The University of Waterloo community is honoring Dr. Wayne Chang – an inspiring educator, mentor, and advocate for entrepreneurship whose positivity, creativity, and kindness influenced countless students and entrepreneurs.
An associate professor in the Faculty of Engineering’s Conrad School of Entrepreneurship and Business and coordinator of the Enterprise Co-op (E Co-op) program, Chang passed away unexpectedly on October 30, 2025.
Well-loved by both students and colleagues, Chang was recognized for his contagious enthusiasm and steadfast commitment to helping others reach their potential. He created a culture of innovation, teamwork, and confidence that continues to shape the Conrad School as well as the Faculty of Engineering.
“Wayne was one of the most beautiful human beings I have ever met,” says Dr. Mary Wells, dean of Engineering. “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. Wayne made us all better – students, colleagues and friends alike.”
A life dedicated to teaching and entrepreneurship
A proud Waterloo alum (BSc ’87, Physics), Chang earned his MEng Sc and Ph D from Western University before returning to his alma mater in 2012 to teach at the Conrad School.
He quickly gained recognition for his enthusiasm in the classroom and strong dedication to students, earning Waterloo’s Distinguished Teacher Award in 2018 – reflecting his passion for hands-on learning and mentorship.
As a lecturer, co-op coordinator, and later associate professor (teaching stream), he played an essential role in developing the Enterprise Co-op (E Co-op) program into a key aspect of Waterloo’s entrepreneurial landscape.
Chang (centre) with a group of his students.
Chang taught courses such as BET 300: Foundations of Venture Creation and BET 608: Business Model Validation, encouraging students to embrace experimentation as part of their learning journey. His classes often turned into transformative experiences for aspiring founders.
“I honestly think I learned more through Foundations of Venture Creation and Enterprise Co-op than I did through my entire undergrad up to that point,” says Andrew Leest, a former student now managing venture growth for Tech Alliance of Southwestern Ontario.
“Wayne enables students to discover utility in their existing knowledge by creating a venture. You become so driven to build something successful that you learn much more, much faster-and in ways that expand beyond the classroom.”
Mentorship beyond the classroom
Beyond academics, Chang’s mentorship impacted hundreds of student ventures while connecting founders with Waterloo’s broader innovation network. Through his leadership in E Co-op, he guided pitch competitions and built lasting partnerships that helped young entrepreneurs turn ideas into reality.
Esteban Veintimilla – who was once a student completing BETS alongside Enterprise Co-op as an undergraduate-later obtained his part-time MBET and returned to the Conrad School as the BETS program coordinator-says Chang’s influence was deeply personal.
“Wayne gave without ever expecting anything in return,” Veintimilla shares. “He noticed what people needed within our community and quietly took action. As my professor first then mentor-and friend-he helped me believe in myself. His BET 300 class changed my life.”
Pondering over Chang’s passing, Veintimilla adds “The world would have truly benefited from having Wayne Chang around for many more decades.”
An enduring influence
Dedicating himself throughout his career meant many admired Chang for his empathy along with humility paired with unwavering devotion towards students’ growth. He cultivated environments where learners from all backgrounds felt seen supported-and celebrated for exactly who they were.
Certainly fondly reminding them that ‘the future is bright,’ this optimism continues guiding both Conrad School while fostering communities he helped build up; influencing ventures launched-the mentorship inspired-and creative culture established at Waterloo still thrives today!
Chang (bottom right) acts out his signature phrase ‘the future is bright’ with his students on the steps of Engineering 5.
“Wayne never said no when asked to help,” Wells remarks. “His only condition was it wouldn’t take him away from engaging directly with students! He poured everything he had into E Co-op which led so many young founders gaining confidence needed kick-starting those ventures shaping who they’d become!”
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Chang (centre) with a group of his students.
Chang taught courses such as BET 300: Foundations of Venture Creation and BET 608: Business Model Validation, encouraging students to embrace experimentation as part of their learning journey. His classes often turned into transformative experiences for aspiring founders.
“I honestly think I learned more through Foundations of Venture Creation and Enterprise Co-op than I did through my entire undergrad up to that point,” says Andrew Leest, a former student now managing venture growth for Tech Alliance of Southwestern Ontario.
“Wayne enables students to discover utility in their existing knowledge by creating a venture. You become so driven to build something successful that you learn much more, much faster-and in ways that expand beyond the classroom.”
Mentorship beyond the classroom
Beyond academics, Chang’s mentorship impacted hundreds of student ventures while connecting founders with Waterloo’s broader innovation network. Through his leadership in E Co-op, he guided pitch competitions and built lasting partnerships that helped young entrepreneurs turn ideas into reality.
Esteban Veintimilla – who was once a student completing BETS alongside Enterprise Co-op as an undergraduate-later obtained his part-time MBET and returned to the Conrad School as the BETS program coordinator-says Chang’s influence was deeply personal.
“Wayne gave without ever expecting anything in return,” Veintimilla shares. “He noticed what people needed within our community and quietly took action. As my professor first then mentor-and friend-he helped me believe in myself. His BET 300 class changed my life.”
Pondering over Chang’s passing, Veintimilla adds “The world would have truly benefited from having Wayne Chang around for many more decades.”
An enduring influence
Dedicating himself throughout his career meant many admired Chang for his empathy along with humility paired with unwavering devotion towards students’ growth. He cultivated environments where learners from all backgrounds felt seen supported-and celebrated for exactly who they were.
Certainly fondly reminding them that ‘the future is bright,’ this optimism continues guiding both Conrad School while fostering communities he helped build up; influencing ventures launched-the mentorship inspired-and creative culture established at Waterloo still thrives today!
Chang (bottom right) acts out his signature phrase ‘the future is bright’ with his students on the steps of Engineering 5.
“Wayne never said no when asked to help,” Wells remarks. “His only condition was it wouldn’t take him away from engaging directly with students! He poured everything he had into E Co-op which led so many young founders gaining confidence needed kick-starting those ventures shaping who they’d become!”“His genuine compassion drew individuals spanning various backgrounds-all personalities-all identities-to create safe spaces where every voice mattered while feeling valued enough simply being themselves! We’ll deeply miss him.”
<P Honoring Wayne's legacy<P To celebrate Wayne's life along with contributions made towards our community-we invite everyone interested supporting University Of Waterloo by contributing towards its Wayne Chang Memorial Fund!<P Meanwhile-the Conrad School Of Entrepreneurship And Business is compiling memories reflections condolences intended public memorial page; feel free sharing yours via email directed toward contact within The Conrad school!Source link
