Feb. 20, 2026
Amanda Grzyb (Photo source: Submitted)
Faculty of Information and Media Studies professor Amanda Grzyb and six other Western alumni have been appointed to the Order of Ontario for their contributions across art, health care, business and public service.
Ivey Business School (Photo source: Western Communications)
Ivey Business School’s full-time MBA has been ranked Canada’s top program and 74th globally by the Financial Times – its highest ranking since 2012. This recognition highlights Ivey’s ongoing commitment to delivering a world‑class business education that prepares graduates to lead with impact.
Also covered by: Poets & Quants
Professor Cheryl Currie (left) speaks with master of public health students at Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry. (Photo source: Megan Morris/Schulich Medicine & Dentistry)
Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry and the Faculty of Health Sciences jointly launched a bachelor of science, honours specialization in public health, one of only a few programs of its kind in Canada.
Borealis, an advanced electric vehicle prototype (Photo source: Project Arrow)
A Western engineering team led by professor Mohamed Zaki designed key elements of Project Arrow Borealis, an advanced electric vehicle prototype unveiled at the Canadian International AutoShow on Feb. 12. The team developed core concepts and designs for a fully autonomous, zero emissions vehicle that redefines cars of the future.
The Impact Project
Explore how the Western community is collectively contributing to meaningful change in the world, today.
Angela Roberts (Photo source: Steven Anderson/Western Communications)
Angela Roberts: How to shift the story on aging.
Coming Up
Feb 23 (noon to 1:30 p.m.)
Cultivating Black joy through micro-affirmations
Explore how small, everyday acts of affirmation can support Black colleagues and peers. This virtual workshop hosted by the Office of EDI focuses on fostering belonging, celebrating Black identity and creating inclusive environments. Register online.
Feb. 25 (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
Ukraine: Four Years After Russia’s Escalated War
Stop in throughout the day to hear from Ukrainian experts on human rights, information warfare and cultural resilience. The event features three speakers and ends with a screening of Mama’s Voice and a discussion with its producer. Weldon Library, Rm. 128.
Feb. 25 (noon to 1 p.m.)
Exploring retirement income
Learn how your Western pension, government benefits and personal savings work together to support retirement income, no matter your career stage. This virtual session also covers managing risk and planning tools to help you make informed decisions. Register online and earn points through Western’s Wellness Rewards program.
Feb. 25 (4:30 to 6:30 p.m.)
The Art of Creation: Opening reception
Join colleagues for the opening reception of The Art of Creation, a project that uses art to help explain complex biological science in ways that are engaging and accessible to the public. The exhibition comes to Western through a partnership with McIntosh Gallery, Western Libraries and Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry. Weldon Library, Rm. 113.
Feb. 26 (1 to 2:30 p.m.)
Book Bans and Beyond
Explore how intellectual freedom is challenged across research, public discourse and digital spaces. Hosted by Western Libraries and the Faculty of Information and Media Studies as part of Freedom to Read Week, this panel examines censorship, data integrity, privacy and democratic participation. Register today.
Feb. 27 and 28 (8:45 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Canada-Africa Academic Collaborations Conference
The Africa Institute is hosting a virtual event to showcase collaborative research and other scholarly initiatives between Canada and Africa under the theme of advancing transdisciplinary approaches for inclusive and sustainable solutions. Register now.
Working at Western
University College (Photo source: Western Communications)
Town halls: Responsible Investing Policy
Share your feedback on Western’s draft Responsible Investing Policy on Feb. 24 at an in-person town hall or Feb. 25 during a virtual town hall. Space is limited. Registration closes Feb. 23 at 5 p.m. Unable to join a Town Hall? Share your feedback online.
Call for nominations: Honorary degrees
Members of the Western community are invited to nominate distinguished candidates to be considered for an honorary degree. Visit the University Secretariat’s website to learn more.
Echoes from the Margins podcast
This BrainsCAN podcast explores how equity, diversity, inclusion and decolonization can be meaningfully integrated into post-secondary teaching. Co-hosted by Schulich Medicine & Dentistry professor Oana Birceanu and Preetama Badyal, MSc'25, the series shares practical insights, reflective conversations and resources to support inclusive teaching.
Photo of the Week
Black faculty and staff gathered in the Schmeichel Building on Feb. 17 for the fourth annual Black Faculty and Staff Luncheon, hosted by the Office of EDI. (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.
William Turkel (Photo source: Centre for Teaching and Learning)
University Affairs
The King and AI
History professor William Turkel, one of Western’s Generative AI Teaching Fellows, discusses how emerging AI tools can be used to transform historical research.
The Independent
The endurance sport making its Winter Olympics debut in Milan
As ski mountaineering made its debut this week at the 2026 Winter Olympics, International Centre for Olympic Studies director and professor Angela Schneider and project manager Alan Oldham offer insight into the demands and significance of the sport. (Originally appeared in The Conversation)
The Atlantic
Most People Don’t Have a ‘Type’
Psychology professor Samantha Joel explains that daters often misunderstand their own romantic preferences, as real-life attraction rarely aligns with stated “types.”
