University of Waterloo’s 60th Anniversary

Tuesday, October 10, 2017 by Eva Yang

How well do you know the University?

2017 is a tremendous year full of celebrations. Not only did we celebrate Canada’s 150^th birthday, but we are also here together to witness University of Waterloo’s 60^th anniversary. The University has gone through enormous innovations and changes in the past few decades. Let’s take some time to try the quiz below and recall some historical moments at the University of Waterloo.

1. How many students were enrolled in the first class at the University?

a) 1,000
b) 74
c) 3
d) 50

A classroom at University of Waterloo in 1957.

The correct answer is B. In 1957, there were seventy-four students who began their studies at Waterloo College Associate Faculties (the former name of the University). Today, there are 31,380 undergraduate and 5,290 graduate students studying at the University.

2. What was the first building on campus?

a) Physics
b) Mathematics
c) Chemical Engineering
d) Dana Porter Library

In progress image of the Chemical Engineering building on University of Waterloo's campus.

The correct answer is C. The chemical engineering building (as shown in the picture) was the first building to rise in 1958. The physics building came second. Today, there are more than fifty buildings on the main campus.

3. Who was the first President of the University of Waterloo?

a) David Johnston
b) James Downey
c) Douglas Wright
d) Joseph Gerald (Gerry) Hagey

Black and white image of three founding members of the University of Waterloo.

The correct answer is D. All the men named above were Presidents of the University at different times. The first President was Dr. Joseph Gerald (Gerry) Hagey (left in the picture), who also initiated the founding of the University. The success of the University of Waterloo is undoubtedly attributed to Dr. Hagey's vision and leadership during the early years.

4. What is the name of the President of the University of Waterloo who also served as the 28^th Governor General of Canada?

a) David Johnston
b) James Downey
c) Douglas Wright
d) Joseph Gerald (Gerry) Hagey

David Johnston. The answer is A. Davis Johnston became the 5^th President and Vice-Chancellor of the University in 1999. He was later appointed as Governor General by Queen Elizabeth II in 2010. The research and technology park on the north campus was named in Johnston’s honor.

5. When did the University offer its 1^st online course?

a) 1960
b) 1991
c) 1995
d) 2001

Man on a street with digital images in front of him.

The correct answer is C. Waterloo offered its first course Technical Writing in 1995. Today, Waterloo has 8 fully online undergrad programs and offers 500+ fully online courses.

To celebrate the 60th anniversary, our student desk staff have been busily creating a new series of buttons!

Seven buttons with images from the last 60 years at University of Waterloo.

Coming soon to the Circulation desks, and Library Day! Be sure to get yours.

References:
University of Waterloo: 60 Years of Innovation. Retrieved from https://uwaterloo.ca/innovation60/60-years-facts-0.

About Waterloo. Retrieved from https://uwaterloo.ca/about/who-we-are/history.

Waterloo facts. Retrieved from https://uwaterloo.ca/about/who-we-are/waterloo-facts.

Centre for Extended Learning. Retrieved from https://uwaterloo.ca/extended-learning/.

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