Alumni

Monday, November 3, 2025 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm EST (GMT -05:00)

Discussion: Should universities restrict controversial speech?

Join The Waterloo Forum for our discussion on the topic: “Do universities have a duty to restrict controversial speech on campus?” This event will bring students together on campus for an open exchange of ideas on the balance between free expression, academic values, and community responsibility. Participants will have the opportunity to share perspectives and ask questions in small-group discussions. Guided by thought-provoking prompts, we will reflect on the role universities play in fostering both intellectual freedom and respectful discourse.

Tuesday, October 21, 2025 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm EDT (GMT -04:00)

"Robots vs Reality" Talk by Evan Ackerman, Senior Editor of IEEE Spectrum

On behalf of the Waterloo RoboHub, the Global Engagement Seminar team, and the Interdisciplinary Capstone teaching team, I would like to invite you to join us for what should be a very interesting talk!

Evan Ackerman, Senior Editor of IEEE Spectrum and one of this year's Global Engagement Seminar Jarislowski Fellows, will be giving a talk titled “Robots vs Reality: Responsible Science Communication in the Attention Economy” at 4 pm on October 21st in DC 1351. We are expecting to completely fill the room, so seating in DC 1351 will be on a first-come, first-served basis until we reach capacity. Once it is full, the main IDEAs Clinic room (PSE 1427) will be used as the primary overflow space once DC 1351 is full.

Thursday, October 23, 2025 11:00 am - 12:00 pm EDT (GMT -04:00)

Beyond the storm: Water insecurity and community resilience in Puerto Rico

As part of the Water Institute's WaterTalks lecture series, Dr. Anaís Delilah Roque, John Hope Franklin Assistant Professor of Environmental Justice, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, will present Beyond the Storm: Water Insecurity and Community Resilience in Puerto Rico.

This event is in person in DC 1302 with a networking lunch reception to follow in DC 1301 (The Fishbowl).

Wednesday, October 8, 2025 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm EDT (GMT -04:00)

Climbing the AI Energy Wall

AI systems are starting to get really useful, but they use far too much energy to be served to everyone on the planet. We are going to need to make computers a lot more efficient and produce way more energy than today. Trevor McCourt (BSc, MME, '20), CTO and co-founder of leading chipmaker Extropic, will explore how radically efficient computing can transform the trajectory of AI’s energy demands. The program also includes startup lightning talks, a feature presentation from near-zero energy chip maker Vaire, and a networking reception.

Saturday, November 15, 2025 8:30 am - 4:00 pm EST (GMT -05:00)

Fusion Conference 2025

Join us Nov 15, 2025 (8:30 AM–4:00 PM, School of Accounting & Finance) for Fusion Conference 2025: Bridging the Health Gap. Hear a keynote by Google’s Gavin Duggan, engage in dynamic panels, and compete in a health-tech case competition. Open to all faculties. Each participant must register individually. Spots are limited—secure your place in shaping the future of healthcare today!

As part of the Water Institute's WaterTalks lecture series, Soumya Balasubramanya, Senior Economist at The World Bank, Washington, DC, will present "Recent trends in groundwater use in South Asia: The role of technology and water-energy-food-poverty nexus tradeoffs."

This event is in person in DC 1304 with a networking reception to follow in DC 1301 (The Fishbowl).

Wednesday, September 17, 2025 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm EDT (GMT -04:00)

The Waterloo Forum: AI Debate

Artificial Intelligence is increasingly present in our lives. We see its impact on social media. We use it to translate, write emails, gain an edge on the stock market, drive cars, and even think for us. Many believe that this is just the start. Artificial Intelligence may have the power to disrupt the very foundations of how we live. One of those foundations is our country, Canada. Many of us are grateful to live in a country with an elected government, independent courts, social services, and civil liberties. In a time when the world anticipates the disruption that AI may bring, The Waterloo Forum asks, “Will AI undermine Canadian democratic institutions?”

Monday, October 27, 2025 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm EDT (GMT -04:00)

Workshop: “Working the Room” with Ron Ojanpera (BASc 1969)

Waterloo Engineering students and alumni are invited to participate in an exclusive in-person workshop with Waterloo Engineering alumnus Ron Ojanpera (BASc 1969, mechanical engineering). The “Working the Room” workshop is based on 50 years of Ron’s personal business experience.