June 13, 2025
(Photo source: Christopher Kindratsky/Western Communications)
More than 8,000 students will graduate during Western's spring convocation ceremonies this week. Western News celebrates the Class of 2025 by highlighting the inspiring journeys of our graduates.
Also covered by: CTV London, London Free Press and CBC London
Cissy Kityo Mutuluuza (Photo source: Megan Morris/Schulich Medicine & Dentistry)
World-renowned HIV/AIDS researcher Dr. Cissy Kityo Mutuluuza received an honorary degree on June 10 for her pioneering work to expand access to HIV treatment and prevention strategies in Uganda and beyond.
Also covered by: CBC London Morning
(L to R) Josette Lafleur, Governor General of Canada Mary Simon and Chris Arsenault (Photo source: PO 2 Louis Dubé/ Rideau Hall)
Chris Arsenault, chair of the master of media in journalism and communication program, and CBC journalist Josette Lafleur received the 2025 Michener–L. Richard O’Hagan Fellowship for Journalism Education for How They Did It, their project giving students a behind-the-scenes look at investigative reporting.
Thomas Telfer (Photo source: Anna Toth)
Professor Thomas Telfer’s mindfulness course is improving law students’ mental health, resilience and professional skills – with published findings showing lasting benefits beyond the classroom.
Also covered by: Academic’s Top Ten
The Impact Project
Explore how the Western community is collectively contributing to meaningful change in the world, today.
adam patrick bell (Photo source: Steven Anderson/Western Communications)
adam patrick bell: How to bring inclusivity into music education.
Coming Up
June 16 to 20
Pollinator Week
Celebrate Pollinator Week with events and activities to engage, educate and connect our campus community. Highlights include a native plant giveaway, photo contest and practical tips to support pollinators.
June 20 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
London Community Artists Paint Day
Watch local artists in action and learn about their techniques and inspirations. You're invited to drop in throughout the morning. Connector Suites, 999 Collip Circle, Western Research Parks.
June 20 (6 a.m. and 11 a.m.)
Indigenous Solidarity Day Gathering
Join community members in honouring First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities at The Green in Wortley Village. The event includes a sunrise ceremony at 6 a.m. and singers, dancers, food and vendors start at 11 a.m. All are welcome.
June 21 (7 p.m.)
Concert for Courage
Support the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada and raise funds for Beyond the Wave, a program for teens and young adults affected by brain tumours. The concert takes place at The Wave, featuring the Tragically Hip tribute band, Grace, 2. Tickets are $50.
Working at Western
Beryl Ivey Garden (Photo source: Steven Anderson)
Western Farmers Market returns June 18
The Western Farmers Market returns every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Oct. 15. Pick up fresh produce, flowers, baked goods and other local treats or grab lunch from the on-site food truck. Visit the campus market in the open space in front of McIntosh Gallery.
Applications open: Graduate Student Innovation Scholars program
Know a grad student with a great idea and the drive to make real-world impact? Encourage them to apply to this 12-week program that helps students turn research into innovation. The deadline is July 7.
Summer Wellness Challenge
Take time to focus on your well-being this summer with this Living Well @ Western challenge. Participate on your own or as a team and earn points by staying active, eating well, practicing mindfulness and connecting with others. Download the challenge package and get started today.
Photo of the Week
Fourth-year student Naomi Ngobila receives a commemorative Kente stole from professor Erica Lawson during Western’s Black Graduation Celebration. Ngobila was named Class Respondent at the event, which honours academic achievement and pride in African Diasporic heritage. (Photo source: Christopher Kindratsky/Western Communications)
Western in the News
In addition to the news above, your colleagues have been featured in the following media outlets.
Dr. Anna Gunz (Photo source: Megan Morris/Schulich Medicine & Dentistry)
The National Post
Why is the air quality so bad? What to know about the health dangers of wildfire smoke
Schulich Medicine & Dentistry professor Dr. Anna Gunz explores the potential health effects of wildfire smoke.
Global News Morning
Gold nanoparticle medical imaging supporting cancer therapy
Chemistry professor Yolanda Hedberg explains her research to optimize gold nanoparticles for better medical imaging, drug delivery and cancer therapy.
The Conversation
Why more youth are landing in the ER with vomiting from cannabis use
Professors Jamie Seabrook and Jason Gilliland explain the need for honest, accessible education about a condition called cannabis hyperemesis syndrome, which is characterized by relentless vomiting due to cannabis use.
