In partnership with the Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism, the University of Waterloo Archives (UWA) conducted a series of interviews to capture the voices of Black students, faculty and staff connected to the University of Waterloo. The goal for the Black Oral Histories project was to preserve histories in a way that is familiar to Black identity and Blackness as the African diaspora has a deeply embedded oral history culture.

Interviewees were selected by members of an advisory committee that was struck to ensure the project captured a cross-selection of individuals from the Waterloo community. Working with Jermal Jones, Associate Director, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Access, Library, six people were interviewed.

The interviewees include:

• 1. Dr. Naila Keleta-Mae, artist, poet, and associate professor in the Department of Communication Arts at the University of Waterloo

• 2. Darrell Adams, Head Coach for the University of Toronto Varsity Blues and formerly the Associate Head Coach, Defensive Coordinator and Recruiting Coordinator for the University of Waterloo men's football team

• 3. Lannois Carroll-Woolery, Manager of Data Analytics & Reporting for the Department of Institutional Analysis & Planning at the University of Waterloo, and current President of the Caribbean Canadian Association of Waterloo Region (CCAWR)

• 4. Dr. Murchison Callender, Professor Emeritus, School of Optometry and Vision Science at the University of Waterloo

• 5. Samantha Lange, student studying physics in the Faculty of Science at the University of Waterloo

• 6. Dr. Vershawn Young, an artist, actor, diversity consultant and joint appointed professor in Communications Arts and English Language and Literature at the University of Waterloo where he has been the director of Waterloo's Black Studies program since its launch in 2022

The collection contains the audio recordings and transcripts for each of the interviews.

The University of Waterloo Archives (UWA) conducted an oral history pilot project in 2022 to actively document the University’s history through the lived experiences of staff, faculty, and students. This project took place to ensure that the perspectives of the interviewees are incorporated into the archival memory.

Interviewees were selected by members of an advisory committee that was struck to ensure the project captured a cross-selection of individuals from the Waterloo community. Working with historian Dr. Anne Millar, several staff, faculty, and students were interviewed.

The interviewees include:

• Aaron Francis, PhD candidate, Balsillie School of International Affairs

• Professor Anita Layton, Canada 150 Chair in Mathematical Biology and Medicine

• Brandon Sweet, Associate Director, Internal and Leadership Communications, University Relations

• Camille Huo, student, School of Pharmacy

• Professor Don Cowan, Distinguished Professor Emeritus, Cheriton School of Computer Science

• Jacky Beckford-Henriques, Swimming Head Coach, Athletics

• Jennifer Shousterman, Executive Assistant, Office of the President

• Judi Jewinski, retired Administrative Dean, Renison University College

The interviews include discussions about the interviewees family background, their decision to come to Waterloo and the path that brought them there, as well as their thoughts about the institution and where it will be at 100 years old, in 2057.

Accrual consists of a University of Waterloo Library-branded face mask distributed to all library staff as a token of appreciation for their work during 2020-2021 and the COVID-19 pandemic. The face mask features a drawing of the Dana Porter Library with a Canadian flag flying on top against a black background.

Accrual consists of items received by Feridun Hamdullahpur, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Waterloo, when he attended the Nobel Prize ceremony in Stockholm, Sweden on December 10, 2018. During the ceremony, Donna Strickland, associate professor of physics and astronomy, received the Nobel Prize for her work.

Accrual consists of materials relating to the Ontario branch of Alpha Delta Kappa. Includes minutes of the provincial executive meeting as well as the provincial conference.

Accrual consists of materials primarily created posthumously relating to the life of Kay Rex. Includes a copy of her will, the order of service for her funeral, sympathy cards and one photograph of Kay.

Fonds consists of correspondence from Virgil Burnett to Robin Magowan.

Accrual consists of two scrapbooks (2003-2005 and 2006-2009) documenting the activities of the Concordia Club.

Fonds consists of materials created and accumulated by the Rotary Club of Kitchener. Includes snapshots from a rotary convention and materials from the Rotary institute.

Accrual consist of floor plans of Dana Porter Library and Davis Centre Library.

Accrual consists of an assortment of audio-visual material and photographs from various library events and Friends of the Library lectures.

Fonds consists of material relating to activities and operations of the Walter Bean Community Trails Foundation from 1998-2002. Includes artwork, clippings, correspondence, ephemera, maps, minutes, photographs, publications, speech notes and videocassettes.

