Waterloo's Faculty of Environment

Some friendships stand the test of time.

SURP '81 has always been a class that finds reasons to come back together. This fall, we're doing it again. Come back to campus September 19 to celebrate 45 years!

We've even created a playlist to bring back the soundtrack of your student years.

🎵 Listen to the playlist: http://open.spotify.com/playlist/4blrX82g7Ms4ABXRT7Pl8k?si=a21546221eee4be1

📍 Register: https://uwaterloo.ca/environment/events/homecoming-planning-1981-45-year-class-reunion

What's one memory that still makes you smile 45 years later?

Fifty years. Thousands of memories. One unforgettable soundtrack.

We've put together a playlist of songs from your Waterloo days to bring back memories of late nights, lifelong friendships and everything in between.

Take a listen, then join us in Waterloo on September 19 as the Man-Environment Class of 1976 and friends celebrates 50 years.

🎵 Listen to the playlist: http://open.spotify.com/playlist/62xLvbPbBUNBegiLiwIyvH?si=135f51eb426948ea

📍 Register: https://uwaterloo.ca/environment/events/homecoming-man-environment-1976-and-friends-50-year-class

What's one song that instantly takes you back to your student days?

Nominated by you! Dr. Brent Doberstein from the Department of Geography and Environmental Management has been recognized with the University of Waterloo’s Distinguished Teacher Award! 🌟

This prestigious honour celebrates educators who go above and beyond in teaching, mentorship and impact, and Dr. Doberstein exemplifies all of these qualities. Known for his engaging and approachable style, he creates an inclusive, supportive learning environment that inspires curiosity and fosters long-term academic growth. ✨

His work in resource and environmental management in developing countries, including disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation and post-disaster reconstruction, brings real-world relevance into the classroom. Through case-based learning and global perspectives, he helps students connect theory to practice while encouraging empathy and global citizenship.

Having taught nearly 12,000 students and supervised numerous graduate researchers, his influence extends far beyond the classroom. Students and colleagues alike recognize his dedication, kindness and ability to spark a passion for learning.

As one student shared, “what truly distinguishes Dr. Doberstein from other profs is his kindness, approachability and dedication. As an instructor, his lectures are always engaging, easy to understand, and insightful. His down-to-earth nature creates a comforting environment where students are at ease asking questions and excited to attend class.” 🌱💚

Thank you, Dr. Doberstein, for your unwavering commitment to student success and belonging. This recognition is truly well deserved! 👏

My primary tool for processing what I am seeing, feeling and hearing has always been art.🎨🖌️

My name is Charlotte Schwartz, and l am a 4th year student in the Faculty of Environment at the University of Waterloo, studying Geography and International Development.

I am lucky to have had the opportunity to learn about the intersection of water, sanitation and hygiene (WaSH) with health and well-being through SYDE 599 at Ashesi University outside of Berekuso, Ghana earlier this summer. While I was there, I kept a log of our shared experiences via watercolour portraits; helping me not only find understanding, but meaning. 🖼️✨

From the 1970s to the 2020s, one thing hasn’t changed: the people.

We’re looking forward to welcoming Environment alumni back to campus this September for Homecoming and milestone reunions celebrating 5, 10, 15, 45 and 50 years.

Tag a classmate you’d love to see again.🥳

Student ideas are hitting the street...literally!

This summer, part of Toronto’s Church Street will open for pedestrians after a proposal by School of Planning student Rodney Chan was accepted by City Council. The pilot project will transform the area from June 19 until August 21 into a vibrant, festival-like public space.

“The project closely aligns with many of the City’s goals,” he says. “Vision Zero aims to reduce road deaths to zero. TransformTO aims to get Toronto to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. Getting people out of their cars and walking is essential for this to happen.”

Supporters believe the pilot will boost local businesses and provide valuable insights for future city-wide pedestrianization policies.

POV: You’re Master of Future Cities student in FCIT 610 and you’re learning first-hand why they call Singapore “a city in a garden.”

After meeting with experts from the Centre for Livable Cities Singapore, Singapore Management University, and The Urban Redevelopment Authority of Singapore, you’ve learned how Singapore navigates complex issues related to housing, transportation, infrastructure, green urbanism, food sustainability, water systems and extreme heat.

You’ve seen these innovative urban approaches in action when you take the Mass Rapid Transit, eat at hawker centres and walk through unique neighbourhoods. With high temperatures and high humidity, you’ve come prepared with breathable clothing and comfortable shoes.

Your next task is to identify what aspects of Singapore’s approach is transferable to Canada, and begin to create the cities of the future, today.

The convocation celebrations continue! Join us in congratulating the first recipients of the Environment Community Impact Award.

🎓 Bronze Medalists: Charles Cheng, Earl Mondaya, Hilary Element, Reka Somogyi

🍌 Silver Medalists: Amanda Ferguson, Bruno Bustos Alegria, Charlie Uebele, Oluwadamilare Faith Awoleye, Jack Salkeld

🐝 Gold Medalists: Katie Traynor, Liz Beach

This new award celebrates graduating Environment students who have given their time, energy and leadership to our Faculty, outside of academics. Over the last several years, these students have done incredible work to energize our community, welcome new students, strengthen institutional policies, implement new services and/or build inclusive and sustainable practices.

They were honoured on Tuesday at the Faculty of Environment Awards Ceremony. While they may be moving on to the next chapter, they leave behind a vast legacy and a better experience for the next generation of undergraduates 💚