Impact Stories | Waterloo News | University of Waterloo

Matt Onuska guards the net for the Waterloo Warriors

November 13, 2025

Match in play

Game-changing investment in Warriors men’s hockey will give student-athletes a competitive edge

Representatives from the Dieter Schwarz Foundation and University of Waterloo senior leaders at the gift signing

August 6, 2025

University of Waterloo launches chair in physics of information and AI

The Dieter Schwarz Foundation’s transformational gift will support a global research hub in exploratory science and technology

Top-down view of an urban neighbourhood with high- and low-rise buildings and green space

November 6, 2025

Letting go of these three myths could help build more homes

Experts at Waterloo’s “Bold Urban Futures” event shared unexpected insights for tackling Canada’s housing crisis

In line view of participants at the start of the race

August 7, 2025

Move. Run. Just have fun!

Looking back at the Fun Run, one of Waterloo’s longest-standing traditions

October 6, 2025

Groundbreaking zoologist and Waterloo alum celebrated in the newest Heritage Minute

Anne Innis Dagg was the first Western scientist to study giraffes in their natural habitat

January 24, 2019

It started with a leap of faith

All I knew was that I wanted to do something with nature.

January 21, 2019

Writing My Mother

Five years before Kathleen Venema (PhD '99) arrived at the University of Waterloo, she moved to Ndejje, a small town in south-central Uganda.

January 21, 2019

It's a big ocean

The middle of the North Atlantic is not one of the places Linda Kenyon (MA '87) ever expected to be.

January 18, 2019

Watching the earth move

The last thing Brittany Russo (BASc in progress) thought she was going to do was seismically monitor a volcano

Thank you cards for donors written by students

December 12, 2018

Alumni & friends bring their Warrior spirit to Giving Tuesday

On the heels of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday has become the unofficial opening day of the giving season. The Giving Tuesday movement is taking root around the world, in our communities, and, thanks to your thoughtful generosity, right here on our campus.

December 10, 2018

Alumnus works to reduce preventable infant and maternal mortality

Karima Ladhani (BMath ’10) began her journey in the public service and health sector as a volunteer at various institutions devoted to improving public health outcomes while an undergrad at Waterloo. Driven by interdisciplinary approaches to health, and a commitment to helping mothers and children, she founded Barakat Bundle a curated bundle of life-saving solutions and health education to support mothers and their newborns and prevent infant and maternal mortality in South Asia.

Debra Kakaria standing at a table with colleagues

December 10, 2018

How alumnus' success started with her co-op employer

When Debra Kakaria (BA ’93) began her first of several co-op work terms with MacNaughton Hermsen Britton Clarkson Planning Limited (MHBC), she had no idea that she would one day become a partner of this firm.

December 10, 2018

Waterloo Region’s jack of all trades

Alumnus Mike Farwell (BA ’97) is the host of the Mike Farwell Show on 570 News, the voice of the Kitchener Rangers, and a force in the Waterloo Region.

December 10, 2018

Getting the band back together: a giving story

When Michael Symonds (BMath ’00) talks about finding study space on the sixth floor of the Math and Computer building, it sounds like he’s letting you in on a secret. “There’s about a thousand doors,” he says, “and if you’re a student, you kind of know the four that are unlocked.”

December 10, 2018

Depression to Expression: An alumnus shares his journey

Former St. Paul’s residence don and alumnus Scott Ste Marie (BES ’13) is the host of the YouTube channel and website Depression to Expression, which explores the causes of depression and anxiety and provides proven techniques to overcome symptoms. Drawing upon his own struggles, Scott provides viewers with proven tools to combat their mental illness and provide a community of support.

December 10, 2018

Award-winning craft brewery keeps alumnus and co-op student hopping

When Steve Innocente (BSc ’96) parlayed his craft brewing hobby into an award-winning business, he also tapped into the opportunity to reconnect with Waterloo as a co-op employer, vendor, and faculty member.

December 10, 2018

Flying high with Cirque du Soleil - an alumnus’ story

Trapeze artist Xander Taylor (BSc ’09) recently joined Cirque du Soleil's show TOTEM, performing his duo trapeze act with partner Mélanie Dupuis for their European tour.