Negatives taken between 1995 and 2005 by staff photographers at the University of Waterloo. The images provide a historical overview of the development and growth of the University and documents campus events and activities, buildings and construction, teams, clubs, and associations as well as faculty, staff, and students.

Accrual consists of records created by various Library committees or working groups including meeting minutes, reports, and newsletters.

Journals documenting Robert Shipley's life and experiences from 2006-2022. Also includes an audio journal of a 1992 trip to China and accompanying slides.

Records created and accumulated by the Librarians' and Archivists’ Association of the University of Waterloo (LAAUW) related to the association’s meetings, programs, and activities. Records in this fonds document the work of the Executive Committee, the association’s attempts to obtain faculty representation and academic status for members, the evolution of the Librarian and Archivist Employment Handbook, and various subjects of special interest to the association, librarians and archivists.

Accrual consists of materials created and accumulated by the Walter Bean Grand River Community Trails Foundation. Includes office files, correspondence, photographs, and publications.

Accrual consists of an assortment of textual records from University of Waterloo Libraries including annual reports, mission statements, reports and material related to Davis Centre/Info Commons renovations. Also includes 4 CDs of the Library's Public Access Catalogue.

Accrual consists of an assortment of material related to LibQUAL, a survey offered by the Association of Research Libraries and participation by the University of Waterloo Library.

Accrual consists of related to renovation and space in the Library, newsletters, annual reports, and buttons.

Accrual consists of materials relating to Alida Burrett's work with multi dwelling recycling initiatives in Waterloo Region. Includes notes, meeting minutes, correspondence, etc.

Materials include family papers from three families, the Breithaupt family, the Hewetson family, and the Clark family; records from the Guild of All Arts in Scarborough, Ontario, founded by Rosa Breithaupt Hewetson Clark and Spencer Clark; and several smaller collections acquired by the Breithaupt family and by Spencer Clark. The personal library of Spencer Clark, which includes many books, periodicals, government documents, and ephemeral items, was donated together with the archival collections, and is particularly strong in the fields of urban planning, architecture, and Canadian art.

Accrual consists of typed and handwritten drafts and notes created by Eric McCormack for his works "Cloud," "Family Traditions," "Inspecting the Vaults," and "The Paradise Motel."

Fonds consists of material relating to the history and operation of the Kitchener and Waterloo Community Foundation from its founding in 1984 to the present. It includes correspondence, committee minutes and agendas, ephemera, financial statements, publications, reports, speeches, photographs, sound recordings and video recordings and electronic records.

Fonds consists of materials created and accumulated by Stan Johannesen including seven diaries and original artwork for his novel Sister Patsy.

Accrual consists of audio cassette recordings of Librarian's Association of the University of Waterloo talks given by a series of invited speakers from on- and off-campus.

Accrual consists of two 25th anniversary banners. One banner has wide black, red, gold and white stripes with no other markings. The other is gold and white with the University crest in red, gold and black and the dates 1957-1982.

The accrual consists of materials documenting Eric McCormack's career as a writer. It contains manuscripts, typescripts, clippings, ephemera, and correspondence.

Accrual consists of materials created and accumulated by Rienzi Crusz relating primarily to his professional life. Includes drafts of his works, information on readings and publication, correspondence, etc.

Accrual consists of an assortment of material related to projects, services, and resources in the University of Waterloo Library's Circulation Services.

Materials created or accumulated by John English as part of different functions in his professional life. Includes materials related to committees, organizations, and associations with which he was involved; conferences and events he attended or organized; different research projects, with the preeminence of Arctic matters; speeches, lectures, and courses he thought or organized; and political activities and events as part of the Canadian Liberal Party.

Fonds consists of the records of the Canadian Coalition on Acid Rain documenting all aspects of its activities and operations during its 10-year existence from 1981-1991. These include correspondence, minutes and reports, research files, financial records, legal records, publications, ephemera, audio-visual material, realia, and other material created or received by the CCAR and CAPF in the course of their business, and constitute a study in Canada-U.S. environmental relations.

Fonds consists of materials created and accumulated by Alida Burrett. Primarily includes material relating to Burrett's work with women's rights issues including equal pay and with the K-W Status of Women Group, as well as her peace work.

Fonds consists of materials created and accumulated by Rienzi Crusz documenting his personal and professional life. Includes manuscript materials, correspondence, materials relating to his published works, etc.

Fonds consists of materials created and accumulate by the Women's Press Club of Toronto for the years 1976-1981 that document their organizational operations and activities. Comprised of three binders kept by members of the executive committee which include business meeting minutes, executive meeting minutes, correspondence, newsletters, and more.

