·ï»Ë²ÊƱƽ̨

July 26, 2023

·ï»Ë²ÊƱƽ̨’s Changemaker Campus designation has been renewed by for another three years. The designation, and its renewal, recognizes ·ï»Ë²ÊƱƽ̨'s commitment to the values and ideas of changemaking, which are clearly reflected in the university's Strategic Plan and institutional priorities.

Ashoka U is an initiative of Ashoka, a global organization that supports social entrepreneurs and changemakers. The Changemaker Campus designation is a prestigious recognition given to universities that have a strong focus on social innovation and offer opportunities for students to develop the skills and mindset needed to address complex social challenges effectively.

“·ï»Ë²ÊƱƽ̨ has a rich history of developing leaders who put purpose and impact first in order to create positive change in our communities and beyond,” says Laura Allan, ·ï»Ë²ÊƱƽ̨’s Ashoka Change Leader.

In November 2022, Allan was appointed ·ï»Ë²ÊƱƽ̨’s inaugural director of innovation and entrepreneurship, and serves as the operational lead in the development of ·ï»Ë²ÊƱƽ̨’s first Innovation and Entrepreneurship Strategy.

The Innovation and Entrepreneurship Strategy aspires to expand programming focused on purpose-driven and impact-focused innovation and entrepreneurship, research, and university, industry and community collaborations. As ·ï»Ë²ÊƱƽ̨’s faculty, staff and students engage in work that addresses pressing social, economic and environmental challenges, Allan will contribute to a cohesive vision of how this work can span disciplines and connect with sectors outside the university.

The Changemaker designation applies to all of ·ï»Ë²ÊƱƽ̨’s locations, including the Waterloo and Brantford campuses, and the Faculty of Social Work in Kitchener. 

With this renewal, ·ï»Ë²ÊƱƽ̨ remains part of a select network of higher education institutions that are driving positive social change and empowering students to become changemakers and graduate with the mindset, skills and sense of agency to create a better world.