Adlynn LouidorLaw student Adlynn Louidor is the 2024 recipient of the $2,000 Telus Chancellor’s Leadership Scholarship.

Advocacy earns leadership scholarship for law student

Adlynn Louidor doesn’t engage with incarcerated people for accolades.

The second-year law student, founder of the not-for-profit agency Bridging Borders with Inmates, acknowledges the work is taxing but says it carries its own rewards.

“We support individuals who have been incarcerated, at-risk youth who have experience with criminal activity, and inmates and their families,” she says. “I am passionate about advocacy — that everyone, regardless of their mistakes, deserves the opportunity to rehabilitate and reintegrate into society.”

Still, she says, it was a pleasant surprise to be selected for the $2,000 Telus Chancellor’s Leadership Scholarship, created through a gift by the telecommunications company in support of the Chancellor’s Leadership Series.

“It can be a lot of hours working with inmates, so the fact that somebody recognizes the value of that effort is validating.”

Besides the scholarship, Louidor points to a grant from the City of Toronto to conduct workshops for Scarborough youths affected by gang involvement: “The grant is a testament to our ongoing commitment and efforts in making a positive impact on our community.”

Her experience led Louidor to start a business providing consulting services to others starting non-profit organizations: preparing grant applications, writing business plans, and developing strategies for growth.

At Windsor Law, she serves as president of the Criminal Law Association, although she plans a career in personal injury litigation. Louidor also conducts a criminal law seminar at York University in partnership with Bridging Borders with Inmates, teaching fourth-year students about trauma-informed work and working with incarcerated persons.

“Through my legal studies and professional experience, I am committed to using my skills to empower marginalized communities and advocate for justice in all areas of law,” she says. “I believe that access to legal representation is a fundamental human right, and I am eager to bring my passion for advocacy and litigation expertise to impact the legal field positively.”

The next event in the Chancellor’s Leadership Series will take place Thursday, March 21, from 11 a.m. to noon in the Hatch Studio Theatre, Jackman Dramatic Art Centre. Register online for Building Community: In Dialogue with Julia Deans.

Lilly Battista as Jo is unimpressed by Jack Meadows as LaurieLilly Battista as Jo is unimpressed by Jack Meadows as Laurie in the University Players production of Little Women, continuing this weekend in the Essex Hall Theatre. Photo by Jen Gurniak Photography.

Players season a balance of drama, comedy, and literature

Ripples of excitement echo through the halls and studios of the Jackman Dramatic Art Centre this week as University Players announced the shows for its 66th season, promising entertainment for audiences of all ages.

The season will be presented in the Essex Hall Theatre and includes four engaging productions, says David Court, director of the School of Dramatic Art: “We have an exciting lineup of shows that promise to captivate, inspire, and entertain.”

Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Oct. 25 to Nov. 3, 2024 - Adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher from the novella by Robert Louis Stevenson, this modern interpretation of the classic tale is perfect for the Halloween season. Experience the mystery and romance of Dr. Jekyll’s dark research and his alter ego, Mr. Hyde. Recommended for ages 14 and up due to violence.

Charlotte’s Web, Nov. 22 to Dec. 1, 2024 - Adapted from the book by E. B. White by Joseph Robinette. Audiences of all ages will enjoy reliving the story of Wilbur, a pig nervous of what his future holds, and Charlotte, an eight-legged friend who sets out to make Wilbur a local celebrity with her magical spiderweb messages. Come see a childhood favourite of many generations come to life as it explores the themes of innocence and change. A great opportunity to introduce University Players to friends and family members from age 5 to 105.

Real Estate, Jan. 31 to Feb. 9, 2025 - Written by Allana Harkin, this romantic farce combines the pressures of real estate and romance. The story follows Joel, a mystery novelist with writer’s block, and Emma, a bubbly realtor who bursts unexpectedly into his life. When his soon-to-be ex-wife Estelle turns up with divorce papers and her new beau Ted, a nervous man with a purse full of hand cream, the whole place turns upside down! Recommended for ages 12 and up.

The Wedding Party, March 28 to April 6, 2025, - Kristen Thompson’s rollicking farce comes to life in a new adaptation for the University Players stage. Join a cast of wild characters as they navigate an over-the-top wedding reception that will send audiences into side-splitting fits of laughter. A powerfully funny season closer! Recommended for ages 14 and up.

This season balances drama, comedy, and classic literature, Court says: “Don’t miss out on these exciting performances by the talented students of the School of Dramatic Art.”

Season subscription renewals are available now, with single tickets and new subscriptions available June 1.

The final production of the 2023-24 season, Little Women continues in the Essex Hall Theatre through March 24. Performances Thursday, Friday, and Saturday begin at 7:30 p.m., with a Sunday matinée at 2 p.m. Student tickets are just $10; get more details and visit the box office on the University Players website.

Mohit AgarwalAn internship during his student days helped alumnus Mohit Agarwal secure employment in the banking industry.

Grad parlays internship experience into banking career

Master of Applied Computing grad Mohit Agarwal (MAC 2023) believes in the power of hands-on learning and the impact it can have on one’s career trajectory. His internship experience served as a stepping stone towards securing full-time employment, as he was able to apply his academic knowledge and carve out a path to a successful future at the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce.

After joining CIBC as a business analyst intern, Agarwal decided to take a proactive approach to make the most of his experience.

“I dedicated myself to learning the business flow and role-specific applications and was always proactive in asking for work and grasping every available opportunity that came my way,” he says. “It was through this approach that I was given the opportunity to work with the application development team, where I learned how to bridge the gap between a business analyst’s way of thinking and a developer’s way of thinking.”

