Passing the torch to a new co-chair
December 2015
Back in 1967, Bob Kerton chose the University of Waterloo from a number of teaching opportunities, because, in his words, “It was so confidently different from other universities. Students who choose Waterloo are also different, in most positive ways.” Bob is familiar to many on campus, with an impressive resume as adjunct professor, distinguished professor emeritus and former dean of arts.
Although he retired six years ago, Bob still serves on two editorial boards, gives international lectures and is the principal investigator for a three-year government grant (SSHRC) that involves multiple universities, consumer groups and partners from the public and private sectors.
Bob also recently completed a term as the retiree’s representative for Waterloo’s Keystone Campaign. He revels in the generosity of retirees to help support Waterloo initiatives, particularly scholarships and bursaries. In the last three years, 26 scholarships and at least 30 bursaries were awarded to students, thanks to the support of Waterloo retirees.
Bob’s fondest memories of his time with Keystone were the opportunities to meet the award recipients and hear from them about the impact of retiree support. “When I met the students and learned about the very real potential of their talents, I got a good feeling that all of us at Waterloo are ensuring that the world will be a much better place.”
Having recently completed his tenure as the retiree’s rep, Bob has left some big shoes to fill, but feels confident his replacement, Lynne Judge, is up for the job.
For 25 years Lynn headed the Graduate Studies Office, recently retiring as the Director of Graduate Academic Services. Some of her greatest memories are of watching bright-eyed new graduates cross the stage to receive their hoods. Among those graduates were Lynn’s husband Martin, both of their children, some of her siblings and many friends.
Lynn cites a gap in funding for graduate students back in the 1980s for inspiring her to become a Waterloo donor. She feels Keystone provides a great opportunity for the University community to give back. As for why Lynn took on the role of retiree’s representative from Bob, she explained that Waterloo has played such a huge roll in her life, she could not just retire and “walk away”. “There is such a sense of community. There’s always something happening here. There’s always growth and change. It’s ever-moving.” Lynn says of the University. Through the Keystone Campaign, Lynn saw a great opportunity to stay connected and to rally other retirees to do the same.
Way to go retirees and thanks Bob and Lynn for all you’ve done and continue to do for the University and for Keystone!