With 27 years of experience in student recruitment, Wendy Bedard has helped shape Open House into one of the University’s most impactful annual events. (PHOTO BY JOHN-PAUL BONADONNA/University of Windsor)
By John-Paul Bonadonna
As the University of Windsor prepares to welcome thousands of prospective students and their families to campus this Saturday, April 25, much of the energy behind the scenes is driven by people like Wendy Bedard.
With 27 years of experience in student recruitment, the operations coordinator has helped shape Open House into one of the University’s most impactful annual events.
For Bedard, the day is about creating moments that help students see themselves at the University.
“I find by the end of the day, you can actually see the difference,” Bedard says.
“Students who were nervous in the morning are excited. They’ve been to their faculty presentations, they’ve explored and you can tell they’re starting to picture themselves here.”
Open House has evolved significantly over her nearly three decades in recruitment. What was once a series of presentations has grown into a highly interactive, faculty-driven experience designed to immerse students in their areas of interest.
“Now, students can really stay within their faculty and experience everything in one place. There are presentations and tours and introductions to student clubs,” she explains.
“It’s hands-on engagement rather than just an information fair. It’s become a day that’s inclusive of everything a student needs to make a decision and to welcome those that already have.”
That sense of immersion is complemented by thoughtful planning from the Office of Student Recuitment, which works to ensure every visitor is supported, whether that student is meticulously prepared or filled with questions.
“The best advice I can give students and families is to plan ahead and register early so you can make the most of your time,” Bedard says.
“But even if they don’t, we have staff at check-in locations who will take the time to help customize their day. It can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to help guide.”
That guidance often extends beyond simple directions.
For Bedard and her colleagues, the goal is to create meaningful, personal connections.
“It’s about taking the time with people, having a discussion and not just handing them a map,” she says.
“We learn what matters to them and walk them through it. Those personal touches make a difference.”
She recalls moments where those efforts have had a lasting impact — like guiding a prospective art student through campus spaces filled with donated artwork, or connecting a student with accessibility supports in the community.
“It’s just going above and beyond on a one-on-one basis,” she says.
“That’s what people remember.”
Central to that experience are the current students who serve as ambassadors and volunteers. Bedard speaks with particular pride about their role in bringing Open House to life.
“We have about 20 student ambassadors and they are an amazing group,” she says.
“They bring so much energy. Whether it’s leading tours, helping with social media or just talking to prospective students. That peer connection is so important.”
In addition, dozens of volunteers — many of them international students eager to share their UWindsor journey — step forward to help each year.
“They’re so enthusiastic,” Bedard says.
“It’s really special to see that sense of community and know they feel they’ve made an impact.”
Behind the scenes, staff operate with the same spirit of collaboration. In the lead-up to Open House, daily check-ins and a shared commitment to supporting one another keep the team moving forward.
That teamwork extends far beyond the office. Bedard is quick to credit faculty and staff across campus for embracing Open House as a shared responsibility.
“It’s amazing how many people want to be involved,” she says.
“There’s a real enthusiasm across campus and I think that’s why the event keeps getting better every year.”
For Bedard, that collective effort and the opportunity to connect with both current and future students is what makes the work so fulfilling.
“It’s the students,” she says simply.
“Working with our ambassadors, seeing the excitement of prospective students — it’s always changing, always evolving. That’s what I love about it.”
As Open House approaches, thousands of visitors will explore campus, ask questions and imagine their future at the University.
With Bedard, the student ambassadors and countless volunteers, they’ll be met with a campus community ready to welcome them.