Alumni events

We are virtual and connecting globally!

Women and Wealth: How women are changing the economy, wealth management and giving
(November 18, 2021)
wwin logo with headshots of two women

On November 18th, 2021,  we sat down for an engaging virtual discussion with uWaterloo’s Faculty of Mathematics’ alumni Milica Stojanovic (BMath ’11), Director, Investment Management at CI Investments and Selma Sahin (BMath ’77), Independent Knowledge Management Consultant.

Introduced by Tiana Zhao, Waterloo Women's Impact Network (WWIN) student member and representative of the Women in Mathematics Committee (WiM), this conversation aimed to bust the myth that women aren’t financially savvy. They also talked about the changing face of wealth and legacy planning and encouraged women to implement a mindset of success when it comes to their finances.

Pod Cast: Going Pro

(February 3, 2022)
headshot of woman smiling with arms in the air
Lisa Bentley (BMath ’92) explains how she became a professional triathlete, and how a genetic lung disease gave her purpose. Listen to her story...

WWIN Speed Networking

(March 2, 2022)
WWIN poster speed mentoring event
On March 2nd, 2022, Waterloo’s Women’s Impact Network hosted a speed mentoring event where alumni and friends learned from and networked with WINN members – brilliant female Math alumni and allies – who are working across sectors and have advanced in competitive and top-preforming industries.


WiM International Women's Day Walk

(March 8, 2022)
two girls walking outside
On March 8th, 2022, Women in Math (WIM) invited everyone to come celebrate International Women’s Day. Everyone was welcome to refreshments at the UW Egg fountain followed by a scenic group walk.

International Women's Day Event

(March 8, 2022)
purple banner with a women crossing her hands

Tuesday, March 8th marked International Women’s Day, a global observance that celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

The University of Waterloo recognized the day through a virtual International Women’s Day keynote and panel discussion. Together, we explored new opportunities to engage women and racialized communities in our post-pandemic economy, examined the values that help us all flourish, and investigated how work and health systems can respond to our quickly changing environments.

We heard from President and vice-chancellor Vivek Goel and other campus leaders, who were joined by the following speakers:

  • Keynote speaker and moderator Emily Mills, founder of How She Hustles, one of Canada’s leading influencer brands for diverse women leaders and entrepreneurs. Emily has been recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women and 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women, garnering recognition from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and a meet-and-greet with former US First Lady Michelle Obama.
  • Nada Basir, assistant professor at the Conrad School of Business and Entrepreneurship in the Faculty of Engineering, whose research examines how gender inequalities emerge, their impact, and the role of entrepreneurs in bringing about social change.
  • Carla Fehr, associate professor in UWaterloo’s Gender and Social Justice program within the Faculty of Arts, who explores the values, practices and structures that constitute workplace culture.
  • Ellen MacEachen, professor with the School of Public Health Sciences in the Faculty of Health, who examines how the design and performance of work and health systems can be improved and adapted to our fast changing economic, social and technological environments.

The event was hosted by Sandra Banks, Vice-President, University Relations with remarks provided by: 

  • Vivek Goel, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Waterloo
  • Jean Becker, Associate Vice-President, Indigenous Relations, University of Waterloo
  • Benjamin Easton, President, Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association, University of Waterloo

We came together to cultivate a spirit of radical optimism about our future.  


Masters of Quantitative Finance (MQF) Alumni Career Panel

(March 11, 2022)
banner with 3 headshots
On March 11th, 2022, we explored different career paths people can take after graduation. We listened to four esteemed Masters of Quantitative Finance alumni who have shared their stories and answered any burning questions about next steps. More details...


Pi Day Pie Making Class - Toronto Chapter

(March 14, 2022)
toronto city skyline in gold
On March 14th, 2022, the Toronto Alumni Chapter celebrated Pi(e) Day by, of course, making pies! This interactive session took attendees through the process of making hand pies. Hand pies, are miniature pies that are made by cutting your pie dough into a shape, putting the filling in the center between two dough pieces and sealing the edges. Attendees watched and baked along, asking questions and taking notes for future baking plans.

All ages and baking skill levels were welcome. Recipe e-booklet, shopping list and instructions were shared with registrants in advance.

About our hosts

Mari-Beth Davis (BA '99) has always had a passion for baking. In 2020 she completed her Cooks Basic - Level 1 diploma from Liaison College. While her full-time job is at the University in the Office of Advancement, she is an avid baker and cook and during the pandemic began offering online culinary classes with partner Donna as a way to bring fellow foodie's together to nerd out about all things food.

Donna Shin works in Co-operative & Experiential Education at UWaterloo as an account manager where she works closely with employers to recruit talented Waterloo co-op students. She is also an avid baker and has an online blog showcasing various cooking and baking recipes.


