aerial shot of Turtle Island WalkA new video focuses on the University of Windsor’s long history of supporting students and its intention to continue that tradition.

Video focuses on history of unity and pride

The University of Windsor has released a new video — Together We Stand Windsor Proud — that focuses on the institution’s long history of supporting students and the intention to continue that tradition, despite the uncertain times created by COVID-19.

Spearheaded by Enrolment Management, the video provides a strong message to UWindsor’s future students that the campus community will do everything possible to make the fall semester a rewarding experience.

Chris Busch, associate vice-president, enrolment management, said the University recognized early on in the pandemic that prospective students were anxious about their transition to university, including the move away from in-person classes.

“We wanted to convey the message through a reassurance video that we’re in this together, we’re flexible and supportive, and we empathize with their concern,” said Busch. “We have overcome significant obstacles before, and we will overcome them again.

“These are not dark times. They are difficult and uncertain times, and certainly tragic times for those who are directly affected by COVID-19, but we remain hopeful. We wanted to share our history and convey a feeling of being united.”

The video was produced by ScottThornley+Company (STC) and was a collaborative effort involving staff members of Enrolment Management and Public Affairs and Communications.

Martina DwyerWindsor law grad Martina Dwyer returned to the nursing profession to serve on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Law alum returns to nursing to serve Indigenous community

When Martina Dwyer (JD 2011) pursues something, her passion shines through. Upon learning of the shortage of public health nurses due to COVID-19, she made the decision to temporarily leave her law practice in Hamilton to make an impact on the frontlines of the pandemic in Northern Ontario.

Commissioned by Indigenous Services Canada, Dwyer was assigned to the nursing station in Keewaywin First Nation, an Oji-Cree First Nation and one of the northernmost communities in the province. During her four-week appointment, her duties include COVID-19 preparation and screening within the community.

She is using her education and experience to help keep the community safe and ensure it can both protect itself from the first wave of this virus and prepare itself for the inevitable second wave as well.

“Not only do I have an immense feeling of self-satisfaction to help this community, but I am also humbled by the invaluable learning experience I am receiving about Indigenous Peoples in Northern Ontario, their culture, their challenges and their resilience,” says Dwyer.

Although she didn’t know it at the time of the COVID-19 outbreak, she was perfectly positioned to assist when the need was greatest. As the courts suspended much of their operations due to the pandemic, she found herself with more time to act.

During her temporary leave from her law practice, Dwyer has entrusted its day-to-day operations to her daughter, Julianne Fogarty — also a lawyer and University of Windsor alum, obtaining her Bachelor of Science in 2014.

This is the second in a series of stories by Windsor Law on how its grads are helping their communities amid COVID-19. Read the entire article, written by alumni and fund development co-ordinator Karen Momotiuk Chapman, on the Faculty of Law website.

runner silhouetted against skyCampus Police officers Kevin Thompson and Lindsay Soucie are spearheading the Virtual Run for Nova Scotia, a national event to raise money for the Stronger Together Nova Scotia Fund.

Virtual run to show support to victims of Nova Scotia shootings

A pair of officers with the Campus Community Police have spearheaded an event next month to raise money for the Canadian Red Cross Stronger Together Nova Scotia Fund.

Special constables Kevin Thompson and Lindsay Soucie serve on the board of their provincial association and won its unanimous support for their proposal to help people and communities affected by the shootings in and around Portapique on April 18 and 19.

“Like all Canadians, Lindsay and I were left saddened by the tragic loss of life in the Nova Scotia shootings,” says Thompson. “Due to the challenges we face with the COVID19 pandemic, we decided that we would like to put together a virtual event aimed at bringing people from across Canada together to help.”

The Ontario Special Constable Association Virtual Run for Nova Scotia is set for June 28.

Participants pay an entrance fee of $50 and can walk, run, bike, skate, 5 km or 10 km — on their treadmills at home or in their own neighbourhoods. Anyone can take part; organizers have already registered runners from across the country.

“Quite frankly, we have been blown away by the support and generosity that we are seeing from people who want to help and get involved,” Thompson says. “We would love to see members of the University of Windsor community unite with us and help show our support for the people of Nova Scotia while they are hurting.”

Sponsors are helping to cover the costs and the association is continuing to accept contributions. Find details on sponsorship or registration to participate on the virtual run’s website.

Campus Community GardenInternational students volunteered in the Campus Community Garden last week.

Students enthusiastic about garden volunteering

Connecting with nature can help restore balance and tranquility, says Tanya Basok, which is why the sociology professor was glad to see international students have the opportunity to volunteer last week in the Campus Community Garden on California Ave.

More than 40 students signed up to help prepare the garden for the growing season. Dr. Basok says organizers hosted 11 groups of four for work shifts on-site.

“Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we had to limit the number of students,” she says. “It also rained for two days, otherwise we could have had many more sessions.”

Most of the participants were enthusiastic about returning to the site, which grows vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers. They had all registered as volunteers at the workshop “Watching Seeds Grow” led by Jenna O’Brien, a member of the garden’s management committee, March 11 in the International Student Centre.

“Particularly now, when we are required to isolate ourselves from others, being out in nature and sharing this joy with a few others is a very important experience,” says Basok. “I think the students greatly appreciate the bonds we form as we work side-by-side, at an appropriate distance, to revive the garden and transform it into a place when one can be in harmony with nature and all the beauty it brings.”

Learn more on the Campus Community Garden website.