Dec. 19, 2025
This marks the final issue of Inside Western for 2025. Watch for the first issue of 2026 on Jan. 9. We wish you a happy, safe and restful holiday!
(Image source: Rob Potter/Western Communications)
It was a milestone year for Western, marked by global honours, research breakthroughs and community impact. As 2025 comes to a close, Western News looks back on a few of the standout moments that shaped the year.
Greg Marshall celebrates with his players after winning the 2021 Yates Cup. (Photo source: Western Mustangs)
After 18 years as head coach, Greg Marshall is retiring from Mustangs football. He led Western to nine Yates Cup titles and two Vanier Cup wins, building one of Canada’s most successful university football programs while mentoring generations of student-athletes on and off the field.
Also covered by: Sportsnet, The London Free Press, CTV London and CBC London Morning
Albert Malkin (Photo source: Faculty of Education)
Applied psychology professor Albert Malkin explains why New Year’s resolutions often backfire and shares practical ways to build lasting habits through realistic goals, kinder self-talk and small changes to daily routines.
Western students prepare boxes of gently used items during the Fashion and Food Drive. (Submitted photo)
Students and staff are leading donation drives, swap events, a Free Store and a furniture reuse platform to keep usable goods in circulation. Together, these efforts support Western’s sustainability goals by diverting materials from landfills.
The Impact Project
Explore how the Western community is collectively contributing to meaningful change in the world, today.
Thomas Irish (Photo source: Steven Anderson/Western Communications)
Thomas Irish: How to explore identity when you experience disability.
Coming Up
Jan. 6 and 7 (6:30 to 7 a.m.)
Virtual: Rise and shine yoga
Start your day with self-care. This 30-minute Living Well @ Western class is available virtually so you can participate from home or on campus. Register today.
Jan. 9 (7:30 p.m.)
Vancouver Recital Society Visiting Artist Series: Paul Lewis
Internationally acclaimed pianist Paul Lewis brings his Mozart+1 program to Western for its North American debut, featuring works by Mozart, Poulenc and Debussy. This concert is part of a two-day residency at the Don Wright Faculty of Music, including a masterclass with music students. Von Kuster Hall, Music Building.
Jan. 8 (12:30 to 1:30 p.m.)
Information session: Senate and Board of Governors elections
Learn more about Western’s governance structure and how to run in upcoming elections during this virtual session. Register by Jan. 6.
Jan. 10 (8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.)
Western CliftonStrengths Conference
Take part in the inaugural CliftonStrengths Conference, featuring a fireside chat and concurrent sessions led by Western experts focused on applying strengths-based approaches to learning, leadership and career development. Tickets are $25. Register online.
Working at Western
University College Building (Photo source: Western Communications)
Weather siren testing
Live testing of Western’s emergency weather siren will take place Jan. 7 at noon. Unless otherwise notified, this is only a test. No action is required. Testing occurs the first Wednesday of every month.
Photo of the Week
Faculty of Engineering Information Technology Group staff brought holiday cheer to the workplace, dressing up and decorating their space for Living Well @ Western’s office decorating contest. Staff and faculty can still participate by submitting a photo to livingwell@uwo.ca by noon on Dec. 22. In photo: (back row, L to R): Andrew Donkersgoed, Matt Mitchell, Ron Farren (Santa), Anthony Moon, David Lee, Adis Castillo; (front row, L to R): Tim Siemens and Shilpa Andrews. (Photo source: Faculty of Engineering)
Western in the News
In addition to the news above, your colleagues have been featured in the following media outlets.
Laura Stephenson (Photo source: Western Communications)
BBC
Canada's Conservatives on shaky ground as MP defects to Carney's Liberals
Political science professor and department chair Laura Stephenson explains what’s at stake as Conservative politicians cross the floor.
Toronto Star
Opinion: Why Canada should avoid Australia’s teen social media ban: A call for better solutions
Sociology professor Kaitlynn Mendes and postdoctoral fellow Christopher Dietzel advocate for broader changes to keep teens safe while navigating social media, rather than “kicking kids offline.”
CBC London
Can you tell if an image is AI-generated anymore?
Computer science professor and chief AI officer Mark Daley explains just how easy it is to create AI images and why it’s increasingly difficult to tell them apart from real photos.
