Imagine a university building transformed into a living tribute to a trailblazing leader, all while fueling groundbreaking advancements in healthcare technology. That’s exactly what’s happening at the University of Waterloo, where a staggering $20 million gift from the Gloria Baylis Foundation is set to rename a building and propel the institution’s ambitions to new heights. But here’s where it gets even more inspiring: this isn’t just about a name change—it’s a celebration of the legacy of Pearl Sullivan, the first woman to serve as dean of Waterloo’s Faculty of Engineering and a visionary who reshaped the university’s approach to education. Sullivan, who passed away in 2020 after a 12-year battle with cancer, was described as a “force of nature” whose impact continues to resonate deeply within the community.
The announcement was made outside the Engineering 7 building by alumni Frank and Valerie Baylis, whose philanthropic gesture will rename the structure the Pearl Sullivan Engineering Building. Frank, whose mother Gloria—a nurse, entrepreneur, and civil rights advocate—inspired the foundation, drew parallels between the two women’s legacies. “Like my mother Gloria, Pearl’s drive and vision expanded opportunities for people to realize their potential,” Frank remarked. “This building stands as a testament to her unwavering commitment to advancing education.”
And this is the part most people miss: Sullivan’s influence is literally baked into the building’s design. From the colors of the stairs to the very existence of Engineering 7, her fingerprints are everywhere. Current Dean Mary Wells reflected on Sullivan’s leadership, calling her “laser-focused” on making Waterloo Engineering a global leader. “She was an empathetic leader, a passionate educator, and a bold dean who made things happen quickly and decisively,” Wells said. “It was always Pearl’s building, and now it’s official.”
But the impact of this donation extends far beyond a nameplate. A significant portion of the funds will support Waterloo’s ambitious Waterloo at 100 initiative, which aims to tackle some of the world’s most pressing challenges through research and innovation by the university’s centennial in 2057. One key focus? Healthcare. The gift will help recruit a Canada Excellence Research Chair in Health Engineering and Technology, driving advancements that could revolutionize access to care. This aligns seamlessly with the Gloria Baylis Foundation’s mission to improve healthcare and education for all.
Valerie Baylis emphasized the university’s forward-thinking spirit, stating, “Waterloo is constantly evolving to remain ahead of its peers. Our goal with this gift is to support the University’s culture of embracing positive change and its drive to make a real impact in the world.”
But here’s the controversial question: As institutions increasingly rely on private donations to fund transformative initiatives, how do we ensure these partnerships serve the public good without compromising academic independence? And does renaming buildings after individuals—even trailblazers like Pearl Sullivan—risk overshadowing the collective efforts of countless others who contribute to an institution’s success? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments. This gift is undeniably a game-changer, but it also invites us to reflect on the broader implications of philanthropy in higher education.
