Myrna Kicknosway, elder-in-residence for Windsor Law, will receive an honorary doctorate during the University of Windsor’s spring Convocation ceremonies.

Kicknosway is a Bodawatomi/Odawa Anishinaabe Kwe of the Loon Clan and originates from Bkejwanong Territory - Walpole Island First Nation. She is a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Dean of law Reem Bahdi describes Kicknosway as a teacher within the Faculty of Law since first becoming its elder-in-residence in 2017.

“Elder Myrna has enriched the lives of everyone at Windsor Law,” Prof. Bahdi said. “She has been a teacher to all of us in multiple ways, including helping us develop our Indigenous Legal Orders course.”

In addition to her work at Windsor Law, Kicknosway has been requested to share her knowledge University-wide over the years, contributing to the Indigenous aspects of UWindsor’s Convocation ceremonies and other important events and initiatives.

“The campus community has a lot of confidence in Elder Myrna’s Indigenous knowledge,” said Beverly Jacobs, senior advisor to the president on Indigenous relations and outreach. “She has guided many faculties, committees, senior offices, and governing bodies to ensure things are done in a kind and respectful manner.”

Dr. Jacobs says that in stressful times, Kicknosway has been a healing force.

President Robert Gordon has announced the appointment of Marian Gayed as the University of Windsor’s next associate vice-president external, effective June 29. Reporting to the president, Gayed will oversee the departments of Alumni and Donor Communications, Advancement, and Public Affairs and Communications.

Gayed comes to the University of Windsor from Edmonton’s NorQuest College, where she most recently served as vice-president of external relations and partnerships. Between 2016 and 2020, she served as vice-president of business development for NorQuest. Previously, Gayed held various leadership positions at the University of Alberta, where she also obtained her MBA and bachelor’s degrees in commerce and psychology.

Taking over from Vincent Georgie, who has served in the role since November 2020, Gayed will enhance the University of Windsor’s commitment to meaningful and transformative community engagement. This will include overseeing strategic communications and public relations, providing oversight in supporting institutional marketing, working with the University leadership to grow collective advancement efforts, and supporting alumni initiatives.

Dr. Gordon says he is thrilled to welcome Gayed to the Windsor-Essex region and thanks Dr. Georgie for his years of dedication to the portfolio.

“Dr. Georgie has made strides in laying new foundations for external relations at the University of Windsor,” Gordon said. “I am confident Marian, as a proven leader in building strong university-community partnerships, will continue to expand on the University’s potential to generate local and global impact.”

Gayed says she is looking forward to her next chapter taking place in Windsor-Essex.

“I am pleased to join the University of Windsor community at such an exciting time of opportunity and engagement,” she said. “Under the leadership of President Gordon and in alignment with its inspiring new strategic plan, the University is well-positioned to empower positive change, build strong and sustainable relationships, and lead in the region as a solution provider. I look forward to making Windsor-Essex my new home and growing the University’s responsible footprint beyond its physical and virtual doors.”

Looking for ways to fund your education? Enriched Academy is offering a chance for post-secondary students to win one of two awards valued at $2,000 each.

Students who register for and follow the financial literacy program — comprised of fun and insightful videos — learn how to manage their money, budget, invest, repay students loans, and keep their credit rating in good standing. The program is offered free of charge to University of Windsor students.

Just share your story of how Enriched Academy impacted you by June 16 for a chance to win an award. Submit video or written entries here.

Chris Fredette, acting associate dean of the Faculty of Law, has been appointed to the External Advisory Committee for the Project on Non-Profit Organizations and their Diversity, led by Statistics Canada.

This appointment is part of the agency’s larger Disaggregated Data Action Plan strategy. The Government of Canada is committed to producing more disaggregated data to shed light on the experience of Canada’s diverse population. Members were drawn from the non-profit sector, government agencies, and academia.

Dr. Fredette will provide industry perspectives, advice, and recommendations on the project based on his long-standing work and research on diversity and inclusion in the leadership and governance of non-profit and charitable sector organizations.

“I am thrilled to see the Government of Canada take seriously the importance of moving beyond existing frameworks to better understand and reflect the needs of diverse, traditionally marginalized, and underrepresented communities across the country,” he said. “In all the ways in which people engage with non-profit organizations — as leaders and governors, as employees and volunteer service providers, as funders and service recipients — this work will be impactful.”

His appointment begins immediately and is anticipated to last approximately three years.

—Dalia Mazhar

The Faculty of Science will throw a farewell party for interim vice-president, research and innovation, Chris Houser, on Wednesday, June 28.

Come and celebrate at an open house style event from 2 until 4 p.m. in the Essex CORe Atrium. Words of acknowledgement will take place at 2:30 p.m. All are welcome.

Dr. Houser joined the University of Windsor in 2016 as dean of the Faculty of Science before taking up an interim appointment as vice-president, research and innovation, in September 2022.