthropology, and Sociology (PAS) domestic cold water shutdown, Saturday, December 20, 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., no cold water available for a period of one hour during the shutdown window, no water to toilets and sinks during this time.
Needles Hall addition domestic cold water shutdown, Saturday, December 20, 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., no cold water will be available for an hour during the shutdown window, toilets and sinks will not have water during this time.
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South Campus Hall domestic cold water shutdown, Saturday, December 20, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., there will be no water available to the building for the duration of shutdown, no water to sinks or toilets.
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Quantum Nano Centre, Biology 1 and 2, Health Services, Science Teaching Complex fire alarm testing, Monday, December 22, 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
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UWP (Beck Hall, Eby Hall, Grand Commons) electrical shutdown, Monday, December 22, 8:00 a.m. to 12 noon, an electrical shutdown will affect all normal power within the listed buildings due to a high-voltage feed connection, the building will be without normal power for 4 hours, and elevators will not function. Emergency power will be active.
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Central Services Building domestic cold water (potable) shutdown, Monday, December 22, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., during this time the 8" potable line will be shut down to accommodate metering installation.
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MKV-East temporary electrical shutdown, Tuesday, December 23, 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m., there will be an electrical shutdown that will affect all normal power and lighting due to ongoing electrical work, the east wing of the building (mostly bedrooms and hallways on the 1st floor) will be without normal power for approximately 1 hour, emergency power will be active.
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Energy Research Centre, Math 3, Burt Matthews Hall fire alarm testing, Friday, January 2, 2026, 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, January 2, 2026, 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.