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Updated: 18 hours 52 min ago

Data-informed success: Grad’s journey from student to education innovator

Mon, 01/27/2025 - 00:31

The University of Windsor has long been a hub for cultivating academic excellence and shaping dynamic professionals. For one alumnus, the University was the launchpad for a multifaceted career blending education, data analysis, and strategic decision-making.

Samuel Jokodola’s journey toward bridging the gap between education and data-driven decision-making began with a bachelor's degree in guidance and counselling. His growing interest in combining education with analytical tools led him to pursue a Master of Education at the University of Windsor in 2021.

“I chose the University of Windsor because of its emphasis on academic excellence, research opportunities, and programs designed to foster critical thinking and real-world application,” says Jokodola.

The program’s curriculum, including specialized courses such as statistics in education, not only fuelled his passion, but laid the groundwork for his current work in strategic analysis.

“It was an ideal environment to refine my analytical and problem-solving abilities,” Jokodola says.

Despite facing challenges during his studies, like the COVID-19 pandemic, Jokodola embraced the opportunity to stay engaged through programs on campus like Suitcase to Backpack, and by leading panel discussions at such events as the UWill Discover and Lancers Leadership Conference.

“My time at UWindsor, though unconventional due to the pandemic, allowed me to build valuable skills in adaptability and leadership,” Jokodola reflects. “These experiences, alongside academic challenges, helped me develop valuable skills in adaptability, collaboration, and leadership.”

Playing a particularly transformative role in Samuel’s experience at the university was his advisor, James Oloo, professor in the Faculty of Education.

Under Dr. Oloo’s mentorship, Jokodola focused his research on an underexplored area of Canadian academia: the experiences of racialized Internationally Trained Professionals working as non-academic staff in post-secondary institutions.

“Beyond providing exceptional guidance on my thesis, Dr. Oloo became a mentor in life and career,” he says. “Even after graduation, Dr. Oloo and several other professors have continued to support me by offering career guidance, helping me refine my application packages, serving as professional references, and even connecting me with potential employment opportunities.

“Their investment in my success has not only shaped my academic journey but also continues to guide my career path and personal growth.”

Since graduating, Jokodola has held two key roles that have further developed his expertise in education and data analysis.

Before his convocation ceremony, Jokodola secured a position as an academic success advisor at Algoma University. In this role, he provided guidance to students, developed impactful academic initiatives, and collaborated with faculty and administration.

Currently, as a capital strategic analyst with Alberta’s Ministry of Education, Jokodola applies his expertise to assess educational infrastructure projects across the province.

Reflecting on his own personal journey, Jokodola encourages students and recent graduates to embrace a mindset of curiosity, adaptability, and continuous learning.

“Though I’m yet to reach the pinnacle of my career, I’ve been fortunate to find a way to merge my passion for education and data analysis.”

He encourages students to explore opportunities beyond the classroom and to seek mentorship from professionals and professionals in the field.

“Remember, your path doesn’t need to follow a linear trajectory,” he shares. “Start by identifying what excites you both inside and outside the classroom and look for ways to integrate those passion.”

Samuel JokodolaJames OlooAlumniAcademic Area: Education

Board of Governors seats new chair

Wed, 01/08/2025 - 00:15

Carolyn Brown started a three-year term as chair of the University of Windsor’s Board of Governors, effective Nov. 27. Previously, Brown served as the Board’s first vice-chair and second vice-chair, chair of the Board Human Resources Committee, and a member of various other committees.

“I look forward to working with my fellow board members and the executive leadership team in this new capacity,” said Brown. “As chair, I plan to help the University navigate the unprecedented and evolving challenges that we face and guide it toward a sustainable future.”

Brown is a transportation professional with extensive experience working in public-private partnership arrangements. She is a standards-focused leader with over 20 years of experience working cross-border operations with senior officials from all three levels of government in Canada and in the United States. Brown’s background in cross-border operations includes the delivery of major infrastructure projects, preparing assets for operational readiness, and successful stakeholder engagement.

A strategic thinker and experienced executive, having held the roles of CEO of the Windsor International Airport; CEO of the Windsor-Detroit Tunnel Corporation and Windsor Detroit Borderlink Limited, Canadian owner-operator of the Windsor Detroit tunnel; and executive vice-president of American Roads LLC, she has a proven track record of strong and effective leadership.

