Jan. 9, 2026
(Photo source: Sgt Johanie Maheu, Rideau Hall © OSGG, 2025)
Six alumni are being recognized for making lasting contributions to their communities and the country. Three were appointed to the Order of Canada, while three others, one posthumously, were named to the City of London’s Mayor’s New Year’s Honour List.
Dr. Amit Garg, Schulich Medicine & Dentistry’s associate dean of clinical research is one of four new research chairs. (Photo source: London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute)
Western and the London Health Sciences Foundation are investing $16.5 million to establish four new research chairs at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry and London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute, strengthening research in neurosurgery, cardiovascular care, kidney health and orthopaedics to improve patient outcomes.
(Photo source: James Kenneth/Western Arts and Humanities)
English professor Jane Toswell and her family made the first gift to Western Libraries’ new rare books fund to honour her father, a former Western hockey player. Toswell chose a 15th century Book of Hours, a Medieval prayer book that will support teaching and research across multiple disciplines.
(Photo source: Adobe Images)
Linguistics professor Frank Boers explores how common English idioms can confuse those learning a language and why greater awareness is important to improve communication.
The Impact Project
Explore how the Western community is collectively contributing to meaningful change in the world, today.
Sydney Robinson (Photo source: Steven Anderson/Western Communications)
Sydney Robinson: How rethinking prosthetics helps amputees walk with comfort.
Coming Up
Jan 13 (2:30 to 3 p.m.)
WTS Technology training: Helpdesk
Learn how to submit clear and effective support tickets to the WTS Helpdesk. This virtual session covers best practices for ticket submission and how to track a ticket to resolution. Registration required.
Jan 14 (5 to 7 p.m.)
Desjardins Entrepreneurship Speaker Series: Steve Ballantyne
Hear from three-time founder Steve Ballantyne as he shares how technology and grit helped turn bold ideas into successful business ventures. The event takes place in the Schmeichel Building, Collaborator Space.
Jan. 15 (5 to 7 p.m.)
The Entrepreneur Experience
Do you have an idea you want to turn into a business? Connect with students, explore campus entrepreneurship groups and discover how to jumpstart your business idea or side hustle. No previous experience required. Register online. Schmeichel Building, Collaborator Space.
Jan. 15 (5 to 7 p.m.)
Winter exhibitions: Opening reception
Join colleagues for McIntosh Gallery’s opening reception of the winter exhibitions Atmospheric Shifts and *(s)twerH. Artists will be in attendance, with a performance of Emily Hiemstra's Didsbury for viola quartet, commissioned by the Northern Tornadoes Project. McIntosh Gallery.
Working at Western
(Photo source: Steven Anderson/Western Communications)
Call for submissions: Provost and vice-president (academic) review
Confidential written submissions from members of the Western community are invited as part of the provost and vice-president (academic) review process. Submissions can be sent to Michelle Anderson at michelle.anderson@uwo.ca by Jan. 28. Visit the Office of the President website for more information.
Call for nominations: Awards for Excellence in Teaching
Nominations are open for the 2025-26 Western Awards for Excellence in Teaching, celebrating outstanding contributions to student learning across campus. Faculty, staff and students are invited to submit nominations by Jan. 15. Visit the University Secretariat website for more information.
Call for applications: Indigenous artist-in-residence
The department of visual arts is offering First Nations, Métis or Inuk artists the opportunity to create new work, engage with the community and collaborate with faculty. Artists with regional connections or those interested in virtual residency components are encouraged to apply by Jan 15.
Photo of the Week
Campus is coming back to life as the new term begins, with a fresh layer of snow and a few familiar visitors. (Photo source: Western Communications)
Western in the News
Michael Faulds (Photo source: Western Mustangs)
The Globe and Mail
Michael Faulds hired to succeed Greg Marshall as head football coach at Western
Michael Faulds, who played quarterback for the Mustangs from 2005-09, was named Western’s head football coach this week, after 13 years at the helm of Laurier’s football program. Faulds’ hiring was also covered by Sportsnet, the Toronto Star, and several local and regional outlets.
Toronto Star
Doctors fear CDC vaccine recommendation changes will fuel vaccine hesitancy in Canada
Health studies professor Maxwell Smith explains how changes to vaccine recommendations in the U.S. could result in pathogens circulating at higher levels, leaving vulnerable people at greater risk.
CNN
Who is Cilia Flores, Maduro’s wife and ‘first combatant’ of Venezuelan socialism?
Sociology PhD candidate Estefanía Reyes says Cilia Flores, who was captured by the U.S. along with her husband, Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro, wielded influence behind the scenes rather than through a formal government role.
