Community & Partnerships

Precision Oncology in action: How WE-SPARK is transforming local cancer research

Promotional image of Terry Fox Run.Terry Fox and his Marathon of Hope brought Canadians together to help find a cure for cancer. His legacy continues through partnerships spurred on by the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network, which includes WE-SPARK Health Institute. (Graphic courtesy of Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network)

By John-Paul Bonadonna

In cancer research labs and hospitals, a powerful transformation is reshaping how the disease is understood, studied and ultimately, treated.

At the centre of this shift is precision oncology, an approach that moves beyond one-size-fits-all care to deliver treatments tailored to each individual patient. It represents one of the most promising advances in cancer care today.

UWill Discover Youth Colloquium teams up with secondary students towards research excellence

High school students from Vincent Massey Secondary School

By John-Paul Bonadonna

High school students from Vincent Massey Secondary School presented their work to University of Windsor faculty at the inaugural Massey Research Conference.

Dr. Dora Cavallo-Medved, Karen Pillon, Dr. Tim Brunet and special guest Roger Reka (also a Massey grad), were on hand for the presentations.

Where sturgeon meets ceremony: Walpole Island school opens hatchery connecting youth to land and water

Trevor Pitcher talking to school childrenDr. Trevor Pitcher, director of the University of Windsor's Freshwater Restoration Ecology Centre, shows students a juvenile sturgeon at the opening of the Giigoonyig Enjintaawgiwaad hatchery at Anishinaabeg Kinomaagewgamig Immersion School on Walpole Island First Nation. (MICHAEL WILKINS/University of Windsor)

By Sara Elliott

At the Bkejwanong Kinomaagewgamig and Anishinaabeg Kinomaagewgamig Immersion School on Walpole Island First Nation, students will soon learn fish biology in Anishinaabemowin — the same language their ancestors used to describe these waters — while raising the very fish that have sustained their community for generations. 

The Giigoonyig Enjintaawgiwaad — “Place Where Fish Are Raised” — opened Friday, April 17, at a ceremony marking the beginning of a new kind of classroom: one where fish biology, ecological stewardship and Anishinaabe knowledge are taught as inseparable. 

Jane’s Walk Festival invites community exploration

group of people on a tour outdoors in front of a flowering treeSarah Morris (back row, third from left) leads a Jane’s Walk in Windsor (PROVIDED BY S. MORRIS/University of Windsor)

By Kate Hargreaves

Ever wanted to learn about historical burial practices, the Underground Railroad, heritage architecture, labour history, local ecosystems and more, all for free? 

These are only a handful of topics covered by the Windsor-Essex Jane’s Walk Festival, taking place across three weekends: April 23 to 26, April 30 to May 3 and May 9, 2026. 

Shark Tank-style ImpactPreneurs summer camp to give kids a taste of business

Two boys stand with a box of lunches in front of a sign that says Make Poverty HistoryRegistration is now open for the ImpactPreneurs Shark Tank Summer Camp (J. BUSHI/University of Windsor)

By Kate Hargreaves 

For kids with entrepreneurial aspirations outside of the lemonade stands of yore, a new summer camp at the University of Windsor offers a unique opportunity for learning and fun. 

Modelled on the popular Shark Tank television show, in which entrepreneurs pitch business ideas to a panel of investors, the ImpactPreneurs Shark Tank Summer Camp invites kids six to 13 years old to learn about business and teamwork while having fun.  

A lifelong legacy of giving back: Retired women teachers’ organization celebrates 70 years

A group of women with a banner for the Retired Women Teachers' OrganizationRetired Women Teachers of Ontario celebrated its 70th jubilee at Devonshire Mall (MIKE FLANAGAN/University of Windsor)

By Kate Hargreaves 

Teaching has been part of Gina Marcon’s (BA ’87, BEd ’88) life since she was six years old. 

“I knew then that I was going to be a teacher,” she says. “Every time my cousins would come over, we’d play school, and I was always the teacher.” 

Historian, coach and healthcare leader honoured at 2026 Alumni Awards of Excellence

Alumni award winners (from left) Kurt Michael Downes, Dr. Bryan E. Walls and Mandeep BumbraKurt Michael Downes, Dr. Bryan E. Walls and Mandeep Bumbra were recognized by the Alumni Association as graduates who have made meaningful contributions in their professions, communities and beyond. (PHOTO BY MICHAEL WILKINS/UNIVERSITY OF WINDSOR)

By John-Paul Bonadonna

The spirit of leadership, resilience and community was on full display as the University of Windsor Alumni Association welcomed the campus community, graduates, leaders, faculty and friends to the 2026 Alumni Awards of Excellence.

Presented by the Alumni Association, the awards recognize graduates who have made meaningful contributions in their professions, communities and beyond.

This year’s honourees – Dr. Bryan E. Walls, Kurt Michael Downes, and Mandeep Bumbra each took to the stage to share their achievements and their stories.

Pow Wow returns to UWindsor celebrating culture, community and connection

A dancer takes part in the Student and Alumni Pow Wow in 2023.Guests will experience traditional dancing, drumming, singing and more at the 5th Annual Alumni and Student Pow Wow, May 2 at the University of Windsor's Toldo Lancer Centre. (PHOTO BY CHERRY THERESANATHAN/UNIVERSITY OF WINDSOR)

By John-Paul Bonadonna 

The thunder of drums and the heartbeat of community will radiate across the floor at the Alumni and Student Pow Wow, May 2 at the University of Windsor’s Toldo Lancer Centre. 

UWindsor students put 67 high schoolers in the UN, grade 9 student won best delegate

More than 65 high school students from across Windsor-Essex spent a day as international delegates, debating global issues and negotiating resolutions.High school students from across Windsor-Essex spent a day as international delegates, debating global issues and negotiating resolutions at a Model UN conference hosted by the University of Windsor team. (TAIBAT IDRIS/ University of Windsor)

By Lindsay Charlton

More than 65 high school students from across Windsor-Essex spent a day as international delegates, debating global issues and negotiating resolutions.

The University of Windsor’s Model United Nations team hosted its annual conference this semester for a day of debate, negotiation and collaboration.

“It was amazing to have a room full of so many people,” said Model UN president and secretary-general Matthew Najem.

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Shaping the next generation: UWindsor co-op supervisor earns top honour

photo of Michael Joyce accepting his awardMichael Joyce (left), a software designer at DuroByte and University of Windsor alumnus, accepts the Outstanding Co-op Supervisor Award from Kristen Morris, director of the Office of Experiential Learning, during the university’s Co-op and Experiential Learning Awards ceremony on April 1st. (PETER MARVAL/University of Windsor)

 

By Victor Romao

Michael Joyce (BComp ’25) still remembers arriving at work as a co-op student, unsure of what questions he was allowed to ask — or whether he belonged in the room.

Now, he is the one making sure students never feel that way.