R.J. Sivanesan, Mike Van NieR.J. Sivanesan, alumni development co-ordinator in the Faculty of Engineering, reminisces about his co-op term at Valiant TMS with the company’s senior human resources manager Mike Van Nie.

Program to promote employing UWindsor graduates

The Hire UWindsor campaign will help connect employers with the knowledge, expertise, and professional commitment of the University’s graduates, president Robert Gordon said Wednesday at an event to launch the program.

“Whether a distinguished senior leader or a new graduate, University of Windsor alumni can be found giving back, ascending the ranks, and helping to build a vibrant community,” he said. “Our faculty and staff are committed to enhancing the talent pipeline to industry.”

The University of Windsor Alumni Association, Co-operative Education and Workplace Partnerships, and Career Development and Experiential Learning are recruiting organizations to register as Hire UWindsor partners.

Representatives of Vista, Valiant TMS, and TD Bank Group were on hand to share stories of their success partnering with the University of Windsor as part of their recruitment strategies.

Geraldine Ymana (BComm 2010), an early talent acquisition specialist for TD Bank Group, expressed excitement at the prospect of tapping into the source of employees.

“The students here are so well-rounded and have been able to really make an impact on our organization,” she said, noting the experiential learning opportunities afforded students in professional programs.

Mike Van Nie (BA 1999), senior human resources manager for Valiant TMS, said the advantages of partnering with the University are invaluable to his company.

“As Valiant TMS has successfully made the transition from a local tooling supplier for the automotive and aerospace industries to a global automation solutions provider, the University of Windsor has been a key partner in supplying the talent needed to make this happen,” he said.

Van Nie listed engineering, accounting, human resources, sales, and marketing as departments that have hired UWindsor alumni.

“It’s great to see the region learning to harness our home-grown talent in developing economic opportunities — especially for those who want to stay,” he said.

Learn more about the Hire UWindsor program at uwindsor.ca/hireuwindsor.