Nov. 8, 2024
(Image source: Julide Cakiroglu)
The latest Western Alumni Magazine examines the intimate partner violence crisis and its far-reaching impact. Also inside: advancements in nuclear energy, efforts to heal Rwanda, and inspiring stories from alumni such as renowned journalist Carol Off and refugee advocate Diane Goodman.
Jessica Girard (Submitted photo)
Jessica Girard, a former aircraft mechanic and lieutenant in the Canadian military, has traded F-18 jets for a stethoscope as she begins her journey as a first-year medical student at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry. As one of three military candidates in the Class of 2028, she is part of the School’s deep historical connection to the Canadian Armed Forces, dating back to 1881.
(From left): President Alan Shepard and U.S. Consul General Baxter Hunt (Photo source: Nyren Mo/Western International)
U.S. Consul General Baxter Hunt recently visited Western to highlight the university's strong U.S. research partnerships, including groundbreaking work in infectious disease, supported by millions in funding from the U.S. National Institutes of Health.
(From left): Fourth-year classical studies student Stephanie Leith, special collections librarian Deborah Meert-Williston and classics professor Kyle Gervais (Photo source: Christopher Kindratsky/Western Communications)
Former Google employee turned classical studies student Stephanie Leith is discovering medieval manuscript fragments hidden in the bindings of 16th-century books housed in the Archives and Special Collections of Western Libraries, shedding light on ancient texts and revealing new insights into the past.
The Impact Project
Explore how the Western community is collectively contributing to meaningful change in the world, today.
Marianna Speranza, Raj Singh and Greg Kopp (Photo source: Steven Anderson/Western Communications)
Never has a discussion of impact been more important. If you have an impact story, we would love to hear it. Whether it is something you are working on, or the efforts of a colleague, drop us a note. Together, we will make a difference by inspiring others.
Coming Up
November 11 (10:30 to 11:30 a.m.)
Remembrance Day 2024
Gather to honour those who served our country during times of war, conflict and peace during Western’s Remembrance Day ceremony, hosted by the University Students’ Council. The event will take place in the University Community Centre, McKellar Room, with a virtual option available. Please also consider donating to Western’s local Canadian Legion's online poppy campaign.
November 12 (10:30 a.m. to 11:45 p.m.)
Creating and publishing e-books
Learn how to create an e-book with Pressbooks, a free online platform available to faculty, staff and students for publishing e-books such as open educational resources, traditional textbooks, exhibits and open access books. The D.B. Weldon Library, Instruction Room. Register online.
November 12 (11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
Track Day for United Way
Join colleagues to walk the purple track and play lawn games in support of United Way Elgin Middlesex. Enjoy a coffee or hot chocolate and a donut with a $5 donation. Western Alumni Stadium (rain or shine).
November 15
We-Empower program application deadline
The We-Empower program offers mentorship and entrepreneurship training for self-identifying women who are either graduate students, postdoctoral fellows or faculty members. Apply today.
Working at Western
Middlesex College (Photo source: Steven Anderson/Western Communications)
Survey: Climate and sustainability strategy
Join the conversation about a new climate and sustainability strategy. The input survey is open until Nov. 30. Respondents have the opportunity to be entered in a draw for one of four $100 Dellelce Family Bookstore gift cards.
Financial Literacy
Month
Human Resources has added two new workshops to the line-up of events this month which include virtual seminars from Sun Life and TELUS Health and in-person workshops from Western’s own Financial Wellness Lab. Visit the Human Resources website for more information.
Reminder: Employee flu and COVID-19 vaccination clinic
Cold and flu season is here. Workplace Health is offering a vaccination clinic Nov. 11 to 14 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Thames Hall Atrium. No appointment necessary. Visit the Human Resources website for more details.
Post of the Week
The Western community is remembering the late Dan Smoke, LLD’22, Elder, educator and spiritual leader whose journey home to the Spirit World began on Nov. 4. A proud member of the Seneca Nation from Six Nations of the Grand River Territory, Killdeer Clan, Dan, alongside his wife Mary Lou, made lasting contributions to Indigenous education and reconciliation through their work as broadcasters, teachers, and activists, including creating Canada’s longest-running Indigenous radio program, Smoke Signals. Dan’s teachings, leadership, and dedication to fostering understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities created lasting connections that impact both present and future generations. (Post source: @westernuOII on X/Twitter)
Western in the News
Katreena Scott (centre) discussing intimate partner violence on The Social. (Photo source: Jeff Renaud/Western Communications)
CTV’s The Social
What to know about intimate partner violence
Katreena Scott, education professor and academic director of the Centre for Research & Education on Violence Against Women & Children, describes the state of intimate partner violence in Canada, the vulnerabilities of our social systems and resources people can turn to.
CBC London
Decisions about social media difficult in wake of abusive relationships, research shows
Nursing professor Kimberley Jackson discusses her research exploring the social media challenges women face after leaving an abusive relationship.
Live Now from Fox
Trump’s decisive victory in a deeply divided nation
Following Donald Trump’s U.S. election win, political science professor Matt Lebo analyzes the outcomes.