“We feel so fortunate to have Carolyn in this key leadership role,” said UWindsor president Robert Gordon. “Her extensive experience in industry and on corporate boards will translate well to the Board’s top position.”

Brown is currently chief operations officer for the Gordie Howe International Bridge Corporation. Formerly, she served as chair of the Board of Directors for both the Windsor-Essex Chamber of Commerce and Lakeview Montessori School.

A life-long resident of Windsor-Essex, Brown is a graduate of the University of Windsor with a Master of Arts in Political Science and a bachelor's degree in public administration.

Carolyn BrownAlumni

Career Centre seeks students for the WACE Global Challenge Team

Mon, 12/09/2024 - 07:00

The Career Centre is seeking students to compete in the WACE Global Challenge, a four-week virtual experiential learning program where multidisciplinary teams from universities around the globe tackle real-world projects that advance UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Supported by edtech start-up Practera, the program connects students with real organizations, helping prepare them for global workplaces. Participants will collaborate with international peers, solve real-world challenges, and build skills in innovation, cultural intelligence and consulting—enhancing their career readiness and global network.

The Career Centre encourages students from diverse academic disciplines to apply to form a dynamic team with unique perspectives, skills and experiences, representing the University’s commitment to excellence and innovation.

All current University of Windsor students are eligible to apply. Ideal candidates are self-driven, capable of managing multiple responsibilities, effective communicators, eager to gain a global perspective and adaptable to change.

Interested students can apply here, with an application deadline of Thursday, Dec. 12.

For questions or additional details, contact careerservices@uwindsor.ca.

The Career CentreWACE Global ChallengeStrategic Priority: Research and Creative ActivityTeaching and LearningAlumniCurrent StudentsFacultyFuture StudentsGraduate StudentsInternational StudentsStaffUndergraduate Students

Windsor Law receives $1 million gift

Mon, 12/09/2024 - 07:00

The Muslim Medical Association of Canada – Windsor Chapter through the Windsor Islamic Association has gifted $1.2 million to the University of Windsor, Faculty of Law to help establish a Chair in Palestinian Human Rights Studies. This historic gift is the first of its kind in Canada and builds on Windsor Law’s access to justice mission.

“This gift demonstrated our commitment to supporting academic excellence and advancing the university’s mission in the areas of social justice and community building,” said Dr. Osman Tarabain of the Windsor Islamic Association. 

Windsor Law’s mission is to educate ethical, justice-seeking lawyers through teaching, research, advocacy and service. 

“From the social determinants of health to harm prevention, doctors and lawyers shared common goals,” said Faculty of Law Dean Reem Bahdi.  

“We were deeply grateful for this gift, which helped the faculty advance its justice-seeking mission.” 

LawdonationReem BahdiStrategic Priority: Partnership and EngagementTeaching and LearningAlumniCurrent StudentsFacultyFuture StudentsGraduate StudentsInternational StudentsStaffUndergraduate StudentsAcademic Area: Law

Memorial to honour victims of École Polytechnique massacre

Fri, 12/06/2024 - 07:00

The campus community is invited to gather on Friday, Dec. 6, to honour the 14 women killed in the 1989 massacre at École Polytechnique in Montreal.

A ceremony reflecting on the ongoing fight against gender-based violence will begin at noon at the Memorial of Hope, located between Dillon and Essex halls. The event will include remarks from campus representatives, a reading of names, and a moment of silence.

AlumniCurrent StudentsFacultyGraduate StudentsInternational StudentsStaffUndergraduate Students

Alumna’s home makeover, now owned by UWindsor staffer, takes centre stage on HGTV

Wed, 11/13/2024 - 01:13

How a house once scrawled with graffiti and packed with clutter was transformed into a UWindsor staffer’s dream home will be featured on the HGTV show Hoarder House Flippers, airing Wednesday.

Alumna Deidre Ritsche (BA 2008) and her business partner, Stephanie Bradt, real estate agents and co-creators of Border City Living, took on the Riverside-area project in 2022, giving the home a complete makeover from the inside out.

“We had to essentially gut the bathroom and kitchen,” Ritsche said. “We put in new custom finishes, all new windows, interior doors, and trim. We completely refinished the exterior — a big part of the transformation was the curb appeal.”

Each episode of Hoarder House Flippers follows a renovation team as they take on the task of restoring neglected homes across Canada. They dive into the hard work of clearing out items and breathing new life into these run-down properties, transforming them into stunning, in-demand homes.