Annual Dean’s Lecture in Hong Kong & Pi Day Celebration

(March 14, 2022)

pink math building and campus banner

On March 14th, 2022, we celebrated Pi Day with an exclusive update and conversation about how the University of Waterloo is positioning itself to play an important role in meeting the world's current and future health challenges with the Faculty of Mathematics Dean, Mark Giesbrecht

The Dean showcased the vision for the Faculty and our commitment to our international alumni, especially those in Hong Kong and the surrounding area. #DeansLectureHK

“Mathematics that cure us”, a lecture exploring the roles mathematics can play in drug discovery and development and in our ongoing health by Dr. Anita Layton, Canada 150 Research Chair in Mathematical Biology and Medicine, and Professor of Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Pharmacy and Biology at the University of Waterloo.

SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, was first identified in December 2019. By December 11th, 2020, the Pfizer vaccine became the first to receive emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration. Creating a vaccine in under a year is no small feat. While the coronavirus pandemic made a new normal of mask-wearing and physical distancing, it showcased the crucial role of vaccine research. What roles can mathematics play in drug discovery and development---and in keeping us healthy?

Pi Day on Campus

(March 14, 2022)
two females standing side by side holding onto individual pies

On Monday, March 14 at 1:59 pm the MathSoc Office, located on the 3rd floor in MC, gave out free pie to celebrate every mathies' favourite holiday Pi DAY!


Upcoming Events and Celebrations:

 

International Women in Mathematics Day

(May 12, 2022)
headshot of young woman with short dark hair
Women in Math at the University of Waterloo recognizes and supports the new initiative to celebrate Women in Mathematics around the world on May 12th

May 12th marks the birthdate of the late female mathematician, Maryam Mirzakhani. She was an Iranian mathematician and a Professor of Mathematics at Stanford University.

Her beautiful and astonishing results and her life and career are an inspiration for everyone, women and men, to pursue their dreams in science.

In 2014, Maryam Mirzakhani became the first woman to be awarded the Fields Medal for her outstanding contributions to the dynamics and geometry of Riemann surfaces and their moduli spaces. She died tragically from cancer in 2017 at the early age of 40.

Tribute to Maryam Mirzakhani by the American Mathematical Society

You can read more about the activities for this occasion here.

"May 12th is a joyful opportunity for the mathematical community to celebrate women in mathematics. The celebration takes place every year, all around the world...The goal of the day is to inspire women everywhere to celebrate their achievements in mathematics and to encourage an open, welcoming and inclusive work environment for everybody," 

#May12 #WomenInMaths #WomenInMath #May12WIM

A 20-minute film on Journeys of Women in Math

This film has been created by the IMU Committee for Women in Mathematics, filmed and edited by Micro-Documentaries, and all made possible by a grant from the Simons Foundation. For more information on the film, please see here. Showing of this movie is free   


Alumni Weekend

(June 4, 2022)
black and white math photos

Join us on Saturday, June 4th, 2022, for a very special hybrid version of Alumni Weekend. The day will include self-guided faculty tours, family fun activities, learning opportunities, updates about the Faculty of Mathematics and the celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the Mathematics Business Double Degree Program. Register today! More details to come in early April 2022.

What's Happening Across Campus!
 

Double Degree Program 20th Anniversary Celebration 

(June 4, 2022)
math business double degree seal logo

The University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University are proud that we have crossed another milestone in the history of the Double Degree program. In 2021, we celebrated 20 fabulous years!

Join us in person on Saturday, June 4 for a celebratory cocktail reception. Mix and mingle with fellow classmates, current students and program faculty members.

Door Prizes! Complimentary Appetizers! Cash Bar! Register today! More details to come in early April 2022.


2020/2021 Convocation

(June 11 & 12, 2022)
2022 convocation banner with UW mace

After much anticipation, we are pleased to announce we are hosting in-person Convocation Celebrations.

Although you have already officially graduated and received your diploma, this is your moment to return to campus, participate in a traditional ceremony, and celebrate with your classmates and supporters. We recognize that celebrating these monumental moments in person were paused for you, and we are excited to welcome you back to campus now that it is safe to do so. Event Details!


2022 Convocation

(June 17, 2022)
2022 convocation banner with mace

 

Convocation is a special time to celebrate. We look forward to seeing you at an upcoming ceremony.

The University of Waterloo hosts two convocations per year (spring and fall), in the Physical Activities Complex (PAC) on campus. Convocation involves a meeting of the whole University community at which symbols are displayed, participants wear special attire to emphasize their official roles, and speakers share their wisdom and the values that the University seeks to teach.

The highlight of convocation occurs when graduating students receive their academic hoods, are called to the stage by name, and are presented with their official diplomas. Approximately 7,384 bachelor's degrees, 351 doctoral degrees, and 2,139 master's degrees are awarded from our University each year.

Don't miss the opportunity to be a part of the Waterloo tradition! Event Details!