Future students

Friday, September 13, 2024

Overcoming tragedy to achieve greatness

by Darren McAlmont , Waterloo Magazine

Triumph after tragedy, loss and grief are perhaps all the core elements needed for a compelling sports movie script. But scoring a championship-winning shot with just two seconds to spare on the clock sealed the 1974-75 Warriors Men’s Basketball team’s legacy as one of the best to ever play.

After experiencing profound loss, the team went through the entire season undefeated, thanks to the incredible talent and uncontested tenacity of the student-athletes, Don McCrae, the head coach of the team and the incredible support of the Waterloo community.

Friday, September 13, 2024

Seizing happiness through adversity

by Jordan Flemming, Waterloo Magazine

Brian Orend stands outside smiling at the camera
For Dr. Brian Orend (BA ’94), a professor of philosophy and Waterloo alum, the quest for happiness has been both a professional endeavour and a personal journey.

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.

Friday, September 13, 2024

Turning evergreen dreams into reality

by Chantal Vallis , Waterloo Magazine

“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 hope family stands in a pen with a donkey and goats

Friday, September 13, 2024

A Waterloo legacy 40 years in the making

by Matthew King (he/him) , Waterloo Magazine

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.

Friday, September 13, 2024

Dreaming in colour

by Melodie Roschman, Waterloo Magazine

“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.

Friday, September 13, 2024

Six crises, countless solutions: Roadmaps to a better future

by Jordan Flemming, University Relations

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.

Wednesday, September 11, 2024

Co-op + entrepreneurship = Waterloo innovation

by Jordan Flemming, University Relations

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 and Nada Basir

Margaret Dalziel, professor emerita and Nada Basir, professor of strategic management at Conrad School of Business and Entrepreneurship

Tuesday, September 10, 2024

Announcing the 2024 Tech Horizons Executive Forum

by Emma Pavlovich, WatSPEED

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.

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.

Friday, September 6, 2024

Build what you believe in at Velocity 

by University Relations

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.