The Black Scholars Institute invites all UWindsor faculty, staff, and students to save the date for its official launch Sept. 26.

The all-day event promises to be jam-packed with speakers, food, music, performances, and more.

More details and registration will be available closer to the launch date.

Publication to serve as institutional introduction

A new digital publication from the Black Scholars Institute serves as an introduction to its focus on Black excellence and liberation through scholarship, research, and community engagement.

“Our multi-disciplinary institute aims to enhance teaching, learning, research, and social justice across the University, nationally, and globally,” says director Camisha Sibblis. “We intend to play a crucial role with connecting Black scholars, and the University collectively, to the local community.”

The inaugural edition of the BSI Newsletter carries information on its programming, mentoring, and events. Read it on the institute’s website.

A political science professor ticked a big item off her bucket list this summer, jetting off to Paris for the Olympic Games.

“We arrived at Pearson and were waiting for our flight, and members of Team Canada happened to be on the same plane,” Emmanuelle Richez said.” So, the trip started right away with us getting into the Olympic mood.”

Dr. Richez has dreamed of attending the Games since she was a child, and this year, everything finally fell into place for that dream to come true.

“We knew well in advance that 2024 would be the Summer Olympics in Paris, and for the first time, the stars aligned to make it possible for me and my family because we have family in France and speak the language,” she said.

The first event she attended was gymnastics, which Richez described as both impressive and a special moment.

“Just the level of work that these athletes put into preparing to be at that level is incredible. And I was watching the event with my goddaughter, who does gymnastics herself, so it was very endearing to see her being inspired,” she said. “I think it encouraged her to pursue the sport at a very high level. She now hopes to go to the Olympics in Brisbane in 2032.”

Next, Richez’s family witnessed Poland's Iga Świątek secure a win in the women’s tennis singles against Diane Parry of France. Right after, they saw Spanish tennis pro Rafael Nadal face off against Novak Djokovic, who went on to take home the gold.

“For gymnastics, we just missed Simone Biles by one hour, but for this, we totally lucked out,” she exclaimed.

In addition to the Games, Richez said there were many activities for kids and fans to take part in.

“The most special moment was seeing the kids get excited about the Games and wanting to either become athletes themselves or pick up a new sport. For example, my son got to play tennis for the first time at Roland-Garros,” she said. “There were pros on site who were helping children get the hang of it.”

Describing the experience as much more than she expected, Richez said the backdrops to each of the Games were iconic Paris monuments. She also had the chance to visit the Canada House and watch the events with other Canadians, creating a “group spirit” to cheer on the athletes.

“We’ve already decided we want to go back to see another Olympics,” she said. “Hopefully winter this time.”

First-year students of engineering filled the foyer of the Centre for Engineering Innovation on July 31, showcasing their group projects for the mandatory course in cornerstone design.

The class tasks students with designing, programming, and building a product — whether a motion gesture glove, irrigation system, or autonomous vehicle.

During the final showcase, teams competed for a total of $3,000 in prize money.

Claiming top honours were Ibraheem Abdallah, Marian Smoka, Michaela Tape, Gabriel Van Lammeren, and Will Washington for their carbon monoxide detector for the deaf.

Placing second were Zeliha Bayar, Fadel Fouani, and Sabira Siddika for their motion gesture glove.

Organizers of the third edition of the Campus Community Cookbook have issued one last appeal for recipe submissions.

The book, whose sales proceeds support financial aid opportunities for Indigenous students, is slated to be printed and distributed in advance of Orange Shirt Day, Sep. 30. It is intended to highlight the diversity of the campus by showcasing favourite family foods from across cultures.

However, submissions to date are lagging behind what is required to fill a volume, says Alicia Charlebois, student engagement assistant in the Turtle Island Aboriginal Education Centre.

“We’re really hoping that people will respond in time for us to produce this project, which provides valuable assistance to students in need,” she says. “Share the flavours you savour: the dishes do not have to be Indigenous!”

UWindsor students, alumni, faculty, and staff are invited to send in recipes by noon Tuesday, Aug. 27.

Submissions should include a list of ingredients and step-by-step instructions, a brief description of the recipe’s origins, and — optional but appreciated — a photo of the completed dish. Click here to complete the submission form.

The Special Appointments Committee of the University Senate welcomes nominations and applications for the title of Distinguished University Professor.

Intended to recognize faculty at the rank of professor who have distinguished achievements in teaching and an international reputation for scholarship or creative or professional accomplishment, the title has been conferred on 48 individuals since its inception in 1986.

An application for an eligible candidate must be submitted to Senate governance officer Danny Anger in the University Secretariat by Nov. 30. Criteria and process can be found here.

The title “professor emeritus” is now granted automatically. Those faculty or librarians who did not receive automatic emeritus status on retirement because they did not meet the minimum required years of continuous service but do fulfill the other criteria may submit an application to the Special Appointments Committee for consideration.

For additional information, contact Danny Anger by email at angerd1@uwindsor.ca.