The centennial of Canada’s iconic iron ring ceremony was marked with renewed spirit through the unveiling of a modernized and more inclusive Calling of the Engineer — exactly 100 years after the original event.
Dean Mary Wells represented the University of Waterloo at the first-ever presentation of the updated ceremony, held April 25 at McGill University. In Montreal for the annual spring meeting of Engineering Deans Canada, Wells attended the event alongside fellow engineering deans nationwide.
Reflecting on the milestone, Wells emphasized the ceremony’s enduring significance. “Returning to McGill University for the centennial ceremony was deeply meaningful,” she said. “The Calling of the Engineer has marked the start of so many careers, including my own. It was moving to see the tradition evolve to be more inclusive while staying true to its core values of responsibility and service.”
Centennial celebrations at Waterloo
Building on the national centennial celebrations, Waterloo Engineering is marking the milestone with a series of events and initiatives throughout 2025. These activities celebrate the iron ring’s origins while reflecting on its continued meaning for today’s engineers.
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Buy the beer – Elora Brewing Company, founded by Waterloo Engineering alumni, has released Ring Road Lager in tribute to the iron ring. Purchase here.
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Get the coin – In collaboration with Engineering Deans Canada, of which Wells serves as Chair, the Royal Canadian Mint has issued a commemorative coin celebrating Canada’s engineering legacy. Order here.
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See the talk – On May 28, Waterloo Engineering and TVO will co-host a public lecture in Engineering 7. Presented by the TRuST Network, this talk will explore how ethics, public trust, and responsible innovation can guide the future of engineering in Canada. Register here.
More information, including a full list of activities and ways to participate, is available through Celebrating 100 years of the iron ring.
Read Dean Wells' recent op-ed The engineer's iron ring is part of Canada's national identity in the Globe and Mail.
Dean Mary Wells with fellow Canadian engineering deans at the Calling of the Engineer ceremony in Montreal. (Photo credit: Dean Mary Wells)