Diane Rawlings has retired from the University of Windsor after a 38-year career.
By John-Paul Bonadonna
After an extraordinary 38-year journey at the University of Windsor, Diane Rawlings is retiring.
Her last day marks not just the end of a remarkable career, but the celebration of a life woven into the fabric of campus.
“There’s just an energy around education and on college and university campuses that you really can’t be compared,” remarked Diane.
"At the heart of it, I wanted students to have the same kind of positive experience I had.”
Diane became a Lancer in 1981 as a Human Kinetics student. The timing was serendipitous, as she was part of the first class to use the brand-new St. Denis Centre.
Initially dreaming of becoming a physical education teacher, she instead found her calling in sport management, earning both undergraduate and graduate degrees while immersing herself in student leadership and athletics.
After graduation, she began work within the centre, juggling roles as business manager, sports information officer, and eventually, director of St. Denis Centre.
In 2004, Diane transitioned into residence life, a move that would define the next two decades of her career.
“Housing is really about providing a safe space for students to become aware of themselves and to grow,” said Diane.
“A step towards independence, under a bit of a safety net, while building the skills that support them outside of the classroom.”
Starting as Department Head of Facilities and Administration, she soon took on the full leadership role for Residence Life and Services. It was a period of both growth and challenge, managing the impacts of fluctuating enrolment and advocating for facility renewal.
Asked what she enjoyed most throughout her time at the University, Diane shines the spotlight brightly on the students she served.
“I always marvel at convocation, seeing them reach that final step and succeeding. That’s what fills the cup really.”
Though she never experienced residence life herself – having commuted to school as a Windsor-Essex resident - Diane worked tirelessly to ensure it was a place of safety, connection, and growth for every student and staff. Her leadership shone brightest during the COVID-19 pandemic. With only 200 students left in residence, Diane became not just a manager, but public safety advocate.
“We knew it wasn’t the same experience, but we also knew we weren’t closing our doors,” she reflected.
“We worked hard to ensure that students who were on campus during that time were safe, and in as much as we could, offer them a normal campus residence life experience. It wasn’t all rainbows, but we did it.”
Diane Rawlings and her family joined colleagues from across the University in celebration of her career and retirement.
As she steps away, Diane carries with her the friendships and memories that a lifetime on campus, both personally and professionally, have offered.
She plans to spend more time with family and friends, play more golf, and if an opportunity of interest arises, take part in volunteer work. Though she'll miss the energy of campus at the start of fall semester and the thrill of welcoming new students, she promises to be a present and familiar face in the stands at Lancer games and around campus.
Thank you, Diane.