Community

More than 190 researchers, leaders and policymakers gathered for the second annual Quantum Connections Conference on May 1 and 2 at the Mike and Ophelia Lazaridis Quantum-Nano Centre. The conference built upon last year’s event with a focus on the potential impacts of quantum on business, government policy and security.

Dr. Norbert Lütkenhaus, executive director of IQC opened the conference by recognizing Canada's quantum community's global reputation and growth.

For University of Waterloo alumni, attending events like Reunion gives them an excuse to comb through their closets and dig out apparel from when they were students.

University jackets and sweaters are always conversation starters as alumni roam through displays at the Forever Black and Gold luncheon and other Reunion events, happening May 31 and June 1 this year.

Professor Alexie Tcheuyap will join the University of Waterloo as Dean of the Faculty of Arts for a five-year term commencing 1 July 2024. Tcheuyap succeeds Professor Sheila Ager, who has served as Dean since July 2019. 

The appointment was strongly supported by faculty and staff and has been approved by the University’s Board of Governors and Senate. 

“It won’t get any bigger than this,” says River Stanley, a fourth-year University of Waterloo student in the Computer Science program, as they reminisce about the story they uncovered with three fellow undergraduates that would go on to make national and international headlines. 

A fine arts education offers students a chance to develop skills that move off the page into the world. Whether they’re working with paint, textiles, or code, fine arts at Waterloo means hands-on discoveries, creativity, and problem-solving. And it often means engaging with and exhibiting for the public. Waterloo’s Department of Fine Arts based in East Campus Hall offers more ways for community members to experience art, on and off campus.

The mission of FIRST Robotics Canada is to promote robotics alongside science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) subjects to Canadian youth. To do this FIRST organizes robotics competitions for students from elementary to high school. Students design, build and program robots to compete in a variety of fun challenges, from shooting balls into hoops to stacking boxes. FIRST provides resources, mentorship and support to participating teams, giving them the foundation to work together and use their ingenuity to solve problems.

The University of Waterloo recently wrapped the 15th annual Teaching and Learning conference — one of the largest events dedicated to teaching and learning in higher education in Ontario.  

Held across two days with 16 online sessions, 50 presentations, six panels, five workshops and 17 posters, sessions covered topics on generative AI, engaging large classes, engaging first-year students, feedback, and integrating undergraduate and graduate students in course design. 

On May 3, the University of Waterloo community came together to observe the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S), which is annually observed on May 5, and is also known as Red Dress Day. 

University of Waterloo alumni in Canada’s capital have a new opportunity to network and build a sense of community off campus.

More than 200 alumni and friends attended the Ottawa alumni chapter launch on May 1 at the Canadian Museum of Nature.

The event featured a lively panel discussion with local experts about the quest for happiness and building community in life and work.