This story began 11 years ago with a conversation that sparked a partnership between a city and an academic institution. Both equally believed in the growth potential of digital media.
May 2006
Work began on a memorandum of agreement between the City of Stratford, the University of Waterloo and the Stratford Shakespeare Festival
October 2006
The memorandum of agreement was signed by the City of Stratford, the University of Waterloo and the Stratford Shakespeare Festival
March 2008
The Province of Ontario grants $10 million to the University of Waterloo Stratford Campus. OpenText also partners with the University of Waterloo and pledges $10 million to the project.
January 2009
Federal government announces $10.7 million in funding for the University of Waterloo Stratford Campus and Canadian Digital Media Network (CDMN).
City of Stratford finalized acquisition of the “Cooper site” downtown Stratford to become the house of the University of Waterloo Stratford Campus
June 2009
1st ever Canada 30.0 Forum in Stratford, ON hosted by the University of Waterloo Stratford Campus and the Canadian Digital Media Network. The event was the official launch of the University of Waterloo Stratford Campus.
September 2010
Official opening of the University of Waterloo Stratford Campus at 6 Wellington St., Stratford, ON
October 2010
University of Waterloo Stratford Campus and the Stratford Perth Centre for Business announce a partnership to open a Digital Media Incubator in Stratford
January 2011
University of Waterloo Stratford Campus signs an agreement with Chiba University in Japan for academic exchange opportunities
- http://www.exchangemagazine.com/morningpost/2011/week1/Friday/010711.htm
- http://www.bulletin.uwaterloo.ca/2011/jan/07fr.html
The flagship academic program for Waterloo’s new Stratford campus — a one-year Master of Digital Innovation — has received all the necessary approvals from university governing bodies, and the first students will arrive this September.
February 2011
University of Waterloo Stratford Campus unveils designs for a new campus building.
- http://www.stratfordbeaconherald.com/2011/02/15/uw-unveils-preliminary-campus-design
- http://www.stratfordbeaconherald.com/2011/02/16/new-stratford-campus-a-futuristic-class-act
May 2011
Construction begins on the new 40, 000 square foot building on St. Patrick Street in Stratford to be home of the University of Waterloo Stratford Campus
- http://www.stratfordbeaconherald.com/2011/05/17/start-on-uw-campus-imminent
- http://www.lfpress.com/comment/editorial/2011/05/25/18189996.html
June 2011
Governor General David Johnson visits the University of Waterloo Stratford Campus
September 2011
The first group of graduate students in the Masters of Digital Experience Innovation (MDEI) program begin classes at 6 Wellington Street.
- http://www.stratfordbeaconherald.com/2011/09/07/university-of-waterloo-stratford-site-greets-first-17
- http://www.stratfordbeaconherald.com/2011/09/10/digital-media-students-get-off-to-flying-start
January 2012
University announces part-time MDEI program
- http://www.stratfordbeaconherald.com/2012/01/31/university-expands-masters-program
- http://www.bulletin.uwaterloo.ca/2012/jan/31tu.html
- http://www.exchangemagazine.com/morningpost/2012/week5/Wednesday/12020110.htm#anchor
June 2012
GBDA program expands to meet demand
September 2012
The future started. 90+ students in the Global Business and Digital Arts (GBDA) undergraduate program started classes at the University of Waterloo Stratford Campus at the brand new campus.
October 2012
The University of Waterloo Stratford officially opens. The official grand opening of the 40,000 square foot building fell on the sixth anniversary of original announcement.
- https://uwaterloo.ca/arts/news/stratford-campus-grand-opening-imagination-creativity
- http://www.stratfordbeaconherald.com/2012/10/17/new-era-for-stratford
The first group of graduate students in the Masters of Digital Experience Innovation program graduate!
May 2013
Stratford Accelerator Centre opens at 6 Wellington St. Stratford
November 2013
Premier Kathleen Wynne visits the University of Waterloo Stratford Campus
October 2014
Univ
ersity of Waterloo Stratford Campus hosts CBC Cross Country Checkup
January 2015
The Engage: UX and Gamification Research Lab housing cutting-edge digital media technology opens.
February 2016 
UW Stratford hosts inaugural Game Design Camp
- http://www.stratfordbeaconherald.com/2016/02/25/stratford-campus-hosts-inaugural-game-design-camp
- https://uwaterloo.ca/news/news/stratford-campus-hosts-inaugural-game-design-camp
Stratford police partner with University of Waterloo for updated website
March 2016
Stratford Accelerator Centre hosts sold out business and design conference
June 2016
The first cohort of Global Business and Digital Arts (GBDA) students graduate.
