Oct. 31, 2025
A kettle, also known as a Thunderbird egg, seen at Kettle and Stony Point First Nation. (Photo source: Douglas Tulett/Office of Indigenous Initiatives)
Western and Kettle and Stony Point First Nation are rematriating sacred Thunderbird Eggs (Nimkii Waawaanag) – spherical boulders also known as kettles – to the shores of Lake Huron on Kettle Point, reflecting a shared commitment to reconciliation and Indigenous knowledge.
Andrew Pruszynski (Photo source: Christopher Kindratsky/Western Communications)
Schulich Medicine & Dentistry professor and Canada Research Chair Andrew Pruszynski and his collaborators have found the brain doesn’t just respond to physical obstacles – it plans for them. Their study in the journal Nature shows motor circuits anticipate disruptions to help the body respond faster and more accurately, paving the way for advances in stroke rehabilitation and brain-computer interfaces.
Also covered by: Medical Xpress
Jason Oliver (Photo source: Colleen MacDonald/Western Communications)
Since joining Western Technology Services in December 2024, chief technology officer Jason Oliver has led digital transformation with a people-first approach. His leadership has helped expand access to AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot, launch the Artificial Intelligence Resource Centre and strengthen cybersecurity awareness through the Cybersmart initiative.
Cheryl Forchuk (Western Health Sciences)
Nursing professor Cheryl Forchuk is leading a four-year national study examining homelessness among women veterans, with help from three Western students. The team is travelling across Canada to collect first-hand accounts and data to inform policies and supports.
The Impact Project
Explore how the Western community is collectively contributing to meaningful change in the world, today.
Elijah Van Dinther (Photo source: Steven Anderson/Western Communications)
Elijah Van Dinther: How to improve access to rural health care.
Coming Up
Nov. 3 (12:30 to 2 p.m.)
Queer Resilience and Resistance: A 2SLGBTQIA+ Rights Panel
Join the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and the Faculty of Law for a panel discussion on 2SLGBTQIA+ rights. Part of EDIDA Awareness Month, the event explores advocacy, lived experience and equality. D.B. Weldon Library, Weldon Community Room. Register online.
Nov. 4 (noon to 1 p.m.)
Caring While You Wait
Join school and child clinical psychologist Colin King for a free webinar offering practical tools and evidence-informed strategies to help parents and caregivers support children’s emotional well-being while waiting for access to mental health services. A Q&A will follow the presentation. Registration required.
Nov. 7 (4:30 to 11 p.m.)
Annual Round Dance
Celebrate the third anniversary of the Wampum Learning Lodge at its annual Round Dance. The evening begins with a Pipe Ceremony at 4:30 p.m., followed by a feast at 5 p.m. and the first song at 6 p.m. All are welcome. Wampum Learning Lodge, 1137 Western Road.
Nov. 6 (noon to 1 p.m.)
Impact Live – Budget 2025: Insights for Business
Join Ivey dean Julian Birkinshaw and a panel of experts for an analysis of the federal budget. Hear how it could shape the country’s economic future and what it means for businesses during this virtual event. Register online.
Working at Western
Middlesex College (Photo source: Steven Anderson/Western Communications)
Employee flu and COVID-19 vaccination clinics
Cold and flu season is upon us. Workplace Health is offering its annual flu and COVID-19 vaccination clinic for Western employees on Oct. 31 and Nov. 10 and 11. Both vaccinations will be available. A flu immunization ONLY clinic will be offered Nov. 4 and 6. Details can be found on the Human Resources website.
Survey: International student experience
Encourage international students and recent alumni to share their feedback through the 2025 International Student Survey, conducted in partnership with the Canadian Bureau for International Education. Their input will help strengthen programs and supports across campus. The survey is open until Nov. 26.
Temporary road and bridge closures
University Drive will be closed to vehicle traffic at the Richmond Street gates until at least Nov. 3 to complete underground water and sewer work for the new student residence. Vehicles can access campus via Huron and Sunset streets. The south sidewalk will remain open for pedestrian use.
University Drive bridge will be closed to motor vehicles on Nov. 6 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. for an annual inspection. A rain date is set for Nov. 7. It will remain open to pedestrians and cyclists. LTC buses will be rerouted. Drivers are asked to enter campus from Western or Windermere roads.
Photo of the Week
Hospitality Services staff members embraced the Halloween spirit on campus. (L to R) Bing Yu, Hinda Wagad, Fatima Bajric, Patricia Becerra (front), Yuliia Karlina and Ajay Asok. (Photo source: Tricia Starrett/Western Communications)
Western in the News
In addition to the news above, your colleagues have been featured in the following media outlets.
Mahmood Nanji (Photo source: Ivey Communications)
BBC
Ontario to stop running anti-tariff advert that angered Trump
Ivey fellow Mahmood Nanji explains why the controversy around Ontario’s anti-tariff ad highlights the difficult path to a deal for Canada.
The Globe and Mail
Excitement around Alzheimer’s treatment tempered by questions about efficacy, accessibility
Lecanemab is the first new treatment for Alzheimer’s disease to reach Canada in 20 years, and Schulich Medicine & Dentistry professor Dr. Manuel Montero-Odasso discusses clinical impact and concerns around eligibility.
Global National News
Canada could soon lose status as measles-free country, Public Health Ontario says
Schulich Medicine & Dentistry professor Dr. Samira Jeimy explores the factors influencing the return of measles in Canada.
