December 9, 2022
Members of the Indigenous Student Centre team are recipients of a 2022 Western Award of Excellence (back, L to R) Kylie Bressette, Kelly Nicholas, Donna Noah, Marisa Geris; (front, L to R) Arbor Morris, Joel Persaud, Ashley Kewayosh Samuel. Absent: Amanda Bragg and Paul Porter. (Photo source: Chris Kindratsky/Western Communications)
Staff members demonstrating exceptional performance, from residence halls and research institutes to the Indigenous Student Centre and Western International, are being honoured with the highest level of campus-wide recognition: The Western Award of Excellence.
President Alan Shepard will lead Western until June 30, 2029. (Photo source: Rachel Lincoln)
President Alan Shepard has been appointed to a second term in a unanimous decision by the Board of Governors. His reappointment follows extensive consultation undertaken by a presidential review committee comprised of students, faculty, staff and alumni.
Western continues to make progress toward a decarbonized Operating & Endowment Fund. (Photo source: Western Communications)
Western is working diligently to embed sustainable practices across all operations, in its research endeavours and its teaching. Released last week, the new Western Responsible Investing Annual Report shows the university has reduced the carbon intensity of its investments by 4.3 per cent and carbon emissions in the portfolio by 38.6 per cent in 2021 compared to the previous year.
Alena Robin stands in front of Saint Angelus Preaching in the Basilica of Saint John Lateran. (Submitted photo)
After years of searching, art historian Alena Robin’s persistence paid off with the discovery of a masterpiece by Mexican artist Antonio Enríquez in the corner of a museum’s storage room. The painting has been restored and is on display in the city of Guadalajara.
Professor Valerie Oosterveld of Western Law. (Photo source: Courtesy Hilary Gauld)
Law professor Valerie Oosterveld is part of a pan-Canadian partnership helping victims of international human rights violations that has been honoured with the 2022 Partnership Award by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council.
A celebration was held on Dec. 1 to mark the achievements of Western's scholar-athletes. (Photo source: Mustangs Communications)
Student-athletes, coaches, staff and faculty gathered last week to celebrate the 427 Mustangs who attained an 80 per cent or above academic average while on a varsity sport or varsity club team, placing Western second in Canada for the number of Academic All-Canadians for 2021-22.
Working at Western
The artLAB gallery, JL Visual Arts Centre (Photo source: Western Communications)
Call for applications: Indigenous Artist-in-Residence
The department of visual arts is seeking applications for the one-year Indigenous Artist-in-Residence program. This program will support a First Nations, Métis, or Inuk artist in the research, creation and production of new artistic work.
Course readings simplified
Take advantage of Western Libraries’ personalized course readings service. Send in your syllabus and they’ll do the rest – from start to finish.
Mental health resources for faculty and staff
There are a number of mental health resources available for staff and faculty, including counselling assistance programs, supportive and proactive services and programs, and self-directed learning. Visit Mental Health for more information and links to resources.
There’s still time to give to United Way Elgin Middlesex
Show your local love and reimagine a community where everyone has a fair shot at a good life. If you can, please donate through payroll deduction and support Western’s 2022 United Way Campaign.
Photo of the Week
The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women is observed each year on Dec. 6 to remember the École Polytechnique massacre. This year, Women in Engineering partnered with Brescia University College to hold a memorial event in the Amit Chakma Building. (Photo source: Lauren Lee/Student Experience)
Coming Up
Sir Alexander (Izzy Siebert), Sebastian (Madison Smith), Moll (Ava Burtis), and Sir Guy Fitzallard (Stephanie Hendry) talk marriage during a dress rehearsal of The Roaring Girl. (Photo source: Joey Lisser)
December 9 and 10 (7:30 p.m.)
Fall theatre production: The Roaring Girl
Running since 2007, the fall theatre production course features students from all faculties. This year’s production, The Roaring Girl, is a rollicking comedy that will warm your heart and make you see the women of Shakespeare in a whole new light. Held at the Palace Theatre, admission is $20 (adults) and $15 (students and seniors).
December 12 (12:10 to 12:50 p.m.)
Buti Yoga with Living Well
Join fitness instructor Lisa Silvestro for a music-driven movement class that incorporates dynamic yoga with movement, cardio-dance bursts and deep core conditioning. This free wellness session is being held at University College, Conron Hall, room 3110.
December 14 to 22 (Wednesday to Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
Green Leaf Café holiday buffet
Enjoy roast turkey, soup, salad and a festive dessert at $30 per person. Located in Somerville House, room 3340. Reserve your table.
Western in the News
Dr. Adam Sirek sets up a holographic teleportation with (bottom row) Alex Zhou, Hira Nadeem, Paula Bosca, (middle row) , Adam Levschuk, Jocelyn Whittal, Sara Mohamed, Jin Sing Sa, and (top) Douglas Keddy. (Photo source: Darryl Lahteenmaa /Western Communications)
Maclean’s
The year ahead: Science and technology in 2023 and health in 2023
Western research is featured in Maclean’s in two articles looking at the future of health, and science and technology in 2023. The magazine highlights Western’s first international holographic teleportation demonstration as well as research that will train future astronauts to mentally prepare for the isolation of space missions.
The New York Times
Who will care for ‘kinless’ seniors?
Sociology professor Rachel Margolis shares concern for a growing population of 'kinless' seniors and says we can no longer assume everyone has family to help care for them as they age.
Canadian Geographic
Featured Fellow: Chantelle Richmond
Recently named a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, geography and environment professor Chantelle Richmond discusses her work as a health geographer, restoring relationships with the land and making change.
Global News Radio
A Canadian scientist helps put a new face on King Tutankamun
Anthropology professor and chair Andrew Nelson explains his work using CT scans and 3D bioimaging software to create a digital model of King Tut’s face for a PBS documentary commemorating the centennial of the tomb re-opening.
Commentary
(Photo source: Pexels)
Engineering and Ivey professor Joshua Pearce says all research funders — governments, foundations, private companies, donors and universities — should start funding open-source endowed chairs to maximize the impact of their resources.
