Dear Dr. Hamdullahpur:
Sophie and I would like to congratulate you on the upcoming conclusion of your tenure as the President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Waterloo.
Under your leadership, the University of Waterloo expanded its world-renowned co-op program, promoted a culture of entrepreneurship, expanded partnerships with leading universities, and supported various initiatives. You have left a lasting legacy built on a commitment to excellence to both the University of Waterloo and Canada as a whole.
Along with your many accomplishments, I believe that your tenure will be most remembered for your passion and dedication to your students. Your commitment to helping students succeed and providing them with the resources that they need to flourish distinguishes you as a remarkable educator. During the COVID-19 pandemic, you have ensured that students continued to receive an exceptional education despite the circumstances. By making mental health and wellness key issues on campus, you helped to ensure that students’ well-being were prioritized. In addition, with members of Black, Indigenous and People of Colour communities you established the President’s Anti-Racism Taskforce to strengthen diversity, combat racism, and promote change. I know that the students will miss your leadership and your guidance, but you have placed the University of Waterloo in a position to continue to engage with students and ensure that their voices are heard.
As you reflect on a wonderful career as an engineer, educator, and leader, we join with your family and friends in wishing you the best in all your future endeavours.
Please accept our warmest regards.
Sincerely,
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
Dear Feridun,
It has been a pleasure working with you over these past five years as a member of the Board of Governors. Together, we have set the University up for an even stronger future as result of the many accomplishments under your leadership.
Three things stand out for me in particular where we made significant strides in areas that were material, meaningful and long lasting.
1. the development of our strategic plan with impact firmly at the center;
2. the investment philosophy of the University’s assets to integrate ESG and be strategically aligned to the University’s role in positively impacting our planet and our communities; and
3. the mental health initiatives we implemented which were designed to improve the well-being of the students at the University.
These could not have happened without you.
I am appreciative and grateful for your dedication and commitment and wish you much happiness in the next phase of your life.
- Upkar Arora (MAcc '85), FCPA, FCA
Dear Feridun,
How time flies! Congratulations on your contribution through the university, to Waterloo, and the Region, and also to Canadian Post-Secondary excellence.
It’s a pleasure to join others in recognizing your leadership. I wish you well in your next chapter.
Warm Regards,
Hon. Walter McLean
We in the Department of Psychology—faculty, staff, graduate students, and undergraduate students—extend our deepest gratitude to President Feridun Hamdullahpur for your leadership and your support over the past decade. You have been with us to celebrate our successes and you have gone above and beyond to support us when we needed it most. Thank you for embracing and championing our mission to develop leaders in the field of psychological and clinical science and for always helping us showcase our work to the broader community.
- Heather Henderson
Professor and Chair, Department of Psychology
Dear Feridun,
I have so enjoyed knowing you and telling others that you were a friend to me. The annual President’s Golf Day was our regular encounter, but there were other sessions along the way in which you were quick with a hug or a handshake and an immediate re-connection. I love the way you smile, look me in the eye and really listened to whatever I had to say. Your influence among students and the community at large was huge and I have no doubt that will continue in your ongoing work, after your presidency. I do hope there will be an opportunity for a lunch and visit as soon as possible.
Congratulations on your tremendous contributions to so many. My sweet granddaughter will be attending Waterloo this year and it was always my hope that she would meet you as her President, as I’ve told her so much about you. Warm wishes for good health and much more success.
- Neil Aitchison
Congratulations Feridun,
You have accomplished so much in your decade of impact and have left a lasting legacy. I wish you all the best and I will raise a wee dram to toast your future!
- Michelle Hollis
Dear Feridun: Congratulations on your many achievements! As Chair of UARC, I can attest that UW is attracting highly qualified candidates, a testimony to UW’s international reputation. I am awed by the current number of women in senior administration, namely, four Deans and a VP of Research and International! This could not have happened without your vision and leadership. On a more personal note, I am touched by your humility and compassion. You presented the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Julilee medal to my late husband (Garry Rempel) in a surprise ceremony in E6. I am grateful that you delivered a beautiful Eulogy at Garry’s funeral. I enjoyed our many discussions on sustainable energy and your sage advice on my retirement! Many thanks for your leadership and the initiatives you championed on equity, racial justice, mental health, sustainability and experiential learning.
- Flora T.T. Ng , FRSC
Dear Feridun,
Congratulations on a decade of leadership at the University of Waterloo! I know I speak for many in the Faculty of Mathematics in thanking you for your unwavering support of our students, research and alumni during this time. This has allowed Waterloo Math and CS to grow and move amongst the very best in the world, even when other universities retrenched. Your support for Math 4 will ensure we have a spectacular new facility to accommodate our new people and activities. Your continued investment in innovation and entrepreneurship has continued to foster the building of innovative companies and partnerships from our researchers and students.
All the best in your next endeavour, and thank you again for your contributions.
Yours truly,
Mark Giesbrecht
Professor and Dean, Faculty of Mathematics
Congratulations Feridun,
One of my most vivid memories of your leadership as President of the University of Waterloo during the years I was Dean at Conrad Grebel University College was seeing you in conversation with students at various campus events. You were smiling, you were listening, and you were enthusiastic. When I sat on stage during Convocation I could see that even during the 15 seconds during which you interacted with each student as they were hooded, you communicated that same inspiring attitude. No wonder they believed that they had accomplished something significant and felt confident that they could do so again and again in the future.
Thank you and best wishes to you.
- Jim Pankratz
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Dear Feridun,
The Dakota Tribe once said "We will be forever known by the tracks we leave behind us". These words could not ring more true for you and the incredible legacy you've created with your immeasurable contributions to the University of Waterloo. You are an agent of change who has further escalated the University of Waterloo's stature on the global stage and your impact resonates with faculty, students, alumni, and the broader Waterloo community in ways that simply cannot be described by words.
It's been a pleasure working with you on the Alumni Council and I'm proud and humbled to have been able to participate in your incredible journey. It is the quality of one's convictions that determines success and, simply put, your successes and the tracks you leave behind are forever etched in the fabric of our fantastic university.
All the best to you Feridun and wishing you much continued success in your future endeavours!
Warm regards,
Vikas Gupta (BSc '91)
Dr. Hamdullahpur,
Thank you so much for your wonderful service over the past decade. The University of Waterloo has flourished under your leadership. We would not be who we are today without you. Best of luck with your future endeavors!
- Emma Watson (BA '15)
Feridun,
What an honour it has been to serve with you over the last four years. You have led the institution with grace, passion, great confidence, unwavering dedication and such humility. Your creativity has shaped the path we walk today, and set the direction for our future. You have been gracious in your support for those around you, and so very clever in developing solutions to challenges that faced the institution. I have watched you navigate difficult conversations, bringing humour and courage alongside thoughtful approaches for determining and enacting appropriate solutions. You are a trail-blazer, a game-changer, full of ingenuity, a visionary.
Your leadership and your vision for the institution will move us forward in leaps and bounds in years to come. Your influence on the entrepreneurship and commercialization portfolios has cemented the region’s, and the country’s, reputation for innovation, execution, and delivery. As well, your passion for equity, diversity and inclusion has changed, supported and amplified the faces and voices at the institution and those changes will build momentum and transform our institution for years to come. Internationalization gained shape, direction and organization with so many of your own personal touches.
You have always demonstrated an inspiring commitment to community – both our internal University community, as well as the broader community outside the institution. From your interest in the innovation portfolio and our strengths there, to your engagement with the process and development of the new strategic plan, you have demonstrated openness and a passion for meeting people where they are. You have made connections by personally visiting startups in the region on a regular basis, hosting roundtables for students and faculty to air their views on various topics, and demonstrating a commitment to excellence in research. Whenever we held connector events to meet with industry, the public, or the broader community that we serve, we could always count on you to come to open the event and greet our corporate partners and other guests. Your personable, friendly manner allows you to connect with people easily, and that connection is something that people value, the more so because it is a rare gift.
Yours has been such transformational leadership, Feridun. Thank you for the opportunity to serve with you.
Charmaine Dean,
Vice-President, Research & International
Thanks so much, President Hamdullahpur, for your decade of service to my undergraduate alma mater, Waterloo, which remains a really important part of my life. I was honoured to have had the chance to meet you in person twice during your time as President--at the Fairmont in San Francisco and at a coffee shop in Kirkland, WA. I enjoyed our conversations, and I was especially impressed with the questions you had about my other university, Stanford, in an effort to learn from the experience of one of Waterloo's peers as a world class institution. Thanks again for your leadership over the years and best wishes to you in the future.
- David Ash (BMath '87)
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Ten years Feridun Hamdullahpur was the right person at the right time for the University of Waterloo. He set a tone of collegiality on campus and nurtured a culture of engagement with our local communities that continues to this day. More than just the students, Feridun often told me that that the University employees are the single greatest asset. This is the reason that the University of Waterloo touches the lives of all of us who live in the Waterloo Region.
Since I first met him, just a week after he arrived in Waterloo, I have come to really appreciate his unassuming approach to leadership. I am so proud to have Feridun as a close personal friend and to recognize him as he leaves a vivid mark upon the youthful face of our University of Waterloo and our community.
- Shawky Fahel
The City of Waterloo Council and its management team joins in celebration and sincere accolades on President Feridun’s incredible 10-year milestone.
You have been a true University of Waterloo champion helping the school achieve the remarkable distinction of being placed on the list of Best Overall on Maclean’s university rankings, while being globally recognized as one of the world’s most innovative universities.
Your personal commitment to openness with students and broader community enhances the student experience; strengthens engagement through cooperative learning and research partnerships, and facilitates academic excellence while inspiring many in Waterloo, Canada and the world.
Thank you for a decade of collaborative leadership and support for the benefit of the City of Waterloo. We will miss your enthusiasm, charisma and passion.
Congratulations and sincere best wishes for health, happiness and success in next chapter of your life.
Tim Anderson
CEO, City of Waterloo
Dear Feridun,
Your passion and dedication to the Waterloo community have been truly admirable. You have led us to develop a strong and ambitious vision while working tirelessly to build connections and bring this community together. We have become a more ambitious, more mature, and more caring community thanks to you and your leadership.
Daniela Seskar-Hencic
Director, Strategic Planning and Evaluation
Copyright Uni Graz/Eisenberger
The University of Graz extends its best wishes to Feridun Hamdullahpur on the 10th anniversary of his presidency at the University of Waterloo!
