News

The 30^th annual Graduate Leisure Research Symposium was held in person on May 4, 2023 under the theme “Back to the future – what matters in Rec and Leisure.” The invited keynote speaker was Mac Ross, Assistant Professor of Sport Management at Western University. Professor Ross uses his research to advocate for equity and justice within the Canadian sport system. The keynote lecture was supported by the Lyle S. Hallman Professorial Endowment.

Congratulations to Zara Rafferty for being awarded the Distinguished Teacher Award, 2023!

Congratulations to Dr. Lisbeth Berbary, associate professor in Recreation and Leisure Studies (RLS), for being selected as the 2022 recipient of the Faculty of Health Teaching Award!

The University of Waterloo ranked 21 in the world and first in Canada in the hospitality and tourism management subject rankings compiled by the Academic Ranking of World Universities (Shanghai) subject rankings.

Research in Waterloo’s Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies is making transformative change by identifying barriers that exist, helping to usher in a more diverse membership in a wide range of sports and recreation activities.

Luke Potwarka, Associate Professor in Recreation and Leisure Studies and Director of the Spectator Experience and Technology (SEAT) Lab, is working with a collaboration between University of Waterloo and the University of Warwick (United Kingdom). The collaborative team is focused on ways that Esports can contribute positively to student experiences, student learning, research impact, and community development in higher education. 

Tre Ford, a fourth-year Recreation and Sport Business student and Waterloo Warriors varsity football quarterback, received the Hec Crighton Trophy given annually to the most outstanding Canadian football player in university sports by U Sports, the national governing body in Canadian university sport.