dailynews_business

For over a decade, the Odette School of Business has participated in Windsor Regional Hospital's annual “Hats on for Healthcare” campaign, which takes place each March to raise crucial funds for health care services in the Windsor-Essex region.

This year, the collective efforts of Odette students, faculty, and staff raised a remarkable $6,521, far surpassing last year's total of $2,425.

The efforts were spearheaded by learning specialist Sandra Neposlan, who co-ordinated with three Odette student societies. Each group organized its own unique fundraising project.

“I am always so amazed and proud of our Odette students who consistently come together to give back to the community,” she said. “This year's record-breaking efforts with Hats on for Healthcare is a testament to their hard work, creativity, and genuine care."

The Odette Commerce Society led the charge, raising $5,000 from the proceeds of its annual gala.

The Odette MBA Society organized a bake sale that raised $1,060, thanks to local bakeries: Sweet Box Treats, Deez Custom Cupcakes, Staci Bakes, and Ibakealotofthings, which donated baked goods to support the cause.

The Odette Master of Management Society also contributed to the fundraising efforts, raising $300 through a raffle.

Over the past 16 years, Hats on for Healthcare has become a vital source of funding for Windsor Regional Hospital, raising over $650,000 for various programs and services. This year’s campaign specifically supports the hospital’s cardiology program, which provides essential care for patients with heart-related conditions.

The University of Windsor Enactus team joined students from across Central Canada in Mississauga on March 5 and 6 to showcase the social, environmental, and economic entrepreneurship solutions they developed.

Enactus Windsor is a student-run non-profit organization supported by the Odette School of Business which aims to provide experiential learning for students as they identify needs and solve problems in the local community through social entrepreneurship ventures.

The UWindsor team won first runner-up for its Youtopia project, an online educational program that enhances classroom learning with practical business applications. The program is delivered by student mentors and aligned with the Ontario curriculum, and to date has helped over 600 students in grades 7 to 12 learn financial and entrepreneurial skills.

The team also claimed second runner-up for Youthrive, an eight-week program conducted in Windsor-Essex secondary and elementary schools that mentors students through the creation of their own micro-businesses.

Faculty advisor Kent Walker, professor of strategy and entrepreneurship at the Odette School of Business, says the team continues to improve every year.

“I’m proud of the students and their hard work,” he says. “And while winning at competitions is always nice, the real goal is impact in our community.”

Enactus UWindsor, along with the other successful teams from the regional competitions, will move on to compete at the Enactus Canada National Exposition in May.

Enactus Windsor co-president Brinda Joseph Benher expresses pride in her team and the effort members put into their projects: “I am looking forward to competing in nationals this May and to the growth I know Enactus will have in the future!”

The Odette School of Business has been recognized among 26 business schools featured by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business in its Innovations That Inspire member spotlight program. Through this annual program, the international accreditation organization recognizes institutions from around the world that serve as champions of change in business education.

The Odette School of Business and John Howard Society of Ontario have formed a partnership to share knowledge between faculty at the business school and experts at the society, with the goal of improving fair employment chances for people affected by the justice system.

The John Howard Society provides programs and services to help people affected by the justice system build productive futures after incarceration. Business faculty members involved in this partnership include Kemi Anazodo, Rachel Aleks, Yawo Kobara, and Maureen Sterling.

This partnership has four main areas of impact: a pre-employment program for marginalized people, scholarly and practical research, improved employment outcomes, and concrete and actionable policy recommendations to strengthen employment programming.

“This year’s Innovations That Inspire honorees exemplify the power of collaboration between business and higher education in driving positive change,” says the association’s president and CEO, Lily Bi. “Odette’s dedication to industry-centered education showcases how business schools are fostering innovation and ensuring graduates enter the workforce ready to make an immediate impact.”

View all Innovations That Inspire highlights.

A pasta dinner on Friday, April 4, will raise funds in support of UWindsor students heading to Tanzania to participate in humanitarian and community service-learning activities.

Global Community Engagement Program in Tanzania, known as Teach Tanzania, has been transformative for students in their personal and professional lives and has engaged graduate students in research, says Clinton Beckford, vice-president, people, equity, and inclusion.

A total of 29 students — teacher candidates from the Faculty of Education, 10 third-year nursing students, and a couple from the Odette School of Business and the School of Social Work — will head to Tanzania for three weeks starting April 24.

“This is an incredibly enriching experience for students and is what they will remember most about their time at the University of Windsor,” Dr. Beckford says. “They will be better teachers, nurses, social workers, and businesspersons for having this experience.”