During the decade of his tenure the relationship between our two universities has thrived and we have found a congenial partner in our mutual desire to strategically explore new avenues of collaboration. The spirit of enthusiasm for international cooperation can be felt throughout the University of Waterloo and is a testament to Feridun Hamdullahpur’s distinguished and committed leadership. We are looking forward to the next ten years of joining forces in our internationalization efforts and rest assured of the president’s steadfast support.
With deep appreciation for his tireless efforts and vision for the University of Waterloo we would again like to extend our congratulations. No doubt Feridun Hamdullahpur will continue to build on his many accomplishments for many years to come!
Martin Polaschek, Rector of the University of Graz, Austria
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Feridun,
It has truly been a pleasure and honour to work with you as you have so nobly and capably led the University of Waterloo.
I have learned so much from you as we have worked on such incredible initiatives together – whether it was celebrating the Waterloo brand, sharing the Strategic Plan with the world or launching the Innovation Arena -- just to name a few.
Thank you for the support, advice and encouragement you have shared with me as well as the entire team at University Relations.
You have been a beacon of ambition, growth and compassion for the members of our campus community. You are also a leader and friend with whom I have been very proud to serve and with whom I look forward to staying connected.
All the very best to you, Cathy and your family.
- Sandra Banks, Vice-President, University Relations
I have a clear memory of the first time I met Feridun. It was June 2018 and I was in my first year volunteering as a member of the Alumni Council. I had attended a couple meetings remotely from my home in California, but chose to fly back home to Canada to attend the June meeting in person. I was a bit nervous at the idea of meeting so many of my accomplished fellow alumni in person, not to mention the President of the University!
I sat down behind my name card and waited patiently for the meeting to begin. Feridun arrived and took his place at the centre of the room beside John Haddock who was Alumni Council President at the time (a position that I now hold, can you believe it?!) John introduced Feridun and asked him to give the council an update on what was happening with the University. Feridun immediately started telling stories about different students he had met. It was instantly clear to me how sincerely he cared about Waterloo students. In the three years worth of Alumni Council meetings I’ve attended since then, Feridun’s passionate commitment to making the student experience the best it can possibly be has been unwavering.
Personally, Feridun’s passion has inspired my efforts as a volunteer. I try to follow Feridun’s lead in remembering that it is the community experience created by the remarkable group of talented and hardworking alumni that is what is truly special about being a Waterloo alumni.
Thank you, Feridun!
Meaghan Kimball
President, Alumni Council
BMath '06
President Feridun Hamdullahpur attending a Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre (WISC) soup lunch
On behalf of St. Paul’s University College, I’m pleased to extend warm congratulations to Feridun Hamdullahpur on the occasion of his retirement as President of the University of Waterloo.
The role of university president is a very challenging one and it seems to grow more both more complex and more difficult with each passing year. In his decade as President, Feridun has championed a number of causes and initiatives that were not really on anyone’s list of core presidential responsibilities ten years ago. I think of his commitment to Indigenization. I think of his dedication to the cause of student mental health. I think of his commitment to gender equity and the successful He For She initiative. I think of his support for student entrepreneurship. Some may regard these matters as peripheral to the university’s core concerns with teaching and research but it was evident that they were never peripheral for Feridun. And insofar as these matters are all priority concerns for the students and staff at St. Paul’s, we have been very appreciative of Feridun’s leadership on these issues and very proud to have him as our President.
Feridun, we thank you for your dedication, we applaud your success, and we wish you all the best in the next stage of your academic life.
- Richard Myers and Team
St. Paul’s University College
Velocity and the entrepreneurship ecosystem that Feridun helped pioneer at Waterloo was a big part for helping launch ApplyBoard. His dedication to advancing Canada's entrepreneurial focus has been a supportive, energetic and motivational force for myself and ApplyBoard. Feridun has been more than a cheerleader for our mission to educate the world over the years, he has pushed us and encouraged us to work harder to reach our goals. Having seen as a student and now as an entrepreneur Feridun's impact, there is no doubt we are better off as a community. He is truly what it means to be a leader in education and our company, the University of Waterloo, and Canada is stronger because of his mentorship.
- Martin Basiri (MASc '13), Co-founder and CEO ApplyBoard
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I first met Feridun when I was the Chancellor of the University. He had some big shoes to fill from the foundation built by David Johnston and Amit Chakma, and fill them he did. Under Feridun’s leadership, he has taken the University of Waterloo to new heights leading the University through exciting growth and changes over the last decade. I’ve been inspired by the University’s relentless innovation and commitment to tackling global challenges under his leadership. His tireless efforts have raised the profile of this remarkable institution and have positioned it to create a deep pool of talent and expertise that will shape the economy of the future not only in Canada, but other parts of the world that the students come from. During his tenure, Velocity has become the most productive incubator of private investment in Canada, with a one-year company survival rate of 92% for Velocity start-ups. Velocity is now embarking on a new chapter with the recent announcement of the Velocity Innovation Arena project. Since its inception in 2008, the program has supported 400+ companies, who have collectively created over 5,000 jobs. It was an honour to serve alongside him as the University’s Chancellor and get to know Waterloo’s exceptional students, faculty and alumni. I look forward to seeing how the University continues to build on this solid foundation in the years to come. The world needs more UWaterloo.
Feridun, thank you for your wise leadership, vision and impact that you have blessed the University with. Wishing you all the very best in all your future endeavors.
Best wishes,
Prem Watsa (LLD '17)
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Dear Feridun,
Five years have passed since we met in Suzhou to sign Collaborative Agreements. Last year, during the pandemic, you addressed our students in a video and sent a congratulatory letter for our 120th anniversary. On behalf of faculties and students in my university, I would like to pay tribute to your outstanding achievements as President of UWaterloo and thank you for your contributions to the cooperation! It has been a privilege to work with you.
We strongly value the partnership with UWaterloo and have promoted our cooperation from establishing the SUN-WIN Joint Research Institute to school-wide collaborations, including faculty and student exchanges, joint cultivation of students, workshops, and Coop program. None of these would be possible without your support.
Wish you every happiness and success in your future endeavors. Your contributions and legacy will live on as our two universities continue to advance.
Sidong Xiong, President of Soochow University
Statement of Appreciation and Congratulations from Keith Hipel to President Feridun Hamdullahpur:
As a long time faculty member (45 years) in the Department of Systems Design Engineering at the University of Waterloo and a former UW engineering student (10 years), I would like to personally congratulate and thank President Hamdullahpur for his many highly admirable contributions to the development of the UW community. Under his steadfast and innovative leadership, Waterloo has clearly prospered. I was a member of the Presidential Nomination Committee which unanimously recommended that Feridun be put forward as its candidate for President. I fondly remember the day when we interviewed Feridun at Langdon Hall. We certainly did a competent job in fulfilling our mandate.
- Keith Hipel
Learning under the atmosphere that you created for all of us at Waterloo was a pleasure. You never missed a chance to engage with students and were always curious and eager to hear from all of us. I am sure your bright smile will be missed by everyone on campus, Farewell Feridun!
- Rashmi Venkatesh (MMSC '15)
Dear President Hamdullahpur，
We were the two delegations send by Soochow University to Waterloo in 2014 and 2015 for a one-year training to understand uWaterloo system and to learn the best practices. Many thanks for your support to this program, all of us have spent a great time in Waterloo, with unforgettable experience and beautiful memories given by you and all the other uWaterloo colleagues. Our experience at the uWaterloo has been a positive influence on our current work. We would like to pay tribute to your outstanding leadership as president and thank you for your contributions to the cooperation between the two universities!
We wish you every happiness and success in your future endeavors. Your contributions and legacy will live on as the university continues to advance.
Sincerely yours,
Group 2014 (Wang Xing, Shen Zhiqing, Hong Ye, Zhang Jian, Zhu Lvhua) and Group 2015 (Yuan Dongmei, Meng Xiangchun, Gao Weiwei, Xu Haiyang, Yin Weixing)
Feridun, being part of your team has been fun and inspiring. I’ve felt challenged and supported, and I’ve always valued your recognition of the contributions of my team—first the Centre for Extended Learning and more recently the Registrar’s Office. You recognized the value in online and technology-enabled learning and the supports necessary for our instructors to make a successful transition to innovative pedagogies. With these supports in place, Waterloo continued to be a leader in online program delivery—expertise and assets that contributed to our success through the recent pandemic.
As Registrar, you were helpful and patient with me through my first experiences corralling our Robing Room guests to launch the Convocation procession. Your arrival was always timed with precision, and donning your regalia was clearly old hat for you. Your enthusiasm and joy shone through during these celebrations in particular, but really were but one example of your enthusiasm for our students. They were always at the heart of your vision for our university.
Through two significant strategic planning processes, you demonstrated your genuine interest in hearing from students first and foremost—as well as employees, alumni, business and community stakeholders. I was impressed by your energy through countless consultation meetings. And you wouldn’t let us drop the ball on pushing toward those strategic goals—even while we’ve been weathering Covid. You’ve kept us focused on the future.
Thank you for your support of me through this past decade of my 25 years serving the University of Waterloo. It is a great university, a great place to learn and work—and your leadership has continued to make it so. Enjoy the next evolution of your professional life (after you enjoy a bit of a break, I hope!).
Cathy Newell Kelly (BA ‘93)
University Registrar
As an alumnus, it has truly been a privilege for me to learn from Dr. Feridun Hamdullahpur during his presidency at the University of Waterloo and have the opportunity to partner with him and the university in the capacity of our charity foundation to focus into talents cultivation and research support. He has my deep appreciation for being my mentor and friend over the years. I can personally attest to his strong commitment to the students as well as the faculty members and staff. His innovative vision and leadership have taken the university to reach new heights. It is an honour for me and our group as well as our charity foundation to be able to work with Dr. Hamdullahpur, and to support the university by establishing the University of Waterloo-AMTD Innovation Hub in Hong Kong and the AMTD Waterloo Global Talent Postdoctoral Fellowship globally. I look forward to continuing our collaboration with the university in the future and am committed to supporting global talents’ developments and youth power of innovations and entrepreneurship.
- Calvin Choi (BA ’01)
President Hamdullahpur, congratulations on successfully completing your ten-year tenure as the president and vice-chancellor of the University of Waterloo. Your great leadership has led the University of Waterloo to become one of the most innovative universities in the world and showed us how universities can impact the society for its advancement. Thanks to your commitment, our university partnership has been growing stronger than ever. On behalf of all Postechians, I would like to say thank you once again and wish your new chapter in life to be filled with happiness and joy.
