June 12, 2026
Graduating students (Photo source: Western Communications)
Nearly 8,900 students will graduate during Western's spring convocation ceremonies this week. Western News celebrates the class of 2026 by highlighting the inspiring journeys of our graduates.
University College (Photo source: Western Communications)
Marlene McGrath, a former senior vice-president at 3M and current vice-chair, has been elected chair of the university’s Board of Governors, while Lori Higgs, chief financial officer at St. Joseph’s Health Care London, has been elected vice-chair.
Dr. Josee Paradis, director of the master of physician assistant studies program (Photo source: Allan Lewis/Schulich Medicine & Dentistry)
Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry is launching Ontario’s first graduate-level physician assistant program this fall to help meet a growing demand for team-based health care.
Ozzy Keles (Photo source: Submitted)
Sport history researcher Ozzy Keles turned a lifelong passion for soccer into an academic career exploring the impact on belonging, power and social change, both in Turkey and around the world.
The Impact Project
Explore how the Western community is collectively contributing to meaningful change in the world, today.
Paul Beamish (Photo source: Steven Anderson/Western Communications)
Paul Beamish: How to level the playing field in business education.
Coming Up
June 18 (noon to 1 p.m.)
Lunch and learn: Digital defense
Learn practical strategies to support well-being in a digital age, including recognizing digital overwhelm and navigating hyperconnectivity. Weldon Library, Community Room. Register online. Register online.
June 15 and 17 (6:30 to 7 a.m.)
Virtual: Rise and shine yoga
Build a simple self-care routine and boost your energy before the workday. This 30-minute Living Well @ Western class is available virtually so you can participate from home or on campus. Register today.
June 16 (11 a.m. to noon)
WTS technology training: Cascade overview
New to Cascade or looking for help with the 2025 templates? Learn how to navigate Cascade, create and edit pages using new templates and components and publish updates with confidence. Registration required.
June 19 (6 and 11 a.m.)
Indigenous Solidarity Day Gathering
Join community members in honouring First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities in Victoria Park. The event includes a sunrise ceremony at 6 a.m. and singers, dancers, food and vendors at 11 a.m. All are welcome.
Working at Western
University College (Photo source: Western Communications)
Registration open: Performance dialogue and goal setting workshops
Performance dialogue and goal setting is Western’s annual feedback process for PMA-eligible employees and leaders to discuss performance, work goals and professional development. Learn more about these upcoming workshops.
Photo of the Week
Associate vice-president (equity, diversity and inclusion) Opiyo Oloya (right) places a commemorative Kente stole on a graduate during the Black Graduation Celebration on June 7. (Photo source: Christopher Kindratsky/Western Communications)
Western in the News
Kaitlynn Mendes (Photo source: Western Communications)
Global News Morning
Canada considers social media ban for kids under 16
As the federal government moved this week to ban social media for youth under 16, sociology professor Kaitlynn Mendes explains why it may not be the best approach to improve online safety.
TVO’s The Rundown
What happens when we lose gathering spaces
Occupational therapy professor Debbie Rudman joined a panel discussion on the importance of third places and how they affect our mental and physical health.
CBC Science
Tofino, B.C., tsunami study points to hundreds dead, $1B in losses
New research from Earth sciences professor Katsu Goda explores what a worst-case scenario earthquake and tsunami could mean for coastal cities like Tofino, B.C.
