Friday, June 7, 2024

Honorary Members of the University to be celebrated at Convocation

The spring Convocation ceremonies next week will include a number of people who will be named Honorary Member of the University, a prestigious award that recognizes outstanding service to the University.

Environment (Tuesday, June 11)

Dr. Jean Andrey is a former Dean of the Faculty of Environment and professor emeritus in the Department of Geography and Environmental Management (GEM). Professor Andrey retired in 2022, after a long and distinguished career at the University, which began as a doctoral candidate in GEM. Throughout her career, Professor Andrey was recognized as an exemplary educator with several awards for both teaching and graduate supervision. Professor Andrey served on governing bodies at both the University and its affiliated and federated institutions; taking leadership roles at organizations such as the Royal Canadian Geographic Society, Canadian Association of Geographers, and the Sustainable Development Solutions Network; and serving as an expert on panels like the Canadian Institute for Climate Choices Adaptation Panel. Professor Andrey’s contributions have been recognized with awards including the Clean 50 Lifetime Achievement Award for Exceptional Contribution to the Clean Economy (2023) and President’s Award for Outstanding Service to the Canadian Association of Geographers (2016).

As an academic administrator, Professor Andrey began her career in the role of associate dean of graduate studies for the Faculty of Environment, serving from 2005-2008 and then again from 2012-2014. When the Faculty’s dean departed mid-term, Professor Andrey was asked and agreed to serve as interim dean. Professor Andrey provided strong leadership in the Faculty for two terms as Dean, during which she fostered a greater sense of community, led the implementation of the 2013-2018 and development of the 2020-2025 strategic plans, hosted the Faculty’s 50th anniversary celebrations, oversaw the launch of more than four major research centres and institutes, increased the number of Canada Research Chairs from three to eight and University Research Chairs from one to four, and supported the development of innovative new programs in climate and environmental change, climate risk management, sustainability management, and sustainable financial management, to name a few. At the University level, Professor Andrey’s leadership was critical to the launch of the Sustainability Office and formation of the President’s Advisory Committee on Environmental Sustainability (PACES).

Health (Tuesday, June 11)

Margaret Burnett is a Waterloo alumna whose links to the University of Waterloo go back to the mid-1970s when she joined the 1975 co-op class in the BSc program in Kinesiology, receiving the degree in 1980. She started working part-time in Dr. Howie Green’s laboratory as a research assistant in 1981 and began as full-time Biochemistry Lab Manager in 1982. She went on to receive an MSc in Kinesiology in 1983 under Dr. Green’s supervision. In 1997, Burnett was hired by the Department of Kinesiology to be the Biochemistry Lab Manager and in 1999 she took on more administrative duties as the Lab and Admin Coordinator for the department. Finally, in 2014 Burnett became the Administrative Officer for the department, a position she held until her retirement in 2023. Burnett’s official UW service is from November 1982-2023, a total of 40 years. At the time of Burnett’s retirement, she had been responsible for hiring and/or supervising every current staff member in the department and she had onboarded and mentored every current faculty member in the department.

An alumna of Waterloo, Tina Roberts began her University of Waterloo career in 1981 as a Liaison Officer/Academic Advisor in the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences (AHS). In AHS, she transformed recruitment, student services, alumni relations, and advancement by implementing a research-based approach and creating multiple marketing plans. In 1997, she took on the inaugural position of Director of Marketing & Undergraduate Recruitment (MUR) within the Registrar’s Office, a position she held until her retirement in 2021. Her work transformed how the University recruits students across print, digital, and in-person initiatives. As Director of MUR, she led and contributed to multi-disciplinary efforts and university-wide collaborations. Ms. Roberts consistently pursued opportunities to create connections between colleagues. She was asked to support numerous cross-campus initiatives that have proven to be of great credit to the University. Specific examples include the following: member of the Organizational and Human Development pilot mentorship program; member of leadership team of the i3 Challenge, which led to installation of iconic Waterloo campus entrance sign; member of the steering committee of the Celebration 2017 Legacy Project; leader of Keystone’s communication group; leader of the creation of the award-winning new booth for the Ontario Universities Fair; leader of the University’s 50^th anniversary marketing committee; and founder of the Enrollment Management Marketing Roundtable. Since 1997, Marketing & Undergraduate Recruitment has won 14 CASE District II Accolades Awards and 26 CCAE Prix d’Excellence Awards, and Ms. Roberts was also individually awarded the CASE Quarter Century Achievement Award. She also founded the Fun Run, one of Waterloo’s longest-standing alumni and community traditions.

Mathematics (Wednesday, June 12)

Lawrence Folland is the former manager of the Computer Science Computing Facility (CSCF) group. He joined the University of Waterloo in June 2003 after previously working as technology specialist in the software industry. Folland was hired as the inaugural manager of the CSCF Research Support group and participated in devising the strategic direction and organization of CSCF. Folland oversaw the development of many specialized software tools and services, some of which have gained wide recognition and see high usage across the entire university, such as the Exam Management System (EMS) and the Online Academic Tools (OAT) database infrastructure. In his role as technical manager, he has overseen a number of important research computing initiatives in CS and Math. Folland has been a long-time contributor to the Staff Association and has volunteered in various administrative roles and served on many important committees. He has participated in critical initiatives, such as renegotiation of the Memorandum of Agreement, addressing the Province’s Bill 124, and revising Policy 33 on Ethical Behaviour. He served as the President of the Staff Association from 2019-2020 and has also served on the fundraising and social committee. Folland has made it his mission to preserve and showcase the rich history of computing at Waterloo by co-founding the University of Waterloo Computer Museum.

