A day in the life of Waterloo - in pictures

a message from the Student Success Office.

24 hours. 746 photos. Countless cups of coffee.

On September 26 the Student Success Office (SSO) put out the call across campus to show “uWaterloo life” in photos. From 12:01 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. the photos came in from across campus, Ontario, Canada and the world. A constant theme, no matter the time of day, was of course the coffee break.

The SSO would like to thank everyone for sending in photos and sharing what their uWaterloo life looks like. The winner of the random draw for a $500 Retail Services gift card is Arielle Dalley, an Environment student; she submitted a photo of her laundry (for the record we got quite a few laundry shots). The SSO would also like to send a big thank you to UW Police for keeping us company in the wee hours of the morning.

You can view all 746 photos on Flickr, everything from the ever-present geese to students enjoying the new Waterloo sign. The Flickr set will be edited so that the photos appear in chronological order.

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to check out the ‘Director’s Cut’ album that was posted yesterday.

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Students immersed in history, innovation

Senior students enrolled in the International Trade Specialization in the Arts and Business program recently spent a week in Israel as part of an academic and cultural exchange known as the Waterloo-Israel International Trade Experience. The students departed August 29 and returned September 9.

The students are enrolled in a fourth-year seminar led by Geoff Malleck, the director of both the International Trade Specialization and the Global Engagement Specialization. Malleck joined the students on their journey.

Preparations for the journey began back in April with visits to the Israeli Consulate, the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, and a meeting with alumni, former Israeli citizens and Canadians doing business in Israel.

“What became obvious during the trip is the interesting contrast between Canada and Israel,” writes Geoffrey Malleck. “Aside from the obvious land and resource differences, Israelis have distinct values and attitudes, which have an impact on their approach to conducting business. When understood, the potential to form successful relationship with Israeli organizations is very good. Students came to appreciate this as they visited various organizations including businesses, not-for-profits, and post-secondary institutions.”

The trip was organized around three key themes. First, an understanding of the rich heritage that defines Israel, with visits to Jerusalem, Jaffa, Akko, the Dead Sea, and the Masada as a few of the highlights. Second, an appreciation of the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship that is embedded throughout the country, which, Malleck writes, was reinforced by a visit to Technion University. Third, an exploration of the factors that shape the national psyche, including in Israel’s case the requirement for most youth to serve in the military, the influence of neighbouring states, and the integration of state and religion. Students were able to gain insights by staying at a kibbutz, visiting Heseg House and Hebrew University.

Students also visited with University of Waterloo alumni living in Israel.

“This trip has been one that has instilled growth for me, both personally and professionally,” says participant Justine Wadhawan. “Throughout our trip and adventures we have had the opportunity to witness harmony that exists between historical value and economic development. As a student in the International Trade Specialization, this coexistence is important to recognize.”

“This visit was surrounded by experiences that led to a better understanding of this rich and proud nation; a small nation in terms of size but with a large and welcoming heart,” writes Geoffrey Malleck. “There have been moments to reflect—seeing the Church of the Annunciation, to feel sadness and hope—learning of individuals who joined the Lone Soldier program, to be held in awe—the ruin of the Masada, to feel welcome—always.”

Support for the Waterloo-Israel International Trade Experience Program generously provided by The Gerald Schwartz and Heather Reisman Foundation.

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Keystone campaign names new faculty co-chair

by Gloria Pageau (Finance/Accounting Analyst), Keystone volunteer.

When he tours Germany, James Skidmore (right) pays close attention to the culture of the cities and towns he visits. He collects photos, video clips, and artifacts along the way. When he’s back in the classroom, as Associate Professor of Germanic & Slavic Studies in the Faculty of Arts, “Skid” shares this cultural inventory—a sort of “hitch-hiker’s guide to Germany"—with his students. 

Earlier this year, James received the German Online Award, presented by the German Academic Exchange Service, in recognition of his advancement of innovative online learning practices.

“I try to make things interesting and relevant so that my students WANT to learn. What they take from the things I teach will help shape our society tomorrow,” he says.

Recently, James facilitated the largest annual multi-disciplinary conference in Canada – the 2012 Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences.  His role as Academic Convenor, shared with Eleanor Ty from Wilfrid Laurier University, was “one of the best experiences of my professional life.”  This year’s theme, Scholarship for an Uncertain World, attracted 7,500 faculty, graduate students, policy makers, and others from Canada and around the world to the campus James is so proud of.  His dedication to making this event a success demonstrates how strongly he feels about working at Waterloo. 

Another way Prof. Skidmore shows his commitment to the university is through his support of the Keystone Campaign.  He’s been a contributor since arriving at Waterloo in 2000. 

“We can’t rely on government funding to provide all the tools of teaching and learning, so the responsibility falls to each of us.  I feel good knowing that I’m doing something that matters. Whether I choose to direct my donation to the library, to the art gallery, or to the Faculty of Arts, students will benefit.”

In addition to contributing his financial support, Prof. Skidmore has generously agreed to lend his time and energy to the Keystone Campaign as the new co-chair representing faculty.  James joins fellow co-chairs Paul McKone (representing staff) and Bob Kerton (representing retirees). “I am honoured to have been asked to succeed Jean Andrey, whose commitment to the Keystone Campaign was inspiring.  I look forward to working with Paul and Bob and connecting with faculty members to discuss the ways in which we can all make an impact.” 

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