Pi Day-A Global Celebration

HAPPY PI DAY!

On March 14 (3.14), we celebrated the mathematical constant that has inspired curiosity, discovery and a shared love of mathematics around the world.

Pi Day is a wonderful reminder of the creativity, community and impact that mathematics brings to our lives.

As part of the festivities, we handed out 130 pies across eight regions: Waterloo, Toronto, Ottawa, Vancouver, Seattle, San Francisco, New York and Hong Kong.

We also asked alumni to join in the celebration by reflecting on their own Waterloo Math stories.

We asked: "When you think back on your time here, what moments, spaces and people shaped you most, and how did they influence the direction your life has taken? "

Here are their stories...

Wallace Hui, BMath'08

My favourite UW Math memory is, of course, all the Pi Day events took place all over the old traditional MC building and the DC Library, where most "mathies" were around, especially the free pie giveaway in the foyer on the 3^rd floor of the MC building out the little cafeteria.

The new M3 building did not exist at my time at UW, but I wish to visit it some time in the future.

Maryam Yalsavar, MMath'23

My time in the Faculty of Mathematics at the University of Waterloo has been shaped by several meaningful experiences and people.

One of the most valuable opportunities was mentoring students through programs such as Women in Mathematics, which allowed me to develop leadership skills while supporting younger students in their academic journeys.

The faculty also frequently hosted guest professors and well-known scholars from different fields, giving us the chance to hear about cutting-edge research and interact with inspiring experts up close. In addition, the many competitions, workshops, and academic gatherings created a fun yet challenging environment that encouraged curiosity and intellectual growth.

Most importantly, working with my supervisor and research group had a lasting impact on me. Many evenings we worked late into the night, fully devoted to learning, discussing ideas and helping one another solve difficult problems. That sense of collaboration and dedication made my experience both rewarding and transformative.

Math Alumni Celebrating Pi Day!

$woman standing and smiling with pie$

Susan Liu, BMath'02 - Thanks so much! Greatly enjoyed the pie. Really look forward every year to this event.

$8 people sitting around a table eating pie$

Randy Hoffman, MMath '98 - Thanks so much! We very much enjoyed the pie on Saturday, and I’ve attached a picture with the proof!

$apple pie$

Sara Cressman, BMath'21 - An apple pie on Pi Day to warm us up on a snowy day!

$man standing and smiling holding a pie$

Alan Lok, BMath'03

$man standing with a pie$

Zijun Ding, BMath'23 - Many thanks for the delicious pie! I shared the pie with my fellow math PhD students at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and it was highly praised.

$a pie with candles$

Shea Caradozo, BMath'21- We celebrated Pi Day at the University of Waterloo Deception Board Games Club!

$Man standing holding a pie$

David Boettcher BMath'80 - Thanks again for the pie!

$half of a pie$

Leon Avery, PhD'20- Here's my π day pie, after the consumption of π radians.

$3 people sitting at a table eating pie$

Antonio Pepe, MMT'18 - My family and i celebrating pi day!

$pie and a spatula$

$pie and brown dog$

Amy Leung BMath'02- "Thank you for the pie!"

$man standing with a pie outside of a bakery$

Brydon Eastman PhD'22 the pie is as delicious as it looks!

$a man and a woman holding plates with pies on them$

Daniel Koch, BMath'00, MMath'02, Lesley MacPherson Koch, MMath'02 - Celebrating Pi Day together!

$woman standing, smiling with a pie$

Erin Rakita, BMath'03 - Celebrating Pi Day!

$3/4 of a pie with a pink tie$

Nimi Kular, BMath'19 - Thanks again for the delicious pie! I enjoyed it with my family and even found this old pink tie that I think I got during frosh week in 2000! A fun time going back through old memories. Appreciate this fun way to celebrate!