On April 23, the University of Waterloo community gathered with partners and community members at the Royal Ontario Museum to celebrate the distinguished career of Dr. Vivek Goel, the university’s seventh president and vice-chancellor, as he prepares to complete his term.
The evening brought together alumni, donors, community leaders, and friends to reflect on President Goel’s decades-long commitment to advancing education, research, innovation, and public health in Canada and beyond. More than a retrospective, the event highlighted the enduring impact of his leadership at Waterloo and the role of partnership and collaboration in shaping the university’s future. (A campus event for the internal University of Waterloo community to celebrate the president will be held in June.)
The celebration also served as a fundraising event in support of the President Vivek Goel Tribute Fund, which will advance Waterloo initiatives at the intersection of health, technology, and society—priorities that have defined President Goel’s career.
Tributes throughout the evening reflected shared themes of principled leadership, humility, and a long‑term commitment to the institution’s future.
Elder Myeengun Henry, Indigenous Knowledge Keeper, reflected on President Goel’s commitment to reconciliation and Indigenization at Waterloo. He expressed gratitude for Vivek’s willingness to listen, build relationships, and take action, noting that the journey begun under his leadership has positioned the university well for what comes next.
Former Waterloo Chancellor Dominic Barton recalled first meeting President Goel and being struck by his deliberateness, composure, and selflessness. He described a leader for whom every sentence was purposeful, shaped by careful listening and thoughtful questions—qualities that proved especially critical during the height of the COVID‑19.
Longtime colleague and friend Rose Patten, former Chancellor of the University of Toronto, spoke to President Goel’s principled leadership and steady stewardship across institutions. Jagdeep Singh Bachher, Chancellor of the University of Waterloo, reflected on President Goel’s belief in universities as engines of opportunity and life‑changing impact. He emphasized Goel’s rare ability to honour Waterloo’s traditions while pressing the institution to think boldly about its future.
Board Chair Murray Gamble shared that President Goel led with modesty, determination, and a strong sense of the greater good—serving as a steady, stabilizing force for the university, even on its toughest days.
Additional reflections and a tribute video featuring partners, donors, and government leaders reinforced these themes, highlighting President Goel’s clarity of purpose, collaborative leadership style, and steady presence during challenging times.
In his own remarks, President Goel expressed heartfelt gratitude to the many colleagues, partners, and supporters who had shaped his journey and made the evening possible, while acknowledging the collective effort behind the President Vivek Goel Tribute Fund.
“I am deeply grateful to this community—to everyone who has worked alongside me, challenged me, and supported our shared work,” Goel said. “None of what we’ve accomplished has been possible without collaboration, partnership, and a shared commitment to the greater good.”
The University of Waterloo extends sincere thanks to all who attended and supported the evening, as well as to its many generous sponsors. Gold sponsors RBC and CAIVAN, and bronze sponsors Transit Petroleum and Intact, played a vital role in making the celebration possible.
As President Goel concludes his term, the evening served as both a heartfelt expression of gratitude and a forward-looking commitment to the work ahead—ensuring that his legacy continues through the students, researchers, and partners who are shaping Waterloo’s global futures.
Thank you to our sponsors
Gold partners
Bronze partners
