Welcome to the current residents page!
This is meant to be your one stop shop for everything Renison throughout the year. Here you will be able to see what's on the menu in the cafeteria, check out what events are coming up, submit a maintenance/personal request, and so much more.
Our team
We have lots of great people to support you this year!
| Don team | Peer leader team |
| Renisix team | Renison Academic Student Coucil team |
| Residence & Student Life Coordinator |
Don Team
| Animal | Down Under | Euphoria | FUBAR | Loft |
| Midway | Moose Crossing | Oasis | Timbuktu | Treetop |
Dons of Animal
Chris Hage (Fall)
Hi everyone! I’m Christopher Hage, and I’m the Don of Animal. I was born in Lebanon, but have lived in Abu Dhabi/Dubai for almost 11 years now. I came to Canada last year for university and am about to start second year, as an Honours Sports Business student. I am bilingual, Arabic & English, and I love to meet new people as I am social and mostly an extroverted person.
I hope Renison is for you what it was for me and so many others, a place to make new long-lasting friendships and memories, and a place to call home.
Aaron Hoyte (Winter)
Hey guys my name is Aaron Hoyte and I will be the winter Don for Animal. A few things you should know about me is that I LOVE games; video games or card games. At Renison, I am in Social Development Studies and I aspire to become a paramedic. Most of my life I’ve played football, but now enjoy spending time playing all sports. I’m always down to shoot some hoops or watch a game. Although my stature may look intimidating, I am a big teddy bear. Feel free to call me Teddy and get ready for a great year!
Don of Down Under
Melysa Torey
Originally from Ottawa, Melysa is in her third year of Honours Social Development Studies and Biology. She has been involved at Renison since living here in her first year, including acting as President of Renison Academic Student Council (RASC). She is very excited to be back at Renison and working as the Resource Don! In her spare time, Melysa loves taking part in Waterloo intramurals and dance classes, as well as just hanging out in the cafeteria!
Don of Euphoria
Sarah McCarrel
Hello! This is my second year in a row being a Don at Renison and I'm excited to be on Euphoria again! I am entering my 3rd year in Social Developments Studies, aspiring towards completing my Bachelors and Masters of Social Work. I was once a provincial gymnast and continue to coach gymnastics full-time over the summer because of my deep passion for the sport.
During my spare time, you will probably find me at the Waterloo gym, jogging around campus, or eating tons of food in the cafeteria. I’m looking forward to this year at Renison with everyone!
Don of FUBAR
Owen Lafleur
Hey, I’m Owen Lafleur. I’m the Don of Fubar for Fall and Winter of the 2017/2018 academic year. I am a second year Honours Biology student seeking a career in medicine and enjoy punishing myself by choosing difficult elective courses. I’m from a small town in rural Ontario (Dundalk) where nothing really happens, which may explain my need to constantly be doing something. When I’m not in class or studying, you can likely find me fixed to a table eating, doing something sport-related or just socializing.
Dons of Loft
Leah Hesman (Fall)
My name is Leah Hesman and I am currently in my second year of Kinesiology with the hopes of one day pursuing medicine or physiotherapy. Originally living in Windsor, I come from a large family with four older siblings and a dog named Iris. One can often find me buried within a book, playing some sort of sport or jamming out to my music (mainly country).
Phil Martin (Winter)
It’s hard to believe I will be entering my fourth year in the Biotechnology/Chartered Professional Accountancy program and my third year living at Renison this coming academic year! I love meeting new people and having meaningful conversations. I enjoy playing all kinds of sports and being active, but golf is my passion. And if you need a ping-pong partner, study buddy, or an excuse to get food, I’m your guy!
Don of Midway
Kate De Bellis
Hi! My name is Kate and I’m a fourth year Nanotechnology Engineering student from Toronto. I’m so excited to finish off my undergraduate career at Renison, where I lived as a first year! I love fitness, music and fashion, but I am a nerd at heart. I like to live by the following:
“One day your life will flash before your eyes, make sure it’s worth watching!
Dons of Moose Crossing
Amie Durston (Fall)
Amie Durston is a second year student in Bachelor of Science, Psychology (life sciences) from Ingersoll Ontario. She has always loved sports and helping others. She has spent most of her life dancing and teaching dance. Her friends consider her very caring, enthusiastic, dependable and determined. Amie’s main goal is to make sure everyone is as happy, healthy and safe as possible. After an amazing first year at Renison, she is excited to be back as the 2017-2018 fall term don of Moose Crossing.
