Construction of the Welcome Centre and downtown campus received a major boost with the announcement of a $750,000 gift from the University of Windsor Alumni Association at its annual general meeting Thursday.

The gift continues the association’s legacy of philanthropy, said president Mike Bates, who points to previous contributions to Alumni Hall and “the amazing Alumni Field which has brought so much recognition and glory to our beloved Lancers.”

He said the University’s graduates want to play a meaningful role in its mission.

“We know that our University inspires the students who will drive Canada’s future,” said Bates. “We need to be here for the University to ensure this future is realized.”

Music Society president Jocelyn Putnam spoke on behalf of the students who will benefit from the new facilities. The School for Creative Arts will occupy the former Armouries building at the intersection of University Avenue and Freedom Way once renovations are completed.

“It means so much to the students in my department and across faculties that our alumni believe in investing in our future,” she said. “We look up to the Alumni Association not only for your professional accomplishments, but for your service, generosity and dedication to the University of Windsor."

The donation will be made in annual installments over 10 years.

Education professor Dragana Martinovic is an inspiration, says former student Atinuke Adeyemi (BEd 2007, MEd 2010). It’s that effect that earned Dr. Martinovic the 2014 Excellence in Mentoring Award from the University of Windsor Alumni Association.

“Dr. Martinovic stood out to be a passionate advisor who had her students’ progress at heart,” says Adeyemi. “Undoubtedly, Dr. Martinovic has inspired me in so many ways and I see her as a successful role model.”

Association representative Vince Bassman presented the award to Dr. Martinovic during its annual general meeting Thursday. He praised her outstanding support, encouragement and guidance to her many students.

“As a result of her mentorship and support, many of her students have presented at conferences, published in a variety of academic journals and proceeded to complete graduate and doctoral degrees,” he said. “Dr. Martinovic has been recognized as being able to communicate her vast knowledge of complex ideas and theories into simplified understandable units. Her approach facilitates critical thinking and learning in her students.”

The award recognizes faculty who demonstrate excellence by offering personal, academic and professional guidance to students, and make a significant contribution to their all-round development up to and following graduation.

Two short-listed candidates for provost will make public presentations on the University of Windsor campus next week.

“Both of the candidates are currently in academic leadership roles and the search committee is pleased that they have agreed to explore this important position at the University of Windsor,” says president Alan Wildeman, chair of the search committee.

The University campus community is invited to hear each candidate address the topic of “What in your view are the challenges facing institutions of higher learning today?”

The candidates and the times of each presentation are as follows:

• Douglas Kneale will make a presentation on Thursday, November 27, at noon in the Ambassador Auditorium. Dr. Kneale is dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Professor of English at Brock University. View his curriculum vitae.
• Jim Weese will make a presentation on Friday, November 28, at noon in the Ambassador Auditorium. Dr. Weese is professor and dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at Western University. View his curriculum vitae.

Following the presentations, the candidates will have an opportunity to respond to questions from the audience. The presentations will be taped for later viewing by those who are unable to attend.

The University Players production of The Crucible opened Thursday at Essex Hall Theatre. The show continues its run through November 30.

Arthur Miller’s hair-raising classic unmasks deadly truths about the nature of humanity and the terrifying ends to which a society, blended by suspicion and mass hysteria, will go. The Crucible was written in 1953 about the 1692 witch hunts but the story and its relevancy is “ever-green,” says director Gordon McCall.

“The play speaks boldly to our contemporary social dilemma in our era of uncontrolled social media where reputations—and lives—are often destroyed by vicious gossip and innuendo,” he says. “This play reminds us of the importance of maintaining vital principles such as integrity, honour and basic human decency.”

Wednesday through Saturday performances are at 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m. On Sunday, November 23, a “Talk Back” discussion with the director and actors will follow the performance.

Tickets are available online at www.UniversityPlayers.com or by calling 519-253-3000, ext. 2808.