- Moo Hwan Kim
President, POSTECH
Feridun my friend I am so grateful that our paths were destined to cross from your time at Carleton to your remarkable tenure as President of Waterloo. I have always felt the mark of a successful leader is not what happens when you are in the role rather what foundation you leave behind for your successor. On that front, you are leaving Waterloo even stronger than when you came on board. Your tireless efforts to champion not just Waterloo the institution but Canada our nation are sure to help Vivek succeed in his tenure. The country owes you a great deal of thanks for your remarkable contributions. Wishing you continued success.
- Goldy Hyder
Feridun has been an ardent supporter of the Library throughout his tenure as President and Vice Chancellor, and for that we are deeply grateful. He has been our guest of honor at many events, always making time to chat with students and participate in activities. He has ensured the Library has had funding for collection development, especially when costs were fluctuating, allowing us to acquire the resources necessary for our researchers and students. We always felt confident that Feridun would make the Library a priority.
We have seen Feridun’s many years of hard work and dedication reflected in the faces of students as we watched them interact – and feedback from students let us know how much his participation meant to them. Feridun, as you embark on this next chapter, we wish you all the best, and hope you will continue to stay connected to the Library. Thank you for all the energy, positivity and support you have given.
- The University of Waterloo Library Team
Dear Feridun. A huge thanks from me for the eight truly memorable years I spent as Dean of Arts on your watch, and a huge shoutout to you for all your efforts on behalf of the wider UW Community. Your commitment to and championing of academic freedom, creativity, and curiosity, all within the context of academic excellence, was an inspiration to so many of us, and set down principles which have left an indelible mark on the institution. You were a dogged defender of all those principles that define the Waterloo Way and a tireless champion of equity, diversity, and sustainability. The current pandemic may well prove to be the biggest shake up in higher education over the past three generations: that we are better placed than most to withstand the upheavals is testimony to your foresight and leadership.
- Douglas Peers
Former Dean of Arts
When we were both younger and had darker hair, I was on the committee that nominated Feridun to be VPAP. He gave a presentation unlike what we saw from any other candidate. Instead of talking about budgets and strategic plans and university rankings, he talked about the function of universities in society, and the role they play in advancing and preserving civilization. For at least one member of the committee, this is what moved him from longshot to viable candidate. And it reflects the traits that have been evident in what I have most admired about leadership at UWaterloo, namely his willingness to remember the values that motivate Universities at there best, and to consider what values have not been part of Universities in the past that should be in the future. To give just one example, the progress we have made on equity issues in Feridun’s time is striking to old timers who remember where we were when Feridun started. Of course, the progress has been team effort and much work remains, but we owe Feridun thanks for spending the political capital that opened the space for these things to happen.
- David DeVidi
Feridun,
Congratulations on your decade of impact at Waterloo! I have always admired your care and support for our entire campus community and it has been a privilege to work alongside such a dedicated and tireless leader. You have given us your vision of excellence to build on and are leaving a legacy. All the best on the next chapter of your life – we will miss you.
- Kate Windsor (BSc '97)
Thank you, Feridun for welcoming me as dean of Faculty of Health (then Applied Health Sciences) in 2019. I felt at home immediately when you announced my appointment on social media followed by warm introductions to the campus community after my arrival. Our alumni always looked forward to your enthusiastic greetings, like on Warrior Field during Black & Gold Day in September 2019. The Faculty of Health is so grateful for your decade of support and impact. Congratulations on all your achievements!
- Lili Liu
You have had tremendous influence on many lives through your Decade of Impact. I saw it most vividly when we were on the road meeting with alumni around the world. You were so proud of them and their tremendous accomplishments. You emphasized how their success reflected and amplified the reputation of our University and they loved sharing their insights and ideas with you. We were stopped many times in the Toronto Pathway for selfies!
My favourite expedition was after a Waterloo Innovation Summit in London UK when we went to the Human Genome Project, photo attached. From rural Britain to the fantastic science, you were comfortable with all of it. And you found the Blackberry its origins!
When you think back to your Decade of Impact I hope you recall the many stories, adventures and people who benefitted from your vision, loyalty, perseverance and deep passion.
Thank you for all you have done for this amazing University.
Wishing you the best in your next chapter!
- Joanne Shoveller
Thank you for your leadership and commitment to excellence! It has been a pleasure working with you and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors. Congratulations once again on becoming a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada!
- Tom Barber
Feridun, Thank you for a decade of service to Waterloo and for your leadership. You helped push the innovation agenda through the championing of new programs and many building projects during your time as president and they will stand as a legacy to your time here.
Waterloo continues to be a destination of choice for those seeking the finest education model the world has to offer. In addition, your leadership in bringing the HeforShe initiative has had a positive impact on the campus and beyond.
Thank you for a decade of impact and good luck in your future endeavours.
- Mary Wells
Dean, Faculty of Engineering
Dear Feridun,
I would like to thank you for your vision and leadership these past years in supporting the establishment of the corporate relations office, GEDI, at the University of Waterloo.
My best wishes to you as you begin your wonderful new chapter! Enjoy some well-deserved R&R!
- Bridget Moloney (BA, MBET)
Feridun, it was great sharing the excitement of the Nobel Prize with you. Thanks for bringing your enthusiasm and the Waterloo spirit to Stockholm. I doubt any Nobel laureate has received more best wishes from their university, and I was touched by the support. It’s an honour being Waterloo’s first Nobel laureate.
- Donna Strickland
Nobel Laureate and Professor, Department of Physics and Astronomy
Feridun, thank you for everything you've ever done for the UW Community. You were the best President we've ever had. Nobody can replace you as our President. As Martin Luther King said, "I had a dream"...
- Mayuri Punithan
Feridun, it has been a privilege and honour to work with you as the Board Chair the past 4 years and previously as a member of the Board. I’ve seen you lead the University through the creation of two strategic plans, both of which set ambitious and bold courses for the University. Your commitment to and passion for the University are unrivalled and you have inspired us and led us in many diverse endeavours including our focus on sustainability and equity, diversity & inclusion; our pursuit of excellence in teaching and research and the development of our life long learning platform. Your ten years of leadership as President and Vice-Chancellor have built on the strong foundations of the University and positioned us for even greater success and impact in the future. You will be warmly remembered by the Board, faculty, staff and all the students you touched. Keith and I wish you and Cathy all the best in your next chapter. I’m sure it will be an exciting and fulfilling one.
- Cindy Forbes (Honours BMath '79)
A lot can happen in a decade. While ten years can seemingly go by in the blink of an eye, the impact that can be achieved during that time is quite astounding. And you needn't look any further than the accomplishments of Feridun Hamdullahpur as President and Vice-Chancellor at the University of Waterloo.
While always considered a powerhouse in engineering, Feridun has helped propel the University of Waterloo to be recognized for its entrepreneurial ingenuity, as can be evidenced by the countless innovative companies that have emerged over the last 10 years - my company included. The supportive ecosystem that Feridun has helped create has enabled some truly amazing companies to do some pretty incredible things - something he and the community should be very proud of - I know I am. So thank you Feridun for all of your support over the years - what a decade it's been! Your impact will be no doubt be felt for decades to come.
- Armen Bakirtzian
Co-founder & CEO of Intellijoint Surgical
I feel privileged to have been able to work so closely with Feridun over the past 7 years in my role as Dean of the Faculty of Environment. Before I applied for the role of Dean, I wasn’t sure that UW would provide a warm welcome to a female dean. I needn’t have worried. Under Feridun’s leadership, I always felt heard, supported and celebrated. I also want to thank Feridun from the bottom of my heart for responding so sincerely to opportunities to deeply embed sustainability in our campus research, curriculum, operations and culture. The past decade has been one of campus transformations, and our President has been such an important part of this. With thanks and respect.
- Jean Andrey (PhD '89)
It has been a great pleasure to get to know Feridun over the last 7 years. I first had the chance to meet him at the 2014 Reunion weekend during the President’s lunch and later in the Alumni tent at the football game. He is very engaging with those he meets and his enthusiasm for the University is always evident.
I got to know him on a greater level when I joined the Alumni council in early 2020. He would give the Council a “State of the University” update. His understanding and empathy for the many issues facing the University, the staff and especially the students is impressive.
He has been a tremendous ambassador and cheerleader for the University and I believe our standing as an institution in the academic world is a credit to his leadership.
I think we are all selfishly saddened to see him move on but wish him well and thank him for his outstanding leadership and contributions over the last 10 years.
- Eric Celentano (BSc '79)
Alumni Council, Faculty of Health member
Working with you, Feridun, while I was Associate Vice-President, Academic (2013-2019) was, without question, one of the highlights of my tenure in that role. Your commitment to and strong support for excellent teaching and deep student learning were felt strongly by all of us whose work focussed on those aspects of our students’ experience. You elevated Waterloo’s teaching and student learning to the same level of importance as our research, and most importantly, you walked the talk at every opportunity. We have been very well served during your tenure as President. Thank you, Feridun! You will certainly be missed.
- Mario Coniglio
Rola Dagher with Feridun Hamdullahpur
Your passion and commitment to the community is amazing and forever grateful to all the amazing things you have done to impact and inspire our future generations.
Thank you for being you.
- Rola Dagher
Global Channel Chief, Dell Technologies
Dear Feridun: Hearty congratulations on your successful tenure as President of the University of Waterloo. Thank you for your support of the Fields Institute and I hope that we may find other opportunities to work together in the future!
- Kumar Murty
As a recent UW retiree, I would like acknowledge your leadership and dedication to improving the experience for students, especially graduate students. I want to thank you for championing the issues that help graduate students be the best they can be, by providing opportunities for them to reach for their highest academic potential, and providing support when it is most needed. Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity, Research and Innovation are not just words that make up a slogan, but words put into action to enhance the lives of our Waterloo community, both on campus and off campus. You always made me feel welcome and part of that community. The shared experiences of happiness and successes were easy, but sharing the times that were sorrowful and sad, times that were challenging and times when difficult decisions needed to be made, is where your leadership truly shone. I feel privileged to have worked under your leadership for so many years. All the best to you.
- Rose Vogt (BES '84)
Dear Feridun:
It has been an honour and pleasure knowing and working with you during my tenure at the University of Waterloo as Director of Development and Alumni Affairs in the Faculty of Engineering (2006-2011). The period was one of transformative change with a major fundraising campaign (Vision 2010) for the Faculty and significant international activity such as in the UAE and in India. I had the pleasure working with you, former President David Johnston and Dean Adel Sedra and fondly recall our productive visit to India together to forge relationships with IIT and meet alumni, many of whom were excited about partnering with Waterloo. Your leadership and strategic yet friendly approach to the opportunities were critical in the success of these efforts. Finally, I also had the pleasure of receiving my MMSC degree from you at the Spring 2016 Convocation ceremony. Thank you for all that you have done for the University and for me personally! Best wishes always.