Fonds consists of materials created and accumulated by Rienzi Crusz documenting his personal and professional life. Includes manuscript materials, correspondence, materials relating to his published works, etc.

The fonds consists of materials documenting Eric McCormack's career as a writer. It contains manuscripts, typescripts, clippings, ephemera, and correspondence.

The fonds consists of a single diary kept by Jane Urquhart from 1974 to 1981, before she began her writing career, and documents primarily several trips to Europe taken with Tony Urquhart. This diary served as a sketchbook, journal and trip diary, and contains drawings and sketches, photographs, ephemera, plant material, etc. Its 258 pages contain 71 sketches, drawings and watercolours including 27 by Tony Urquhart, 32 by Jane Urquhart, 2 by Michael Ondaatje and 10 by other artists.

Materials created and accumulated by Harry Huehnergard including an aerial photograph of the Uniroyal Chemical plant in Elmira and an edition of the Kitchener-Waterloo Record with a front-page article about Harry published on the occasion of his retirement.

Accrual consists of architectural and campus development and building plans, and a City of Waterloo map. Included are plans for the Student Services Building (which was later named Ira G. Needles Hall), Psychology Building No. 30, Math and Computer Building No. 17, and rental buildings at 514 and 419 Phillip Street.

This accrual consists predominately of textual materials relating to John English's activities in federally-appointed positions after 1997. It also includes materials pertaining to his academic research and publication activities. The accrual contains research documentation and drafts of various articles, books and conference papers produced by Dr. English ca. 1979 to 1998.

In particular, it includes background research and publication information regarding his two-volume biography of Lester B. Pearson, which was published between 1989 and 1991 as The Life of Lester B. Pearson. In addition, a small volume of material relates to his activities as Member of Parliament including records of his Constituency and Parliamentary Offices.

Consists of material documenting Nancy-Lou Patterson's time at the University of Waterloo.

Accrual consists primarily of handwritten and typed poetry and prose, some of which are already listed in the finding aid and accrual lists. Also includes correspondence, personal files and biographical information.

Materials created or accumulated by Lydia Dotto during her professional life. Includes published and draft articles and reports written by and about Dotto in different media; reviews of Dotto's books; research materials and interviews; video documentaries in which Dotto participated, collaborated, or accumulated for research purposes; drafts of speeches; awards and certificates received by Dotto throughout her career as a science and environmental journalist and writer; and related photographs and correspondence received by Dotto.

Fonds consists of materials created and accumulated by Rienzi Crusz documenting his personal and professional life. Includes manuscript materials, correspondence, materials relating to his published works, etc.

Accrual consists of material related to the history and development of the Musagetes Architecture Library.

The 2014 accrual consists of material relating to John English's personal and professional interests and activities from the late 1960's to 2009. Includes correspondence, manuscripts and research files, records of organizations and political bodies in which he plays/played a role as well as University of Waterloo teaching files.

Fonds consists of materials created and accumulated by Rienzi Crusz documenting his personal and professional life. Includes manuscript materials, correspondence, materials relating to his published works, etc.

Fonds consists of materials created and accumulated by Rienzi Crusz documenting his personal and professional life. Includes manuscript materials, correspondence, materials relating to his published works, etc.

Diaries from Royce MacGillivray that document his personal and professional life.

Fonds consists of material relating to the literary career of Rienzi Crusz. Includes material relating to his creative writing process; the critical reception of his work; his activities as a poet, such as readings, literary award judging, and grant applications; and biographical material. Includes ms. and ts. drafts of poems and books of poetry; correspondence; ms. and ts. notes, proposals, biographies, etc.; clippings; ephemera; published poems and reviews; and other material, including photocopied documents.
Fonds is arranged in 25 series:
1.01 Manuscripts : Poems : Individual
1.02 Manuscripts : Books
1.03 Manuscripts : Title Pages, Contents, Illustrations
3.01 Correspondence to Rienzi Crusz
3.02 Correspondence Written by Rienzi Crusz
3.03 Correspondence From Others to Others
3.04 Correspondence : Unidentified
3.05 Correspondence : Envelopes
4.01 Biographical : General
4.02 Biographical : Clippings
4.03 Speeches, Presentations, Conferences
4.04 Grants
4.05 Proposals : Publications, Research
4.06 Awards and Activities
4.07 Readings
4.08 Works by Rienzi Crusz : Announcements
4.09.1 Works by Rienzi Crusz : Reviews
4.09.2 Works by Rienzi Crusz : Criticism and Analysis
4.10 Business and Financial
4.11 Miscellaneous
5.01 Poems : Published in Anthologies
5.02 Poems : Published in Periodicals
6.01 Miscellaneous : Biographical Notes on Other Poets
6.02 Miscellaneous : Works by Others
6.03 Miscellaneous : Family

Accrual consists of files of maintained by Murray Shepherd related to various committees and projects at the University of Waterloo Library.

