A Waterloo couple reflects on the campus that shaped their careers, their values, and their love story
Most alumni visit campus to relive memories, but for Candy Cheung (BES ’09) and Emmanuel Poon (BA ’10) Waterloo became the setting for something new. When they got engaged, they chose the campus where they first met as the backdrop for their milestone.
“We travelled all the way from Hong Kong to visit family and attend my sister’s graduation, and we thought, why not add a trip to Waterloo. It felt meaningful to us.”
Cheung and Poon first crossed paths through mutual friends during their studies. Each of them had arrived on campus driven by distinct passions: Cheung’s commitment to animal welfare and the environment led her to the Faculty of Environment, while Poon’s interest in finance and business drew him to the Faculty of Arts.
“The academic experiences we went through together created shared values that we hold deeply,” she says. “Navigating an intense, high-quality academic environment together fostered resilience, mutual support and a deep sense of partnership that continues to influence who we are today.”
While at school, the couple got their first puppy Momo. A smart, grey poodle they walked around Ring Road and who witnessed their journey from teenagers to working adults.
“We brought him back to Hong Kong after we graduated. He is a family member that we hold dearly in our heart even though he crossed the rainbow bridge at the age of 16,” Cheung says.
A couple of years ago the family relocated back to Canada and now live in the GTA. Both have found fulfilling careers in the fields they studied, Candy as a sustainability program manager and Emmanuel as a senior business risk analyst.
No matter where life has taken them, the couple have kept their connection with the University. From attending chapter events in Hong Kong and Toronto to making several visits back to campus, they have stayed engaged.
“We came back two years ago to revisit the buildings, classrooms and see if the restaurants we liked are still there,” Cheung says. “It looks so different to us!”
On their last visit to campus, the couple decided to look for their old graduation photos. While Cheung was able to find hers, Poon had no such luck. The two had quite the detour trying to locate it and luckily bumped into a staff member who was able to help.
Looking ahead, Candy and Emmanuel plan to spend the coming year bringing their second dog Muimui to more places, capturing photos and building memories together.
“Waterloo will always hold a special place in our hearts because it’s where we met and where so much of our personal growth began. The school shaped how we think, problem-solve, and face challenges — both in our day to day and the workplace. As a 'loo grad, it's a joy and pride to call University of Waterloo home.”
Cheung and Poon chose the campus where they first met as the backdrop for their engagement photos.
Photo credit: Rothbauer Studio
