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Triumph after tragedy, loss and grief are perhaps all the core elements needed for a compelling sports movie script. But scoring a championship-winning shot with just two seconds to spare on the clock sealed the 1974-75 Warriors Men’s Basketball team’s legacy as one of the best to ever play.

After experiencing profound loss, the team went through the entire season undefeated, thanks to the incredible talent and uncontested tenacity of the student-athletes, Don McCrae, the head coach of the team and the incredible support of the Waterloo community.

Orend’s experiences with illness inspired his book Seizure the Day: Living a Happy Life with Illness, which reveals how his philosophical insights have shaped his understanding of happiness, resilience and the human condition.

“It looks like a hallmark movie!”

For many, Hope Christmas Tree Farm is not just beautiful but a cherished holiday destination. It is a place where families gather to select the perfect tree and create lasting memories. Yet, behind this picturesque farm is a story of resilience, passion and a deep-rooted love for the land, embodied by its owners, Rebecca and Dan Hope (BES ’97).

The University of Waterloo has profoundly shaped every aspect of Ruhuni de Alwis’s (BA ’89, BMath ’89) life, from career foundation to personal relationships.

Through Waterloo’s co-op program, de Alwis built a thriving career, met her partner, Barry Matsui (BMath ’89) and forged lifelong friendships. But when de Alwis first arrived on campus in 1984, she was uncertain about her future.

“Kids today seem to have a clearer idea of what to expect, but back then, it was a leap of faith,” she said.

“It’s hard to be creative when you’re afraid,” muralist Stephanie Boutari (BAS ’11, MArch ’14) reflected. Today, Boutari is a successful artist, and her colourful murals appear in commercial and public spaces across Ontario.​​ However, her journey to this point has been a long and winding one as she gained the confidence to pursue her true passion.

As technology increasingly transforms business strategy, it is crucial for senior leaders to stay ahead of the curve.

The University of Waterloo’s Tech Horizons Executive Forum, brought to you by WatSPEED and hosted by CIBC, returns this year to equip executives with the insights and tools needed to thrive in a world increasingly driven by technology. This year’s event will take place on November 26 at CIBC Square in Toronto.

“I come from a culture where it always takes an entire village to raise a child, where the Ubuntu philosophy is central: I am because we are,” says Dean Alexie Tcheuyap responding to the Proustian question about happiness.  “You cannot be happy in an ocean of tragedy and despair. Humanities help us to be better and more human.”

If you believe in an idea, you can build it. Every term, Velocity engages undergraduates, graduate students, staff and faculty from across the University of Waterloo through advisory, builder spaces and events to help you bring even the smallest idea to life.   

Find out how to work with Velocity and check out events and programs this fall term.  

For many students, university is an exciting way to propel their career whether it’s through their academic program, co-op jobs or networking. But these opportunities can also create serious pressures.

Students may develop unrealistic expectations of success, which puts their mental health at risk. It’s no longer getting a job you’re passionate about, but rather how grand the title or salary is.