The April 4 event is one of several fundraisers the students are holding to support their humanitarian projects in Tanzania. Besides a meal, it promises entertainment and raffles beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Serbian Centre, 6770 Tecumseh Rd. East.

Admission is $30, with all proceeds going to purchase essential supplies for the Tanzanian students. Buy tickets or make a donation through the event website.

Over Reading Week, Feb. 14 to 23, an Odette School of Business class on Enterprise Development Consulting led by professor Francine Schlosser took a study abroad trip to Oxford, U.K.

The course was delivered in tandem with professors Verena Kreichbaumer and Deborah Pearce from the Faculty of Science at Oxford Brookes University (OBU). UWindsor students worked with Oxford bio-scientists to provide consulting on a new venture being incubated at the OBU Bio-Innovation Hub.

The UWindsor students also developed a workshop about the 10 most important business tips for entrepreneurial innovators, which they delivered to OBU bio-science students.

Prior to the pandemic, Drs. Schlosser, Kreichbaumer, and Pearce collaborated on annual study abroad trips to both Oxford and Windsor.

“It’s exciting that the 2025 UWindsor-Oxford Brookes collaboration re-ignited an international, multi-disciplinary teaching collaboration that began 10 years ago,” says Schlosser.

The class had the opportunity to see the sights, including a walking tour, several colleges, a tour of the BMW Mini assembly plant, and exploring the Ashmolean Museum.

Students received scholarships from the University of Windsor’s Go Global STEPs program to participate in this opportunity. Go Global STEPs is a Global Skills Opportunity project funded by Employment and Social Development Canada and jointly administered by Universities Canada and Colleges and Institutes Canada. The trip was also sponsored by the Odette School of Business.

Schlosser says the trip would not have been possible without this funding: “We hope to find a private donor to support this exchange in the future.”

Yuki Jiang knows her love songs.

A Master of Management student at the Odette School of Business, she emerged victorious in the Valentine’s Day trivia quiz in Friday’s edition of DailyNews.

Her entry was drawn from all those which correctly “I Just Called to Say I Love You” as the Oscar winning song from The Woman in Red, “I Love Rocky Road” as Weird Al’s send-up of “I Love Rock and Roll,” “I Wanna Be Loved By You” as an inspiration for flapper Betty Boop, “I Think I Love You” as the Partridge Family’s debut single, and “I Will Always Love You” as a hit for Dolly Parton before Whitney Houston.

Eagle-eyed puzzlers may have picked up on the clue that answers followed the pattern 1A-2B-3C-4D-5E, or that they all contained variants on the phrase “I love.”

Jiang will receive a prize of a pair of sweatshirts, courtesy of the University of Windsor Alumni Association.

When Olivia Grimshaw (BHK 2018) walked onto the track at the University of Windsor Alumni Stadium for her first varsity track and field practice, she had no idea she was about to meet her future husband.

But the moment she spotted Trevor Way (BComm 2018), a fellow Lancer high jumper, she confidently looked toward her teammate declaring, “I’m going to date that guy one day.”

Fast forward almost a decade, and that bold prediction has come true. From the jumper pit at the Dennis Fairall Fieldhouse to a lifetime of love and partnership — this year, Way and Grimshaw will celebrate two years of marriage and nine years together.

While Way, a Windsor local, was right at home, Grimshaw’s path to the University of Windsor was a homecoming of sorts. Originally from Nova Scotia, she chose Windsor for its track reputation, reconnecting with the Ontario roots of her parents. Little did she know it would also be where she found her teammate for life.

“Being in the same friend group and sport, we naturally supported each other — whether it was cheering at meets or warming up together before every practice,” she says.

The two didn’t start dating right away. It wasn’t until the summer after their second year that they began to wonder if they were more than just teammates. To test the theory, they took a trip to Grimshaw’s home province.

“We spent some time travelling around the east coast that summer — it was a special moment in our story and is now the place we both call home,” says Grimshaw.

During the trip, the couple discovered that they had unknowingly crossed paths years earlier at the 2012 Charlottetown Legion Track Meet.

“It’s as if Windsor was always meant to bring us back together,” she says. “Fate, one might say.”

What seemed like a classic coming-of-age love story was no surprise to their Lancer track teammates, who had always recognized their bond.

“They all saw it coming before we did,” Way says. “There’s a tradition on the track team, where fun awards get handed out to all the seniors before we graduate, known as the Paper Plate Awards — and we won ‘Worst Kept Secret’.”

