A Magazine for Alumni and Friends
In 1911, just four students and one full-time professor opened the Evangelical Lutheran Seminary of Canada on a tract of land in Waterloo Region. From those small beginnings over a century ago, Wilfrid Laurier University has evolved alongside our communities into a multi-campus, comprehensive institution that is home to more than 20,000 students.
Over the decades, there have been moments of significant change and growth. There have been name changes (Waterloo College to Waterloo Lutheran University to Wilfrid Laurier University), new faculties added, new facilities built, the opening of our Brantford campus in 1999, and the anticipated opening of Laurier’s Milton campus in 2024.
The last two years in particular have been defined by change as we reimagined how we teach, learn and work due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Digital connectivity has grown by leaps and bounds during this time, and I am excited for what opportunities this new era will bring, particularly in how we stay in touch with our alumni around the world.
Laurier President and Vice-Chancellor Deborah MacLatchy
Campus magazine has been a mainstay for keeping our alumni connected since 1962, when it launched as Waterloo Campus. Over 60 years, we have celebrated alumni achievement and kept you informed about the exciting developments at Laurier through the pages of this printed magazine. In this issue, we recognize some of the history of Campus magazine. I am sure it will be a nostalgic journey for many.
While this is the last issue of Campus, we continue to create new opportunities for connection with our alumni. We will remain frequently in touch through emails and e-newsletters, social media, and the great in-person events our alumni love, including Homecoming. We are also looking forward to hearing back from you through these channels.
There will be much exciting news to share in the coming months and years as we continue to work toward improvements on our Waterloo campus, including renovations to the entranceway on University Avenue and the Savvas Chamberlain Music Building, as well as improvements to Alumni Field and University Stadium. In Brantford, we continue to grow with new program offerings in Computer Science and the repurposing of One Market into a student and community hub. In Milton, we are working toward welcoming our first students in 2024.
As this will be my final sign off in Campus, I want to use this opportunity to recognize the many editors, writers, designers and photographers who over the decades have dedicated their time – and sometimes careers – to this magazine. Your contributions have been instrumental in telling the Laurier story and inspired the next generation of creators who will continue to find innovative ways to connect with our alumni.
Sincerely,
Deborah MacLatchy
President and Vice-Chancellor
Wilfrid Laurier University