Ontario Health Study looking for volunteer participants

Windsor and Essex County residents are being invited to do their part in getting to the bottom of such chronic diseases as cancer, heart disease, asthma, diabetes and Alzheimer’s by participating in the Ontario Health Study (OHS), the largest population-based health study ever conducted in Ontario and one of the biggest in the world.

More than 320 senior scientists and clinicians from universities, hospitals and research institutes across the province are sharing their expertise to collect and study how lifestyle, environment and family history affect health over time. Results will be used to develop strategies for the prevention, early detection and treatment of diseases in the province.

People between the ages of 35 and 69 are being asked to provide a blood sample and confidential health information Dec. 10 to 14 at the WFCU Centre, 8787 McHugh St. For more information call 1-866-606-0686, email: info@ontariohealthstudy.ca, or visit the website: OntarioHealthStudy.ca.

Stephen Savage surrounded by studentsStephen Savage (centre), president of the Windsor Symphony Orchestra board of directors, accepts congratulations from MBA students Leo Novakovic, Jason Dupuis, Bilal Rammo and Tyler Jahn on being named a Community Champion.

MBA students honour community leaders

The future of our community is in good hands, says Dartis Willis, owner of the Windsor Express basketball team. One of nine Community Champions honoured by the Odette MBA Society at a luncheon Friday, he said the business students manifest their commitment to the city.

“You can hear, see and feel their excitement to add something to Windsor,” Willis said as he accepted his award from a group that interviewed him on the secrets to his career successes.

Besides Willis, honorees included:

  • Ron Foster, vice-president of communications and philanthropy for Windsor Regional Hospital;
  • Lorraine Goddard, executive director of United Way Windsor-Essex County;
  • Marty Komsa, president of Windsor Family Credit Union;
  • Stephen Savage, president of the Windsor Symphony Orchestra board of directors;
  • Joyce Zuk, executive director of Family Services Windsor-Essex;
  • Mike Chantler, general manager of the Windsor International Aquatic and Training Centre; and
  • Gerry Orum and Beth Noakes, organizers of the local Dragon Boats for the Cure festival.

MBA Society president Michael Ruffolo said this year’s cohort was “very excited to host this group of distinguished individuals.

“Their combined level of knowledge and experience is astounding, and I think it gives our class a target of who we aspire to be one day,” he said.

Students’ marketing solutions impress global manufacturer

An executive with a Windsor-based company whose operations span the globe said he was “very impressed” with the marketing strategies developed by teams of master of business administration students from the Odette School of Business.

Marc Levesque, marketing director for CenterLine (Windsor) Ltd., heard presentations Thursday for the company’s affiliates in Mexico, Brazil, Germany, China, and India. The firm provides metalworking equipment and supplies, specializing in advanced automation processes and technologies for the automotive, mass transit, and aerospace industries.

“There are some great ideas here,” Levesque said. “The students have definitely done their homework.”

Professor Peter Voyer said the project gave his students opportunities to apply learned concepts in real-world situations.

“This is not just an isolated academic assignment,” he said. “It’s a chance for students to become real practitioners.”

Levesque said he appreciated the fresh perspective: “The main benefit we get in partnering like this with the business school is a new set of eyes looking at our business.”

The students were happy for a chance to relate their textbook theories to an actual client.

“We’ve learned that for global firms to succeed, there has to be synergy in their communications efforts,” said MBA student Evgeni Gentchev. “They have to put forth a consistent message to maintain a dependable reputation across the board.”

Jeslyn Xie adds a glass ornament to the Christmas tree in the International Student Centre lounge.Jeslyn Xie takes her turn to add a glass ornament to the Christmas tree in the International Student Centre lounge.

International students enjoy first taste of Canadian Christmas

Olajide Ojo-Olajire liked his first taste of a Canadian Christmas.

A masters candidate in civil engineering, the Nigerian native joined holiday festivities Thursday in the International Student Centre. He helped to trim the centre’s tree, decorated gingerbread men, and sampled traditional treats, including egg nog and spiced apple cider.

“It’s nice to see all the students from everywhere in the world come together,” he said. But his favourite part was meeting a certain jolly elf: “I especially liked taking the pictures with Santa Claus.”

Jeslyn Xie, president of the International Student Society, said the celebration introduces students to new experiences.

“I have never done this before!” exclaimed the master of management major as she topped a ginger cookie with icing and sprinkles. “This is really fun.”

Find an album of images from the event on the UWindsor Facebook page.

Members of the community who wish to share their traditions with international students may register for the Host for the Holidays program, which pairs visits with local families willing to open their homes for a holiday meal. Learn more at uwindsor.ca/host.

