Friday, October 23, 2026

Dr. Bill Rosehart installed as Waterloo’s eighth President and Vice-Chancellor 

This is an excerpt from an article that was originally published in Waterloo News.

Three-time alum Dr. Bill Rosehart (BASc ’96, MASc ’97, PhD ’01) has returned to the University of Waterloo, leading the institution into a new era. Rosehart was installed as the University’s eighth President and Vice-Chancellor on October 22, 2026, where he was formally endowed to the duties and responsibilities of office.  

The installation ceremony was conducted by Genevieve Gauthier-Chalifour, University Secretary and Murray Gamble (BASc ’85), Chair, Board of Governors. 

The event opened with a special performance from the Aki Ogichidaa Kwewak N’gamowak singers and an Indigenous greeting from Elder Myeengun Henry (LLD ’24), Indigenous Knowledge Keeper. Notable guests also joined to share congratulatory remarks, including Dr. Jagdeep Singh Bachher (BASc ’93, MASc ’94, PhD ’00), Waterloo’s Chancellor.

Looking ahead, Rosehart said Waterloo’s greatest strength lies in the qualities that have defined it since its founding: challenging convention, hands-on experience and innovation. Maintaining that distinct identity is key to help drive Canadian prosperity. 

“We will not meet this moment by becoming more cautious, or by turning into a more generic version of ourselves, or by copying any other university," he said. "We stay distinctively Waterloo.” 

Read the full story and see pictures from the event on Waterloo News.

Environment, Health, Science and Math convocation ceremonies today 

The Faculties of Science, Environment, Health, and Math will celebrate convocation today, in morning, afternoon and evening ceremonies. 

Faculty of Science

Grads by the numbers: 335 undergraduates, 62 Master’s students, and 26 PhD candidates.  

The ceremony will be held at  10 a.m. in the PAC. Watch the livestream.  

The Valedictorian is Norman Lyand the mace bearer is Susan Whyte.

Distinguished awards for the Faculty of Science

• University Finalist for the Alumni Gold Medal, Doctoral: Alexander Hickey (spring 2026)

Distinguished Professor Emeritus – Melanie C.W. Campbell

Dr. Melanie C.W. Campbell is a Professor Emerita in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Waterloo. Her groundbreaking research in visual optics bridges fundamental science and real-world applications, focused on the optical properties and imaging of the human eye. Her work includes internationally recognized advances in adaptive optics imaging and innovative retinal biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease, leading to patents and the co-founding of Lume Neuro. A former President of the Canadian Association of Physicists, she is also celebrated for exceptional mentorship, educational leadership and longstanding advocacy for equity, diversity and inclusion in physics.

Distinguished Professor Emeritus – Robert Mann

Dr. Robert Mann is a Professor Emeritus in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Waterloo. His research spans a wide range of theoretical physics with noted contributions to black hole thermodynamics, quantum gravity and relativistic quantum information. A Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and recipient of the Canadian Association of Physicists Medal for Excellence in Teaching Undergraduate Physics, he is renowned for both scholarship and teaching. As former Chair of Physics and President of the Canadian Association of Physicists, he has mentored generations of physicists while advancing Canadian science nationally and internationally.

Faculty of Environment 

Grads by the numbers: 72 undergraduates, 93 Master’s students, and 14 PhD candidates.   

The joint ceremony with Health will be held at  2:30 p.m. in the PAC. Watch the livestream.  

The Valedictorian is  Shahriyer Hossain Shetu and the mace bearer is Ellen MacEachen.

Distinguished awards for the Faculty of Environment

• University Finalist for the Alumni Gold Medal, Doctoral: Isabel Bianca Jorgensen (spring 2026)
• University Finalist for the Alumni Gold Medal, Master's: Kayne Boyali

Faculty of Health 

Grads by the numbers: 74 undergraduates, 237 Master’s students, and 13 PhD candidates. 

The joint ceremony with Environment will be held at  2:30 p.m. in the PAC. Watch the livestream.  