- Ibrahim Inayatali (MMSc '16)
I graduated from UW in 1984 - back in the day before the internet and zoom - when it was hard to stay in touch if you didn’t live locally. My career took me to the NYC area in 1996 and I only really reconnected with UW after living in the U.S. for many years. I am eternally grateful for the educational foundation on which I built my career, and I have been a regular donor to the University since I reconnected. As a donor and now active alumni I have had an opportunity to interact with Feridun on many occasions - breakfast “listening” meetings in New York, alumni events at the University etc. Feridun is my role model for what a University President should be - passionate, humble, visionary, committed and available to all - staff, students, faculty and alumni.
My enduring memory of Feridun and the University of Waterloo is my participation as part of the UW contingent to Stockholm for the 2018 Nobel Prize ceremonies where Prof. Donna Strickland, PhD was honored. I was fortunate to be at a breakfast meeting in NYC with Feridun and other University staff the day after Prof. Strickland's award was announced. He mentioned that they wanted some alumni to participate in the contingent and asked whether I might be interested. My flight was booked the minute the breakfast was over!! During those 5 days in Stockholm I really came to appreciate how dedicated Feridun is to the mission of UW and how proud he is of the institution, the faculty and staff and the students. He really is like the proud papa!! Feridun - through your leadership you have helped to transform the University into the education and innovation leader that it is today. I am one of the grateful alumni who want to thank you and wish you the best in the next chapter of your life and career.
Sincerely,
Krista McKerracher
Co-op Health, Class of 1984
Toronto Health Innovations Toronto, 2019
Najia Siddiqi (BSc '94) and Feridun
I first met Feridun while I was Director of Diversity and Equity at Wilfrid Laurier University. Working with the University of Waterloo’s Director of Equity, we hosted a panel on the physical and mental health impacts of racism, taking on a challenging topic that continues to shape the lives of Black, Indigenous and other racialized post-secondary community members today. Feridun joined us, sat down and introduced the panel. As the President and Vice-Chancellor, he engaged in something that many academic leaders shy away from. In my current role as MPP for Kitchener Centre and Critic for Anti-Racism and for Colleges & Universities, I cannot tell you how important it is to have people in positions of leadership and decision-making power that are committed to doing things differently. People who are willing to challenge the status quo and embrace, rather than resist, the tensions that come with putting racial justice work into practice. People who, in the words of Beyonce, have hot sauce in their bags. Dr. Hamdullahpur, I salute you. I am truly honoured to have worked with you. I wish you all the best in all your future rabble rousing adventures.
- Laura Mae Lindo
MPP, Kitchener Centre
Reunion Lunch, 2019
Feridun with John Haddock (BA' 78)
Congratulations Feridun — You have served our worldwide UW community with distinction. Through volunteer involvement I have witnessed your humble, respectful and inspired leadership in many challenging situations. You never faltered in your approach of transitioning UW from an Internationally acclaimed academic institution to using the intellectual assets to positively impact the lives of Millions though ensuring research solving many critical societal challenges. Best wishes for life's next chapter and Thank You for everything.
- John Haddock (BA' 78)
Opening of Stratford School of Interaction Design and Business
It's hard to imagine how quickly this past decade has gone by, and as I look back, it is important to reflect on the incredible impact you have made as President/Vice-Chancellor.
I remember our initial meeting as you assumed the role of Provost at the University. Your enthusiasm for Waterloo, its students, faculty and staff, along with your community partners was infectious. You demonstrated then your ability to create opportunities and positive outcomes for stakeholders.
As we worked together to make the Waterloo-Stratford Campus building a reality, I always appreciated your collaborative approach. You encouraged us all with your leadership, and today I look at the school with great appreciation for your hard work and dedication to making the program, the campus and the growth in the number of students a reality. You were instrumental in the achievements to date and for the positive future the school will have. On behalf of our community, I say a heartfelt Thank you!
On a personal note, you always made time for a conversation and visit, were never too busy and always accessible. I am honoured to have had the opportunity to work with you and I'm grateful for our friendship.
May you enjoy your next chapter and be blessed with good health and much happiness. May our paths continue to cross.
Best Wishes!
- Mayor Dan Mathieson
Mayor of Stratford
It has been an honour to collaborate with Feridun over the past few years in my role as Federal Deputy Minister Champion for the University of Waterloo. I would like to take the opportunity to acknowledge Feridun for his dedication and commitment as President and Vice-Chancellor and congratulate him for his achievements, driving innovation and excellence at Waterloo in unique ways, positioning the University at the forefront on a wide range of critical domestic and international issues and supplying top talent for Canada and the world. I wish you all the best in your future endeavours, Feridun!
- Paul Thompson
Associate Deputy Minister at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada and University of Waterloo Deputy Minister Champion
Opening of the Toby Jenkins Applied Health Research Building
The University of Waterloo has been on an incredible upward trajectory under the leadership of President Feridun Hamdullahpur. Innovation has been at the heart of the university since its founding, and Feridun has further driven that reputation for innovation to the world stage, attracting top talent to Waterloo. The university has embraced the need for progress on equity and diversity, including the President’s personal leadership on the United Nation’s HeForShe campaign.
The community of Waterloo benefits immensely from the university, which drives economic growth and provides much-needed resilience during downturns. At the heart of the university, you will find the students. Feridun’s tireless commitment to fostering a memorable student experience and teaching excellence, is what solidifies Waterloo’s foundation for the next chapter in its history. Our community and the university have been enriched by Feridun’s wisdom and leadership.
Sincerely,
Mayor Dave Jaworsky
City of Waterloo
Thank you for every smile, nod and wink of thanks you have ever passed our way at convocation ceremonies. Everyone who has ever managed a ceremony at stage right knows that you appreciate our work. You are a class act Sir and UW will surely miss you.
- Tanya Pompilio, Registrar's Office
My favourite memory of Feridun is from a staff years of service celebration. Myself and a group of other staff were trying to figure out how to hold our drinks while also putting appetizers onto our plates and I thought, "I bet Feridun has to do this all the time." So, I asked him for tips on how to make it work. He offered to hold my drink while I went to the appetizer table. It was pretty neat to know that the man who was running the university was also down to earth enough to hold my beer! Thanks Feridun for holding my beer, but also for keeping the University going and growing.
- Devon Hutchinson (BES '02)
Congratulations Feridun, as you complete your remarkable service to the University of Waterloo.
Your impressive leadership has seen the reputation and impact of the university grow to new heights in Canada and around the world.
At the same time, the roots in the region have never been stronger – serving the needs of the community and accelerating economic and social renewal.
Thank you for your contribution to higher education, research and innovation beyond the University. Your engagement with Universities Canada and our 96 members across the country strengthened Canada’s universities from coast to coast.
Thanks also for being a champion of equity, diversity and inclusion – particularly through your participation in the United Nations He for She campaign.
I suspect the last 15 months have been the most challenging of your career. They have shown your own tremendous capacity for leadership and the role of universities in meeting the needs of Canadians. Well done.
All the best in the years ahead.
- Paul Davidson
President, Universities Canada
Coming "across the creek" and supporting Conrad Grebel University College was important to Feridun. We at Grebel, appreciated his support for our mission, especially his interest in music. He occasionally joined us to share updates at our weekly Community Supper and he is pictured here on his last visit (January 2020) along with President, Marcus Shantz and Student Council President, Mykayla Turner.
- Fred Martin (BA '87)
Dear Feridun,
Our paths first crossed because of the partnership between the University of Waterloo and BlackBerry. The partnership between our organizations has been of great value to so many students, as well as to the entire country of Canada who is now known worldwide for its exceptional technology talent.
I am delighted that our relationship evolved into a treasured friendship, in which we have enjoyed discussions on diversity, the arts, travel, foods of all cultures, and more. Your extensive experience is both exciting and thought-provoking.
While I think you are too young to retire, I wish you much happiness in this new chapter of your life. It is hard to believe it has been a year since we last met, at dinner in California before the world changed. I look forward to when we can celebrate in-person once we can travel again.
Thank you for all you have done and heartfelt congratulations on your retirement!
Sincerely,
- John Chen
Executive Chairman & CEO, BlackBerry
I was privileged to hear Feridun provide quarterly updates and dialogue to the Alumni Council through some of the greatest achievements in UW history and the crushing experience on the initial onset of the pandemic. In all cases, Feridun exhibited a positive, calm, graceful manner, always focused on what was best for the students, staff, alumni and the broader UW Stakeholder community Like my first mentor, Ron Eydt,the founding UW Warden of Residences, he knows that Students are the key stakeholders of UW and cared deeply about their having a rewarding, life long journey as part of the UW family. What was most impressive to me is that with his very demanding schedule I don't recall him ever missing that meeting nor cutting his time short. He is truly a renaissance man and his inprint on UW is much larger than anyone knows. I do hope he remains connected to UW and the community and I wish him well in whatever interest he next takes on.
All the best,
Garry Innanen (BSc '85)
Feridun,
It has been an immense pleasure getting to work with you. As someone who had the opportunity to be your videographer numerous times, I feel very fortunate that I have so many happy memories with you. You were always a delight to film with, even on days when we had to record five or six scripts back-to-back. You continuously showcased interest in the ongoings of anyone who was on set and always took the time to catch-up. I’ll never forget how you presented me with a black and gold UW scarf after one of our last shoots together — it's now hanging proudly in my home as a reminder of your unwavering generosity and care towards those you worked with. Thank you for your ongoing recognition of my craft, your words of encouragement as I balanced my Waterloo graduate program and full-time job, and always making our filming-time something to look forward to. You are a leader with much class, and I look forward to bumping into you again around campus.
Sincerely,
Natalie Quinlan (MDEI ’20)
Waterloo International would like to thank you for your support and exemplary service over the past ten years. It was indeed a privilege and great pleasure to experience your leadership. Your work on advancing Waterloo’s global prominence and increasing internationalization to address global challenges will continue to have a positive impact long after you retire. Our team will forever be touched by your warm, welcoming, and genuine spirit. Congratulations and best wishes for a wonderful retirement!