Looking back on their love story, the couple reminisces about their journey: striving for new heights in competition, celebrating post-meet victories at Rock Bottom, a local bar near campus, and competing together in their final year at the Ontario University Athletics championship meet.

“If we could relive one UWindsor moment, it would be OUAs in 2018,” Grimshaw recalls.

For her, the moment was even more impactful, as qualifying for the Ontario championships had been a major goal.

“Trevor drove me to Toronto for two extra meets just so I could have another shot at making the standard in my final year,” she says. “Competing together at OUAs as teammates was so special, and with Windsor as the host, it made the experience even more meaningful.”

Later that year, before graduating, Way achieved a personal best of 2.06m at Saginaw Valley, earning a USports qualifying spot — fittingly also hosted in Windsor that year, where Grimshaw cheered him on.

“We learned to be great teammates first, and that has carried over into every stage of life —always cheering each other on. Unless we are playing board games… then we are mortal enemies,” she laughs.

The couple adds, "Special shoutout to Guff (former jumps coach Dave McGuffin) and our teammates. Guff was always so supportive, on and off the track.”

Grimshaw is now living her dream as a physiotherapist in Nova Scotia, where she owns her own practice, Radius Physiotherapy. Way works as a client executive at insurance brokerage BFL Canada and stays connected to the track world, coaching for Pace Athletics in Halifax.

Once again, the University of Windsor is set to host two of the biggest track and field events in Canada. The Ontario University Athletics track and field championships will take place Feb. 21 and 22, followed by the U Sports track and field championship tournament, welcoming the nation’s top university athletes to the Dennis Fairall Fieldhouse, March 6 to 8.

Valentine’s Day is here, and with romance in the air, what better way to celebrate than diving into films that embrace what the holiday is all about — or not.

The formulaic nature of a romantic comedy can make it a popular choice for movie lovers this time of year. Two people meet, there’s an instant connection, but some conflict keeps them apart. Throw in a quirky best friend for the lead to confide in, and you’ve got a movie.

However, it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, says Vincent Georgie, marketing faculty at the Odette School of Business and executive director and chief programmer of the Windsor International Film Festival.

“Valentine’s Day can easily engage a cross-section of people who celebrate. Thus, audiences may turn to a romantic comedy just as much as they might lean on a romantic tragedy, or even delve into horror films or raunchier fare,” Dr. Georgie says. “Beauty is very much in the eye of the beholder for this ever-expanding and evolving holiday.”

And if you’re really not feeling the love this holiday, Georgie says Feb. 14 offers plenty of counter-programming.

“What famed Oscar winner opened in theatres on Feb. 14, 1991? Nothing less than the cannibal thriller The Silence of the Lambs,” he notes.

For those looking to embrace the romance of the holiday, Georgie has some recommendations:

• Love Affair (1939)
• The Way We Were (1973)
• My Girl (1991)
• Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994)
• Shall We Dance? (1996, Japanese version)
• Paradise (1997)
• The Object of My Affection (1998)
• How Stella Got Her Groove Back (1998)
• 13 Going on 30 (2004)
• Imagine Me & You (2005)
• Ghost (2010)
• Southside with You (2016)
• Love, Simon (2018)

On Feb. 6, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) renewed the accreditation of the Odette School of Business, recognizing its continued excellence in business education.

This international accreditation verifies that business schools meet the highest standards of excellence in teaching, research, and more. Achieving AACSB accreditation is a mission-driven, rigorous process that includes an in-depth assessment of internal activities, mentorship with an AACSB advisor, and a peer-reviewed evaluation focused on continuous improvement.

“Maintaining AACSB accreditation reaffirms our commitment to delivering high-quality business education and continuously improving our programs,” says Ashish Mahajan, interim dean of the Odette School of Business.

AACSB now has 1,037 accredited institutions in more than 65 countries and territories, representing just 6 per cent of business schools globally.

Stephanie Bryant, the association’s executive vice-president and global chief accreditation officer, says, “The commitment to earning accreditation is a true reflection of each school’s dedication — not only to its students, alumni network, and greater business community — but to society as a whole.”

The University of Windsor has earned top academic standings, recognized in the 2025 Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject in engineering, business and economics, computer science, and psychology.

Placing in the 301-400 range of nearly 2,000 universities worldwide, these results reinforce the University's growing reputation for innovation, student success, and industry collaboration.

“These rankings are a testament to the dedication of our faculty, staff, and students,” says provost Robert Aguirre. “At the University of Windsor, we are committed to fostering a transformative learning environment that empowers our students to address the most pressing challenges facing our communities and beyond.”

