Marianne Vandergriendt, a long-time staff member in Science, was recognized for her service to the University of Waterloo at fall convocation. She was named an Honorary Member of the University, acknowledging her 43 years in the Earth and Environmental Sciences department.
“I feel very privileged to be receiving this award,” says Vandergriendt. “I’m thankful to have been able to support professors, students, and research in the lab. I enjoyed every minute of it, because when you do what you love, it never feels like work!”
Vandergriendt came to Waterloo in 1976 to complete her undergraduate degree in biology. She graduated in 1980, but returned to work as a lab technician in Dr. James Barker’s Organic Geochemistry Lab in 1981. She remained there until 2011, when she took a role with the Ecohydrology Research Group (ERG) under Dr. Philippe Van Cappellen.
Van Cappellen, who is a Canada Excellence Research Chair (CERC) laureate in Ecohydrology, hired Vandergriendt to set up and manage his new lab after moving to Waterloo. They worked together for 13 years, until her retirement in 2024.
“Marianne has been at the very core of the successful implementation of the CERC research program in ecohydrology at Waterloo,” says Van Cappellen. “Over her long career, she has been an inspiring role model and friend in innumerable ways to so many of us and has made the University of Waterloo a better place to work and study.”
While her technical knowledge and experience were impressive, it was not this alone that made Vandergriendt stand out. Her empathy and willingness to help left lasting impressions on the people she worked with.
“Marianne’s performance over the years has been exceptional, from groundwater analysis to empathetic student supervision to financial management,” notes Barker. “I am particularly thankful for how she connected with students in the lab, many of whom were away from home.”
Working with students was a highlight of Vandergriendt’s career. “I love meeting people, especially people from different cultures and environments, and supporting them so they could succeed, in the lab and in their studies,” she says, “Sometimes, students would have doubts about the direction of their studies, and I would encourage them to do what they love.”
Vandergriendt has received technical credits on numerous research papers, a testament to the value of her support. But what students remember most is her kindness and generosity, and how her mentorship helped shape their success.
"Marianne is one of a kind,” says one student in the ERG lab. “She has been a constant support in and out of the lab. She didn’t hesitate to dedicate her time to ensure the lab and students’ individual projects ran smoothly. Our group has been so fortunate to have her expertise and kindness over the years."
In retirement, Vandergriendt has been travelling with her husband and enjoying time with her five young grandchildren. “I miss the thrill of breakthrough discoveries and the camaraderie of late-night research sessions,” she reflects. “But I am enjoying significantly fewer biohazards, aside from diaper changes!”
Congratulations, Vandergriendt, on this well-deserved honour!