- Waterloo International
Announcing the Feridun Hamdullahpur Field House
Feridun,
You have provided the University with outstanding governance and leadership over the past ten years, especial during the most recent challenges. The very many important contributions and path-making initiatives that you have championed during your tenure as President will, no doubt, continue to profoundly shape the direction of the University moving forward. This is indeed a legacy to be most proud of. It has a great pleasure to have served the University under your direction and guidance. I wish you all the very best in your future endeavours.
- Daniel O'Connor
I am honoured to pay tribute to President Hamdullahpur: an educator, a leader, and a champion for gender equality. In his role as a HeForShe Champion, President Hamdullahpur committed to breaking down barriers for women and girls so that they could pursue their dreams with equal opportunity. Under his leadership, the University of Waterloo has made significant progress to increase the participation of women in STEM subjects, boosting the representation of female faculty, and advancing female leaders to senior positions within the university. I have no doubt these changes will be felt across the institutions for years to come and will inspire others to follow suit. It has been a privilege to work with President Hamdullahpur. The success of movements like HeForShe relies on leaders like him to create meaningful change. His dedication and collaborative nature will be missed, and I would like to convey my heartfelt thanks for his contribution to HeForShe and to progressing gender equality across the world.
Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka
Executive Director of UN Women
Thank you so much for your contribution to the University of Waterloo and our community. Wishing you the best of luck in your future endeavours. It’s hard to believe 11 years have passed since we met having dinner at the Johnston’s.
Feridun Hamdullahpur’s leadership has left a huge and indelible mark on the University of Waterloo. I wish him the very best in his future endeavours.
- Thomas Z. Fahidy
Distinguished Professor Emeritus,
UW Chemical Engineering
Feridun,
On behalf of the students, staff, and faculty at the School of Optometry & Vision Science, it's my pleasure to express our thanks and gratitude for your decade of distinguished leadership. Your vision for the Waterloo Eye Institute has been clear, and we're grateful for your support to bring the dream into reality. The impact will be far reaching for teaching, research, and global impact on eye and vision care. We wish you all the best and look forward to welcoming you to the ground breaking.
Best wishes,
Stan Woo
Director, School of Optometry & Vision Science
Feridun,
Thank you on behalf of all of CEE.
- Co-operative and Experiential Education
Dear Feridun,
I wanted to take this opportunity to congratulate you on all that you have accomplished during your tenure at the University of Waterloo.
During the past 10+ years of your presidency, you have ensured that research and innovation are at the heart of the university. Your impact will continue to benefit the students of Waterloo as well as the wider community for years to come.
Warmest congratulations and best wishes for the future.
- Kevin Hall, PhDPresident and Vice-Chancellor, University of Victoria
Feridun. The tribute to your Presidency today was truly deserving on all fronts. Thank you for your caring and inspiring leadership over your years as Provost and President. It was a pleasure working with you during my time as a faculty member, VP St. Jerome's University and UW Interim Associate Provost Graduate Studies. You made all members of the UW community feel valued and important to the success of UW. I wish you and Cathy continued success and happiness in the next chapter of your life.
- Jim Frank (BSc '73, MSc '75 - Kin)
Feridun: It has been a great privilege to work under your leadership at the University of Waterloo. Your exemplary leadership, positive attitude, strategic vision, and friendship have been the most important encouragement for us to move forward with our ambitious R&D plans. Under your leadership, we found ourselves proud of activities in an institute that we love to work and do research/teaching for enhancing students’ experience and Canada’s competitiveness.
All the best with the next chapter of your life.
- Ehsan Toyserkani
Dear Feridun,
It was been a pleasure to have known and collaborated with you over the past 10 years through the University of Waterloo.
Waterloo set me on a course I never dreamed of during my youth. It shaped my career and my family, and it inspired much of my philanthropy, which is deeply meaningful to me. Serving on the Board of Governors and investing in teaching and research have allowed me to contribute to an institution that gave me so much. They've also allowed me to know you better, Feridun, and to witness the impact of your leadership.
During our time together, you've shown an unwavering commitment to Waterloo - especially its students, who come here to expand their minds and improve our world. You've inspired so many of them to reimagine their futures, and you've challenged thousands of alumni, donors, employers and other allies to help those students reach their true potential. These are extraordinary accomplishments of which I know you're proud, and they're signs of a bright future for Waterloo's community of explorers and innovators.
I am honoured to have partnered with you to shape the trajectory of this University, and I wish you well as you venture into the next phase of your career. Thank you for your relentless leadership, your constant conviction and, above all, your passion for Waterloo.
My very best wishes,
Ophelia Lazaridis (BMath ’85)
Feridun,
I did not know that you were behind the university's HeforShe participation. I knew of HeforShe before joining UWaterloo as a student, but began my active participation here. It is a commitment I will take everywhere I go. That was because of you. Thank you for impacting my life!
- Philip Hohol (BA' 21)
Feridun,
It has truly been a pleasure working as an Engineering staff member under you leadership for the past decade. Your collaborative leadership style was greatly appreciated. Best wishes going forward, and we'll say "Bye for Now".
- Tom Dean (BASc '79)
P. Eng., Chem Eng
Dear Feridun,
I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to work closely with you over the years on a number of media stories and events. It's been wonderful to share this time with you. I laugh thinking of some of the memories. Thanks for being so great.
Wishing you all the best.
- Pamela Smyth
Feridun,
Congratulations on your impactful legacy at the University of Waterloo. Thank you for your leadership and for your support, it has been a privilege to collaborate with you on many matters on behalf of the University. Sending many best wishes to you and your family for the next chapter.
- Nickola Voegelin
Feridun,
It has been an honour and a privilege to have worked with you over the past decade and observe first-hand your passion and dedication to the University of Waterloo.
Whether through your tireless commitment to improving student experience, your support of efforts to create a more welcoming and inclusive Waterloo community, or simply taking the time to pause and listen to members of the community you have so graciously served, you have left a lasting impression on so many of us.
I have no doubt that the impact of your contributions to the University of Waterloo will last well beyond your decade of service.
With sincerest thanks,
Jeremy Steffler
As a former undergraduate member of the University of Waterloo Senate and Board I can attest to President Hamdullpur’s commitment to students, and ensuring student voices are always heard.
I took a quick look at our Student Headcount page, and approximately 84,000 of the 221,000 degrees granted by UW have been during President Hamdullpur’s term. During his 11 years as President, his contributions have impacted a sizeable portion of UW students and will continue to through the legacy he has left on our institution.
- Sabrina Khandakar
Hi Dr Feridun,
I wish you all the best after retirement from UW.
I am always remember your Marvellous support to Hong Kong Allumni.
- Francis SK Lee (BMath '76)
Congratulations on your many accomplishments during your tenure as President of University of Waterloo. All the best with your future endeavors.
- Nancy Flagler-Wilburn (BES '81, SURP)
Feridun,
From everyone in the Faculty of Engineering, thank you for all of your remarkable contributions over the last decade.
Here’s a few of our favourite memories with you.
My warmest congratulations to Dr. Feridun Hamdullahpur on his distinguished accomplishments over the past decade. Under his leadership, the University of Waterloo (UW) has championed a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, and collaboration between UW and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has been advanced to a strategic level.
As early as 2004, UW became a partner of PolyU’s student exchange programme. Recently, UW students have been provided with the opportunity to join our immersion programme to experience Asia’s start-up ecosystem.
On the research front, we celebrate various fruitful collaborations, including the establishment of the Centre for Eye and Vision Research in Hong Kong. It will contribute greatly to preserving healthy vision among the aging population.
I have confidence that our partnership will further deepen in future. I wish Dr. Hamdullahpur every success in his coming endeavours.
- Jin-Guang Teng
President, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Cher Feridun,
An immense congratulations from the University of Waterloo alumni in Paris!
It has always been a great honor and pleasure to welcome you here in Paris! I have many fond memories : the Nobel Weekend in Stockholm, the U15 Paris Alumni Reception at the Cité Internationale Universitaire, or meeting up with Paris UofW alumni in a cool bar for a brainstorming event on how to better prepare students for the challenges they will face in the upcoming future.
Your visits are always SO inspirational, oriented to generate new ideas and innovate to develop a solid, extensive, professional alumni network. We cherish all the opportunities to have to chat with you!
All the Canadian University Alumni Ambassadors are still very much united and reprogramming REAL in-person events very soon (AT LAST!).
Feridan, looking forward to keeping in touch, even if it is only for a simple coffee in a café! Come back soon!
Félicitations!!!!!
Patricia Gauthier
Global Alumni Ambassador in Paris
Read individual Tweet on Twitter
Feridun, thank you for being such a great champion for Athletics & Recreation, and the important role we play in the student-experience at the University of Waterloo. Your advocacy, leadership & investment will leave a legacy that will forever impact our students and their wellbeing. I look forward to your attendance at future Warrior events, continuing to cheer on our student-athletes with your same pride & passion!
- Roly Webster
Director, Atheltics and Recreation
Dear Feridun,
Congratulations on your great success as President of UWaterloo. On behalf of all members of Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM) and College of Nano Sci & Tech (CNST, jointly established by Soochow, Suzhou Industrial Park and UWaterloo in 2010). I am expressing our sincerest gratitude to you.
Your support has proven invaluable to the growth of CNST and our partnership. As the pioneer in nanoscience education, you and your colleagues have provided timely help. 4 SUN-WIN Workshops were held; over 150 students participated in exchanges; 24 bilateral projects were carried out. The cooperation lays the foundation for our new success. 2020 ESI ranking of Soochow Materials Science rose to World 26th. Without support from you and your college, it would not be possible.
You are invited to visit us again anytime. Wish you good health and joyous days in the new chapter of your life.
- Shuit-Tong Lee
Director of FUNSOM, Dean of CNST, Soochow University
Read individual Tweet on Twitter
Feridun, thank you so much for all your hard work and dedication to Waterloo over the years! I especially admire your championship of our students, and the energy you’ve put into ensuring their mental, physical, and academic well-being. As Dean, I very much appreciate the support you’ve shown for the kind of work we do in the Faculty of Arts, and your understanding of how we complement and contribute to the overall mosaic of research and teaching at Waterloo. You have given so much of yourself to this institution – I hope that you now get an opportunity to take time for yourself and family. I expect it would be true to say that you’ve been burning the candle at both ends for the past several years, but as I’m sure no one knows better than you, there is a virtue in that: “My candle burns at both ends; It will not last the night; But ah, my foes, and oh, my friends—It gives a lovely light!” May your light continue to shine!
