Chris Trothen (BMath ’75) reflects on his time as a student and prepares to reunite the Math class of 1975
For Chris Trothen (BMath ’75), being a university student was about more than classes.
“The University, in many cases, is a very special place when you are growing up ... learning how to be an adult,” said Chris. “The studies were important, but I was more interested in learning about how life worked.”
He looks back fondly on his time as a Waterloo student because of what he discovered about life, friendship and academics. It’s why he’s so passionate about coming back to campus for Reunion and getting as many alumni as possible to join him.
In 2015, with his class celebrating 40 years since they graduated, Chris volunteered to rally Math alumni to return to campus for Reunion.
“It’s nice to celebrate people,” said Chris, which is why he's doing it again this year — reaching out to former classmates to join him on campus June 6 and 7 to mark a new milestone of 50 years.
Reunion will feature special faculty programming along with open events for all alumni and guests to enjoy, including lectures, workshops, tours and the Forever Black and Gold Luncheon — a gourmet buffet lunch in Federation Hall with special celebrations for milestone anniversaries.
When Chris attended the luncheon and other Reunion events in 2015, his favourite part was the opportunity to reconnect with old friends.
“It was quite fun to have a drink and chat after the luncheon,” said Chris.
Alumni from the Math class of 1975 reunited in 2015. From left to right: Chris Trothen (BMath ’75), Brian Hughes (BMath ’75), David Emery (BMath ’75), Anu Kuutan-Emery (BMath ’75) and Lloyd Dunham (BMath ’75).
During Reunion, alumni can visit their favourite buildings to see what has changed, and that’s exactly what Chris did last time he visited.
“The Math building was pretty much like we remembered it — except the computer centre is gone from the ground floor.”
Chris was delighted to return to “the submarine”, a name newer alumni might be less familiar with. The building, currently known as the J.R. Coutts Engineering Lecture Hall (RCH), opened in 1967. Students referred to it as “the submarine” because it was largely built underground.
“It was just like I remember,” said Chris, who was thrilled to take young alumni to the building during Reunion and share its history.
In 2000, the building was renamed after a generous $7 million dollar donation to the University by Rod Coutts (BASc ’64). A few years later, additional construction on the building was completed to add above-ground floors.
Engineering Lecture Hall in 1967.
Reference: University of Waterloo Library. Special Collections & Archives. Graphic Service fonds. UWA1-87-0024-1967-67-07-18
During his stroll across campus, Chris stopped by the Student Life Centre, where he was sorry to see his favourite shop was missing: the vinyl record store.
“It was a hot spot for all students when we were in university,” said Chris, remembering all the concerts he saw on campus as a student. Of the dozen or so he attended, his favourite was an unintentionally late-night show from the band Yes.
“The band was late. They got stopped at the border so they didn’t get to campus until 11 p.m. and the concert was supposed to start at eight,” said Chris. “They didn’t get started until after midnight! It was a great concert.”
This year, Chris plans to relive memories of the lively music scene in Kitchener-Waterloo at a screening of Rock This Town. The 70-minute documentary produced by alum Betty Anne Keller (BA ’69) shows Friday, June 6, at 6:30 p.m. in the Theatre of the Arts in the Modern Languages building.
At Reunion 2025, Chris is most looking forward to bringing together old friends, including many he played intramural sports with and hasn’t seen since they were students. For Chris, Reunion is about celebrating people and remembering his experiences as a Waterloo student in the 1970s.
“It was an important part of my life.”
Robert Hughes (BMath ’76) and Chris Trothen (BMath ’75) wearing a vintage Waterloo jacket at Reunion in 2015.
