Our top 10 inspiring alumni stories of 2021
Check out these stories of Waterloo alumni who lead, empower and inspire others
Check out these stories of Waterloo alumni who lead, empower and inspire others
By Yelda Safi Current student, Office of Advancement co-opAnother challenging year couldn’t stop Waterloo alumni from shining.
Around the world, our talented graduates are smashing glass ceilings, breaking Guinness records, pursuing cancer research and more. Keep reading to discover some of the most inspiring alumni stories of 2021.
From helping stroke victims through STEM research to taking climate action, read about seven Waterloo women who are challenging gender stereotypes and making an impact in the world.
As a gym owner, Nick Anapolsky (BA ’14) took motivating his clients to the next level and broke a Guinness world record. Take note of his helpful tips for a successful fitness routine.
It’s never too late to get a university degree. In this piece, Carolyn Muir Helfenstein (BIS ’13) shares her life’s story from childhood to graduating from Waterloo at age 73.
Anetta Ille (BSc ’19) was diagnosed with cancer at the age of three. Today, she and her brother Alex Ille (BSc ’15) are pursuing biomedical research to help other children diagnosed with life-threatening diseases.
Starting a company was the last thing on Helen Huang’s (BSc ’17) mind. On the other hand, it was Sefunmi Osinaike’s (BASc ’17) dream. Plug in your earbuds and listen to their unconventional entrepreneurial story in this podcast episode.
Eric Celentano (BSc ’79) received life-saving surgery in 2018. In this piece, Eric shares why he decided to give back by including Waterloo in his will.
Learn how the theatre program at Waterloo prepared Chris Goddard (BA ’01) for a successful career as a beer entrepreneur.
Working in the non-profit sector is a very rewarding and impactful experience. Read how donors like John Hamilton (BA ’73) make this possible for charities and co-op students.
Can you think of the one person who made the biggest impact during your years at Waterloo? Hear from four different alumni as they reflect on their time at university and highlight the Waterloo community member who made a difference in their student experience.
Former Warriors quarterback Greg Somerville (BA ‘78) shares how he used his experience from the football field to build a successful business career post-graduation, and why he gave a generous gift to support student-athletes today.
Murray Shaw (BSc ’66, PhD ’71) was a passionate student-athlete and biochemistry student. Decades later, he leaned on those interests in his battle with cancer.
You can’t keep a good school down. In the middle of a pandemic, Waterloo alumni continue to connect, teach and inspire.
Arjun Moorthy (BASc '99) speaks on sensationalism, bias and being a good news consumer
The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is co-ordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.