In a groundbreaking move, the Waterloo Engineering Endowment Foundation (WEEF) is allocating a historic donation of $750,000 to enhance student spaces throughout the Faculty of Engineering. This contribution is part of WEEF’s ongoing commitment to student initiatives, reinforcing its legacy of empowering students since its inception in 1989. The substantial donation reflects the fund’s remarkable growth and its dedication to providing exceptional resources and experiences for current and future engineering students.
Founded by visionary engineering students Avi Belinsky (BASc ’90, electrical engineering) and John Vellinga (BASc ’91, systems design engineering), WEEF emerged as Canada’s first student-funded and student-run endowment fund. Inspired by the well-equipped facilities at U.S. institutions like Princeton and MIT, Belinsky and Vellinga envisioned a unique funding model to bridge the budget gap for cutting-edge equipment and facilities at the University of Waterloo.
The success of WEEF’s model is underscored by its impressive growth to $20 million over three decades, sustained by monthly contributions from engineering students. The fund’s commitment to fostering a student-centric approach is further demonstrated by its 100% student-run structure, with a Board of Directors and Funding Council primarily composed of student representatives. This collaborative approach ensures checks and balances, enabling students to actively contribute to funding decisions.
Zach Zammit, WEEF Director and third-year Management Engineering student, emphasized the fund’s tangible benefits, particularly in providing essential equipment for various engineering disciplines. Zammit highlighted examples such as the over $40,000 investment in oscilloscopes for electrical and computer engineering (ECE) students and funding for drill presses and equipment for mechanical and mechatronics engineering (MME) students.
WEEF’s extensive support extends beyond equipment funding to backing student design teams, with over $1 million dedicated to innovative student projects in the last decade. Major contributions include million-dollar investments in the Sedra Design Center and the WEEF Student Machine Shop, significantly enhancing the Faculty’s learning environment.
WEEF’s impactful stewardship has positioned the fund to make a transformative $750,000 donation, marking a new milestone in its commitment to student well-being and advancement. A recent memorandum of understanding with the Dean’s Office paves the way for the award’s strategic disbursement, emphasizing holistic improvements to student spaces across the Faculty of Engineering.
Fred Zhu, Executive Officer of the Faculty of Engineering, emphasized the importance of a holistic approach to enhance the student experience. A comprehensive review of existing spaces will guide the best utilization of WEEF and faculty funds, with a focus on collaborative areas, wellness spaces, and recreation zones. The planned upgrades will benefit students across the Faculty and the School of Architecture.
Zhu underscored the collaborative approach, stating, “We’re taking a collaborative approach and putting students at the center of these projects.” The WEEF donation will complement a larger faculty investment, ensuring that students remain central to decision-making processes.
This strategic collaboration exemplifies how WEEF empowers students to shape their educational environment, aligning investments with student preferences. As WEEF Director Zach Zammit aptly puts it, “It’s putting money where students want it.” The donation signifies a landmark achievement for WEEF and reinforces its legacy of student-led impact and transformation.