Sheila Ager
Dean, Faculty of Arts
Feridun,
On behalf of the School of Pharmacy, I would like to congratulate you and thank you for your support over the years. You have been a champion for pharmacy students and our programs. Your willingness to explore timely and important initiatives like the Health Sciences Campus vaccine clinic have enabled us to collectively serve our students and our community for good.
Our best wishes,
Andrea Edginton, Hallman Director, School of Pharmacy
Dear Feridun,
Congratulations on your incredibly significant contributions and positive leadership over the past decade; you have given so much and your genuine passion to make things better has had a profound impact on our UW community.
It was a privilege to get to know you and I hope your future endeavors bring you great joy, good health, and some much deserved time for you and your family.
Cheers to you Feridun!
- Lori Kraemer
It was my great pleasure to work with Feridun during the many years of his tenure as President of the University of Waterloo.
First, as a community partner and tenant at the David Johnston Research & Technology Park and then as the Chancellor of the University.
During that time, Feridun always displayed a wonderful ability to remain calm in a storm (and there was always a few that would arise from time to time!).
He loved his interactions with students and took great delight in their achievements and their future possibilities.
He was particularly comfortable around the entrepreneurs and their dreams of the future and was always supportive of their needs regardless of where that would take the university. He always put the students first and worked hard to remove the obstacles as they saw them.
Feridun was equally gracious outside of the university as its ambassador to the world. Wherever I was with Feridun in Canada or throughout the world he was always a great promotor of the University of Waterloo and added his voice on behalf of the university to so many issues at the international level, the national level, or the regional level.
He effortlessly moved between all these worlds and it was my great pleasure to be on that journey with him.
The most important thing that we should all appreciate about Feridun was how easy he made it all seem. It wasn’t. Feridun worked hard to make this all appear that way.
Well done, Feridun.
We are all better for knowing you, working with you and for having you as our President for the past 10 years.
- Tom Jenkins (LLD ’13 Honorary)
Read individual Tweet on Twitter
Dear Feridun,
Congratulations on your remarkable achievements during your ten-year tenure as President of the University of Waterloo. I wish you good health, happiness, and all the best in the new chapter of your life!
- Qinmin Pan
On behalf of the University of Waterloo Retirees Association, I would like to thank you for your support for the UWRA. We have appreciated your participation at a number of UWRA events over these past years, and your regular contributions to our WATtimes publication. Also, you have made significant effort to welcome retiree participation at UW hosted events.
Our most recent collaboration was the finalization of the University of Waterloo Retirees Association and University of Waterloo Memorandum of Agreement. This agreement outlines the official relationship between the UWRA and UW. We appreciate that you have recognized past and on-going contributions of retirees to the University community including education, research, fundraising, funding contributions, and volunteering.
We wish you all the best in the future.
- Lynn Judge
President, University of Waterloo Retirees Association
In late 2019 I contacted Candace Harrington to discuss nominating Feridun for the 2020 Women in Communications and Technology (WCT) Diversity Champion award for his overarching efforts in this area and, in particular, his dedication to HeforShe and 10x10. I so regret that the nomination did not go forward. However, I do appreciate that Feridun nominated me for 2020 WCT Woman of the Year and I was awarded the 2020 WCT Entrepreneur of the Year based on Feridun's proposal. In fact, since the Gala that was slated to be held in Ottawa in May 2020 was canceled, I along with the other Award recipients were honoured via a seven-part virtual event in March 2021.
One of the highlights of my life was having the honour of being a guest in Feridun’s delegation to Stockholm to celebrate Donna Strickland’s Nobel Prize in December 2018. I also had the opportunity to co host a dinner at Feridun’s home in December 2019. Feridun has not only been a wonderful advocate for gender equity and the University of Waterloo, but also I consider him a friend. Congratulations Feridun on your impactful legacy at the University of Waterloo.
- Sherry Vanstone
President and CEO, Profound Impact
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One of my first encounters with Feridun was in a large committee, discussing - of all things - university scheduling. I didn't know much about him at the time but I distinctly remember him asking the room very emphatically (and much to my appreciation): "but what about the students?" At that point I knew we had just appointed a university president who was very hands-on and student focussed, and I looked forward to working with him in what turned out to be hundreds of meetings over 5 years! I wish Feridun the very best for what he takes on next.
- Robbie Henderson, President, Graduate Student Association, 2013
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Dear Feridun,
How quickly a decade passes by, and yet how much change it holds. That is certainly the case at the University of Waterloo under your presidency and leadership. In 2010, as you began your stewardship of one of Canada’s great universities, no one could of predicted the challenging decade ahead –accelerating technological change, rising geopolitical tensions, declining social cohesion and trust, government funding constraints, U.S. political dysfunction and Trumpism, and ending with a global pandemic and recession. But through these challenges, you have always been able to guide the University of Waterloo to aim higher, to better serve its students, to drive targeted excellence, and to have a bigger impact in a broader world.
Well done, my friend, it has been quite a journey.
As Chair of the Board of Governors from 2011 to 2015, I had a front row seat for the first part of that journey. Early on, both you and the Board realized that the University of Waterloo needed a Strategic Plan for the coming decade and the changing world. I have fond memories of the many hours spent around the Board table with you and your team on this and other issues.
The process itself of developing this plan, as well as the specifics, were important in setting the expectations of faculty, staff and students for the future, and you engaged the entire community in this defining effort. It encouraged the university to make choices, and double down on them, if it wanted to be a world leader and recognized as such. It set excellence as the bar for success within an environment that welcomed debate and diversity of views. And it reiterated the university’s commitment to the unique educational experience co-op learning provides.
Quantum is a great example of such focus and excellence at Waterloo. The leadership of the University of Waterloo on quantum computing is something that you have nurtured and supported, most prominently through the Institute for Quantum Computing. I remember sitting with you at a panel session at Davos where quantum research at Waterloo was cited by a number of the high profile speakers.
Within the context of the Strategic Plan, you led a deep dive on how the University of Waterloo could move the needle locally and nationally on innovation. The Waterloo Innovation Summit was one such national initiative, and the renewed emphasis on incubating entrepreneurship and innovative solutions on campus reinforced a Waterloo strength. You should feel much pride in the results.
You invested much time in both students and alumni -- two sides of the same coin – and it was not only appreciated but has paid off in stronger bonds to the university. You have also been a leader in encouraging a globally diverse student body and that makes the educational experience richer for all.
The qualities of the person make such a difference in any leader, and you exemplify the iconic “nice Canadian”. Your humanity shines through in everything you do. You care about people, and they feel it. You support people and they know it. You encourage people and they appreciate it.
In closing, Feridun, I wanted to express my appreciation for everything you have done -- both for the University of Waterloo community and for higher education in Canada. And personally, I want to say thank you for your friendship.
With warmest congratulations on your tenure as President of the University of Waterloo, and very best wishes for the future.
The Honourable Kevin Lynch, P.C., O.C., PH.D., LL.D
Former Chair of the Board of Governors, University of Waterloo,
Former Clerk of the Privy Council and Secretary to cabinet, Government of Canada
Dear Feridun: I remember how impressed I was that whenever we invited you to a meeting of the Advisory Committee to the English Department, which I chaired at the time, you came and brought other senior execs of UW with you. Your personal interest in and commitment to the arts was exemplary and enriched UW immeasurably. What a splendid run as President!
- Eric Friesen (BA '67)
Dear sir, I usually read your messages in the Daily Bulletin. I found you a hard working good leader. You have a bold vision to improve UW and to keep UW as one of the most recognized ones. You have a compassion by setting up many committees such as to eliminate racial discriminations and assuring safety in Covid and giving Thank you days. The list will become an endless if keep on listing all you did. You exemplified as a good leader. I don't know what you do next but I will you all the best. You are the man of difference. May you be blessed with good health. Regards.
- Gannayya Bommali
Dear Feridun,
Congratulations on your brilliant achievements as President of the University of Waterloo. I feel much honored to have had a few opportunities to listen to your grand lectures full of wisdom and inspiration in Suzhou, which are still very memorable. I wish you good health, happiness, and all the best in the new chapter of your life!
- Qinmin Pan
It is an absolute honour to write this tribute for Feridun Hamdullahpur. I first met Feridun when I was elected in 2015 and in a matter of minutes, I saw him not only as the President of the University of Waterloo, but also as a passionate researcher, academic administrator, innovative leader, and a friend. He embraced me the first time we met and told me he was looking forward to working together, which marked a start to a longstanding professional relationship that we have shared over the years. That was one of his real strengths: bringing people together to achieve shared objectives.
Feridun’s commitment to the University of Waterloo was an all-encompassing approach. He built on the University’s expertise, applied student experiences, and added these to the emerging strengths of our Region. He wanted students to make the most of their university experience while also building skills and relationships to make a difference in our communities after graduation.
It has been a privilege to share this journey with Feridun. His visionary leadership, attention to small details, passion in engaging on important issues and a respectful care for the community will truly be missed.
Raj Saini
MP, Kitchener Centre
The University of Waterloo and the School of Planning gave me the opportunity for a profession and a business. For that, I am eternally grateful. Feridun you impressed me with your work ethic and your open mind. Your decision to support sports focussed on achieving excellence through funding and putting the right leaders in place is but one example.
If anyone has earned a graceful retirement it is you.
Thank you for your dedication, humble approach and your decisive leadership
- John MacNaughton (HBA '68, MA '71)
At this moment that marks the culmination of many years of commitment and dedication to higher education and research I am reminded of the many years we worked together. Your leadership throughout your career has been exemplary. Not only did you lead with strategy and vision, but you always led with humanity and caring for those around you. I am honoured to have benefited from the time you served as first vice-president then president of the U15. I wish you the very best in your next big adventure. I am sure that your contributions will continue to make a difference. Best wishes.
- Suzanne Corbeil
Feridun: Personable, pertinent, patient UW point man. Thank you!
- Carol Cressman
Sincere thanks for your leadership of both the university and the community. It was such a pleasure having the opportunity to work with you. You always exemplified the true spirit of partnership and collaboration. Thank you for your significant contributions to Waterloo Region and the nation!
- Peter Braid
Former Member of Parliament, 2008-15
The Office of The President with Donna Strickland on Nobel Prize announcement day, 2018
For more than a decade you have led the University of Waterloo through times of great disruption, times of celebration, and times of tremendous joy. Most importantly you have touched the lives of tens of thousands of Waterloo students, faculty, staff and alumni by being you: a kind, humble and dedicated leader.
As President you’ve met with world leaders, top researchers, global business executives and even soon-to-be Warriors excited to join the Waterloo community. Throughout everything, you have helped make our university stronger by building connections in the most human way possible.
