Faculty of Mathematics | Spring 2021 Virtual Convocation
The University of Waterloo is proud to honour the many accomplishments of our 2021 faculty of mathematics graduates and will mark this milestone with a virtual convocation ceremony on June 18, 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. ET.
- Graduates will hear from the University of Waterloo Chancellor, President, Provost and the Dean
- Degrees will be virtually conferred, and a presentation of graduate names will be showcased on-screen
- Special awards and honours will be presented
- The valedictorian will address the class of 2021
Graduands, family, friends and the University community are invited to attend. Please RSVP in advance so you don't miss the celebration.
Recent alumni events
This family-friendly event showcased a unique side of the University of Waterloo’s Faculty of Mathematics. The Rubik’s Cube—the world’s best-selling puzzle toy—was the focus of the event as participants were able to improve their cubing skills with math!
Alumnus Erik Demaine (MMath '96, PhD '02) shared the mathematics behind the Rubik’s Cube to reveal an efficient algorithm for solving cubes in any state. Afterwards, Michael Shao (BCS '14), Chris Quattrociocchi (BSc '14) and Sarah Strong (BMath '15) shared the history of the University of Waterloo’s Rubik’s Cube Club.
This event also featured alumni Michael Shao (BCS '14), Sarah Strong (BMath '15), Kevin Matthews (BMath '16) and Bill Wang (BMath '21), who facilitated breakout rooms for various skill levels. Participants were able to select a breakout room based on their confidence in their skills and learned how math could make them better cubers.
Event recording will be available soon on the Math YouTube Channel.
International Women in Mathematics Day Webinar (May 10, 2021)
In celebration of International Women in Math Day, Women in Math Committee and Math Racial Equity Committee presented a webinar discussion with Dr. Susama Agarwala, Mathematician and machine learning researcher.
Title: The problem with role models
Speaker: Dr. Susama Agarwala
Abstract: In this talk, she presented findings on the extent of the biases faced by women in academia. Furthermore, she presented a model that explains that a few women being able to break the glass ceiling is evidence of how deep the systematic biases are, not merely a sign of progress.
WWIN Webinar Series: Creating Your Own Path - Opportunities, Sustainability and Lessons through COVID-19 (March 24, 2021)
In this fireside chat we sit down with two inspiring leaders – Joanne McKinley (BMath'00, MMath'02), Waterloo’s 2020 J.W. Graham Medal in Computing and Innovation recipient and Director of Software Development at Google, and Sandra Banks, Vice-President, University Relations at Waterloo – as we discuss the impact and changes COVID-19 has had on women in the workforce. As an advocate for work-life balance, Joanne talks candidly about her experiences gaining increasing responsibility in her career while prioritizing family.
Introduced by Sophie Janszen-Spitman, WWIN student member and representative of the Women in Mathematics Committee, this conversation aimed to inspire students and alumni at all stages of their career to create their own paths, be a role model for others and not be afraid to ask for changes in their workplace that will benefit not just women, but all employees.
March Virtual Open House (March 20, 2021)
The March Virtual Open House provided an opportunity for prospective students to learn more about the University of Waterloo. With the option to stay for the entire time or drop in for specific sessions, students were able to tailor their experience to meet their needs while exploring their interests.
Presentations ranged from programs, co-op, student life, financing your education, housing and many more. Through general and academic sessions, students were able to chat with professors, staff and current students about their questions. In addition, the presentations offered by the Faculty of Mathematics sparked interest in many participants and drew in an overall total of 2363 attendees.
