Conrad School professor and Enterprise Co-op champion inspired students and entrepreneurs through mentorship, optimism and care
The University of Waterloo community is remembering Dr. Wayne Chang — an inspiring teacher, mentor and entrepreneurial champion whose optimism, creativity and compassion helped shape generations of students and founders.
An associate professor in the Faculty of Engineering’s Conrad School of Entrepreneurship and Business and coordinator of the Enterprise Co-op (E Co-op) program, Chang passed away suddenly on October 30, 2025.
Beloved by students and colleagues alike, Chang was known for his infectious positivity and unwavering dedication to helping others realize their potential. He fostered a culture of creativity, collaboration and confidence that continues to define the Conrad School and the Faculty of Engineering.
“Wayne was one of the most beautiful human beings I have ever met,” says Dr. Mary Wells, dean of Engineering. “He embodied everything we hope a professor will be, and our students absolutely adored him. He radiated a positive, infectious energy that uplifted everyone around him. Wayne made us all better — students, colleagues and friends alike.”
A life dedicated to teaching and entrepreneurship
A proud Waterloo alum (BSc ’87, Physics), Chang earned his MEngSc and PhD from Western University before returning to his alma mater in 2012 to teach at the Conrad School.
He quickly became known for his energy in the classroom and his deep commitment to students, earning Waterloo’s Distinguished Teacher Award in 2018 — a testament to his passion for experiential learning and mentorship.
As a lecturer, co-op coordinator and later associate professor (teaching stream), he helped shape the Enterprise Co-op (E Co-op) program into a defining feature of Waterloo’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Chang (centre) with a group of his students.
Chang taught courses such as BET 300: Foundations of Venture Creation and BET 608: Business Model Validation, encouraging students to embrace experimentation and iteration as part of the learning process. His classes routinely became transformative experiences for aspiring founders.
“I honestly think I learned more through Foundations of Venture Creation and Enterprise Co-op than I did through my entire undergrad up to that point,” says Andrew Leest, a former student and manager of venture growth for TechAlliance of Southwestern Ontario.
“Wayne enables students to discover utility in their existing knowledge by creating a venture. You become so driven to build something successful that you learn much more, much faster, and in ways that expand beyond the classroom.”
Mentorship beyond the classroom
Beyond the classroom, Chang’s mentorship shaped hundreds of student ventures and connected founders to Waterloo’s wider innovation network. Through his leadership in E Co-op, he guided pitch competitions, built lasting partnerships and helped young entrepreneurs turn ideas into impact.
Esteban Veintimilla — a former student who completed BETS and Enterprise Co-op as an undergraduate, later earned his part-time MBET and returned to the Conrad School as the BETS program coordinator and manager, outreach and international programs — says Chang’s influence was deeply personal.
“Wayne gave without ever expecting anything in return,” Veintimilla says. “He noticed what people and the community needed and quietly did the right thing. As my professor, first mentor, colleague and friend, he made you believe in yourself. His BET 300 class changed my life.”
Reflecting on Chang’s passing, Veintimilla adds, “The world would have truly benefited from a few more decades of Wayne Chang.”
An enduring influence
Throughout his career, Chang was admired for his empathy, humility and unwavering commitment to students. He created spaces where learners from every background felt seen, supported and celebrated.
Chang often reminded his students that 'the future is bright'. That optimism continues to guide the Conrad School and the communities he helped build. His influence endures in the ventures launched, the mentorship he inspired and the culture of creativity and compassion he helped define at Waterloo.
Chang (bottom right) acts out his signature phrase 'the future is bright' with his students on the steps of Engineering 5.
“Wayne never said no when asked to help,” Wells says. “His only condition was that it would not take him away from engaging with students. He poured his heart into E Co-op, and because of him, so many young founders found the confidence to start ventures that shaped who they would become.
Wayne drew students from every background, every personality, every identity by creating spaces where they felt safe, valued and celebrated for exactly who they were. He will be deeply missed.”
Honouring Wayne’s legacy
In celebration of Wayne's life and legacy, members of the community are welcome to make a gift to the University of Waterloo's Wayne Chang Memorial Fund.
The Conrad School of Entrepreneurship and Business is gathering memories, reflections and condolences for a public memorial page. Share yours by emailing the Conrad School.
Feature image: Wayne Chang claps along at a pitch competition. All photos supplied by the Conrad School of Entrepreneurship and Business.
