News

United College has named Judge Albert Wong as its next Chancellor. A University of Waterloo alumnus, citizenship judge and retired lieutenant commander, Wong brings decades of military service, community leadership and public service to the role. His installation ceremony will take place in January 2027.

United College celebrated the installation of Dr. Tracy Penny Light as its eighth president on October 28, 2026. The ceremony brought the community together to celebrate this milestone and Tracy’s vision for a future rooted in belonging, inclusive learning and social responsibility.

For Dr. Tracy Penny Light, becoming president of United College is both a homecoming and an opportunity to help shape its future. She reflects on the people, programs and community that make United special, and why her first priority is to listen and learn.

GreenHouse at United College is expanding how University of Waterloo students learn to create social and environmental change by introducing them to the role capital can play in helping promising ideas grow. 

When Alexandra Minard first looked toward the University of Waterloo, the path ahead was wide open. Like many incoming students, she was drawn by the promise of the university’s renowned co-op program, a chance to gain a competitive edge and real-world experience. But the decision of where to live was guided by a more personal connection: her mother’s own history.

At United College, student ideas don’t just stay in the classroom, they grow into movements, businesses, and community impact. That spirit was celebrated this past spring as alum Trishala Pillai (BA '16)returned to the college to officially receive the Emerging Alumni Award in recognition of her leadership, innovation, and commitment to creating meaningful change.

For Jordyn Maywood, the secret to navigating the intensity of a Biomedical Engineering degree at the University of Waterloo began with finding her circle.

By choosing to live at United College in the Women in Engineering Living-Learning Community (LLC) during her first year, she gained a vital support system that fostered both confidence and inclusion.

Despite the rainy weather last Saturday, United College was full of energy as accepted University of Waterloo students and their families visited campus for You at Waterloo Day.

When United College graduates Tara Ryan and Samantha Terry first arrived at the University of Waterloo, they were both searching for many of the same things: community, connection, and a place that would feel like home.

What neither expected was that a roommate match at United College would turn into one of the most meaningful friendships of their university experience.

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.