Department of Philosophy - University of Waterloo

Friends of the Philosophy Department

Friend of the Philosophy Department: Gerry Remers

Gerry Remers received his M.A. in Philosophy at the University of Waterloo in 1982, completing his thesis (“Edmund Husserl’s Phenomenological Theory of Intersubjectivity”) under the supervision of Professor Richard Holmes.

An early proponent of digital projection technology, Remers's leadership saw first Electrohome and then Christie Digital evolve into a global research and sales leader in the industry. He has always had strong relationships with the University, with the Faculty of Arts, and with the Department of Philosophy, and in 2007 he received a University 50th Anniversary Alumni Award.

In his various public leadership roles, Remers emphasizes the practical relevance of the analytical and communicative skills one acquires through philosophical education, and he illustrates the application of ethical ideals in his work with local charities and educational foundations. He also played an integral role in securing the Wolfe Chair in Scientific and Technological Literacy for the University and for the Department of Philosophy. For his outstanding voluntarism on behalf of the Department and for his history of outreach on behalf of the discipline, the Department is pleased to recognize Gerry Remers as a Friend of the Philosophy Department.

Friend of the Philosophy Department: Robert Ewen

Robert Ewen came to Waterloo Philosophy from his original program in Engineering. Intrigued with themes in Parmenides, Heraclitus, and Hegel, he graduated with an Honours B.A. in Philosophy in 1971. With a subsequent M.B.A. in hand, by the late 1970s Ewen was becoming skilled in finance. As a broker and discretionary money manager he has enjoyed great success in the Canadian banking industry.

Ewen is a strong supporter of the universities from which he graduated, and of the Bruce Trail Association (whose 720 kilometres both he and his wife Anita have hiked end-to-end). He continues to bring philosophical reflection to bear on his life and work. On his website, he puts it this way: "Studying Philosophy revealed how I think; Studying Business showed how my competitors think; Within is my evolving process which utilizes this gap.”

For his role as a major supporter of the Philosophy’s undergraduate awards program, and for his generosity in consulting with the Department on strategic development goals, we are pleased to recognize Robert Ewen as a Friend of the Philosophy Department.