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It's our Waterloo

February 2010
Jeff Henry
 

 
 

NAME:

Jeff Henry

DEPARTMENT:

Mathematics

AT UW SINCE:

1999


His office may be an adventure to find on the third floor of the Math & Computer building, but once you are there, you can't help but be glad you made the journey. Jeff Henry is an engaging individual who came to the University of Waterloo as a student in 1999 from his hometown of Markham. His first degree was in computer engineering and the second, his "passion" degree, was in political science. As a student, Jeff was a leader within the Engineering Society, the Engineering Student Societies' Council of Ontario, and the Federation of Students (Feds). Now as the academic integrity officer in the Faculty of Mathematics, Jeff continues to be heavily involved in the community through such volunteer roles as V-P for the Grand River branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association and as a member of the Community Editorial Board of The Waterloo Region Record.

What brought you to Waterloo?

I had a grade nine math teacher who was a Waterloo graduate, and she always asked me: "So, you're going to Waterloo, right?" My parents were both high school math teachers and came to Waterloo every year to judge the math contests. They set up a meeting for me with Ron Scoins, who at the time was the Math Associate Dean of External Relations, to talk about my options. Although I chose engineering instead of math, it was the passion faculty members had for their students that convinced me Waterloo was the place for me. Looking back, all of my math teachers were right.

What has kept you here?

The university and the city outside of Ring Road have worked together to keep me here. Waterloo is big enough that there is always something to do, but is also small enough that you can walk down the street on any given day and bump into someone you know. It's a great combination! I also like that I can make a positive impact and contribute to where I live and work.

Can you tell me about your gift designation?

I've chosen to give to the Graduate Senate Scholarship in the Faculty of Arts for several reasons. The first is that the money I put into the scholarship is being matched. I like knowing that I can make the money I contribute go even further. The second reason is that there is such a disparity in graduate funding between the arts and the sciences. I lobbied the government to close the gap in funding when I was the V-P Education for Feds, and I know how important it is to live the message you are trying to share.