The Trends in Forensic Sciences conference will showcase research in the field on Friday, April 30; admission is free and open to the public.

Now going into its seventh year, it is the only university-sponsored forensics conference in Canada.

Edward Tweedie, forensic pathologist at London Health Sciences Centre’s University Hospital, will deliver a keynote address entitled “Medicolegal Investigations of Drug-Related Deaths.”

Other highlights on the program include expert presentations on diverse aspects of the discipline, a panel discussion on careers, and awards. The event will run over MS Teams and begins at 9:30 a.m. Find a full agenda and online registration on the conference website.

During his tenure as provost at the University of Windsor, Douglas Kneale proved to be a friend to the institution’s retirees — and now he has the certificate to prove it.

The Windsor University Retirees’ Association conferred its “Friend of WURA” award on Dr. Kneale, who will leave his office Friday, during a meeting of the association online Wednesday, April 28.

“Over the last seven years, you have done a lot for WURA,” president Roger Lauzon said in presenting Kneale with his award, a framed certificate attesting to the recognition of his support for the organization. He cited the provision of free access to Microsoft software for its members and an increase in the subsidy for its annual holiday luncheon.

Kneale called it “an honour” to be formally designated a friend of WURA, although he added he has long considered its members friends.

“I have greatly enjoyed my time interacting with you,” he said. “You’re so highly engaged with the life of the institution. I appreciate all you have done for the lives of our students.”

An April 21 online gathering to recognize high-achieving applicants to the University of Windsor drew hundreds of scholarship recipients to hear from president Robert Gordon and guest speaker Autumn Peltier, a teenaged advocate for clean water from the Wiikwemkoong First Nation on Manitoulin Island.

“Celebrating Your Academic Achievements” attracted more than 425 registrants who are in line for entrance awards, as well as some 55 volunteer employees and students who participated in a networking opportunity following the formal program.

In her keynote remarks, Peltier shared a message about her advocacy for water protection and rights for First Nations in Canada. She encouraged incoming students to make a difference with the knowledge and opportunities they gain through the course of their university studies.

The invitation-only event would not have been possible without the efforts of faculty, staff, and outstanding students, said Chris Busch, associate vice-president for enrolment management.

“Our virtual events team worked with public affairs to produce the live portion of the evening,” he said. “Thanks to all who helped us extend a Windsor welcome to these applicants.”

He said his office will follow up with all the guests to connect them with recruiters and provide additional information on programs and services.

There are many people who play an integral role in the journey of students towards their degrees.

To celebrate the occasion, faculty and staff are invited to submit a note of congratulations which will be displayed during graduation ceremonies at convocation.uwindsor.ca.

The 2021 Virtual Spring Convocation will be held across 13 sessions from June 7 to 16.

If there’s a specific faculty or session you would like your message to appear during, please specify while filling out the form. The deadline to submit a message is May 7.

A pitch competition next week will cap three months of work for participants in the Libro-EPIC Social Enterprise Program.

The Entrepreneurship Practice and Innovation Centre (EPICentre) has led six social enterprises in activities, events, and one-on-one specialized coaching addressing such topics as design thinking, social impact, storytelling, networking, business model generation.

The participants will pitch their business ideas to a panel of judges and a live audience in competition for two prizes: a $5,000 award from the panel and a $1,000 people’s choice award, decided by audience members.

The event will run 3 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 6. Find more details and a registration link on the EPICentre website.