News & Events

Wednesday, December 6, 2023 - 10:28

Nursing students and healthcare organization connect at fall nursing career fair

Students learn about job opportunities at the nursing career fair, Nov. 30 in the Ambassador Auditorium.


More than 180 students took time Thursday to speak with representatives from 25 health-care organizations from both sides of the border at the Nursing Career Fair in the CAW Student Centre’s Alumni Auditorium. The event was jointly hosted by the Office of Career Development and Experiential Learning (CDEL), a unit of the Office of Experiential Learning, and the Faculty of Nursing.

“The nursing fair not only connects aspiring students with invaluable opportunities, but it also fosters meaningful partnerships between academia and healthcare employers by getting them on campus and exposing them to the exceptional student talent UWindsor has to offer,” said CDEL manager Krista Kelly.

Monday, November 13, 2023 - 16:10

Photo of Drs. Leigh Chapman, Michelle Acorn, and Debbie Sheppard-LeMoine at Intentional Conversations Event

Chief Nursing Officer for Canada Leigh Chapman, chief nurse of the International Council of Nurses Michelle Acorn, and UWindsor dean of nursing Debbie Sheppard-LeMoine addressed an audience during “Dean’s Intentional Conversations” speaker series.


Chief Nursing Officer for Canada Leigh Chapman and chief nurse of the International Council of Nurses Michelle Acorn delivered keynote speeches for the “Dean’s Intentional Conversations” speaker series at the University of Windsor during a recent visit. The two-day tour included stops at local health-care organizations on both sides of the border.

Monday, November 13, 2023 - 16:00

Photo of Dr. Kathyrn Pfaff

As associate dean of nursing for graduate programs and Research, Kathryn Pfaff aims to promote compassionate and interprofessional healthcare models while emphasizing collaboration in her approach to leadership.


Associate professor Kathryn Pfaff (BScN 1988, MScN 2008) began a five-year appointment effective July 1 as associate dean, graduate programs and research, in the Faculty of Nursing.

Dr. Pfaff’s nursing career spans over 35 years in acute care, community care, and academics. Born in Edmonton, Pfaff moved with her family to Windsor in the early 1970s. After earning undergraduate and master’s degrees in nursing at the University of Windsor, she completed a doctorate at McMaster University.

Monday, September 25, 2023 - 16:05

Photo of some Faculty of Nursing alumni from the Class of 1973


The University of Windsor, Faculty of Nursing alumni from the Class of 1973 got together this August in Ingersoll for their 50th Anniversary Reunion.

Coordinated in no small part by Leslie MacPherson, the alumni gathered both in person and on Zoom to reminisce, catch up with each other and reconnect with their roots at the University of Windsor.

Alumna Liz McHugh commented on how she loved the small and intimate size of her class. “We got to know one another so well. We got to be such good friends and many of us have remained very close”.

Darlene Scarrow remarked, “My years at the U of W were possibly the best of my life. Our education was superior and the friendships we made are life lasting”. She also noted, “things are so different in health care now - we really appreciate the training and support we received”.

Friday, September 15, 2023 - 11:45

Photo of pink baby boots

Building Blocks for Better Babies is a service offered through the Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program in Windsor and Essex County that provides support and health education for expectant moms experiencing social and financial challenges.


For moms-to-be, the health of their unborn child is undoubtedly top of mind. When social and financial challenges come into play, worries intensify as the thought of the everyday struggles associated with an expanding family becomes harsh reality.

Wednesday, August 30, 2023 - 13:49

Photo of Dr. Vanessa Burkoski on beige background. Photo courtesy of Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (https://rnao.ca/news/remembering-dr-vanessa-burkoski-1961-2023)

UWindsor Nursing alumna and former adjunct professor, Dr. Vanessa Burkoski, leaves behind a legacy of professionalism and progressive nursing.


Long remembered for her tireless work in advancing the nursing profession, UWindsor Nursing alumna, former adjunct professor, and past president of Registered Nurses Association of Ontario (RNAO), Vanessa Burkoski, has passed away at the age of 61.

An extraordinary mentor and leader with a courageous voice, Dr. Burkoski was highly regarded and respected for her progressive work in nursing education, practice, administration, and research. Burkoski is described as true friend who was passionate about improving provincial health programming and making a difference for nurses and the community.

Wednesday, August 9, 2023 - 13:40

Dr. Edward Cruz standing inside UWindsor's Medical Education Building

Nursing professor Edward Cruz received a Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Award for his work with internationally educated nurses.


A journey strewn with disappointment, riddled with roadblocks and daunting administrative mountains to climb is that much more gratifying when you reach the peak. Such is the case with nursing professor Edward Cruz, who recently received a Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Award for his work with internationally educated nurses.

Presented by Western Union, the Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Award is a people’s choice program that recognizes inspirational immigrants who have made a positive impact on their communities since arriving in Canada.

Tuesday, May 30, 2023 - 14:56

BScN graduate Sylwia Borawski

Nursing student and Governor General Award recipient Sylwia Borawski credits personal experience for her academic journey.


At 13 years old, Sylwia Borawski received an unexpected diagnosis that would change her life.

As her doctor explained that she had Type 1 Diabetes, little did Borawski realize that the care she was to receive from an emergency room nurse and hospital staff would influence her scholarly journey and help fuel her drive for academic excellence.

Today, the BScN graduand will be honoured at Convocation with the Governor General Silver Medal, given annually to an outstanding graduating honours student on the basis of academic performance. In addition, Borawski is receiving the Board of Governors Medal in nursing, a feat she accomplished in 2021 and 2022.

Tuesday, May 9, 2023 - 14:39

Nursing student Reem Boudali practices Peripheral IV catheter insertion into a simulation arm

Nursing student Reem Boudali practices Peripheral IV catheter insertion into a simulation arm.


As a child, Reem Boudali would scamper by the family television set shielding her eyes at the sight of gory medical scenes on the screen.

As she approached post-secondary study, Boudali’s passion to learn how the human body functions and a desire to help others in need led her to the University of Windsor’s Faculty of Nursing.

However, childhood fears re-surfaced during early stages of her academic journey.

“I remember as part of pre-clearance to get into the BScN program, I had to have my blood drawn,” recalls Boudali. “I don’t know if it’s because I didn’t eat much that day, but I became light-headed, things spiralled, and I almost passed out.”

Monday, May 8, 2023 - 13:48

Registered nurse and UWindsor alumna Sara Williams vaccinates Lacey George, a member of the Indigenous community.

Registered nurse and UWindsor alumna Sara Williams vaccinates Lacey George, a member of the Indigenous community.


Registered nurse Sara Williams, a UWindsor alumna (BScN 2019, MN 2021), has answered a spiritual call to her profession and her community.

She is an Anishinaabe Kwe from Aamjiwnaang First Nation, located on the St. Clair River in the city limits of Sarnia, and belongs to the Sucker Fish Clan.

Studies in sports and recreation administration at Lambton College led her to a practicum placement in Saskatchewan, a province steeped in Indigenous culture.

While Willaims was working at White Buffalo Youth Lodge for the Boys and Girls Club of Saskatoon, a nurse practitioner encouraged her to consider a career in nursing, since there was a need for Indigenous nurses.