On International Holocaust Remembrance Day, we solemnly recall the atrocities of the past. Originating from the United Nations and observed annually on Jan. 27, this day commemorates the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau in 1945, where over a million lives were tragically lost. Designated in 2005, it serves as a global day of reflection on the Holocaust, urging us to remember its victims, amongst them six million Jewish people and at least five million prisoners of war, and confront the dangers of anti-Semitism.
The University of Windsor, committed to fostering critical thinking, recognizes the contemporary relevance of Holocaust remembrance. As an institution, we play a pivotal role in cultivating understanding, empathy, and tolerance, firmly denouncing antisemitism and discriminatory ideologies. In our pursuit of intellectual exchange, we strive to create a safe space for thoughtful conversations that promote diversity, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence amidst today's complex challenges.
The “Sustaining Shared Futures” teach-in series will open Jan. 29 with a dialogue on mental illness and substance abuse disorders.
The Interdisciplinary and Critical Studies department invites community members to an evening of open dialogue on mental illness and substance abuse disorders as part of the “Sustaining Shared Futures” teach-in series.
Set for the last Monday of each month, the events are intended to create a space for open dialogue and diverse perspectives that are valued and respected through education.
“In challenging the status quo and confronting the stigma around mental illness, this event serves as a beacon illuminating the path towards a more enlightened and inclusive society,” says Natalie Delia, head of the Interdisciplinary and Critical Studies department. “By recognizing the importance of mental health, we not only empower individuals to seek help, but also foster a collective consciousness that values the well-being of every member, reinforcing the idea that our strength lies in our unity and compassion.”
The Jan. 29 discussion, “Othering those who are (an)Other Way” will explore and further understanding of the experiences of those constructed as different, dangerous, and not worth the community’s time because of mental illness and substance abuse.
Panellists include Ward 3 city councillor Renaldo Agostino, psychologist Renee Biss, and Windsor Police constable and diversity officer Matt Davis.
This first teach-in session will run 7 to 9 p.m. Monday, Jan. 29, both online and in person at the SoCA Armouries’ Performance Hall, 353 Freedom Way. Those wishing to participate are encouraged to fill out the registration form.
The topic of the Feb. 26 teach-in is Afro-Feminisms; on March 25 the topic is Women’s Work and Transnational Feminism.
The Office of Human Rights, Equity and Accessibility (OHREA) is recognizing five “catalysts for change” to celebrate the 11th annual OHREA awards.
The OHREA Awards recognize and celebrate the contributions made by individuals and groups who work to advance human rights, social justice, inclusivity, employment equity, mental health, and accessibility at the University of Windsor.
“Your unwavering dedication and outstanding contributions have been the bedrock of progress. Fostering an environment that champions human rights, social justice, inclusivity, employment equity, mental health, and accessibility here at the University of Windsor,” Clinton Beckford, vice-president of people, equity, and inclusion, shared in a video virtually introducing the awards.
OHREA Awards are presented in the areas of:
Accessibility
Employment Equity
Human Rights and Social Justice
Mental Health Champion
The OHREA Award (overall advancement of culture, diversity, and inclusivity)
This year’s recipients are:
Laverne Jacobs, professor, Faculty of Law— Accessibility Award
Debbie Kane, associate dean, Faculty of Graduate Studies — Employment Equity Award
Kat Pasquach, Aboriginal outreach co-ordinator, Aboriginal Education Centre — Human Rights and Social Justice Award
Mack Park, Lancers Recover program co-ordinator and UWin Pride co-chair, Office of Student Experience — Mental Health Champion Award
BIDE Institute (Belonging, Inclusivity, Diversity, and Equity Institute), Office of Student Experience — OHREA Award
“We would like to extend our thanks to the University of Windsor community as we celebrate the contributions made by individuals and groups who advance human rights, social justice, inclusivity, employment equity, mental health, and accessibility,” Kaye Johnson, executive director of Human Rights, Equity, and Accessibility, said.
“OHREA would also like to thank the many committees who work throughout the year to create a more inclusive and welcoming learning environment.”
“This year’s awardees are truly inspiring, embodying our university’s commitment to inclusivity and community spirit. Through education, scholarship, research, and active involvement you have demonstrated the incredible possibilities achievable with innovative thinking, ingenuity, and creativity,” said UWindsor president Robert Gordon.
