handing an engineering pin to a student

Waterloo Engineering Pin

Introduced in 2023, the Waterloo Engineering Pin symbolizes the commitment of members of the Waterloo Engineering community to their work, studies and community. The pin design was created by Gordon Fountain (BASc 2024, Mechatronics Engineering) and was selected by the Waterloo Engineering community as part of Engineering Day 2023.

The key features of the design include:

  • Compass at the center – signifies the integrity required of the engineering profession, to follow the proper path and to help guide you on your way. 
  • Compass needle - modeled as a water droplet, connects to the four ripples symbolizing the societal impact of engineering decisions. 
  • 4 ripples – represent the four pillars of the Waterloo Engineering pledge:  community, responsibility, innovation and excellence.  The ripples are also a nod to fluid mechanics, a course taken by many disciplines of engineer.
  • Hardhat – signifies the accountability to both the engineer and to society. It is placed between the integrity compass and the other symbols as a shield between the public and the engineer, because engineers must be accountable to the public for their designs.
  • Chamfered edges – represents the iron ring, a sign of professionalism and responsibility worn by many Canadian engineers.

Receiving your pin

1A Faculty of Engineering and School of Architecture students will be invited to participate in the Waterloo Engineering Pin ceremony. Students who miss a ceremony, students who started before the pin was introduced and graduate students will also have the opportunity to receive a pin.

Look out for invitations to your Waterloo email.

Next ceremonies

Waterloo Engineering pin ceremonies for the Fall 2024 term are now complete. Please check back in January, or connect with your department, for pin ceremonies in the Winter 2025 term.

The Waterloo Engineering pin design

The Waterloo Engineering Iron Pin Design