Before she joined classmates in the editing and publishing practicum course to produce a book of poems and photos celebrating Windsor, she didn’t really know the city, says Evangeline Yetman.

“Windsor was just the place I lived in, where my friends were,” she says. “I never expected to discover how many beautiful spots there are, how many fond memories people have, or how strong the community is here.”

And the river, too features photos by Marty Gervais and poems by Kim Fahner, Peter Hrastovec, John B. Lee, Micheline Mayor, and Teajai Travis. It is published by Black Moss Press as part of its South Shore series and will enjoy an official launch Thursday, April 3.

The practicum is a two-semester course that engages students in everything from dealing with contributors to designing the book cover and interiors, under the guidance of professor Andre Narbonne.

Yetman, an English major responsible for managing public relations on the project, says the experience taught her the importance of communication.

“It’s something that’s overlooked but is such a valuable skill for whatever line of work you are going into,” she says. “I came into this class nervous to have a conversation with established authors or with the press. Now I confidently communicate with them and clearly convey our ideas and decisions.”

Hrastovec (BA 1979, LLB 1982) is a lawyer and Windsor’s poet laureate. He says he is inspired by the city.

“There’s a certain rhythm and there’s a certain hum,” Hrastovec says. “I think it starts with the noise and machinery, the noise of people, of language — the different languages that are spoken.

“All these things and all of the activities become sort of like the framework.”

Students created a timeline for completing and promoting the book produced by their publishing practicum.

This year was the first time Dr. Narbonne taught the course, succeeding Gervais, who served as the resident writing professional as well as publisher of Black Moss Press.

“This was my first year stepping into Marty Gervais' shoes,” Narbonne says. “The students with their tireless work, creativity, and engagement, made this book the success that it is.”

He singles out for special praise graduate assistant Meg Mooney, who took the practicum course last year.

“That experience gave her a wealth of knowledge about the practicum and how it reaches out from the classroom into the larger community. Her help was invaluable,” says Narbonne.

Next week’s launch promises readings, a performance, and a chance to meet contributors and the student editors. It will begin at 7 p.m. Thursday at Mackenzie Hall, 3277 Sandwich St., and admission is free.

Yetman says she is excited for people to experience the love poured into the project.

“Seeing everyone’s passion for the book become something tangible, and sharing that with the public, is something I can’t wait for,” she says.

And the river, too is available for pre-sale from Black Moss Press.

Tuesday’s “Collaborate with Care” workshop marked the launch of an online and print toolkit centred on respect at work in support of psychologically safe interactions on campus.

As part of the Employee Mental Health Strategy, which highlights workplace civility and respect as one of its key actions, the Respectful Workplace Toolkit offers guidance on navigating conflict, criticism, and email communication in ways that support a welcoming work environment.

Employee mental health co-ordinator Kate Hargreaves led the March 25 session.

“Participants were able to learn the basics of psychological safety, including simple ways to help our colleagues feel safe bringing their whole selves to work as well as how to approach conflict when it arises,” she says.

The session also introduced the workplace respect continuum and easy ways to stay in the “green zone” when it comes to workplace respect. The toolkit is available now as an online module and for download at Respectful Workplace | Learning Toolkits.

The “It’s Easy Being Green” campaign, which outlines simple ways to stay in the “green zone,” will roll out in the coming weeks.

Faculty and staff can also access a video module on the basics of psychological safety at Training for Faculty and Staff: Employee Mental Health Strategy | Office of the Vice-President, People, Equity, and Inclusion.

The Ed Lumley Centre for Engineering Innovation was abuzz with energy March 21 as students, faculty, and industry leaders gathered to celebrate World Water Day. This year’s event, marked by discussions and student presentations, focused on key global water challenges, including sustainable development goals, urban stormwater management, and the impacts of climate change on water resources.

The day began with a panel discussion featuring key stakeholders from the water resources engineering industry ­— James Bryant and Lina Florian of the Essex Region Conservation Authority, Alain Michaud of Landmark Engineering, Ryan Langlois and Aakash Bagchi of Dillon Consulting, and Saad Jasim of S.J. Environmental Consultants. They shared real-world insights into the diverse professions within the field, offering advice to students about the skills and knowledge needed for success in this rapidly evolving sector. The panellists provided examples from their own careers, highlighting how classroom concepts are applied in the field, and emphasized the importance of staying informed and adaptable in a world increasingly affected by climate change.

Following the panel discussion, students showcased their research and innovations during a poster presentation session. More than 20 projects were presented by undergraduate and graduate students from the civil and environmental engineering program, each tackling pressing issues related to water management and sustainability. Topics ranged from the effects of climate change on stormwater systems and snowmelt runoff in Arctic communities to microplastics in the Great Lakes watersheds.

Professor Tirupati Bolisetti, organizer of the event, said the students worked hard: “The poster presentation offered them opportunities to explore solutions to real-world problems. I am impressed by the depth and breadth of the problems that the students have investigated.”

Anita Imperioli, founder of the medical charity “In Honour of the Ones We Love,” will receive the Christian Culture Series Gold Medal on April 9.

The medal is awarded annually by Assumption University to recognize laypeople for their efforts in contributing to Christian ideals in modern society.

Imperioli founded “In Honour of the Ones We Love” following the death of her infant son from a rare form of cancer. The organization has since raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to aid individuals, hospitals, and community health agencies.

The medal presentation ceremony is free and open to the public. It is set for 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 9, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 4401 Mount Royal Dr.

UWindsor women students, staff, and faculty are eligible for free training in Wen-Do self-defence.

The two-day course typically costs $150, but is being subsidized by the Office of Sexual Violence Prevention, Resistance, and Support, so participants pay only a $20 deposit, refundable upon completion of the workshop.

“This course is easy to learn and accessible,” says instructor Anne Rudzinski. “We cover verbal and physical self-defence including hits, kicks, elbow strikes, choke releases, wrist releases, defence against weapons, and more.”

She notes the course will also contextualize self-defence practice through discussions about gender-based violence. It is open to women and girls ages 10 and up, trans and cisgender.

It will run 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, April 26 and 27, on the UWindsor campus. Find details and register here.

The WE-Spark Health Institute’s monthly networking event, WE-Spark After Dark, is a casual forum bringing together the local health research community. The first hour of the event focuses on getting to know other like-minded individuals interested in health research.

The April iteration is set for 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 3, at Bourbon Tap & Grill, 1199 Ottawa St.

Registration is encouraged but not required — feel free to bring a friend or colleague you’ve been wanting to connect with. Click here to register.