Accrual consists of materials relating to the personal and professional activities and interests of James Downey from 1966 to 2013. Includes primarily correspondence as well as files relating to committees, consulting work, and personal research interests.

Accrual consists of material documenting Nancy-Lou Patterson's career as an "creative author".

Accession consists of two copies of a cassette recording of a news item from Guelph, Ontario's CJOY radio. Titled "Report on feminism collection at the U. of W. Library" the recording features an interview with Doris Lewis by Peter Coleman regarding the collection of women focused research material by the University of Waterloo Library.

These files contain information about groups admitted to and funded by the United Way as "agencies" between 1965 and 1994. Agency files contain a mixture of general information, publications, financial statements, annual reports and correspondence.

Accrual consists of Doris Lewis' working files for library and senate committees, and general ephemera including cards, invitations, and calendar pads.

The 2012 accrual consists of material relating to John English's personal and professional interests and activities from the early 1960's to 2011. Includes correspondence, manuscripts and research files, records of organizations and political bodies in which he plays/played a role as well as University of Waterloo administrative and teaching files.

Fonds consists of material relating to activities and interests of James Downey from 1963 to 2004. The fonds contains biographical information, manuscripts and typescripts of his published works and speeches, "commonplace books," files relating to his various academic positions, files relating to consulting and advisory work on behalf of provincial governments. Includes appointment calendars, clippings, personal and professional correspondence, ephemera, manuscripts and typescripts, reports and research materials.

Also includes papers received from Florence Reid.

Accrual consists of materials created and accumulated by Tony Urquhart relating to his professional life. Includes primarily slides of images of graveyards taken largely in France. Also includes material relating to the exhibit "Vimy and After: Drawings by Walter Seymour Allward" curated by Tony Urquhart.

Accrual consists of material documenting Nancy-Lou Patterson's career.

Consists of material documenting Nancy-Lou Patterson's time at the University of Waterloo, in particular her teaching and work as Director of the Gallery of the Theatre of the Arts.

Accrual consists of 53 slides of campus views and activities.

Accrual consists of an assortment of University of Waterloo Library annual reports, committee material, correspondence and other reports from the Library Office.

Accrual consists of publications produced by University of Waterloo Library including bibliographies, newsletters and promotional materials.

Accrual consists of materials created and accumulated by Gary Peysar during his time working for Kaufman Footwear Includes ephemera, clippings, photographs, and documentation.

Materials relating to Joan Hollobon's reporting on Saskatchewan's universal health care plan, and the Saskatchewan doctor's strike.

Fonds consists of materials relating to the personal and professional lives and interests of Alida and George Burrett. Contains materials relating to Alida's interests in women's rights and the environment, and her work with the Kitchener-Waterloo Status of Women Group. Also contains materials relating to the couple's shared interest in nuclear disarmament and George's work with the Waterloo Region Peace Network. Includes clippings, ephemera, financial records, meeting minutes, correspondence, etc.

Accrual consists of records maintained by University Librarian Doris Lewis with a focus on her involvement with the growth of university libraries and their professional associations throughout Ontario and Canada. Records containing information about the building of the Dana Porter Arts Library are also included.

Material created and accumulated by Donald Cowan related to his studies and career at the University of Waterloo, research and contributions to the field of computer science.

The 2011 accrual consists of material relating to John English's personal and professional interests and activities from the early 1960's to 2010. Includes correspondence, manuscripts and research files, records of organizations and political bodies in which he plays a role as well as University of Waterloo teaching files.

Accrual consists of slides of early campus history including buildings under construction and social events.

Accrual consists of a collection of photographs, as well as negatives and slides, documenting various aspects of the early years of the University of Waterloo including faculty, building construction, convocation, Board of Governors, visitors on campus, conferences and seminars, athletic events, dramatic events, as well as aerial views of the campus. The earliest pictures seem to be from 1960 and the latest appear to be from 1966 but many are undated and some are unidentified.

