Joanne M. Stewart’s connection to the University goes back to the 1970s, when her mother Margaret worked in what was then known as the Engineering Society’s Coffee & Doughnut Shop (today it’s simply the C&D).
“Twelve years into her career at Waterloo, my mother became quite ill,” says Joanne, who today works as a Development Officer in the Office of Advancement. “I recall how supportive the students were - visiting her and bringing ‘get well soon” cards. It was so special for her, and for me, to see the University community rally around her like that.”
Now as a Waterloo staff member herself, Joanne sees that same culture of support echoed across campus with services such as AccessAbility, which supports students who have mobility challenges. It’s an area that holds special significance for Joanne as she has a legally blind grandson who also has cerebral palsy.
The kindness of the University community and the important work of AccessAbility Services led Joanne and her husband Gary to make a planned gift to Waterloo. “It’s a wonderful way to make a large impact,” she explains. “And with the tax breaks available through a planned gift, Gary and I can leave a legacy without taking away from what we want to leave our own children. It’s easy to do; you don’t have to be a millionaire to do it.”
When she’s not meeting alumni and supporters for her role as Development Officer at UWaterloo, you might find Joanne advocating for the advancement of women at the Zonta Club, mentoring Fair Ambassadors as her role on the Wellesley North Easthope Fall Fair Board of Directors, or helping fundraise for her Church. Alongside her husband Gary Stewart – who is also involved with the Church, as well as Scottish Rite, Freemasonry, and International Shriners – Joanne works tirelessly to help the community.
