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In the early sixties, the College of Optometry of Ontario, Canada’s only English speaking Optometry program, was held in only two modest buildings at 138 and 140 St George Street, in the heart of Toronto.The reality was that the St. George Street buildings were bursting at the seams as 4 years of an optometry program within a space measuring only 15,600 square ft. Back then, the full-time faculty only included three; Dean Ted Fisher, Walwyn Long, and Clair Bobier. Later joined by William Lyle, the first of the faculty to have a PhD.

The David R. Cheriton School of Computer Science is one of Waterloo’s greatest advancements and this year marks its 50^th year of innovation and change to the world. What started with the construction of a new building, also jump started a new faculty and a positive change to the world; one that was unexpected by academics like Don Cowan, Wes Graham and many more. This contribution has sparked a ripple effect of success throughout the past 50 years, and will definitely continue in the years to come.

Back when Canada’s Confederation had reached 100, and the University of Waterloo was just 10, a student government on campus formed which later became the Federation of Students or FEDS. I had the pleasure of attending its 50th anniversary a couple months ago, re-connecting with the campus where I’d learned so much. At the 40th Anniversary of FEDS, I had just been elected its VP Internal, allowing me to put my four years being involved in campus to good use.

On June 28^th, 2017, everyone was smiling as the University of Waterloo Staff Association (UWSA). In celebration of the University of Waterloo’s 6oth anniversary and Canada’s 150^th birthday, the UWSA brought the Heavenly Dreams Ice Cream Truck to campus, where it travelled around giving out smiles.

Thirty years ago, I arrived at UW’s campus an eager undergrad with a bad perm. My 80s hair and I were soon swept up in the excitement and energy of the campus – not only the academics but also student life, including a role helping to plan the (then much smaller) Canada Day celebrations for the Federation of Students.

I didn’t plan on staying in Waterloo after graduation.

It was a four-year plan, in and out, get the degree, then back home to Saskatoon.

But, as we all know, life likes to derail the best laid plans.

I liked it in Waterloo. I liked it so much that I raised a family, built a career, became a community advocate, launched a political career, started a business … I think I’m staying.

In 1957, we took our first classes in prefabs erected at what was Waterloo College on Albert Street. That fall we put the first Engineering float in the Waterloo College Homecoming Parade – a model of the planet with the moon and the just launched first Russian sputnik floating over head. From that humble beginning, the UWaterloo Engineering program has been successful beyond the wildest dreams of its founders.  The curriculum and approach to engineering education has changed dramatically and will continue to do so. 

The humble mathematician who changed the course of a war and helped to build the reputation of a fledging university, is recognized

On April 20, the Retirees Association in partnership with University Relations, invited past alumni, staff and professors to a 60^th tour on campus and a luncheon.

On April 11, 2017, the University of Waterloo officially launched their Celebration 2017 Legacy Project at the Bombshelter Pub. Staff, students and professors were invited to kick-off the celebrations and encouraged to leave their legacy by participating in the design competition.

Along with the other celebratory events to mark both the University’s 60^th anniversary and Canada’s 150^th birthday, Waterloo unveiled a legacy project for student teams to re-design a creative student space in the Arts Quad — and win $10,000 cash if their final design is chosen.