Editor:
Brandon Sweet
University Communications
bulletin@uwaterloo.ca
Science takes the stage at Convocation today
At 10:00 a.m. this morning, the first of two convocation ceremonies for the Faculty of Science will take place.Follow along with the Convocation livestream.
501 undergraduates, 34 Master's, and 21 PhD students will cross the stage this morning.Stefan Idziak, Associate Dean, Co-operative Education and Computing, will bear the mace.Julie-Anne Desrochers will sing the national anthem.
Pam Van Allenwill be named an Honorary Member of the University. "Pam Van Allen spent 44 years working at the University of ݮƵ, starting in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering," reads her award citation. "Following transfer to Dean of Science Office, she was promoted five times within the Science Undergraduate Office, demonstrating her extraordinary commitment to student academic advising and undergraduate calendar management. Throughout her career, she relentlessly worked to improve the student experience at the University of ݮƵ, and her passion for the University has been long-term and meaningful such that, during her career, she received numerous invitations to represent the Faculty within the University community."
John J. Claguewill receive an Honorary Doctor of Science and address Convocation.Clague is a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley (MA, 1969) and the University of British Columbia (PhD, 1973). He is a leading expert on glacial geology, natural hazards and risk analyses of catastrophes and future climate change in montane regions and coastal zones of the world. A devoted mentor, educator, scientific advisor and communicator, he has contributed widely in numerous capacities to the geoscience and engineering professions. He retired in 2016 as professor and Canada Research Chair in Natural Hazards at Simon Fraser University in British Columbia.
ԲԲٳwill deliver the valedictory address.
Mónica Barrawill receive the Distinguished Teacher Award. "As current Chair of the department of Chemistry’s curriculum committee, Monica Barra has had a lasting influence on students and faculty alike," reads her award citation."Barra is highly recognized by her students (past and present) for her enthusiasm, patience, and passion for the course material. One alumnus noted that her lectures were “interactive and stimulating,” and that her lecture notes were “written in such a way that it was easy (and even fun) to follow along.” This, coupled with her expansive knowledge of the course content, is said to have made students “enamoured with her.” Colleagues wrote that “Monica is a highly dedicated and caring teacher who goes way beyond the call of duty to help students learn and succeed.” This is evident in her work as Chair, as one lecturer highlighted that her leadership has reduced “the excessive workload that students faced in the third year of the program,” which will “benefit students for generations to come.” Barra has been a recipient of numerous awards and distinctions, including the ChemClub Periodic Table of Teaching Excellence Award (an award presented annually by undergraduate students), and the Excellence in Science Teaching Award."
Gillian Faith Haweswill receive the Alumni Gold Medal.
Thomas Fraserwill receive the Governor General's Silver Medal.
At 2:30 p.m. the second ceremony will take place. 366 undergraduates, 16 Master's, and 12 PhD students will convocate this afternoon.Marlee M. Spafford, Associate Dean, Undergraduate Studies, will bear the mace.Michael Klein will sing the national anthem.
John G. Flanaganwill be named Distinguished Professor Emeritus. Flanagan spent 29 years as a professor at the University of ݮƵ. He completed his optometry education and earned his doctorate from Aston University, UK, before moving to ݮƵ’s School of Optometry and Vision Science in 1985. Prior to being appointed dean of the Optometry School at the University of California, Berkeley in 2014, John was also a Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, University of Toronto and a senior scientist at the Toronto Western Research Institute. His academic focus has been in the field of glaucoma research, and he has been the recipient of numerous awards while also receiving invitations to lecture to academic and professional audiences worldwide.
Stephen W. Schererwill receive an Honorary Doctor of Science and address Convocation.Scherer graduated from ݮƵ in 1987 with an Honours BSc in Biology and Chemistry, followed by earning his MSc and PhD from Toronto. As Chair in Genome Sciences at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Dr. Scherer has made ground breaking contributions to the understanding of genetic variation, especially as it relates to human health and disease. His discoveries of the genetic basis of many types of autism spectrum disorder have led to new approaches to diagnosis and therapy. He is the recipient of many top awards in biomedical research, including his designation as a “Nobel-class” citation laureate by Thompson-Reuters in 2014.
Allison Jewellwill deliver the valedictory address.
J. Graham Strongwill be named Distinguished Professor Emeritus.Graham Strong is a joint graduate of the College of Optometrists of Ontario and the University of ݮƵ where he earned his OD and MSc degrees. Promoted to full professor in 1996, he thrived in many roles in the school including as director of clinics, director of the school and associate dean of science, as well as founder and director of the Centre for Sight Enhancement. Published widely in the area of low vision rehabilitation, he has developed innovative high-technology devices to improve the quality of life for persons with low vision. His profound contributions include public policy development,assistive devices innovations, and vision rehabilitation as well as his indelible impact on his students and the optometric profession.