Lancer football head coach Joe D’AmoreLancer football head coach Joe D’Amore will serve as offensive coordinator for the Canadaian national junior team.

Lancer football coach named to national junior squad

The head coach of Lancer football will serve as offensive coordinator for Canada’s nation junior team at the under-19 world championship for the International Federation of American Football.

Football Canada announced the appointment of Joe D’Amore and the rest of the coaching staff Wednesday. Besides the 2016 championship tournament in Monterrey, Mexico, the staff will lead the program in the 2015 International Bowls.

D’Amore, just finished his fourth season as Lancer head coach, served as offensive coordinator with Canada’s under-18 team at the 2014 International Bowl.

Canada’s head coach, Warren Craney, said he was excited about the sideline talent that has signed on.

“The coaching staff we’ve assembled includes some of the top coaches in Canada,” Craney said. “With a coaching staff now in place, we will turn our attention to preparing for the International Bowl and work towards the 2016 world championship.”

Read the full story at goLancers.ca.

Cabaret a creative collaboration at the intersection of art and science

Students using art to understand life sciences—and using life sciences to explore art—will take centre stage at the Olde Walkerville Theatre on Wednesday, December 10, for “Bioart Bouffant,” billed as an art/science cabaret.

Spearheaded by students in the Bioart: Contemporary Art and the Life Sciences class, the event is a collaboration with art professor Jennifer Willet’s Incubator lab and Salon 892, and will feature performers Erin Armstrong, SEB WHIPITS, Juice Boxx and DJ Stephen Pender, as well as works by artists Jessica Brockway, Anthea Chan, Lauren Crosby, Don Demers, Angéline Desaulniers, Hannah Klingbile, Laura Laframboise, Joanne Le, Robin Luckwaldt Ross, James Masse, Michael McMaster, Melissa Moody, Amy Rae, Stuart Sparling, Wes Strain and Nicole Vien.

The Olde Walkerville Theatre is located at 1564 Wyandotte Street East. The doors will open at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $10 with a student rate of $5. For more information, visit the event’s Facebook page.

various socksStuff your stocking with socks this holiday, as the Campus Bookstore offers a 15 discount Tuesday.

Sock sale touted for Tuesday savings

The Campus Bookstore will offer a 15 percent discount on sales of all its socks as its True Savings Tuesday promotion December 9.

Note: The store will close Tuesday from noon to 2 p.m. for staff to attend the Winter Wonderland holiday luncheon.

Open house reception to celebrate International Human Rights Day

An awards ceremony will be the centrepiece of an open house reception planned for Wednesday, December 10, by the Office of Human Rights, Equity and Accessibility.

The first annual OHREA awards recognize and celebrate the contributions made by individuals and groups to advance human rights, social justice, diversity, inclusivity, employment equity and accessibility at the University of Windsor.

The event falls on International Human Rights Day and will run noon to 2 p.m. in room 123, Odette Building. A half-hour formal presentation program begins at 12:15 p.m.

As an optional admission, the women’s committee of UNIFOR Local 2458 invites contributions towards its support of a member’s family that has suffered a house fire. Bring household items or items suitable for a newborn baby or a two-year-old child for collection at the door.

For more information, e-mail ohrea@uwindsor.ca or phone 519-253-3000, ext. 3400.

entrance on the west side of the Joyce Entrepreneurship CentreThis entrance on the west side of the Joyce Entrepreneurship Centre will provide access to the Parking Services office after December 18.

Parking Services relocating to Joyce Entrepreneurship Centre

The Office of Parking Services will move next week to its new home in the building north of the campus parking structure.

Parking Services will close December 16 and 17 to pack and make the move, planning to re-open December 18 in room 106, Joyce Entrepreneurship Centre. Patrons may access the office from Sunset Avenue, directly across from the Music Building.

“We want to give our clients plenty of notice because it’s the end of the semester, and we know some will need to see us before the holiday break,” says manager Laurie Butler-Grondin.

canned goods

Part-time students support campus food bank

The Organization of Part-time University Students (OPUS) is joining with Iona College in an effort to fill the shelves of the student food bank located in the college’s home at 208 Sunset Avenue.

The organization has donated $200 and is fielding a team of volunteers to collect canned foods and other non-perishable items.

“We encourage everyone to get involved and help those in need and make a difference this holiday season,” says executive director Maryan Amalow. “We appreciate your generosity in advance as this will be beneficial for students.”

Bring contributions to the OPUS office, room 172, CAW Student Centre. Find more information on the organization’s website.