University of Waterloo Faculty of Engineering reposted this
It has been a heartbreaking few days at the University of Waterloo Faculty of Engineering. We lost our friend and colleague, Professor Wayne Chang, a professor in our Conrad School of Entrepreneurship and Business suddenly and I am still struggling to process the reality that he is gone. Wayne was one of the most beautiful human beings I have ever met. He embodied everything we hope a professor will be, and our students absolutely adored him. He radiated a positive, infectious energy that uplifted everyone around him. He never sought the spotlight. Instead, he shone that light on others, on students, on new faculty, and even on me as Dean. He was a catalyst for good in every room he entered. Wayne never said no when asked to help. His only condition was that it would not take him away from engaging with students. He poured his heart into E-Coop, and because of him, so many young founders found the confidence to start ventures that shaped who they would become. Quietly, behind the scenes, Wayne mentored and coached them, always prioritizing people over himself. One of my favourite recent memories was this September at Hack the North. Wayne organized a little Saturday gathering with the founders of Hack the North and the recipients of the Pearl Sullivan Scholarship. The scholarship amount was $3,333, and of course, Wayne suggested we meet at 3:33 p.m., a detail so very him. He insisted we take videos with the students; he wanted them to be in the spotlight, and he taught me how to throw an “aura” because “that’s what students do now.” He proudly told me about the personal stories of each of those students and the ventures they were creating. He knew them deeply because he cared deeply. Wayne drew students from every background, every personality, every identity. He created spaces where they felt safe, valued, and celebrated for exactly who they were. For some, that may have been the first time someone in authority looked at them and said, implicitly: you belong and you matter. And that was Wayne at his core. I truly believe being a professor was his calling. He brought so much joy to others and also received so much joy from our students. Our faculty is grieving. Our students are grieving. Our alumni who knew him are grieving. Wayne made us better, all of us, and the loss is profound. To his family: thank you for sharing him with us. He changed lives. And he will continue to do so through the many he lifted up and believed in. Rest well, Wayne. We will carry your light forward.