For years, Edwin Yang has kept a notebook of ideas for technology that could make life better for people around the world.
“Learning about all the genius ways in which people create machines to help increase efficiency, and how inventions impact the quality of life, really inspires me,” he says.
Edwin knew as early as Grade 9 that Waterloo’s computer science program was the place where he could bring his ideas to life. But he worried about the cost.
“Attending university was a significant financial burden on my family,” he says. And while he knew co-op could help him pay for university, his lack of work experience made him wonder if employers would hire him.
Teaching philanthropy by acting and doing
Brian (BMath ’79) and Janis (BA ’79) Traquair want to make a Waterloo education accessible for bright students like Edwin, who might not otherwise be able to afford it.
For these high school sweethearts, their experience at the University helped to shape their lives, leading to successful careers and lasting relationships.
“We made lifelong friends at Waterloo,” Janis says, remembering how the close-knit community in her Honours French program helped her cope with first-year homesickness. “And we felt that we had received a good, thorough education that prepared us for what came after.”
Today, Brian has retired from the software industry; he now advises financial technology start-ups and provides pro-bono consulting to the not-for-profit sector. Janis is active in their Toronto neighbourhood and church community.
The couple started a charitable foundation as a way, Brian says, “to teach philanthropy by acting and doing.” The foundation assists children, youth and women to overcome poverty, abuse and neglect.
We didn’t want [the award] just to be an entry grant. We wanted to create something substantial that would help students get through most of their education.
BRIAN TRAQUAIR (BMATH ’79)
“We wanted to show our kids that if you’ve got these advantages, you need to do something productive and helpful,” Janis says.
Grateful for the education that helped them build fulfilling lives and assist others, the couple also created the Traquair Family Scholarships for Math and Arts. These awards are particularly generous because they support students all through their undergraduate studies.
“We didn’t want it just to be an entry grant. We wanted to create something substantial that would help students get through most of their education,” Brian says.
Becoming a forward thinker
“When I realized that I had received the Traquair scholarship, I was completely overwhelmed,” Edwin says. “I didn't expect to be blessed in such a way, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to go to university and really focus on my studies and learning.”
Not only did the scholarship relieve Edwin’s financial burden, it also allowed him to enter a co-op stream in which he’ll complete three academic terms before his initial work term. He feels this option will allow him to build his knowledge and professional skills in preparation for his first co-op job.
I’m so grateful for the opportunity to go to university and really focus on my studies and learning.
EDWIN YANG, Award recipient
“I hope to gain the experience required to enter the workforce a prepared and proficient programmer and forward thinker,” Edwin says. “I think the next generation of computer programmers will have an enormous impact, using technology to raise the standard of living across the world and deal with global issues.”
Thanks to the opportunities that Brian and Janis Traquair’s generosity have made possible, some of the ideas in Edwin’s notebook may soon be a reality — and the world will be a better place.
For years, Edwin Yang has kept a notebook of ideas for technology that could make life better for people around the world.
Brian (BMath ’79) and Janis (BA ’79) Traquair want to make a Waterloo education accessible for bright students like Edwin, who might not otherwise be able to afford it.
