Orend’s experiences with illness inspired his book Seizure the Day: Living a Happy Life with Illness, which reveals how his philosophical insights have shaped his understanding of happiness, resilience and the human condition.
“It looks like a hallmark movie!”
For many, Hope Christmas Tree Farm is not just beautiful but a cherished holiday destination. It is a place where families gather to select the perfect tree and create lasting memories. Yet, behind this picturesque farm is a story of resilience, passion and a deep-rooted love for the land, embodied by its owners, Rebecca and Dan Hope (BES ’97).
The University of Waterloo has profoundly shaped every aspect of Ruhuni de Alwis’s (BA ’89, BMath ’89) life, from career foundation to personal relationships.
Through Waterloo’s co-op program, de Alwis built a thriving career, met her partner, Barry Matsui (BMath ’89) and forged lifelong friendships. But when de Alwis first arrived on campus in 1984, she was uncertain about her future.
“Kids today seem to have a clearer idea of what to expect, but back then, it was a leap of faith,” she said.
“It’s hard to be creative when you’re afraid,” muralist Stephanie Boutari (BAS ’11, MArch ’14) reflected. Today, Boutari is a successful artist, and her colourful murals appear in commercial and public spaces across Ontario. However, her journey to this point has been a long and winding one as she gained the confidence to pursue her true passion.
The University of Waterloo is dedicated to solving complex global challenges through research excellence and deep industry and community partnerships. Waterloo focuses on transforming societies, economies, technologies, sustainability and health for a thriving future. The "Solving the crisis" series takes an in-depth look at six of some of the most pressing challenges facing humanity today, ranging from climate change to housing affordability.
The University of Waterloo has long been renowned for entrepreneurship and innovation and for providing co-operative education (co-op) and work-integrated learning at scale with impact.
Margaret Dalziel, professor emerita and Nada Basir, professor of strategic management at Conrad School of Business and Entrepreneurship
As technology increasingly transforms business strategy, it is crucial for senior leaders to stay ahead of the curve.
The University of Waterloo’s Tech Horizons Executive Forum, brought to you by WatSPEED and hosted by CIBC, returns this year to equip executives with the insights and tools needed to thrive in a world increasingly driven by technology. This year’s event will take place on November 26 at CIBC Square in Toronto.
“I come from a culture where it always takes an entire village to raise a child, where the Ubuntu philosophy is central: I am because we are,” says Dean Alexie Tcheuyap responding to the Proustian question about happiness. “You cannot be happy in an ocean of tragedy and despair. Humanities help us to be better and more human.”
The University of Waterloo has again been ranked the best amongst Canadian universities for producing successful entrepreneurs with undergraduate degrees, according to the 2024 PitchBook university rankings.
If you believe in an idea, you can build it. Every term, Velocity engages undergraduates, graduate students, staff and faculty from across the University of Waterloo through advisory, builder spaces and events to help you bring even the smallest idea to life.
Find out how to work with Velocity and check out events and programs this fall term.