News

This past March, students, staff, alumni and friends of United College gathered in Alumni Hall for the 54th annual presentation of BlackForest, the College’s long-running talent showcase known for bringing together music, humour, creativity and community spirit.

This year’s show once again highlighted the incredible range of talent within the United community. From classical performances to spoken word, comedy and crowd interaction, the afternoon reflected the energy and personality that continue to make BlackForest a favourite campus tradition.

GreenHouse at United College recently hosted its biannual Social Impact Showcase, bringing together students, mentors, and community members to celebrate the next generation of changemakers. The Winter 2026 showcase highlighted innovative ventures tackling some of today’s most pressing social, environmental, and community challenges.

The Human Rights program at United College recently hosted “Queer at 30”, an event that invited students and community members to a conversation about queer rights in South Africa.    

Held on Thursday, March 5, the event marked the 30th anniversary of South Africa’s Constitution. Promulgated in 1996, this landmark document helped shape the country’s transition from apartheid to democracy and was the first constitution in the world to prohibit discrimination based on sexuality and sexual identity

United College is beginning the search for its fourth Chancellor.

For the past six years, the College has had the honour of having the Rt. Hon. Michaëlle Jean as its Chancellor. Mme. Jean is a former Governor-General of Canada and a former Secretary-General of the Organization of the Francophonie.

Her profound interest in human rights, international development, refugees, youth and social innovation has made her an exceptional embodiment of the College’s values and priorities.

On March 28, United College at the University of Waterloo welcomed prospective students and their families for its annual March Open House, offering a closer look at residence life, academic opportunities and student community. 

In 1968, two first-year students arrived at St. Paul’s College, now United College, without knowing they were about to meet the person who would shape the rest of their lives.

Catherine Carmichael Eagles (BMath ’72) and Paul Eagles (BSc’72, PhD ‘79) were just 18 years old when they first crossed paths in residence.

“We met at St. Paul’s because we were both in first year. Pual was in Science and I was in Math” Catherine recalled.  

What followed was a story that has now spanned more than five decades.

United College at the University of Waterloo is pleased to announce the appointment of
Dr. Tracy Penny Light as its next President, following the conclusion of a national search launched in mid-2025. Dr. Penny Light will serve a five-year term, commencing
July 1, 2026.

Greenhouse’s 35^th Social Impact Showcase came off last week at United College, bringing together community members, family and friends, celebrating a new cohort of social innovators from the University of Waterloo community, who are dedicated to creating meaningful change.

United College recently opened its doors to welcome more than 100 prospective students and their parents and guardians for Fall Open House, one of the College’s largest and most engaging events of the year. The day offered future students a first-hand look at the dynamic community that defines United College, including tours of residence spaces, conversations with current students, and opportunities to meet staff and faculty members.

When Francesca Girmenia enrolled in INNOV 200: Theory & Practice of Social Innovation, she was looking to explore alternative business models and ways to create meaningful change. However, what she discovered went far beyond a traditional classroom experience. It was a journey of self-discovery, systems thinking, and reimagining how communities can thrive.