Brenda Yasie LeeԻLaura Sauderwill receive the Amit and Meena Chakma Award for Exceptional Teaching by a Student.
Dennis Curry,Weiqiang Fu,Faerlin PulidoԻMark Steinepreiswill receive theDean of Science Awardsfor recognition of creative research as presented in a student’s Master’s thesis.
Robert Broom,Kent Fisher,Anil Maharaj,Chau-Minh Phan, Laura Sauder, andKimberly Van Meterwill receive theW.B. Pearson Medalfor recognition of creative research as presented in a student’s Doctoral thesis.
The Outstanding Achievement in Graduate Studies award at the Master's level goes toSpencer Yim, and the Doctoral-level award goes toAnil Maharaj.
A week of awards for ݮƵ
ݮƵ staff members accept awards at the CCAE national conference in Hamilton, on June 7; Cynthia Breen (Advancement), Christine Bezruki (AHS), Mary Stanley (Pharmacy), Pamela Smyth (University Relations), and Alex Farley (Advancement), who also received the Rising Star Award from CCAE.
By Jude Doble
In the last week, ݮƵ has brought home seven national and international awards recognizing outstanding publications, videos and programs.
On June 14, the(CASE) named a video and feature article among theirwinners, including:
- gold awardin the Feature Writing: Profile category forThe Thinnest Line, which appeared in the spring issue of ݮƵ magazine
- gold awardin the General Information Videos: Short category for the ݮƵp video:
On June 7, at thein Hamilton, Ontario, the ݮƵ winners included:
- gold awardin the Best Fundraising Activity category forStartUp Pledgefrom the Office Advancement
- gold awardin the Best Community Outreach Initiative category for the Opioid Crisis Awareness Campaign from the School of Pharmacy
- gold awardfor Best Brochure, Newsletter or Flyer category forHealth in 3Dfrom the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences
- silver awardfor Best News Release or Media Communique category forOmega 3 Supplements Can Prevent Childhood Asthmafrom the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences and University Relations
- silver awardfor Best Print Ad or Poster category for The Future is in our Hands – Engineering Day from the Faculty of Engineering
Building on a strong record of wins year over year, these programs, publications and videos reflect the creative and innovative work of staff across campus, representing the best of Canadian and North American post-secondary education support.
Additionally, ݮƵ’s Alex Farley, Alumni Officer, Volunteer Engagement received thefrom CCAE. This award is given to professionals with three to five years’ experience who demonstrate early success, commitment and accomplishments in the field of advancement. Alex received a $2,000 scholarship for professional development to support her career growth.
Congratulations to all the winners.
Linkof the day
When and where
Spring Convocation, Tuesday, June 13 to Saturday, June 17.
Working Effectively in another Culture, Thursday, June 15, 1:30 p.m., TC - William M. Tatham Centre room 1208.
Recognizing Excellence Discussion Seriesfeaturing Professor Efim Zelmanov, University of California, "Asymptotic Theory of Finite Groups," Thursday, June 15, 2:00 p.m., DC 1302..
featuring Vicki Iverson, "My Journey from Student to Entrepreneur," Thursday, June 15, 3:15 p.m., DC 1302..
, Thursday, June 15, 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., ݮƵ Park.Note:this event has been postponed to Thursday, June 22..
50thAnniversary Celebration of the School of Architecture, Thursday, June 15, 6:00 p.m., School of Architecture.
How to be an Exceptional Employee, Friday, June 16, 12:30 p.m., TC - William M. Tatham Centre room 1208
Cryptography, Security, and Privacy Colloquium, “,” Prashant Nalini Vasudevan, PhD candidate, MIT, Friday, June 16, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., DC 2585.
WIN Distinguished Lecture Series featuring Chunli Bai, President, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China,”Nanoscience and Nanotechnology in China: From Fundamental Research to Applications,” Saturday, June 17, 3:00 p.m., Quantum-Nano Centre 0101
Matthews Golf Classic, Monday, June 19,Team photos at12: 45 p.m.,shot gun start at1:00 p.m.,Grand Valley Golf & Country Club.Please notethe corrected timing.
More Feet on the Ground Mental Health Training, Monday, June 19, 9:00 a.m., Counselling Services.
SLC/PAC Groundbreaking Celebration, Monday, June 19, 12:00 p.m., BMH Green.
