The sound of voices raised in song will ring in the holiday season this weekend as the University Singers under the direction of Bruce Kotowich present the Festival of Christmas concert in Assumption Church at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10.

The program ranges from traditional carols to Gordon Lightfoot — and even includes some audience sing-alongs. Taking star turns are six student conductors, five soloists, four student instrumentalists, and collaborative pianist Alde Calongacong.

Admission is $20, with a student rate of $10. Tickets are available for purchase online.

A certain jolly old elf will be on hand to celebrate the last day of fall classes with a free breakfast for students.

Sponsored by the University of Windsor Alumni Association, the student centre will serve the meal in its commons area starting at 10:30 a.m. today: Wednesday, Dec. 7.

The event will also feature cookie decorating sponsored by Lancer Recreation, exam prep kits from Residence Services, and a special giveaway by the University of Windsor Students’ Alliance, all while supplies last.

The Office of the Vice-President, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion is calling on the UWindsor community to join a charity drive to collect items required by Windsor-Essex residents in need.

The Socks and Bottoms campaign, an annual initiative of the Rotary Clubs of Windsor-Essex, will distribute donated socks, underwear, diapers, adult incontinence products, and toilet paper to more than 30 organizations.

“Typically, these items are not things that individuals think of when donating to local food banks or agencies,” says Clinton Beckford, vice-president, equity, diversity, and inclusion. “As demand increases for these essential products due to financial hardships and other circumstances, these organizations are unable to provide these basic necessities to all who need them.”

Dr. Beckford encourages students, faculty, and staff to drop off donations until Dec. 20 in the boxes located in:

• Assumption Hall – main lobby
• CAW Student Centre – main entrance

Keeping in mind those experiencing homelessness in our community and those living in extreme poverty this cold season, the Rotary Club is also accepting donations of gloves, hats, and sleeping bags.

For more information, contact vpedi@uwindsor.ca.

The Summer 2022 recipients of the Co-op/Internship Rising Star Student Awards strived not only to achieve, but to surpass all expectations, says Kristen Morris, manager of co-operative education and workplace partnerships.

The awards are presented each term to recognize and celebrate the exceptional contributions co-op and internship students made while out on their work placements.

“This year’s honourees confronted all challenges with new and ideas and a positive attitude,” Morris says. “They are outstanding ambassadors for the co-op program and have done an exemplary job representing the University of Windsor within the broader community.”

The award recipients are:

Brent Charron, Bachelor of Applied Science, Mechanical Engineering Co-op

Charron completed his co-op placement as one of the first students in the Electrical Battery Division at Stellantis, where he worked alongside an international team to contribute to a variety of projects that utilized his skills in analysis methods, data organization, and efficient coding.

Lauren Gellner, Bachelor of Human Kinetics Co-op

Gellner completed her co-op placement at The Village at St. Clair location of Schlegel Villages, where she worked with the physiotherapy team to treat residents in long-term care. She made a significant impact on residents with chronic diseases or trauma, including working with a stroke patient to improve her range of motion, helping her to stand up for the first time in 10 months.

Carol Adu-Bobie, Bachelor of Commerce, Business Administration Co-op

Abu-Bodie completed her co-op placement at Nasdaq, where she was deeply immersed in perceptive study and analysis, playing a key role in improving processes and outreach initiatives.

Ehsan Ur Rahman Mohammed, Master of Science, Computer Science Co-op

Rahman Mohammed completed his co-op placement as a software developer at eMinds Lab in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Windsor, where he worked to analyze data and understand patterns as part of a research project to eliminate crop loss due to pests.

The recipients highlighted work experiences that helped them to step outside of their comfort zone and explore new career paths.

Charron says he had felt that he would pursue a career in academic research.

“However, completing my work term at Stellantis demonstrated to me that the research opportunities in industry also enable one to explore new ideas and problem solve with innovative solutions,” he says.

The Co-operative Education and Workplace Partnerships office congratulates the award recipients and all nominees for their contributions to the University of Windsor’s co-op and internship programs.

—Angela Kharboutli

The proposed Ojibway National Urban Park promises to benefit not just Windsor, but cross-border communities in the Detroit metropolitan area, says a UWindsor researcher.

John Hartig, a visiting scholar at the Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research, writes in an online column that national parks promote ecotourism, serve as economic engines for local communities, protect biodiversity through conservation, and improve mental health and quality of life.

“Having Ojibway National Urban Park within easy access to Detroit right across the Detroit River will surely help promote cross-border trail tourism, further transboundary conservation, and help celebrate our shared history and culture,” Dr. Hartig says.

He cites the location’s “tremendous biodiversity,” its adjacency to the Gordie Howe International Bridge, and its long association with Indigenous peoples as factors to help promote Windsor and Detroit as cities actively engaged in sustainable redevelopment.

The column is part of Great Lakes Moment, a monthly series he publishes in conjunction with the magazine-style television program Great Lakes Now, housed at Detroit Public TV.

Read the entire piece, “Great Lakes Moment: Detroit’s benefits of a national urban park in Windsor,” at GreatLakesNow.org.

The City of Windsor and Parks Canada are holding a public drop-in session to discuss a National Urban Park centred on the Ojibway Prairie Complex today — Wednesday, Dec. 7 — from 4 to 6 p.m. at the John Muir Library, 363 Mill St.