Accrual consists of materials created and accumulated by Tony Urquhart, relating to his personal and professional life. Includes correspondence, clippings, notes, typescripts, etc.

Fonds consists of materials created and accumulated by Rienzi Crusz documenting his personal and professional life. Includes manuscript materials, correspondence, materials relating to his published works, etc.

Fonds consists of materials created and accumulated by Rienzi Crusz documenting his personal and professional life. Includes manuscript materials, correspondence, materials relating to his published works, etc.

Material created and accumulated by Donald Cowan related to his career at the University of Waterloo and contributions to the field of computer science.

Negatives taken between 1960 and 1994 by staff photographers at the University of Waterloo. The images provide a historical overview of the development and growth of the University and documents campus events and activities, buildings and construction, teams, clubs, and associations as well as faculty, staff, and students.

Fonds consists of material documenting Nancy-Lou Patterson's career.

Accrual consists of examinations from various departments and programs collected for unknown purpose. The exams may have been used by library staff to support research services or made available to students as reference or studying resources.

Accrual consists of records maintained by University Librarian Doris Lewis. The first three files deal with miscellaneous subjects pertaining to the University of Waterloo, from 1959 to 1974. Files 5 to 28 deal with Mrs. Lewis' involvement in the Canadian Association of College and University Librarians (CACUL), the Canadian Library Association (CLA), and the National Canadian Council of Universities and Colleges (NCCUC). The subjects included are: the Bladen Commission, for which Mrs. Lewis coauthored a report titled "Forecast of the Cost of Academic Library Services in Canada, 1965-1975"; the debate with the Canadian Association of University Teachers over membership of librarians; a committee on library standards; an Inter-Library Loan Code committee; a salary survey committee and minutes of annual meetings. These files deal mainly with CACUL, but there is also some CLA and NCCUC material included. File 29 consists of miscellaneous correspondence that includes mention of the dedication of the Library Building and Waterloo Lutheran University.

Accrual consists of print photographs of convocation and other campus events taken by a variety of photographers.

Accrual consists of materials created and accumulated by Tony Urqhart relating to his personal life and his work as an artist. Includes materials showing his creative process; materials relating to his involvement in arts organizations; materials relating to exhibition and sales of his work; and materials related to his personal life. Includes correspondence, ephemera, advertisements, clippings, photographs and idea books.

Accrual consists of material relating to the artistic career of Tony Urquhart as well as his personal life. The materials in this accrual are arranged according to the series set out in the original finding aid, with some exceptions.

Accrual consists of files from the office of Doris Lewis the first Librarian of the University. The files deal with all aspects of library administration from 1957 until 1975.

Accrual consists mainly of moving images, sound recordings, and slides relating to Electrohome, especially public relations, sales and marketing, and advertising, as well as some documenting various aspects of the company's facilities, operations, and history. Accrual also includes materials relating to the administration of Electrohome, and in particular financial reports for the company from 1985-2000 as well as some public relations materials from 1979-1984 and annual reports for the years 1997-1999.

Accrual consists of 467 slides of buildings, general views of the campus, convocation, Dr. Hagey's retirement banquet and Dr. Hagey's retirement gift which was a book containing pictures of the history of the university. Each page was photographed for this collection.

Records of the the provincial organization as well as some of the chapters. Includes financial information, historical accounts, and scrapbooks documenting history, events and personalities in a chronological sequence.

Accrual consists of files of maintained by Doris Lewis. Records date from 1957 when the university was affiliated with Waterloo College, and include budgets and memos dating from that time. More recent files deal with the Engineering, Mathematics and Science (EMS) Library and personnel, and arts library issues and budgets.

Audio reel recordings of séances held under the supervision of medium Thomas Lacey as well as other events, messages, and music. The séances were held primarily in Kitchener and Waterloo, Ontario although some were held in other areas in Ontario and the Unites States of America. Prior to donation, some of the reels were transferred to audio cassettes. The audio cassettes are also included in the collection. Also includes a cue card index to the séances and a notebook listing séances held at 362 Frederick St. in Kitchener, Ontario.

Fonds consists of records relating to the career and activities of William H. Kaufman, primarily his volunteer and charitable activities in Kitchener, Ontario. Includes correspondence, ephemera, financial records, minutes, handwritten notes, reports, etc.

Accrual consists of files dealing with public relations for the University of Waterloo. The first set of files (1-56) originated in the offices of Cliff Hale Limited, the firm which originally handled public relations for the University. The remainder of the records consist of general files (57-126) and correspondence (127-169).