Engineering innovation and global engagement

The University of Windsor’s engineering programs reflect its commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and experiential learning, preparing students to tackle emerging challenges by working with cutting-edge researchers and partners in various sectors. By integrating teaching, research, and industry partnerships, the University equips students with the skills needed to excel in rapidly evolving fields. UWindsor’s International Outlook score of 86.0 underscores its expanding influence and success in attracting top talent and fostering research collaborations around the world.

“Our faculty and students are engaged in groundbreaking work that extends beyond campus walls,” says Shanthi Johnson, vice-president, research and innovation. “These rankings highlight our leadership in interdisciplinary research and our commitment to advancing knowledge that drives meaningful change.”

Business and economics: real-world impact

UWindsor business and economics programs continue to gain recognition, offering experiential and work-integrated learning opportunities that connect students with regional and multinational industries. The University’s emphasis on community partnerships and interdisciplinary programming ensures graduates are well-prepared to adapt to an increasingly complex economic environment and contribute to innovation in their fields.

Excellence in computer science

The University’s recognition in computer science highlights its commitment to digital transformation and advanced computing for sector transformation. With a strong emphasis on experiential learning, UWindsor provides students with opportunities to apply their knowledge in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data analytics. A low faculty-to-student ratio and access to state-of-the-art computing resources ensure that students receive the support they need to succeed in an evolving technological landscape.

Advancing psychology research and education

UWindsor psychology programs continue to make an impact, with strengths in clinical training, mental health research, and behavioural science. The University offers hands-on learning experiences through research labs, community partnerships, and applied placements that prepare students for careers in psychology, health care, and related fields. Faculty-led research explores key areas such as cognitive development, mental health interventions, and psychological resilience, ensuring students engage with current and meaningful research working alongside various partners.

The University of Windsor’s continued success reflects its commitment to student achievement, impactful research, and community engagement. By prioritizing innovation, inclusion, and collaboration, the University is paving the way for transformative contributions that extend far beyond the campus.

“We are committed to building on this success and further elevating Windsor’s profile on the global stage,” says Dr. Aguirre. “These achievements showcase the collective strength of our faculty, students, and partners in shaping a better future.”

For more information about the Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject, visit Times Higher Education.

“Be authentic,” says Donna Wellington emphatically. “Use your voice positively to be heard, foster connections, and seek to understand.”

Wellington (BScN 1994, MBA 2004) is a Black health-care leader with over 27 years of executive experience at Henry Ford Health in Detroit. Currently, she is senior vice-president - chief ambulatory officer, and vice-president system primary health.

Her roles have included appointments that oversee strategic direction and operational performance that aim to enhance the quality and delivery of care in both hospital and ambulatory settings — medical services that involve patients who are not admitted to a hospital stay. Her path has been one of resilience, determination, and commitment to quality care.

As a child of a single parent raised in a predominantly white neighborhood, Wellington understood early in life the importance of pride in her identity and the power of a strong work ethic — virtues her mother passed on to her.

“Embrace who are unapologetically, generate a sense of belonging, and contribute to the conversation you are a part of,” says the Windsor native.

These words resonated deeply, especially in a field like nursing, where collaboration and advocacy are essential.

Her belief in the power of human connection fuelled her decision to start a career in nursing. She shares the idea that nursing is a privilege, given the opportunity to care for individuals during their most vulnerable moments.

“Honesty and integrity lead to trust and trust is essential in patient relationships,” says Wellington. “Nurses cannot lose sight of that as the connections your forge with your patients leave lasting impressions.”

She appreciates the advancement of technology and artificial intelligence to streamline workplace processes but stresses the importance of balance. She voices concern about how too much technology can affect genuine human interaction — an element vital for expressing sincere compassion to individuals and their families during hospital visits.

“We spend a lot of time with patients, and they remember feelings of what they went through,” she says. “The delivery of good news, bad news, the support that’s given to the family. It is vital in nursing education to always prioritize compassionate care and relationship-building, even in a tech-driven environment.”

Wellington values mentorship and hopes to see more nurses making an impact in non-traditional nursing settings such as in high executive roles, health-care analytics, advocacy, research, and compliance. The pandemic affected nursing, and she believes that informing prospective students about opportunities beyond conventional jobs can revitalize a profession in desperate need to meet health-care demands.

“I have a career for life that I am blessed to serve every day,” she says. “I’m an example of how you can make contributions outside of standard nursing paths.”

