University of Windsor alumnus Eric Parker, credits the University's co-op program with helping him discover a career path that combined engineering expertise with relationship-building. Today, he serves as Director of Sales at Vista Solutions. (SUBMITTED BY ERIC PARKER/University of Windsor)
By Victor Romao
Sometimes the most valuable lesson from a co-op placement is discovering what you do not want to do.
For many students, experiential learning helps confirm career ambitions. For others, it opens the door to opportunities they may not have known existed.
Exploring different industries, roles and workplace environments can provide valuable insight into personal strengths, interests and long-term goals.
University of Windsor alumnus Eric Parker (BASc Hons. ’18) experienced that firsthand.
— Published on Oct 5th, 2026
Professor emeritus Karl Jirgens, founder of the international literary journal Rampike, continues to write, create visual art and participate in scholarly work beyond the classroom. (KYLE ARCHIBALD/University of Windsor)
By Victor Romao
Long before Karl Jirgens earned a PhD, founded an international literary journal or stepped into a university classroom, a high school teacher helped him see writing in a different light.
“Writing is just another medium with its own peculiarities,” he says, recalling a lesson from high school teacher Alan Bevan that would help shape a career spanning literature, publishing, visual art and education.
— Published on Oct 5th, 2026
University of Windsor alumnus Justin Langlois builds connections across art, research and community through a collaborative and socially engaged practice. (PERRIN GRAUER/University of Windsor)
By Victor Romao
Long before stepping into a senior academic leadership role on Canada’s West Coast, Justin Langlois developed the foundations of a multidisciplinary practice at the University of Windsor.
Langlois (MFA ’09, BA Hons. ’07), now associate vice-president, research and dean of graduate studies at Emily Carr University for Art+Design, has built a career that blends art, research and community engagement, an approach rooted in his time as a student in Windsor.
— Published on Oct 2nd, 2026
Alumna Mia Kairouz and partner Simão Santa Barbara opened VeloFit in Amherstburg in July 2026 (PROVIDED BY M. KAIROUZ/University of Windsor)
By Kate Hargreaves
At just 24, Mia Kairouz (BA ’25) jokes that she’s already lived many lives.
She’s been a lifeguard, a first responder, an endurance athlete, a personal trainer and a cancer survivor.
In July, she became an entrepreneur, opening VeloFit Performance and Fitness Coaching in Amherstburg, with her partner Simão Santa Barbara.
“In general, my goal is to help people,” Kairouz says.
— Published on Oct 2nd, 2026
A virtual launch Oct. 5 marks the release of a new guide to support teachers in responding to sexual violence (CANVA STOCK/University of Windsor)
By Kate Hargreaves
Before the age of 15, 45 per cent of Canadian teens will experience dating violence.
For educators who find themselves on the receiving end of disclosures, knowing how to respond can be daunting.
That’s what motivated a new guide to help teachers respond to sexual violence disclosures in trauma-informed ways.
— Published on Oct 2nd, 2026
Kim Rocheleau is the founder of the Dirt Divas women's mountain biking group and successfully led 13 Women's 100 road cycling events in Windsor-Essex (PROVIDED BY K. ROCHELEAU/University of Windsor)
By Kate Hargreaves
When Kim Rocheleau (BHK ’95, BEd ’06) finishes her workday as a high school principal with the Greater Essex County District School Board, she often hits the road — or the trail — on two wheels rather than four.
When she’s not supporting students and staff at Vincent Massey Secondary School, she shares the joy of cycling with women across Essex County.
Earlier this month, she organized the 13th annual — and final — local Women’s 100, marking more than a decade of leading the inclusive cycling event.
— Published on Oct 1st, 2026
Two new electric vehicles have joined the UWindsor Facilities and Operations fleet (KYLE ARCHIBALD/University of Windsor)
By Kate Hargreaves
You may spot two new pickup trucks on campus, but you won’t catch them at the gas station.
That’s because they’re the first vehicles in UWindsor’s Facilities and Operations fleet to be fully electric.
Marking a key milestone in the University’s sustainability journey, the two 2026 Chevrolet Silverado EVs will replace aging vehicles that have reached the end of their life cycle.
— Published on Sep 29th, 2026
Sav Riley: Factory Reset opens at Art Windsor-Essex Oct. 15, 2026 (PROVIDED BY S. RILEY/University of Windsor)
By Kate Hargreaves
From paint-splattered jeans to shredded denim on its last legs, UWindsor alum Sav Riley (BA, Communications, Media and Film, ’26) is giving donated textiles a second life as wearable art.
— Published on Sep 29th, 2026
The Black Scholars Institute at the University of Windsor will host a three-day symposium in October (FILE/University of Windsor)
By Kate Hargreaves
The University of Windsor Black Scholars Institute (BSI) will bring scholarship and community together this October during the three-day symposium Futuring Black Thriving.
— Published on Sep 22nd, 2026
Dayna Pidhoresky was the women's winner at the Sept. 13 Windsor Waterfront Half-Marathon (PROVIDED BY D. PIDHORESKY/University of Windsor)
By Kate Hargreaves
On a muggy September morning, Dayna Pidhoresky (BSc ’09, BA ’10) lined up with more than 1,500 runners on Windsor’s Riverside Drive, awaiting the start of the second annual Windsor Waterfront Half-Marathon.
Just over 71 minutes later, she broke the tape at the finish line, at the same time taking down a personal best (PB) that had stood for 15 years.
“It did feel very humid warming up, and we were unsure if a PB would be possible on a day like that,” Pidhoresky recalls.
— Published on Sep 29th, 2026
University of Windsor alumnus Eric Parker, credits the University's co-op program with helping him discover a career path that combined engineering expertise with relationship-building. Today, he serves as Director of Sales at Vista Solutions. (SUBMITTED BY ERIC PARKER/University of Windsor)
