Oct. 17, 2025
Peter Howitt (Photo source: BBVA Foundation)
Graduate and honorary professor Peter Howitt, MA’69, was one of three winners of the 2025 Nobel Prize in Economics for his work to advance the theory of creative destruction. A member of Western’s faculty for nearly 25 years, his work helps to explain innovation-driven economic growth.
Also covered by: CTV London, CBC News and The Globe and Mail
(L to R) PhD student Natalie Scola and Geneviève Metson (Photo source: Danielle Petti/Western Visual Arts)
Geography and environment professor Geneviève Metson received funding to create two on-campus labs studying the ecological risks of urban agriculture, including potential contamination of waterways. Her project is one of 14 at Western receiving $3.4 million from the Canada Foundation for Innovation’s John R. Evans Leaders Fund.
Mary Lou Smoke (Photo source: Colleen MacDonald/Western Communications)
Indigenous advocate Mary Lou Smoke has begun a two-year term as Elder-in-Residence at the Wampum Learning Lodge. In this role, she will share Indigenous ways of knowing and being with Indigenous students and strengthen cross-cultural dialogue on campus.
(Photo source: Mikhail Nilov/Pexels)
Researchers with Canada's Financial Wellness Lab, based in Western’s Faculty of Science, suggest employers should help workers save for emergencies through automatic payroll deductions. Their new report explains how employer-sponsored emergency savings accounts could reduce stress and improve productivity.
The Impact Project
Explore how the Western community is collectively contributing to meaningful change in the world, today.
Maya Lekhi (Photo source: Steven Anderson/Western Communications)
Maya Lekhi: How to build a community of entrepreneurs.
Coming Up
Oct. 20 (12:15 to 1 p.m.)
Mindful Mondays
Join facilitator Kerri Murphy Phillips for a free guided mindfulness experience at McIntosh Gallery and discover how mindfulness and art can be used as tools to reduce stress.
Oct. 21 (noon to 1 p.m.)
Nutrition Strategies for Navigating Menopause
During Menopuase Awareness Month, join this virtual workshop focused on the distinct nutritional needs during menopause. Register online.
Oct. 22 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
United Way Plane Pull
Take on the challenge of pulling a massive plane while supporting United Way Elgin Middlesex. Enjoy a day of teamwork, excitement and community spirit at London International Airport. Register a team today.
Oct. 29 (12:30 to 1:30 p.m.)
Senate and Board of Governors Elections Information Session
Learn more about Western’s governance structure and how to run in upcoming elections. Register online by Oct. 23. Alumni Commons, Ronald D. Schmeichel Building for Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
Working at Western
(Photo source: Steven Anderson/Western Communications)
Volunteer for Autumn Convocation
Autumn Convocation is Oct. 22 and 23. Members of the Western community are invited to take part in a variety of volunteer roles. Visit the convocation volunteers webpage to learn more.
Inclusive Language Guide 2025
Learn how to communicate with respect, empathy and awareness. This practical resource offers strategies and tips for improved inclusive communication, while acknowledging diverse identities, cultures and experiences. Read the guide.
Call for nominations: Honorary degrees
The Senate honorary degrees committee is inviting members of the community to nominate individuals meriting an honorary degree. The deadline is Oct. 30.
Partnering for student success
Not sure where to direct a student who's looking for support? Student Experience is here to help students thrive – from academic success and health and wellness to career and leadership development and sport and recreation. Visit the Student Experience website to learn more.
Photo of the Week
Faculty, staff and students helped kick off the 2025-26 Western United Way campaign on Oct. 15. (L to R) United Way volunteers, Alexandra McCoy and Nanduri Sharma; acting vice-provost (students) Stephanie Hayne Beatty; Leslie Gloor Duncan, associate director, transition, leadership and enrichment with Student Experience; and Faith Morrison, United Way manager of philanthropy. (Photo source: Terry Rice/Human Resources)
Western in the News
In addition to the news above, your colleagues have been featured in the following media outlets.
Hayley Thorpe (Photo source: Megan Morris/Schulich Medicine & Dentistry)
Forbes
Large-scale genetic study identifies genes associated with cannabis use
Schulich Medicine & Dentistry postdoctoral researcher Hayley Thorpe explains how studying genetic factors can help researchers map the development of cannabis use disorder.
Maclean’s
The doom spenders
In this cover story, Financial Wellness Lab co-founder and Ivey professor emeritus Chuck Grace explains why young people may be getting misleading financial advice.
CTV News
Canada’s crime rate narrowing gap with U.S., StatCan report finds
Addressing rising rates of violent crime in Canada, sociology professor Laura Huey explores public policy decisions and trends over the past decade.
