From framing diplomas and welcoming new grads into the alumni family at Convocation to serving on the alumni association’s board of directors, volunteers play an immeasurable role in building a sense of community at the University, says Rob Janisse, co-ordinator of special projects in the Office of Alumni Affairs and Donor Communications.

“It is these contributions that help the Alumni Association carry out its mission and mandate — to contribute to the development, prestige, and advancement of the University of Windsor,” he says.

Janisse has taken the occasion of National Volunteer Week, April 15 to 21, to thank those on campus and off who give their time creating social and economic value for individuals, families, organizations, and neighbourhoods, and communities.

That note of gratitude is what motivates her, says Alumni Association president Jean Wright.

“The University of Windsor allowed me to have a career in education. I felt that it was my time to say thank you,” she says. “By volunteering, I feel that I am doing a small part in furthering the institution that gave me my livelihood. I feel the energy and passion of the students every time I come to campus, and I get a sense of accomplishment when I volunteer as part of the Alumni Association to promote and further the University of Windsor for the students.”

Janisse is seeking positive, energetic individuals to volunteer with the Alumni Association, and says that the next opportunity is for diploma framing at the Spring Convocation, May 28 to June 1 at the St. Denis Centre.

To help welcome new graduates by assisting at the diploma framing table, or to get involved with other volunteer opportunities, contact him by phone at 519-253-3000, ext. 4055, by email to robj@uwindsor.ca, or visit the website at www.uwindsor.ca/alumni.

The student awards office has extended the deadline for new incoming students to apply for entrance scholarships for the 2018-19 academic year to Friday, April 20.

Those applying for entering student awards that require an application must sign in to the myUWindsor student portal with their 9-digit student number and 4-digit Personal Access Code. First-time users will have to start-up their myUWindsor accounts: under the “Financial Matters” tab, select “Search for Awards” and complete the award search criteria.

The deadline for first-year applicants to the Outstanding Scholars program, exclusive learning enrichment program offered by the University of Windsor to high-achieving students, has also been extended — to Monday, April 30.

Direct questions regarding financial aid opportunities to:

• Student Awards and Financial Aid
  519-253-3000, ext. 3300
  award1@uwindsor.ca

Learn about financial aid opportunities on the department’s website.

A literary reading April 18 at the Windsor Public Library’s central branch will feature English professors Marty Gervais, Karl Jirgens, and André Narbonne.

The three authors will read from their works to help celebrate National Poetry Month. Their most recent publications will be available for purchase.

The event is free and open to the public. It will run 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday in the downstairs auditorium of the library, located at 850 Ouellette Avenue.

A UWindsor alumnus has won renewed recognition for his work on commercials.

The Canadian Society of Cinematographers conferred its national award for Best Cinematography for Branded Content on Matt Bendo (BA 2014) at a ceremony Saturday in Toronto.

“A cinematographer is a visual storyteller that uses precise camera movements, compelling compositions, and strokes of light to create images that evoke emotions in an audience,” Bendo said.

His production, titled “Legacy,” advertised a boxing academy.

“My goal was to create a character and story that encompassed all of the philosophies and work ethics that Kombat Arts tries to instill in their students,” he said. “Each room that the character was in was a visual embodiment of the emotions the character was feeling.”

It was his second consecutive win in the competition — last year, he won with a commercial for custom exhaust systems for luxury cars.

Bendo said he believes the award confers legitimacy on the winning cinematographer as a true director of photography.

“I had an absolutely wonderful time creating the visual world for this project,” he said. “To be recognized for my work on this project really means a lot to me.”

Watch his winning entry here.

Commerce students can step out in style while displaying their pride in the Odette School of Business with a collection of new apparel aimed at them from the Campus Bookstore.

Available are:

• navy blue hoodies for $55.95,
• crewneck sweatshirts in black or navy for $48.95, and
• a classic ball cap for $23.95,

all featuring stitching that reads “Odette: Est. 1953.”

Get yours in the store, located on the lower level of the CAW Student Centre.

Ryan Mendonca, announced Friday as the new head coach of the Lancer men’s soccer team, said he is honoured to have won the position.

“The chance to serve these players as their coach and mentor is a tremendous opportunity and responsibility,” he said.

Mendonca has previously held several positions with the UWindsor soccer program, including assistant men’s coach in 2015; goaltending coach for both the men and women in 2010, 2011, and 2015; and associate women’s head coach in 2012.

“Throughout my years as an assistant with the Lancers, I always wanted to serve this program in the position of head coach,” he said. “Now that my time has come, it is extremely humbling to be tasked with the continued growth of Lancer men’s soccer.”

Read the full story, “Mendonca named head coach of Lancer men’s soccer,” at goLancers.ca.

The management of Mare Nostrum, the Mediterranean restaurant operating in an annex to the Neal Education Building, has truncated its hours for the summer.

It will serve lunch from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and will close on weekends. The eatery will also close May 19 to 27. Find more information on its website.