On behalf of the Office of the President family, thank you. Thank you for your kind-heartedness and for leaving us with lasting memories of friendship, humour and integrity.
- The Office of the President
Dear Feridun,
I wanted to offer my sincere congratulations on successfully completing a remarkably long and transformative mandate at the University of Waterloo. I would be remiss if I did not point out that working at Carleton prior to Waterloo has prepared you exceptionally well for the challenges and opportunities of the President's role. :) It has been a pleasure to work with you over the past several years and look forward to more collaborations as you tackle new challenges. All the best!
- Benoit-Antoine Bacon
Feridun Hamdullahpur,
A wonderful administrative colleague, an inspiring leader and a great friend. I am delighted to have this opportunity to pay tribute to Feridun as he completes 10 years of dynamic leadership as President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Waterloo. His hand ever on the tiller, through thick and thin he has led the Institution to new heights in both teaching and research. He honed the special relationship Waterloo enjoys with industry through its cooperative education program and research partnerships. He oversaw strategic planning that set bold, aspirational goals for the Institution. His legacy is deep and broad, and its impact will reverberate throughout the halls, in the labs and in the classrooms of the Institution for years to come.
Feridun, you will be deeply missed. Congratulations on completing your mission as President with aplomb, and thank you for your leadership during what has certainly been a ‘Decade of Positive Impact’.
- John Thompson
Feridun it is a pity I could not benefit further from your presence at Waterloo in you capacity as VC. It was thanks to you that I felt warmly welcomed as a member of the international advisory council instigated by Dominic Barton. Your mark at the University is recognized by many but what counts the most is the fact that you did it with the heart. Your demaenour is your true mark, the fact that you choose the right words but also the right attitude as a leader and a manager. You still have a lot to give because of that.
- Carlos Lopes
Through his compassion and commitment to knowledge advancement, Feridun has helped to elevate Canada’s position as an innovation leader on the global stage. His vision of research excellence as a means to improve peoples’ lives and his commitment to advancing gender equality have had a resounding impact on our society. Over the years, he has worked to increase discovery research, champion women in STEM, recruit top talent, build world-class infrastructure and establish international collaborations through science, all while embracing the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing world.
I wish my esteemed colleague and friend all the best in his next endeavours, and I look forward to his continued work in inspiring our next generation of scientists and engineers and creating a more innovative future for our country.
Mona Nemer
Chief Science Advisor of Canada
Feridun has served as Waterloo's President for as long as I've been a fulltime staff member at Waterloo. Over the course of this decade, my work has brought us together on a number of occasions, including convocation. My husband, a bagpiper has been involved in these celebrations a number of times and is always someone Feridun asks about when we speak. With this in mind, I share this musical tribute with you, Feridun. It has been a pleasure working with you. Sláinte mhaith!
- Emily Huxley Osborne
Feridun, thank you for your tireless effort over the past decade to support the University of Waterloo community. As a student and then as an employee, it has been inspiring to see the leadership you have brought. In particular, you have championed our sustainability efforts across campus, within our specific sustainability and climate strategies and in the Strategic Plan. I recall meeting to discuss our very first sustainability report in 2015, and having you join our early Eco Summits to build momentum. We have come so far since then under your leadership, and you have helped lay a strong foundation for long-term impact and success that is worthy of our legacy. Congratulations on your many accomplishments and all the best!
- Mat Thijssen
Thank you for being an inspiring and inclusive leader. You have an amazing ability to connect with staff, faculty and students alike and make everybody feel that they have a significant part to play in the University's success. You will be missed! Wishing you the very best in your future endeavors.
- Diane Johnston
It might be President Hamdullahpur's first visit to the Chinese Embassy in Canada when Governor General David Johnston, former President of the University of Waterloo, was conferred Honorary Doctoral Degree by Nanjing University in April, 2012. He has been visiting the Embassy, Tsinghua University and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, among other education and research institutions in China, encouraging and facilitating research and development collaboration and student mobility with Chinese partners and sharing his wisdom and philosophy on student training, research and services to the public. We wish Dr. Hamdullahpur all the best and welcome him to visit China as an established educator and scientist in the many years to come.
- Changxue Yu
The one thing I know about Feridun is that he enjoyed connecting with students. He was always ready to meet with them and get to know them, to send a congratulatory email, or to take yet another selfie. Feridun found out our co-op student was a huge fan of his, so he surprised her in The Centre. I know she will never forget this interaction and I am confident she is not the only student who feels this way. (This photo was taken Feb 2020 and is used with permission: Jabulina Shongwe, 3B Environmental Science student.
- Nancy Heide (BA '99)
I am the mother of Christopher Dean Moran, who died tragically at the beginning of 2014. He was a second year Architecture student in Cambridge when he was hit by a car. We spent the next 17 days over the holidays in the hospital with him in Hamilton. During that time your President as well as other Faculty members stayed in constant touch, and provided much support to our family and Chris's friends. I will always remember this, because it shows how caring everyone is at the University of Waterloo. I also appreciate being able to receive Chris's degree on his behalf. I thank your President for standing when he greeted me, and for providing his support for my beautiful son, during such a difficult time.
- Elaine Dean
Feridun, it has been a privilege to serve as your Dean of Science for the past six years. Under your leadership, we have experienced some great successes, including the award of the Nobel Prize in Physics to Donna Strickland in 2018, the establishment of our Centre for Eye & Vision Research in Hong Kong, and the planning of the Science Centre for Innovation and the Waterloo Eye Institute projects. But your greatest impact has been on the student experience, and the experiential learning opportunities you have championed. Your enthusiastic support, in words and in deeds, for Velocity and Velocity Science (now Concept Science) has made the University of Waterloo the school of choice for students looking to immerse themselves in a culture of entrepreneurship that is unique in the world, and which allowed some of them to build exciting new ventures in the Waterloo Region and beyond. This is one of the reasons why I came to the University of Waterloo and I never looked back. Merci Feridun!
- Bob Lemieux
Dear President and Vice-Chancellor Feridun Hamdullahpur,
During your ten-year tenure as the president and vice-chancellor of the University of Waterloo, you have been committed to raising Waterloo’s international profile and enhancing the learning experience of students, having led the university to scale new heights of excellence. Under your leadership, University of Waterloo has made brilliant achievements in many fields, including talent training, scientific research, technological innovation as well as community service. University of Waterloo’s transformational research, academic reputation, entrepreneurial ecosystem and world-leading co-operative and experiential education have won worldwide admiration. In rankings, University of Waterloo consistently places among the best universities in the world. Undoubtedly, you have left an indelible mark on the history of Waterloo.
I’d like to show my great appreciation to your generous support to the institutional exchange and collaboration between University of Waterloo and Soochow University. In the past ten years, cooperation between the two universities has expanded to student exchange, staff training, academic exchange, collaborative research, co-op program as well as 2+2 co-tutelle Ph.D program. I believe that none of these initiatives would have been possible without your care and support.
I’d like to express my special thanks to you for your warm reception and hospitality every time I visited Waterloo. I enjoyed working together with you when I served as the president of Soochow University. I treasure the friendship between us.
Once again, I send you my sincere congratulation on the success you made in the past and wish you all the best for the future. I look forward to welcoming you again in Suzhou.
Sincerely,
Xiulin Zhu
Professor, Soochow University
I am pleased to join in celebrating the great achievements of an outstanding university leader, the Distinguished President of UWaterloo, Mr. Feridun Hamdullahpur.
Feridun has always been an extraordinary leader, leading UWaterloo to excel in student training, scientific research, social services and international affairs. UWaterloo has therefore admirably kept on the top list of Best Overall, Most Innovation, Highest Quality, and Leaders of Tomorrow in the McClean's Rankings, and been one of the world’s most innovative universities. During some of his presidency years, I served as President of Soochow University and we had many exchanges. I was deeply impressed by his knowledge, vision, benevolence and charisma.
I cherish the friendship with him and greatly appreciate his contributions to collaborations between our universities. Though he is stepping down as President, I believe his exemplary role will continue to inspire UWaterloo. I wish him good health and all the best!
- Xiulin Zhu
Feridun, thank you for your strong support for the internationalization activities in the University of Waterloo. I feel privileged and have very much enjoyed to have worked and traveled with you over the past 8 years as we connected with our international partner institutions. You are truly an inclusive and inspiring leader. My best wishes to you for your new chapter of life!
- Suping Zhao (MA '05)
It is my pleasure an honor to express my appreciation on behalf of myself personally, and the School of Optometry and Vision Science, for Dr. Humdullahpur’s contributions and accomplishments during his ten-year tenure as President at the University of Waterloo.
When I joined the Board of Governors, Feridun made me feel welcome and included in the university community. He was willing to listen attentively to proposals and concerns, and give constructive feedback, so that measured well-informed decisions could be made. He attained great success in enhancing the university’s reputation on the international stage and championed the HeForShe initiative. Under his effective leadership the University of Waterloo continues to expand as a powerhouse of experiential learning and enjoys a reputation as one of the most innovative universities in Canada.
From the perspective of the School of Optometry, Feridun had the vision and imagination to help us lay the groundwork for the Waterloo Eye Institute, a transformative initiative with lasting impact for generations to come. He understood the need for us to continue pushing the innovation envelope and to lead in our field of research, education and patient care. He helped us to engage with the community, understanding the critical aspect of clinical eye care and our efforts to bring much needed vision services to the region. Thanks to his support, we will now proceed with plans to expand and build much needed infrastructure, with the intent of accelerating technological development and vision research, while providing leadership in collaborative clinical care and improved access to comprehensive eye care in Waterloo region.
Thank you Feridun for your steadfast leadership, support and friendship during your decade as President. On behalf of myself and the School of Optometry, I wish you well in future endeavors, and hope that you stay in touch with us!
- Marta Witer
Former BoG, University of Waterloo
Thank you, Feridun, for everything. Your positive and dedicated leadership has been outstanding and your personal touch and support has meant a lot over the years. Good luck with your future endeavours and keep well. The University of Waterloo will miss you.
- David Moscovitch
After a #DecadeOfImpact, the community, indeed the nation, thanks Feridun for his recognition that the non-profit and charitable sectors are critical partners in innovation, change and growth. Much respect to Feridun for the inclusive way he brought diverse leaders together to do more social good. Many good wishes from Capacity Canada to Feridun as he journeys forward.
