Housing Officer named Associate Provost

"I am pleased to announce that following an international search, Chris Read will assume the role of associate provost, students, effective May 1, 2012," said Provost Geoff McBoyle in a memo circulated to campus yesterday.

"He brings a strong track record of creating innovative services and partnerships backed by sound business operations for the benefit of students.

"As associate provost, students, Chris will work to ensure that Waterloo students have the richest possible educational experience both inside and outside the classroom, and will maintain and build upon the university’s commitment to student success.

"I also want to take this opportunity to thank Bud Walker for his outstanding service in this portfolio," concluded the provost. Walker, previously the university's director of business operations, has been serving as associate provost (students) since December 2009, when Catharine Scott retired from that role.

Chris Read came to Waterloo in 1999 as residence life coordinator in the UW Place complex, then moved onto the main campus in 2000 to serve as manager of the university bookstore. He was interim director of graphics in 2004-05, returned to the bookstore, and then, since early 2006, has been “university housing officer”, the equivalent of director for the entire housing and residences operation.

When he went to the bookstore more than a decade ago, he said in an interview that he planned to “focus on building bridges with the academic community, developing good relationships with the faculty on campus and finding out what they need and want. We want to develop that connection, that comfortable feeling with academics on campus." He’s taken a similar approach in residences, developing “living-learning communities”, tutoring programs, and other ways of linking residence life with academic work. Read has also been involved in programs to promote mental health.

He has an undergraduate business degree and a master’s in business administration.

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Daycare staff member is mourned

The staff members of Paintin’ Place daycare in UW Place are mourning the loss of their colleague Eleanor St. John (right), who died January 5. St. John had worked as a cook at the daycare since 1989.

“We have lost a very valuable friend and co-worker,” writes Paintin’ Place supervisor Kathy Boegel. “Eleanor was the morning ‘greeter’ in the kitchen at Paintin’ Place for 22 and a half years."

Broegel recalls how, on a daily basis, children would stop by the kitchen door to ask St. John what was on the menu for lunch or snack.

"She not only prepared nutritious fun meals for the children and staff, but made long lasting relationships with many of our families," writes Boegel. “Her devotion and dedication to Paintin' Place will forever be remembered.”

She is survived by her husband, Brian, son Ian, daughter Melanie, grandson Desmund, and siblings Ron, Nancy, Jim, Susan, and Tim.

Donations to Ovarian Cancer Canada or Lisaard House may be arranged through the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home or by calling 519-745-8445.

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Friday notes

The annual President's Luncheon will be taking place at the David Johnston Research + Technology Park today at 11:30. This event, for tenants of the research and technology park, got its start in 2007. This year's the venue switches from TechTown to the new Agfa Healthcare building, which is the ninth to be built in the park. President Feridun Hamdullahpur will be delivering a short address during the program, which begins at 12:15 p.m.

A memo sent Wednesday by provost Geoff McBoyle brings to an end the short-lived requirement for written authorization to be absent from campus, announced in December.

"The paperwork was intended to ensure that employees were covered by UW liability insurance when travelling on university business," the memo states. "Updated information resulted in clarification that such documentation is not required for coverage."

McBoyle concludes: "I regret any confusion or consternation caused by my initial memo and thank those who provided constructive feedback."

Get a head start on beating the February blahs with the Lost Faculties, to date the loudest classic rock band to emerge from the School of Optometry and Vision Science, at a fundraiser for the United Way on Saturday, February 11 at The Museum in downtown Kitchener. Tickets are $10 in advance and the price includes admission to the museum's "ARENA - The Hockey Exhibit." The event gets underway at 7:00 p.m. and runs until 1:00 a.m. and is being funded by a University of Waterloo Special Initiatives Fund grant. Call Marilyn Thom for tickets at 519-888-4567 ext 37188 or 519-404-1835 or email mthom@ uwaterloo.ca.

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