Arts (Thursday, June 13)

Donna Sutherland spent a full career of nearly 40 years at the University of Waterloo making contributions across departments such as Distance Education, the Registrar’s Office, the Faculty of Health and the School of Accounting and Finance (SAF). Sutherland came to SAF as the Administrative Officer and served in that role for the last 20 years of her career where she helped shepherd SAF through a period of significant growth. She was the critical individual in terms of developing the SAF staff team and building a culture where it is recognized that all people are making an important contribution to SAF’s success. Her positive ‘can do’ demeanour, wise counsel, and problem-solving abilities were essential to SAF’s success. Further, throughout her time in SAF she was called upon to serve on faculty level committees. Prior to the COVID pandemic, she had indicated her plan to retire, however, as a result of that near unprecedented circumstance, she generously put off her initial planned retirement date so as to assist SAF with navigating the extraordinary circumstances, including budget amendments, and related necessary changes. She also served on the Hagey Hall ‘in fill’ Courtyard Project that result in the creation of Founders Hall, a space the benefits all Arts faculty students, and was at the helm when the SAF-wing of Hagey Hall was built.

Engineering (Friday, June 14 and Saturday, June 15)

Murray Zink is a Waterloo alumnus, having received his BASc and MASc in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Waterloo. Zink worked as an Instructional Support Coordinator at the University from 2007 until his retirement in 2022, coordinating and delivering professional development courses, ultimately supporting over 15,000 students. During his time as a staff member, he demonstrated excellence as a champion of exceptional student support continually advocating for students, enhancing students' experiences, and providing his colleagues with direction and support. During this time his passion also led him to engage in considerable volunteer activities above and beyond his role, interacting with other departments, faculties, and external organizations, including: judging for Sir Sanford Flemming debates and WEC competitions; acting as a CEE representative to Waterloo Cases in Design Engineering (WCDE); volunteering for UW move-in day with Campus Housing since 2011; and acting as a Camp 15 warden and liaison with Faculty of Engineering responsible for conducting Iron Ring ceremonies since 2012. Most recently Zink cofounded 4RepairKW and the UWRepairHub with support, both financial and in-kind, from the Sustainability Office and the Sedra Student Design Centre. These Repair Hubs support students and members of the broader Kitchener-Waterloo and beyond community in the sustainable practice of repairing household, small electrical items, and more. Even in retirement Murray can be found consistently operating these repair hubs on campus supporting waste reduction and passing along his skill and passion to students and the University community.

Dave Kibble is a Waterloo alumnus who has had a career in central IT at the University of Waterloo spanning decades. He has been instrumental in the creation and growth of some of the University's most critical information systems, and in 2013, created Information System & Technology's (IST) first Portfolio Management Group. In 1975, as part of a high school trip from Windsor to meet Math instructors and visit the Red Room, Kibble first arrived at the University of Waterloo. Three years later he would return to Waterloo to begin his post-secondary studies, graduating in 1983 with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering (with Management Sciences option), having completed six co-operative work terms throughout. He joined Waterloo in 1983 as a programmer/analyst in what was then the Data Processing (DP) department. Kibble went on to hold a project leader role, followed by manager, student systems, and manager, technical services before DP and DCS were reorganized into IST. Within IST, Kibble became director, information systems, followed by director, portfolio management, and later strategic consultant; he also served as acting chief information officer (CIO) when needed. During his time in these key roles, Kibble helped lead the implementation of many of the first information systems that would replace manual and/or non- web-based predecessors, including the Quest student information system, JobMine, the Trellis Tri-University Group system, WatIAM, and Raisers Edge. Kibble has always been a strong supporter of staff IT conferences, serving on the WatITis and CANHEIT program committees and presenting regularly at these and other conferences.

The Honorary Member of the University designation recognizes employees for outstanding service to the University as a whole. It is the highest honour a staff member can attain at the University of Waterloo. For faculty members, it recognizes distinctive administrative or other service to the University.

Farewell to the fob: campus building access being refreshed

A message from Information Systems & Technology (IST).

The University is upgrading the prox-fob based Hirsch-Identiv access control system and HID readers to a modern WatCard-based ICT access control system. All existing Hirsch-identiv access control units and HID readers will be replaced campus-wide. This process is expected to be completed in May 2026. During this upgrade process, user requested access control expansion within buildings will be paused.

Queering Research panel discussion coming up

A message from the Office of Research.

Please join us on Thursday, June 20 for a panel discussion from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. about queerness in research, hosted by the Office of the Vice President, Research & International and Inclusive Research teams in EC5, Room 1027.

To register, please email your full name to researchoffice@uwaterloo.ca. 

*Allies used here is meant to include non-queer (non-2SLGBTQIA+) individuals looking to learn more about how to be inclusive and supportive of queer peers around them, as well as queer folks looking to increase their capacity to include and support other queer identities that may not apply to them. It is critical that guests come to this space with a genuine intention to learn more about queer research and support the queer campus community. It is our hope to cultivate an understanding that this intention must be underpinned by care and kindness. If you do not share these aforementioned values, we politely ask that you pass on attending this event. 

Scientists get on their soapbox this weekend and other notes

Twelve STEM researchers will take to their soapboxes in Victoria Park on Sunday to engage in short discussions and fun demos with the subject at the upcoming Soapbox Science Kitchener-Waterloo event. The event’s mission is to help eliminate gender inequality in science by raising the profile, and challenging the public’s view, of women and non-binary people in science. Topics include the link between exercise and learning, how climate change is affecting our water, how to select the right medication, microbial "janitors" and water quality, nuclear fuel storage and more.

The event runs on Sunday, June 9 from 1:00 p.m to 4:00 p.m. in Victoria Park near the playground and picnic area. Questions from the public are encouraged! The event is free and no registration is required.

Information Systems & Technology (IST) has published the latest post in the Atlassian blog series, entitled How is a Service Catalogue Used in My IT Service Project?