UWaterloo Giving Day 2026 is coming!
This May 21, is Giving Day. You can help create life-changing opportunities for students, fuel bold ideas from our faculty and researchers, and strengthen the learning experiences that define Waterloo. Every gift, every share, every show of Warrior pride helps build tomorrow.
Last year, we accomplished so much together. 1,477 donors raised over $780,000 in support of campus initiatives and this fundraising included 38 donors for Faculty of Environment who financed experiential learning opportunities and upgrades to the Planning Studio.
Experiential learning on the north shores of Lake Erie
Last spring, graduate students from the Climate Change, Natural Hazards and Disaster Risk course, Dr. Brent Doberstein in the Department of Geography and Environmental Management, travelled to the north shores of Lake Erie to understand the effects of climate change and related hazards.
During the visit, students explored three sites that vividly illustrate the challenges posed by climate change. At Rose Beach Line, they observed the alarming consequences of coastal erosion, where rising lake levels and vicious winter storms have undermined the roadway, triggering a road closure. The trip continued to Rondeau Provincial Park, where students noted the impacts of lake level fluctuations and increasing ice-free winters, leading to significant coastal erosion and the proliferation of invasive species in the park. Finally, at Erie Shore Drive, students witnessed over 100 homes that are currently threatened by coastal erosion and the destructive forces of winter storm waves, with some having already succumbed to these forces.
After the site visits, students enjoyed a meal at the Bayside Brewing Company in the lakeside town of Erieau. As part of their learning experience, students were required to compile their observations into a detailed field trip report, enriched with personal photographs capturing the impact of climate change on the Lake Erie shoreline. This trip not only deepened their understanding of climate-related hazards, but also underscored the importance of continued support from our alumni community, whose generosity makes such invaluable learning experiences for our students possible!
Upgrading the School of Planning studio
Alumni donations helped cover the cost of installing cork boards and new track lighting in the Planning Studio, helping students present their project work. These upgrades have supported graduate courses like PLAN 720: Introductory Planning Project Studio, which emphasizes the development of student skills including design, plan making, teamwork, creativity, negotiation, management and policy application and creation.
Recently, master's students taking PLAN 701: Land Use Planning Fundamentals used the refreshed studio space to showcase their final projects where they pitch development projects to a mock city council meeting minimum targets for return on investment, municipal tax revenue, affordable housing, and net zero buildings.
As we gear up for our next annual Giving Day, we encourage you to mark your calendars and get ready to learn more about how you can get involved.