- Cathy Brothers
Thank you to the strong and heartfelt leadership displayed by Feridun Hamdullahpur during his tenure as UWaterloo president. He was “the student's president” who gave meaning to the lived student experience at UWaterloo, and who made significant strides to guide and support students while re-imagining the future of virtual learning during a time of global crisis - the COVID19 pandemic. Thank you Feridun for your leadership, your humanity, and your legacy. Best wishes on your next journey.
- Rina Carlini, PhD '98
60th Anniversary UWaterloo Science Alumni of Honour Award Recipient
UWaterloo Alumni Council, Science Member
Feridun - Congratulations as you move on to the next chapter of your life. I want to take the opportunity to thank you for placing such importance on the participation of the Indigenous Peoples in the operations of the University and to opening the doors for more people to become educated and aware of the strong history, culture and pride of the Haudenosaunee. Your visit to Six Nations was a clear demonstration of your commitment to ensure that this work continues at the University of Waterloo. I truly enjoyed my time on the Board of Governors and getting to meet you and the members of the Board of Governors. Hopefully, our paths will cross again at some point in the future. All the best in the future!
- Ava Hill, Former member of the Board of Governors
It was and is a pleasure to know and associate with Ferdinund as my wife and I both graduated from UofW and involved ourselves further with a scholarship in our late son’s name. He is a man of tremendous energy and generosity. We wish him well and do look forward to his continuing generosity of his gifts to our needy world.
- Dennis Huss (MaSc)
President’s Holiday Dinner 2018
On behalf of Council and the citizens of Kitchener, congratulations on your retirement as President.
From the early days of your mandate when we met to discuss the next steps needed to bring a Health Sciences Campus to life, to the present, as we witness the fruition of your countless hours of advocacy with the announcement of the new Health Innovation Arena – your passion for community building has been amazing.
Under your leadership, UW saw both the opening of Engineering 7, a space where students can learn and gain hands-on practical experience, and we celebrated as a community when Prof. Donna Strickland was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics.
Your passion for education, dedication to innovation, and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion has made a lasting impression on the students and faculty at the University of Waterloo, and our community as a whole.
Please accept my best wishes to you as you embark on life’s next adventure.
- Mayor Berry Vrbanovic, City of Kitchener
Thank you, Feridun, for engaging with Faculty of Arts alumni and donor-funded projects like Social Prosperity Wood Buffalo. In 2012, you traveled to Fort McMurray to speak to stakeholders, meet alumni, and to connect with donors. I was so proud to have your support. In May 2016, when the community was ravaged by a devastating wildfire, you personally spoke to me to ask after my Fort McMurray colleagues, and to offer your support. I don’t think you know how much your caring and compassion meant to me, but it’s something I will never forget.
- Nancy Mattes (BA '89, MEDI '21)
I am very thankful to work within a culture of innovation at the University of Waterloo, led by our President Hamdullahpur. Ferdiun, despite being involved with the entire campus, always made an effort to provide support and encouragement towards our aviation programs. This was most illustrated when we visited Montreal to visit the headquarters of the United Nations agency, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). During the visit, Waterloo became one of only a handful of universities to have a formal partnership to support learning of aviation professionals around the world. Thank you for your far-reaching impacts, Feridun
- Suzanne Kearns
Feridun,
It is my great pleasure to honour your decade of impact at the University of Waterloo. I am grateful for the warm welcome that you provided me as I began my term at St. Jerome's University last summer, and for all that you have done to encourage the strong relationship that SJU has enjoyed with UW for more than sixty years as its federated university partner. We at St. Jerome's honour your life of service and commitment to the ideals of higher education, and we wish you well as you begin your well-earned retirement!
- Peter Meehan
President and Vice Chancellor
St. Jerome's University
Feridun, I have truly enjoyed the many opportunities to work alongside you as we connected with our global alumni community. Your willingness to take many, many selfies with alumni and students and to engage with our ever-growing family of alumni has meant so much to so many. You are genuinely interested in the journey alumni took to get where they are, no matter when they finished their degree. It is obvious that you have loved being president. It’s so impressive seeing how important it is to you to work together to ensure this community is all it can be. I’ve very much appreciated your personal support over the years. And I have to say the icing on the cake was receiving the President’s Community Impact Award! I look forward to running into you on campus – or maybe at an alumni event somewhere in the world!
Thank you for your leadership.
- Alison Boyd (BMath '96)
I have always been in awe of the time and effort that you have put into your involvement with the Co-op Student of the Year Awards. Each year you take the time to get to know each of the honourees and truly give them quality face time with you. Thank you and I wish you all the best in your next adventure.
- Vickie Groh
As an alumnus and colleague of President's Hamdullahpur's, I would like to thank him for an amazing and impactful time leading the University of Waterloo. In so many ways the University is unrecognizable from the time I spent as a student. Yes, it has more buildings and more people doing extraordinary things, but it is also more kind and more welcoming than I could have ever imagined. I know this transformation did not happen overnight and so much of that change is because of Feridun's guidance. I feel lucky to have worked with him and even snap a coveted selfie. Thank you for everything Feridun.
- David Tubbs (BA '08)
Dear Dr. Hamdullahpur,
I am writing to thank you for your decade of service as President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Waterloo.
Under your leadership, the University of Waterloo has continued to flourish as one of the world’s top innovation universities, advancing its reputation both nationally and internationally. Fostering excellence in academics, research and entrepreneurship while continuing to build on Waterloo’s proven track-record in co-operative education has solidified the university’s position as an academic powerhouse.
Your guidance has continued to steer Waterloo’s success as a research and innovation leader, achieving academic excellence in the sciences, math and experiential learning. As a result, Waterloo graduates are well prepared for the jobs of today and tomorrow, and often go on to become renowned researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs, achieving a range of economic and societal benefits for the people of Ontario.
Thank you again for your all your hard work. Please accept my best wishes in your future endeavours.
- The Honourable Ross Romano
Minister of Colleges and Universities
Thank you Feridun.
It has been a great pleasure to work with Feridun while personally serving in a number of volunteer
roles during his time as President of the University of Waterloo.
Always a strong supporter of entrepreneurship, Feridun has been closely involved with both of the
University’s startup initiatives, the Accelerator Centre and the Velocity program, much to the benefit
of many students and graduates who have started their businesses through these world class programs.
While serving on the Board of Governors, I was able to observe Feridun’s leadership and deft touch
in action while working through some challenging issues at the University. The University of Waterloo has been well –served with Feridun’s steady guiding hand.
Feridun has also been keenly involved in supporting the Waterloo Gold Campaign.
Beginning with his vision and astute input in the planning stage, we were able to align
our Campaign objectives with the new Strategic Plan which serves as the blueprint
for the development of the University over the next five years. The Campaign has been
designed to support that vision, one which will serve the University well into the future.
Thank you Feridun for your dedication and guidance for all these initiatives over the years.
I wish you well in your future endeavors.
- Mike Stork
Former BoG and Planning/Operating Chair, University of Waterloo
Dear Feridun,
It is a privilege to acknowledge the 10 years that you have served University of Waterloo as President & Vice-Chancellor. I have enjoyed interacting with you, both as a colleague and friend. I especially cherish our friendship, including our many “chin-wages”.
The Schlegel – UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA) was approved in 2005 by the U.W. Senate as a Research Institute. And you actively supported and took a strong interest in its development over your 10 years. RIA has grown to 12 Research Chairs, 4 Research Clinical Specialists and over 30 staff. You worked closely with me for these appointments and were flexible and understanding when on occasion a Chair was done joint with another university. Hence, we developed a strong roster of scientists at RIA.
I have also appreciated our friendship in terms of the Hamdullahpur and Schlegel families. Barb and I have enjoyed getting to know Cathy as well. And I know my 3 sons have also developed a deep respect for you.
When appointed, you had “big shoes” to fill, but you did so admirably! You were just the right leader after David. You led in a very steady way. You kept “the ship” sailing in the right strategic directions with all rowing in unison. You can take much credit for these smooth waters and the “quiet growth” that has occurred across the university.
Feridun, you have given much, and should feel proud of all your accomplishments, legacy, and impact as President, University of Waterloo.
With appreciation & friendship,
Ron Schlegel & Family
Thank you for the kind words you have shared at events throughout the years. I always look forward to connecting ahead of our events, and wish you lots of success in your future endeavours!
- Alyssa Doyle
I want to take the time to thank you for all your hard work in supporting the UW community. You've been an amazing leader to the community and we'll miss you moving forward very dearly. Thank you!
- Ananya Ramachandran
President’s Community Breakfast 2018
One of the stories that typifies who Feridun is as a leader comes from a HeForShe launch event a few years ago. For those who do not know, HeForShe is a global movement for gender equality through the United Nations.
At the event, Feridun explained the impression his mother had made when it came to her grandchildren’s education. Feridun’s brother had passed away, leaving behind a son and a daughter. The family quickly rallied around how they could fund the post-secondary education of the son, but there was no talk of the daughter’s education. Feridun’s mother, who had not benefitted from the same educational support as her brothers, objected to this inequitable treatment for her granddaughter. She put her foot down and insisted that both grandchildren receive equal opportunity to realize their potential. This formed a deeply meaningful impression on Feridun and shaped his attitude to providing opportunity that his mother had been denied.
Great leaders use personal experiences to inform behaviour and action in order to make the world a better place. This story provided insight for me for as to why Feridun felt a personal investment in participating with the United Nations and the HeForShe program. The program required governments, universities and business to set 2020 goals around advancing gender equality. The University of Waterloo committed to increase the number of girls and women in STEM outreach experiences by 33%, female faculty representation to 30%, and female leaders in senior university positions to 29%. The University cleared these goals a year early, in 2019.
We all know that more work needs to be done to advance gender equality in our communities, particularly in fields like STEM. However, this doesn’t happen organically. It requires leaders like Feridun who use their personal experiences to drive positive outcomes for society.
- Karen Redman,
Regional Chair, Waterloo Region
Dear Dr. Hamdullahpur;
On behalf of Cambridge City Council I congratulate you on your retirement. Your dedication to the University of Waterloo, the students and the community will be forever remembered.
During your tenure the work you have done to expand the student centre and physical activities complex will forever be part of the Waterloo Regional landscape.
I hope that you enjoy some much deserved rest, relaxation. I am confident that you will find the same success and happiness in retirement that you experienced during your time with the University of Waterloo.
Personally, I wanted to say that I always enjoyed our time together in meetings or at events, over the years I have been elected, as MPP and Mayor of Cambridge. Your commitment to your students and faculty also extended to our community and we are all much richer for it. You will be missed.
Sincerely,
Mayor Kathryn McGarry
Mayor of Cambridge