Videos featuring interviews with each of this year’s recipients will be launched weekly starting Friday, Jan. 26, through the UWindsor YouTube and social media channels.
A workshop Feb. 13 will explain how to navigate human rights and accommodations.
What are the rights of an individual seeking an accommodation? What if a student or an instructor needs an accommodation? What criteria do supervisors and employees need to consider? Is there a process to be followed?
The session will be held on Feb. 13, from 1 to 3 p.m. in room 1232, Centre for Engineering Innovation. Limited spaces are available, so advance registration is recommended.
Learn about the process and the anchoring laws and policies, including the Human Rights Policy and the tests and criteria you need to know when seeking accommodation or deciding whether an accommodation can be provided.
This workshop will focus on the Ontario Human Rights Code and its application in post-secondary environments. Individual or specific cases and issues will not be discussed in this setting. However, case studies, examples, and broader policy issues will be covered, with time for questions and answers.
Vincent Georgie, a marketing instructor and executive director of the Windsor International Film Festival, recalls the contributions of late director Norman Jewison.
A faculty member in the Odette School of Business has published an article looking back at the extraordinary career of Norman Jewison — highlighting his personal experience with the famed director.
In his piece for the Conversation, “A Look Back at Norman Jewison’s Stellar Directing Career and Commitment to Canadian Filmmakers,” Vincent Georgie discussed his ties to the Academy Award-nominated director, who died Jan. 20 at the age of 97.
Jewison, a Toronto local, was a champion of Canadian film and filmmakers with the establishment of the Canadian Film Centre, what Dr. Georgie calls a now “iconic and sought-after” residence that fosters and educates emerging and established filmmakers.
According to Georgie’s article, the director of films including Moonstruck, The Hurricane, and Fiddler on the Roof, had a cottage in Ontario and was neighbours to supporters of the Windsor International Film Festival, where Georgie is executive director.
He said this led to many conversations he and the Jewison had before he agreed to make his way down to check out the local talents in 2014 for the 10th anniversary of the film festival.
While in Windsor, Georgie said, Jewison shared stories of actors Sidney Poitier, Cher, and Nicolas Cage over a private dinner in Little Italy. Click here to read Georgie’s full article.
Community partners, staff and faculty, alumni, friends, and family celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Entrepreneurship Practice and Innovation Centre Jan. 19.
The Entrepreneurship Practice and Innovation Centre (EPICentre) celebrated 10 years of fostering entrepreneurial spirit on the UWindsor campus and beyond on Jan. 19 with a fireside chat and the conferral of the inaugural Student Entrepreneurial Excellence Awards.
Joined by community partners, University staff and faculty, alumni, friends, and family, the EPICentre team hosted a reception at Ambassador Golf Club, which heard from three graduates of its programs: Ameen Fadel, co-founder and president of Cedar Valley food manufacturer; Connor Holowachuk, co-founder of Eigen Fitness; and Nia Thompson, founder of Art-ology.
Mechanical engineering major Nathan Brockenshire, founder of a car detailing business, received the Entrepreneurial Trailblazer Award for demonstrating visionary leadership and significant entrepreneurial success.
Electrical and computer engineering student Ahmed Ali, who equipped a drone as a flying Wi-Fi access point to navigate indoors where GPS signals falter, received the Innovation Mastery Award for creativity and the potential for positive impact.
Adam Gaisinsky, a biology student, received the Best Bounce Back Award for exceptional resilience in the face of challenges in founding the Windsor Chess Enrichment Program.
Students looking to learn how to manage their money better can improve their knowledge through the Enriched Academy financial wellness program, sponsored by the University of Windsor and the office of Student Awards and Financial Aid.
Students who complete the program through a series of fun and insightful videos can apply to be considered for one of five $1,000 awards available for the current academic year. Upon completion of all Enriched Academy modules, students will receive a certificate of completion to be uploaded via the UWinAward Profile/Application process.
Start now — the deadline to complete the modules and apply for this award is Feb. 15.
Additionally, students who complete the program can also apply for scholarships available directly through Enriched Academy — the deadline is June 14.