In addition to her current post at Henry Ford Health System, Wellington’s other appointments include:

• vice-president – system primary health & chief operations officer - behavioral health
• vice-president operations – Henry Ford Hospital
• senior administrator manager (women’s health, dermatology, genetics, urology, primary care, and pediatrics)
• nurse administrator – Henry Ford Hospital
• nurse administrator – Primary Care

Wellington has also served in various roles and received honours such as:

• Top 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women
• Career Mastered National Women’s award 2024
• advisory board member, the Centre for Executive and Professional Development, University of Windsor
• board of directors, Ontario Hospital Association, vice-chair – governance & nominating committee
• fellow, Carol Emmott Fellowship (inaugural class)
• fellow of American Hospital Association
• keynote speaker for International Women’s Day Gala 2018, Windsor-Essex County
• MBA community champion recipient 2019 – Odette School of Business

Wellington understands and takes pride in the fact that she’s a nurse first, noting that it’s a fantastic field of work where there is no shortage of action.

“You truly can make an impact on not only those that you serve, but your workplace partners because it takes a team to provide great care to even just one patient,” says Wellington. “And use your voice constructively. It matters.”

Hakeem Subair, BComm ’16, is making a global impact.

As the founder and CEO of 1 Million Teachers, Subair’s commitment to addressing educational challenges has earned him a place in AACSB International’s 2025 Class of Influential Leaders.

The initiative, now in its 10th year, celebrates 24 entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs from AACSB-accredited business schools who are driving positive change in business and society.

Subair’s journey began in 2008 when he and his family faced challenges finding quality educational facilities for their daughter in Nigeria.

This experience led them to establish their own school, exposing the critical shortage of qualified teachers and inspiring Subair to create 1 Million Teachers.

Through his organization, Subair has trained over 20,000 educators across 20 countries, with the goal of ensuring every child has access to high-quality education.

“Hakeem Subair’s work exemplifies how business schools empower solution-driven leaders to create meaningful change,” said Lily Bi, president and CEO of AACSB.

“His entrepreneurial spirit and innovative thinking are driving real impact in education worldwide.”

Each year, AACSB highlights outstanding graduates who are fostering economic growth, generating value for organizations, and tackling pressing societal challenges.

Subair’s inclusion in the 2025 Class of Influential Leaders underscores the University of Windsor’s role in shaping graduates who are transforming their communities and industries.

The honourees were nominated by their respective institutions, showcasing how their leadership is advancing innovation and making a lasting impact. The 2025 Influential Leaders initiative is supported by Risepoint.

When Josianne Marsan speaks about her vision for the future of the Odette School of Business, her passion is palpable.

She describes her vision as collaborative, transformative, and rooted in her belief in the power of community.

“My vision for Odette will be built through co-creation,” says Dr. Marsan. “It evolves by listening to others, reflecting on shared values, and building something meaningful together.”

University of Windsor Provost Robert Aguirre believes Marsan’s extensive experience in information systems, strategic planning, and business school governance makes her an excellent addition to the University community.

“Dr. Marsan is an exceptional leader with a proven ability to inspire collaboration and drive innovation,” Dr. Aguirre says. “Her strategic approach and commitment to fostering partnerships align perfectly with the University’s mission to empower positive change.”

Marsan, a highly accomplished academic leader, officially begins her role as dean of the Odette School of Business on July 1.

She brings more than 15 years of experience at Université Laval, where she served as vice-dean of research and innovation, leading initiatives that connect research, business, and societal impact. Her leadership of the Information Technology and Business Research Centre (CeRTIA) demonstrates her ability to foster partnerships that integrate technology and business.

Marsan has identified three key pillars for her work at Odette.

She plans to build on the school’s existing strengths, leveraging its accreditation by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business and reputation for excellence.

Embracing change and transformation is central to her leadership, with a focus on adapting to challenges and seizing new opportunities.

Finally, she emphasizes the importance of reaching outward, fostering connections with local communities, alumni, Canadian universities, businesses, and international partners to broaden Odette’s impact.

“Odette is a school that is open to trying new things,” she says. “Innovation here has a purpose. It’s always connected to the needs of the community and the curiosity of the people within it.”

Beyond her professional ambitions, Marsan is eager to become part of the Windsor community.

Moving to the city with her husband Alain, cats Boro and Titaka, and about two dozen houseplants, she is excited to embrace her new home.

“We want to get to know the people, the organizations, and the culture that make this city unique,” she says.