Alumni

Sidewalk skating: Preventing falls and injuries in winter weather

students walk across the UWindsor campus on a snowy wet dayWinter weather can increase the risks of falls and injuries. (FILE/University of Windsor)

By Kate Hargreaves

While we’ve had a brief respite from frigid polar vortex temperatures, snowy conditions — and with them an increased risk of falls and injuries — may still return this season. 

At particular risk of injury from icy sidewalks and driveways are older adults; however, anyone can fall prey to a sneaky patch of unseen ice. 

Small daily movement changes can help older adults stay strong and independent

three older men do chair stretches across from a UWindsor student with another student observing with a clipboardPhysical activity is key for everyone, including older adults. (MIKE WILKINS/University of Windsor)

By Kate Hargreaves

Just 10 minutes of physical activity a day can be the start many people need to get moving, according to Dr. Paula van Wyk, professor in the Faculty of Human Kinetics. 

Physical activity is especially important for older adults as the aging process can lead to loss of strength and function. 

“In general, people are aware of the potential benefits of engaging in physical activity,” she says. 

Beauty is Me: Social work alumna shares message of belonging

Joan Simpson speaking at a podiumUWindsor alumna Joan Simpson is the founder of the Beauty is Me non-profit (KYLE ARCHIBALD/University of Windsor)

By Kate Hargreaves 

Belonging has always been at the heart of everything University of Windsor alumna Joan Simpson (BSW ‘06, MSW ‘14) does. 

From supporting newcomers and those facing socioeconomic barriers to co-founding the Beauty is Me non-profit, Simpson’s work is all about empowerment and reminding people that they belong. 

It’s a drive that has been with Simpson since her youth.  

Lifting, law and lifelong learning: World record holder studies women’s strength athletes

Jeanine Watt next to a statue of a bodybuilderJeanine Watt is a graduate student, two-time UWindsor alumna and world record-holding powerlifter (PROVIDED BY J. WATT/University of Windsor)

By Kate Hargreaves

Jeanine Watt (BSc ’78, LLB ’88) joined a gym in 2018 to stay active as a semi-retired lawyer. 

“I knew that if I retired, the only thing that would get any exercise was my thumb on the remote control,” she jokes. 

This March, she will take the main stage at the Arnold Sports Festival as a pro competitor in the Arnold Armlifting Championships. 

Leddy Library partners with sustainability office on green initiatives

Roger Reka holding a packet of sugarcane based paperLibrarian Roger Reka is helping to spearhead sustainability initiatives at Leddy Library (JOEL GUERIN/University of Windsor)

By Kate Hargreaves 

From environmental research guides to reducing paper waste, Leddy Library has made recent strides in fostering a more sustainable campus. 

In collaboration with the Office of Sustainability, Leddy has implemented numerous initiatives that demonstrate the major impact of even small changes. 

Faculty of Education shares five-year strategic plan

cover of education strat plan with text Strategic action and photo of teacher candidate in front of studentsThe Faculty of Education has released its Strategic Plan guiding teaching, learning and research for the next five years.

By Kate Hargreaves 

The University of Windsor’s Faculty of Education has launched its new strategic plan for 2025-2030. 

Grounded in extensive consultations with faculty, staff, students, alumni, community members and school boards, this plan will help shape teaching, research, partnerships and impact over the next five years. 

“Central to this plan is the Faculty’s commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and decolonization,” says Dr. Ken Montgomery, dean of the Faculty of Education.  

Teacher candidates support local families through Togetherness Initiative

two students standing behind bags of produceTeacher candidates from the Faculty of Education distributed more than 200 bags of fresh produce donated by the Unemployed Help Centre at the Togetherness Initiative (PROVIDED BY G. PIZZUTO SERRA/University of Windsor)

By Kate Hargreaves 

Over 100 families attended this year’s Togetherness Initiative, an annual event organized by teacher candidates in the Faculty of Education. 

As part of the service-learning course Vulnerability, Marginalization and Education (VME), BEd students planned and implemented the event at Frank W. Begley Public School in Windsor, offering activities and supports for local families facing economic and social barriers. 

Cold-weather cardio: HK and Lancers track alumna shares tips for winter running

Brittany Bellemore runs in the snowBrittany Bellemore is an HK and Lancer track alumna now coaching a winter marathon clinic (PROVIDED BY B. BELLEMORE/University of Windsor)

By Kate Hargreaves

With snow-covered sidewalks and plummeting temperatures, lacing up a pair of running shoes and hitting the pavement may seem daunting.

However, with tips from UWindsor alum Brittany Bellemore (BHK ’21, MHK ’23), runners can feel more confident taking on wintry conditions.

Expanding the University’s Black archives with Caribbean history From Mango to Maple

Anto Seymour and Sarah Glassford in the Leddy ArchivesAnto Seymour and Sarah Glassford are archivists at Leddy Library (JOEL GUERIN/University of Windsor)

The University of Windsor is home to unique archival collections that document elements of the Black history of Southwestern Ontario.  

Stewarded by the Archives and Special Collections Team in Leddy Library, these collections reflect a long-standing commitment to preserving histories that have shaped the region socially, culturally and intellectually.