Tuesday, October 4, 2016

Waterloo’s United Way campaign launches today

How did black and gold go red?

Thanks to volunteers across campus, the University of Waterloo went red today to support the university’s 2016 United Way campaign.  You can even find red cookies in Food Services outlets! Take photos of the red you see around campus and post them on Twitter or Instagram with the #UWUnitedWay hashtag.

Some of our volunteers kicked it off a little early at the United Way Train Pull on Friday, September 23 when the University of Waterloo team took the trophy once again!

This year, we’re making it even easier to give – you can now use ePledge to give online. This new secure system is easy-to-use.

1. Use the link from the email sent to your @uwaterloo.ca inbox to the ePledge form.
2. Enter your individual work email (@uwaterloo.ca).
3. Enter the verification code.
4. Click Create Account. You will receive a confirmation of identity if you have already used this email address.
5. Click on the Confirm link in the confirmation email you receive. If you previously gave to the United Way with your @uwaterloo.ca email address you’ll see your previous gift and you can change your settings in My Profile.
6. Click on the Pledge menu to make your gift for 2016. You have several choices on how to make your gift.
7. Verify your information and provide your WatIAM username.
8. Review your pledge and confirm.
9. If you give via Payroll Deduction, Pension, Cash or Cheque, you’ll need to print your Thank you email, sign it and mail it to the UWaterloo United Way workplace campaign office.

For more detailed instructions of the ePledge process, make sure you go to the University of Waterloo United Way campaign website.

Arts alumnus creates award for undergraduates

This is an excerpt of an article originally published on the Faculty of Arts News site.

“We need to create communities where we’re all helping each other,” says Arts alumnus Michael Robson. Last June, he put that statement into action by starting an award for undergraduates at the University of Waterloo. He pledged $10,000 of his own money over five years to build the Collective Movement Award, which supports students involved in the African, Caribbean or black communities.

Robson graduated from Waterloo’s Speech Communication program in 2013. At only 24 years old, he is clearly passionate about helping others, even when nothing is expected in return. “I want to create more of an atmosphere where we all help each other, instead of just thinking about our own groups.”

Robson works as an underwriter at a mortgage firm in Toronto and lives with his parents in Scarborough, something he’s thankful for. “One of the reasons I can give so much is because I’m still living at home.” He’s also grateful for the support he’s received from his friends, family and colleagues in creating this award. His belief in the power of giving comes from his family, and his parents have already donated to the award. Still, he says laughing, “they think I’m a little crazy for giving so much.”

The Collective Movement Award will provide at least one award with a value of at least $1,200 annually for students in good academic standing who can demonstrate that they have made a positive impact in the African, Caribbean or black communities in Canada. Robson says students could use the money to help pay for necessities such as textbooks.

Read the rest of the article on the Faculty of Arts news site.

Hockey opener showcases CIF renos; other notes

The Men's Hockey Warriors will have their home opener against the Guelph Gryphons on Wednesday, October 5 at 7:00 p.m. at the Columbia Icefield Arena. The home game will be the first event to showcase a number of improvements made to the facility in recent months.

The CIF Arena received funding through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program and from the University to enhance the entire ice surface, boards, plumbing, and HVAC (the arena's ice refrigeration system). The spectator seating was also updated with new seating and heaters while new floors and paint gives the arena a clean and updated look. Higher glass and new boards make it a much friendlier viewing experience for all hockey fans.

The Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, in partnership with the Walrus Foundation, has announced the Lieutenant Governor's Visionaries Prize, an opportunity for innovative and creative thinkers from across the province to identify and present their solutions to the great challenges facing Ontarians and Canadians over the next 50 years.

The prize challenges Ontarians aged 18 and over to present their ideas in a short essay and/or a brief video. Submissions close in March 2017, and 36 finalists will be identified in 6 categories. Finalists will have a chance to publicly showcase and defence their proposed policy solutions before a live audience during moderated, intensive sessions held across Ontario in the fall of 2017. The 6 winners will receive their awards in October 27.

The University of Waterloo will be hosting a presentation session in the Environmental Stewardship category on September 26, 2017.