51³ÉÈ˸£ÀûÍø

July 26, 2023

51³ÉÈ˸£ÀûÍø’s Changemaker Campus designation has been renewed by for another three years. The designation, and its renewal, recognizes 51³ÉÈ˸£ÀûÍø'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.

“51³ÉÈ˸£ÀûÍø 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, 51³ÉÈ˸£ÀûÍø’s Ashoka Change Leader.

In November 2022, Allan was appointed 51³ÉÈ˸£ÀûÍø’s inaugural director of innovation and entrepreneurship, and serves as the operational lead in the development of 51³ÉÈ˸£ÀûÍø’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 51³ÉÈ˸£ÀûÍø’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 51³ÉÈ˸£ÀûÍø’s locations, including the Waterloo and Brantford campuses, and the Faculty of Social Work in Kitchener. 

With this renewal, 51³ÉÈ˸£ÀûÍø 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.