Exploring Your Personality Type (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) Part I, Monday, June 19, 1:30 p.m., TC - William M. Tatham Centre room 1112.
WaterTalk: Linking Eawag’s Research to Policy and Practicepresented by Janet Hering, director of the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science & Technology (), Monday, June 19, 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., QNC 1501.
Electrical and Computer Engineering Distinguished Lecture featuring Professor Göran Andersson,"Research Challenges of the Future Electric Power System," Monday, June 19, 2:00 p.m., EIT 3142.
Senate meeting, Monday, June 19, 3:30 p.m., NH 3407.
Canadian Society of Microbiologists 67thAnnual Conference, Tuesday, June 20 to Friday, June 23.
Procurement Trade Show, Tuesday, June 20 and Wednesday, June 21, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., DC 1301.
PhD seminar,,” Ivana Kajić, PhD candidate, David R. Cheriton School of Computer Science, Tuesday, June 20, 11:00 a.m.to 12:00 p.m., DC 2310.
Challenge Yourself: International Co-op Work Term Opportunities, Tuesday, June 20, 12:30 p.m., TC - William M. Tatham Centre room 1208.
Coping Skills Seminar - Cultivating Resiliency, Tuesday, June 20, 4:00 p.m., HS 2302.
25, 35, and 45-Year Club Recognition Reception, Tuesday, June 20, 6:00 p.m., Physical Activities Complex.
Bike Day, Wednesday, June 21, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Arts Quad.
Make Networking Count,Wednesday, June 21, 2:30 p.m., TC - William M. Tatham Centre room 1208.
AquaHacking Semi-Final Pitch Competition,Wednesday, June 21, 5-9 p.m., Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI). FREE event (food and drinks provided).
STEM Employer Panel-for Graduate & Postdocs only,Wednesday, June 21, 5:30 p.m., TC - William M. Tatham Centre room 2218.
Community Dialogue event, “Uncomfortable is OK: How Truth and Reconciliation Shapes Us All,”Wednesday, June 21, 6:00 p.m., University of ݮƵ Stratford Campus.
, “Using online platforms to find potential customers,” Wednesday, June 21, 7:30 p.m., Velocity Start, SCH 2ndFloor.
Seminar,“,”Professor Olga Veksler, Computer Science Department, Western University, Thursday, June 22, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., DC 1304.
Successfully Negotiating Job Offers, Thursday, June 22, 1:30 p.m., TC - William M. Tatham Centre room 1208
, Thursday, June 22, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., EV3 third floor. RSVP tot3ertel@uwaterloo.ca.
, Saturday, June 24.
Network for Aging Research Spring 2017 Symposium, “Engagement in Innovation,” Monday, June 26, 8:00 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.
WISE Public Lecture Series- Smarter Cities: New Services, New Applications for Control, Monday, June 26, 11:00 a.m., CPH 4333.
Algorithms and complexity seminar, “,” Erik Waingarten, Columbia University, Wednesday, June 28, 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., DC 1304.
ݮƵ Women’s Wednesdays – Territorial Acknowledgment, Wednesday, June 28, 4:00 p.m., DC 1301.
, “Perfecting your pitch,” Wednesday, June 28, 7:30 p.m., Velocity Start, SCH 2ndFloor.
UW Farm Market,Thursday, June 29, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., ݮƵ Centre Lower Atrium.
University of ݮƵ Canada Day Celebration 2017, Saturday, July 1, 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Columbia Lake Field.
Canada Day holiday, Monday, July 3, most University operations closed.
University of ݮƵ Blood Donor Clinics, Tuesday, July 4 to Thursday, July 6, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Walk-ins accepted.
, Wednesday, July 5, 12:00 p.m., TC 1113.
, “3-minute pitches in front of a panel of judges,” Wednesday, July 5, 7:00 p.m., Quantum-Nano Centre Room 0101.
,“3-minute pitches in front of a panel of judges,” Thursday, July 6, 7:00 p.m., Quantum-Nano Centre Room 0101.
UW Farm Market,Thursday, July 6, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., ݮƵ Centre Lower Atrium.
Writing Centre workshop, “Say it in your own words: paraphrase and summary,”Thursday, July 6, 4:00 p.m.
Engineering 101,Saturday, July 8, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Applied Health Sciences 101, Saturday, July 8, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Conrad Grebel Concert: University of ݮƵ Balinese Gamelan Ensemble, Saturday, July 8, 2:00 p.m., Victoria Park, Kitchener.
LGBTQ+ Making Spaces Workshop, Monday, July 10, 12:30 p.m., NH 3308.