His most notable achievement during his internship was completing a large decommissioning project, earning him praise that resonates to this day.

“The project involved capturing requirements from scratch, learning a completely new business application, migrating dependencies to a new system, and staying on top of testing at all times,” says Agarwal.

This project, along with working with diverse teams, gave him the exposure he needed to land a full-time position.

Today, Agarwal is a business systems analyst consultant at CIBC, where he continues to learn and grow.

“I would not be in my current role if it wasn’t for my academic learning at the University of Windsor, the help of the co-op team, and the effort they put into helping students prepare for landing an internship,” he says. “My rule of thumb was to never shy away from asking for help and to always grasp every new opportunity.”

To learn more about UWindsor's Co-op program and how to add students to your hiring strategy, visit uwindsor.ca/coop-workplace-partnerships/.

volunteers holding refuse bagsMore than 110 students have signed up to collect litter during the March 26 community clean-up, but there is still room for staff and alumni volunteers.

Students, staff, and alumni volunteers encouraged to support community clean-up

On Tuesday, March 26, the Office of Student Experience is hosting a community clean-up with support from the Alumni Relations team and is seeking students, alumni, and staff volunteers to help reach its goal of 150 total volunteers.

“With a variety of clean-up time slots available between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., interested volunteers on campus can sign up for a clean-up route that suits their availability and schedule,” says organizer Mackenzie Smith of the Office of Student Experience.

As part of the Alumni Cares volunteer program, the Alumni Relations team has partnered with Student Experience to connect alumni with opportunities to make an impact on and around campus.

“Alumni on campus and in our community are always looking for opportunities to give back in support of students, and beautifying the neighbourhoods surrounding our campus is a great way to get involved and address the sustainability goals of our institution and communities,” says Rob Janisse of the Alumni Relations department.

Interested campus community members are encouraged to register for the clean-up using the online registration form. Every volunteer will be provided with a UWin swag item in addition to all necessary clean-up materials.

people in costuume, including a red impWindsor will host the Nain Rouge Festival, a celebration of French culture and folklore, on March 23.

Francophone festival returning to Windsor

The second edition of the Nain Rouge Festival is coming to Windsor and will take place on Saturday, March 23, as part of Francophonie month.

Drawing inspiration from local Detroit folklore and complementing the larger Marche du Nain Rouge festival in Detroit, this festival has a distinctly Canadian flavour. It aims to celebrate local French culture and folklore in Windsor and Essex County.

Legend has it that the nain rouge — French for “red dwarf” — draws on both a Norman tradition brought to the area by French settlers in the 18th century and local Indigenous beliefs. The nain rouge is said to haunt Detroit to this day, where residents see it as a harbinger of disaster.

The Phog Lounge and Meteor are the two venues for the 2024 festival. Throughout the evening, participants will have the opportunity to make their own masks. Tarot readings, trivia, and musical performances by francophone artists like Isabelle Bouffard, Cadill’Rock, and Yao will be on the program. Full details of the festival program can be found here.

Elayne Isaacs and Michelle NahdeeElayne Isaacs and Michelle Nahdee were part of an Indigenous outreach team from the University of Windsor at the Little NHL tournament last week.

Youth hockey tournament an opportunity for Indigenous outreach

More than 4,000 Indigenous youth hit the ice March 11 to 14 for the Little NHL, the largest hockey tournament for First Nations youth in Ontario — and representatives of the University of Windsor were there to greet them.

Beverly Jacobs and Elayne Isaacs from the Office of the Senior Advisor to the President on Indigenous Relations and Outreach, Indigenous legal studies co-ordinator Michelle Nahdee from the Faculty of Law, and Indigenous enrolment advisor Giselle Aiabens from the Office of Enrolment Management made the trip to the Markham Civic Centre to connect with individuals from various Indigenous communities with the assistance of Indigenous law student Lukas Vandusan and Shefali Sahni, a third-year student of law and politics.

They staffed a booth inviting participants to share their insights through surveys, exchanging feedback about the University’s relationship with the Indigenous community for Tim Hortons gift cards and Lancer swag.

The consultation will continue with Indigenous students invited to provide input into the development of the University’s first Indigenous Strategic Plan. The Turtle Island Aboriginal Education Centre in the CAW Student Centre will host a session from noon to 2:30 p.m. on Monday, March 25. Attending students will receive lunch and snacks; participants who complete a questionnaire will receive $20 e-gift cards.

jeans bearing tag second handStudent vendors will pass on gently-used clothing and décor items at a thrift shop Wednesday in the student centre. (© svittlana - stock.adobe.com)

Spring cleaning salvaging items for reuse

Today is the first full day of spring, and spring cleaning has students ready to refresh their wardrobes.

Student vendors will sell used, vintage, new, and unique items at a thrift shop from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today — Wednesday, March 20 — in the CAW Student Centre Commons.

A February version of the event proved popular with buyers and sellers, says organizer Sandra Riccio-Muglia, the centre’s director of events and programming.

“It was a student fave last time we had it and they wanted it hosted again, so it’s a spring clean edition,” she says.

long refrigeratorA three-doored bar fridge is among the items of kitchen equipment and décor offered for sale by the University.

University offers kitchen equipment and decor for sale

The University has declared a variety of items of kitchen equipment and décor for sale by bid as Disposal File 2051.

Listed is everything from large commercial freezers and fryers to televisions, pint glasses, and utensils.

Click here for more information, including photos of each lot and details on submitting bids.