The renovations on the Windsor house were thoughtfully executed, preserving elements of vintage charm while incorporating industrial-style updates.

“We just try to make people feel good about where they live,” Ritsche said. “We see the potential, and we like bold design decisions. It’s not just a cookie-cutter, for-profit house. We take risks with our design and take a very creative approach. Our aim is to show people what’s possible with houses that are maybe smaller or below the average price point.”

Viewers will see the demolitions, renovations, and design choices that impressed the renovators and won over future homeowner, Shelby Johnston, a digital media marketing and communications strategist in the Public Affairs and Communications department.

Two years ago, Johnston and her partner, both from the Chatham-Kent area, purchased the newly renovated home to be closer to the University, securing it just days after it was listed.

“We loved all the little details, design choices, and the fact that it was move-in ready,” she said. “The house has a cool retro feel with bold colours, but still timeless with modern details. They also replaced or updated almost everything, even the mechanical aspects. It wasn't your typical flip.”

Johnston, who had a preview of the episode, said her house being featured on the show now gives her a new “fun fact” to share at every corporate meeting.

“I was completely shocked when I saw the episode. It was great to see the ins and outs of the transformation, especially since all we knew before the renovations was the Google Maps image and what we’d heard from neighbours,” she noted. “It’s really interesting to see where it all started and compare that to how it looks now.”

When Johnston and her partner first went to look at the house, she said it was staged with pieces from local boutiques and featured artwork and antiques from Windsor and Detroit, all available for purchase.

“There are so many unique things that made us fall in love with this house, that we love sharing during our home tours. They even thrifted pieces from Detroit that we ended up being able to keep. It’s a fun story that these pieces are not only vintage but also featured on the show,” Johnston said.

Ritsche hopes the local love shown to the home will shine through in the episode and cast a positive light on Windsor’s potential.

“We’re uniquely positioned to have this thriving community with beautiful properties that, in the broader context of Canada, remain quite affordable. It’s about the transformations we’re making — taking homes that others might consider teardowns and turning them into something beautiful,” she said.

Catch the transformation on Wednesday, Nov. 13, at 9 p.m. on HGTV Canada and Global TV, or stream it on StackTV via Amazon Prime.

Deidre RitscheShelby JohnstonStrategic Priority: Safety and SustainabilityAlumni

Hall of Fame to admit five Lancer sport stars

Wed, 11/06/2024 - 00:36

The University of Windsor Alumni Sports Hall of Fame will induct five standouts in a ceremony Nov. 24.

Lancer athlete inductees this year include runner Tracy Higgs (BHK 1996), football player Damian Porter (BA 2001), hockey forward Jordie Preston (BA 2007), basketball forward Greg Surmacz (BHK 2022), and volleyball star Kyle Williamson (BA 2016).

In addition, the 2014 Queen’s Cup champion men’s hockey team will receive the Team Achievement award.

Higgs, a women’s track and field athlete, was a two-time national gold medallist in the 60 metre hurdles and 4x200 m relay. She competed on five national championship teams throughout her career and captained the Lancer squad for four seasons.

Porter received the Olympic Shield as the University of Windsor’s male athlete of the year for his outstanding play on the defensive side for the Lancers. He was a two-time all-Canadian and a three-time Ontario University Athletics all-star.

Preston is one of the men’s hockey program’s most decorated players. He was named an all-Canadian and an OUA all-star throughout his university career. He earned OUA player of the year honours in 2007 after leading the country in scoring.

Surmacz was a two-time all-Canadian, three-time OUA all-star, and most valuable player in OUA men’s basketball. He received the Olympic Shield as Lancer male athlete of the year and helped lead his team to a provincial championship and a national tournament berth in 2007.

Williamson was the first player in Lancer men’s volleyball history to earn all-Canadian status, which he accomplished twice. He was the OUA men’s volleyball player of the year in 2011, a three-time OUA all-star, and received the Olympic Shield as Lancer male athlete of the year.

The 2013-14 Lancer men’s hockey team captured the Queen’s Cup for only the second time in school history, and the first since 1997-98.

The induction celebration is set for 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24, in the Alumni Auditorium, CAW Student Centre. Seating is limited, so register no later than Wednesday, Nov. 20. Find more information and a registration link on the alumni association website.

Tracy HiggsDamian PorterJordie PrestonGreg SurmaczKyle WilliamsonAlumni