Nik Sarin (Winter)
Nik Sarin is a third year Accounting and Financial Management student. He spent his first year at Renison on Animal. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time at the gym, and playing/watching sports, with his favourites being hockey and tennis. He has a reputation for staying up ridiculously late, so don't be afraid to walk in for a chat at 3am. His favourite books are the Harry Potter series, and he's always up for a game of ping-pong.
Dons of Oasis
Alex Racher (Fall)
Hi everyone, I’m Alex and I’m a very easy-going guy…until we start talking about hockey. Love sports, ancient history, video games and being around good people. I also enjoy deep talks and love to hear the opinions of other people and their points of view. Feel free to say hi at any time, I am very friendly and always like to make the lives of the people around me better.
Jake Rempel (Winter)
Hello! I`m Jake and I am a third year student studying Materials and Nanosciences. I love hiking, climbing, and pretty much anything outdoorsy. This will be my sixth term in Renison: I have lived in Renison for 4 terms as a student on both Animal and Oasis, and once as a spring don. If you're looking for something awesome to do this term, consider joining the DodgeBall Intramural team. Trust me, it will not disappoint. Come say hi if you see me around the caf!
Don of Timbuktu
Taya Van Der Meersch
Hello! I’m Taya VanDerMeersch and I’m from the small town of Chatham, Ontario. I will be in my second year of SDS this fall! I will be the don of Timbuktu which I’m very excited about since it was also my floor in first year! I have lots of energy and I’m very passionate about making Renison the best living experience residents can have! I love to dance, read poetry, and of course make new friends, which is why I can’t wait to get to know all the residents this year and help them make Renison their new home! #1Renison ❤
Don of Treetop
Rachel Neufeld
Hello everyone!! My name is Rachel and I am a third year, studying Law and Political Science with a Minor in Fine Art. I am a senior don, and will be donning the lovely ladies of Treetop! I can't wait to meet you all, and to help you settle into your new home. I'm sure we will make this year amazing!
Peer Leader Team
SDS Peer Leaders
Jake Baber
Justine Verburg
Hi, I’m Justine! I am in my second year of social development studies working on a social work specialization. My goal is to go into the BSW program and then become a social worker. Whenever I’m not studying or working, I love hanging out with my friends (or my dog), cooking, and cake decorating. I am so excited to start working and getting to know all of you over the next year!
WALC Peer Leaders
Natasha Symons
Sam Warner
My name is Samantha, I’m going into my third year of Kinesiology and I’m also a Middle Blocker on the Varsity Women's Volleyball Team. I learned a lot in this community which helped me get through my first year!
I wanted to return to Renison to help future first year Varsity Athletes make the transition to University, and help them become better leaders both on and off of their sport domains. This will be my second year returning as a Peer Leader for WALC and I'm so excited for what we have planned for the student-athletes!
Renisix Team
President
Jordan Brown
Hey everyone! My name is Jordan Brown and I am from Petawawa Ontario. I am currently in my third year of Life Sciences with a major in Biology and I am hoping to pursue a career in pharmacy. This will be my fourth year living at Renison, and I am looking forward to serving everyone as President of Renisix Student council this year. I am looking forward to meeting both new and returning students at Renison, and I hope we have an awesome time and make some fantastic memories!
Vice Presidents
Kayras Engineer (Fall)
Kayras is a second year Accounting and Financial Management student at the University of Waterloo. As a new member of the Renisix team, Kayras is eager to learn more about organizing events, and hopes to gain inputs from everyone in the Renison community. During his spare time, you can find him socializing with friends, cooking, playing instruments and anything athletic.
Justin Lee (Winter)
Renison Academic Student Council Team
President
Angel Morgan
Angel is in her second year of studying Social Development Studies with a double specialization in Education and Social Work. She is looking forward to being the Renison Academic Student Council President for the upcoming Fall and Winter terms. Angel also enjoys being involved on main campus as she is an Arts Ambassador for the Fall 2018 term. She hopes to have a great year with fun new events for all Renison Academic Students!
Vice President
Stefany Kraft
Residence Life Coordinator (RLC)
Erika Desjardins
Hi there! I am super thrilled to be your RLC during your stay at Renison! My role is to support your amazing team of Dons so that they can, in turn, support all you amazing residents. I am looking forward to seeing you grow and progress as students, young adults and members of the community!
My office is the one with the bucket of candy and right beside of your mail boxes (REN 0209), so feel free to drop by anytime to say hi!
My office hours are 2pm to 10pm on Mondays and Tuesdays and 10am to 6pm Wednesdays through Fridays.
You can reach me at erika.desjardins@uwaterloo.ca or at extension 28675.