Distinguished awards for the Faculty of Health

• University Finalist for the Alumni Gold Medal, Doctoral: Taylor Blair Kurta
• University Finalist for the Alumni Gold Medal, Master's: Lisa Blank

Faculty of Math

Grads by the numbers: 382 undergraduates, 150 Master’s students, and 47 PhD candidates.  

The ceremony will be held at  6:30 p.m. in the PAC. Watch the livestream.  

The Valedictorian is Cong Ma and the mace bearer is David Jao.

Distinguished awards for the Faculty of Math

• The University of Waterloo Alumni Gold Medal: Janani Sundaresan
• University Finalist for the Alumni Gold Medal, Master's: Miles Jude Simmons (spring 2026) 
• K.D. Fryer Gold Medal: Alexander John Pawelko (spring 2026)
• Honorary doctorate will be awarded to Nigel Hitchin

Engineering and Arts convocation ceremonies tomorrow 

The Faculties of Engineering and Arts will celebrate convocation tomorrow, in morning and afternoon ceremonies.  

Faculty of Arts 

Grads by the numbers: 333 undergraduates, 360 Master’s students, and 16 PhD candidates.   

The ceremony will be held at  10 a.m. in the PAC. Watch the livestream.   

The Valedictorian is Sarah English and the mace bearer is Eric Helleiner. 
 
Distinguished awards for the Faculty of Arts 

• The University of Waterloo Alumni Gold Medal: James Malzahn 

• University Finalist for the Alumni Gold Medal, Doctoral: Karmvir Kaur Padda (spring 2026) 

• Honorary doctorate will be awarded to Douglas R. Stenton 

Faculty of Engineering 

Grads by the numbers: 123 undergraduates, 290 Master’s students, and 50 PhD candidates.   

The ceremony will be held at  2:30 p.m. in the PAC. Watch the livestream.   

The Valedictorian is Nicholas Pellegrino and the mace bearer is Maya Przybylski. 

Distinguished awards for the Faculty of Engineering 

• University Finalist for the Alumni Gold Medal, Doctoral: Fatemeh Keyvani 

• Honorary doctorates will be awarded to Frank Headley Baylis and Krishan Kumar Shah 

Earth Sciences Museum Gem and Mineral Show returns alongside Kids Science Open House

A message from the Faculty of Science.

The University of Waterloo’s annual Gem and Mineral Show is returning to the Earth Sciences Museum this October, offering visitors two days to explore an impressive collection of gems, minerals, fossils, jewellery, and more.

Held in the EIT building, the free event will take place this Friday from noon to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors can browse vendors and displays across the first and second floors, discover unique geological treasures, and enter a ballot draw for a chance to win the door prize – Ontario’s provincial mineral – Amethyst.

This year’s show once again coincides with the University’s popular Kids Science Open House, making Saturday a campus-wide celebration of science discovery. From 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., families can enjoy hundreds of free hands-on activities throughout the Science Teaching Complex (STC) and Earth Sciences Museum (EIT).

The Kids Science Open House gives children and their families the opportunity to explore science through interactive demonstrations and hands-on activities led by volunteers from across the Faculty of Science. Visitors can investigate everything from chemistry and geoscience to biology and physics to optometry and pharmacy while learning directly from students, staff, and faculty members.

One of the day’s most anticipated attractions is the live Chemistry Magic Show, taking place at noon and 3 p.m. in STC 1012. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early, as seating is expected to fill quickly.

Whether guests are searching for a unique mineral specimen, fascinated by fossils, or simply looking for an engaging family activity, the combination of the Gem and Mineral Show and Kids Science Open House offers something for all ages.

Admission to both events is free, making it the perfect opportunity for community members to explore the Earth Sciences Museum, experience hands-on science, and discover the excitement of learning at the University of Waterloo.

Event details

UW Gem and Mineral Show

• Friday, October 23 from noon to 6 p.m.
• Saturday, October 24 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Location: Earth Sciences Museum (EIT)
• Admission: Free

Kids Science Open House

• Saturday, October 24 from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Locations: Science Teaching Complex (STC) and Earth Sciences Museum (EIT)
• Admission: Free

Visitors are welcome to attend one or both events and discover the exciting science opportunities available across the Faculty of Science.