October 1, 2021
Architectural rendering of healing garden at the space that will become the Indigenous Learning Space
From a welcome desk with greetings in 30 Indigenous languages, to a healing garden beside a sacred fire – Western's new Indigenous Learning Space will be infused with meaning and is set to open next summer.
Gif designed by Rob Potter, Western Communications
A new ultra-flexible cardiac patch, designed by engineering professor Kibret Mequanint and his collaborators, may one day be used to restore function to a damaged heart following a cardiac arrest.
Western Communications file photo
Western is creating new scholarships for five Afghan students forced to flee their country’s turmoil. The university is also committing to fund two Afghan scholars through the Scholars at Risk network and the Scholar Rescue Fund.
Western News file photo
Western ranks in the top eight per cent for graduate employability among more than 670 postsecondary institutions worldwide, according to a new QS graduate employability report.
Rendering of the new Entrepreneurship and Innovation Building by Perkins & Will
A $1-million gift from the Sabourin Family Foundation will be used to support a new undergraduate student award program, as well as fund innovative programming and Western’s new Entrepreneurship and Innovation Building.
Janice Forsyth holding A History of Excellence, The Untold Stories of Manitoba’s Indigenous Sport. Photo by Keri Ferguson, Western Communications
The new book A History of Excellence, The Untold Stories of Manitoba’s Indigenous Sport, co-authored by sociology professor and director of Indigenous studies Janice Forsyth, celebrates more than 100 Indigenous athletes from Manitoba as a direct response to Call to Action 87.
Working at Western
Erika Chamberlain. Western News file photo
Dean Chamberlain reappointed for second term
Erika Chamberlain has been reappointed as Dean of Western Law for a second, five-year term beginning July 1.
Hospitality Services is hiring
The Hospitality Services team is hiring for multiple full-time sessional and part-time roles which include cooking, serving, and cashiering. These positions offer growth potential, competitive pay, and are a great opportunity for anyone with experience in food services. If this sounds like a good fit for someone you know, encourage them to learn more and apply here.
On-campus COVID-19 vaccination and testing centre
The vaccination and testing centre is open in the Graphic Services Building for any registered student or current employee with an active Western username and password.
Photo of the Week
The Western community formally observed Orange Shirt Day and Canada's first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30. Photo by Geoff Robins
Coming Up
Photo by Tim Mossholder via Unsplash
Oct. 7 to Oct. 28
Philosophy lecture series: race and racism
A partnership with the Rotman Institute of Philosophy, the department of philosophy, and London Public Library, this public lecture series examines race, racism, and environmental justice. Advance registration is required.
Wednesday, Oct. 6 (2 p.m.)
Your voice counts: An afternoon with Opiyo Oloya
Drawing upon his own lived experience and knowledge as an award-winning school board administrator, Opiyo Oloya, Western's first associate vice-president of equity, diversity and inclusion, will talk about his vision for leading change at Western and in the Canadian post-secondary education system.
Thursday, Oct. 7 (11:30 a.m.)
Show Your Local Love Fest campaign kickoff
Take part in Western's United Way campaign kickoff. There will be food, games and live music by country artist Aaron Allen and singer/songwriter and Western student, Mikalyn Hay at Renaissance Square (beside Concrete Beach).
Thursday, Oct. 7 (7 p.m.)
The Botanical Turn panel discussion
The Botanical Turn examines how botanical imagery has been used to explore issues of agency, identity, gender, empowerment and colonization. Moderated by exhibition curator Helen Gregory, artists Carrie Allison, Paul Chartrand, Joscelyn Gardner, Zachari Logan, Sarah Maloney and Amanda White will discuss how plants and botanical imagery have informed their art practices. This exhibition runs until Dec.11 at McIntosh Gallery.
Friday, Oct. 15 (12:30 p.m.)
Musica Canadiana, One
Livestreamed from von Kuster Hall, next week's 'Fridays at 12:30' concert series will feature sopranos Margie Bernal Rodriguez and Bethany Hörst along with collaborator Marianna Chibotar-Rutkevich, piano, to perform vocal works by Canadian composers.
Western in the News
Photo by Sören Funk via Unsplash
CBC News
Industrial plastic is spilling into Great Lakes, and no one's regulating it, experts warn
A study by Western researchers found the issue of plastic pellets washing up on beaches was worse in areas with lots of plastic industries.
Forbes
What are probiotics? Types, benefits and more
Schulich Medicine & Dentistry professor Dr. Gregor Reid says while certain strains of bacteria may qualify as probiotics and can enhance your health, there is not a one-size-fits-all use for probiotics.
CTV London
Telling a personal story to stress the importance of National Truth and Reconciliation Day
A presentation about the sweeping impacts of the residential school system given by Cody Groat, Six Nations band member and history professor, not only reflects on the past but is designed to help chart a course forward.
CBC Afternoon Drive
Is there a cognitive advantage to bilingualism?
There is a long-held belief that bilingual children have an advantage over children who speak just one language when it comes to cognition. But a new study led by Professor J Bruce Morton reveals it may be a myth.
Commentary
Photo by Jason Briscoe via Unsplash
George Athanassakos, Ivey Business School professor and Ben Graham Chair in Value Investing, on the potential for value stocks to outperform growth stocks if high inflation persists.
