I did not understand what the Waterloo Engineering Endowment Fund meant to the undergraduate students, faculties, and clubs until my 2A term (Winter 2012). My first council meeting showed me a gathering of strong minds from student representatives with one common goal. We are all looking to improve the environments that we experience on a daily basis; with the caveat that other environments require attention as well.
During the two council sessions that I have sat in (2A and 2B), I have watched professors, lab instructors and technical staff approach council in search of funding for lab and demonstration equipment that will be used to demonstrate visual, real-life, and real-time representations of simple and convoluted course concepts. These individuals show a deep passion for the learning experiences of their students, both current and future.
The success of the small teams and clubs is dependent on funding from any source available. WEEF has presented funding options for long-standing and emerging clubs. Many of these teams provide invaluable practical applications of their strength, whether in business, marketing, engineering design, implementation, testing and in some cases, re-design. The extra-curricular opportunities provided by student teams give UW students the opportunity to get involved, apply and refine their strengths.
I have heard several students ask “why should I pay for something if I don’t see the benefit?” The financial tradition established in 1990 has been the key funding source for various faculty and student team initiatives across campus, with minimal recognition. Students should be aware of the benefits that they have directly or indirectly experienced as a contributor to WEEF. One of the most powerful aspects of WEEF is the involvement of students to decide on where and how their contributions are spent on campus. Simply, WEEF is a student funded initiative, for the students.
The continued success of WEEF is dependent on a strong council, a devoted Director, continued support from donor and student contributions, committed and passionate faculty members and the creative and innovate student teams. Ultimately, the University of Waterloo is driven by the success of the students, both academically and in their extra-curricular activities.
The importance of a quality undergraduate experience cannot be discounted; the experience derived from faculty and student teams is of utmost importance to ensuring the success of students well after they leave campus. With these experiences and ideals of a successful undergraduate experience, I am excited to have the opportunity to run for a successful Directorship of WEEF.
I graduated from Mount Royal College in 2007 with a Bachelor’s of Applied Industrial Ecology and have worked within the oil and gas industry as an environmental consultant. I incorporated in 2008, contracting to smaller environmental consultancies in the roles of Project Manager and Lead Field Technician. My experience in dealing with clients, landowners and contractors in a cost sensitive field has provided me with extensive opportunities in developing communication, budgeting and people management skills.
I sincerely look forward to continuing working with WEEF in a leadership role, and ensuring the undergraduate student experience is memorable for all students at the University of Waterloo.
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