University of Windsor president Robert Gordon presented an uplifting “Together for Tomorrow” State of the University address on Wednesday, underscoring the institution’s academic excellence and critical role in propelling regional prosperity through knowledge, research, and innovation.

Speaking to faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community partners, Dr. Gordon outlined UWindsor’s key milestones and the strategic path ahead.

“Together, we can advance opportunities across our campus, city, region, and beyond, sustaining the momentum gained during the past year and leveraging successes,” he said, emphasizing the power of co-operation and novel thinking in promoting economic diversity and endurance.

“We’re more than a place of learning; we’re a powerhouse contributing nearly a billion dollars to Canada’s GDP.”

Over the past year, the University achieved its highest-ever position in several global rankings, showcasing the dedication of the University community to advancing research, teaching, learning, and community engagement.

“Our progress reflects the extensive efforts of our faculty, staff, students, alumni, and partners,” he said.

Underscoring sustainability, the address highlighted the recently released Carbon Neutrality Masterplan, which sets ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting a sustainable campus culture.

“This bold masterplan positions the University of Windsor as a leader in this regard in Windsor-Essex and beyond,” Gordon said.

The president also spotlighted the University’s academic accomplishments and its dedication to providing hands-on learning opportunities to its student population of nearly 18,000 students from 106 countries. “The University of Windsor excels in this area.”

Through co-op, internships, field placements, clinical practicums and service learning, UWindsor students contributed more than one million hours to community workplaces last year.

Gordon highlighted the employability of UWindsor graduates with 95 per cent finding jobs in their field within two years.

The State of the University address also acknowledged UWindsor’s commitment to an inclusive campus culture, including in Truth and Reconciliation and efforts to bolster equity, diversity, and mental wellness.

“First and foremost, we are a University that serves our students and our communities,” Gordon said.

“We are the University of Windsor and the University for Windsor.”

Gordon also addressed the challenges facing universities, especially the uncertainties created by recent government changes. He emphasized the importance of financial stability in fulfilling the University’s academic mission and serving its communities.

“It is imperative that we tackle these challenges together,” he said. “Working in collaboration, the University and region have made great strides.”

But, he added, there is more to do and accomplish. “Let us propel the University forward and advance the progress of our city and region.”

A video of the State of the University presentation is available on the University of Windsor YouTube channel.

The Faculty of Engineering has welcomed four new members: Caniggia Viana to the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Grace A. Oyeyi, Mina Lee, and Adeyemi Adesina to the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.

Dr. Viana comes to Windsor from the University of Toronto where he worked in the Laboratory for Advanced Power Conversion and Systems Analysis. His research focuses on integrated charging of electric vehicles, repurposing pre-existing parts of the car to eliminate the additional cost and weight of conventional chargers. His research increases range and reduces vehicle cost to accelerate electric vehicle adoption, ultimately decreasing the environmental impact of human mobility.

Viana expects to work closely with the CHARGE Lab and Narayan Kar along with Bala Balasingam, as their research integrates together.

Dr. Oyeyi arrives from the University of Waterloo and her research focuses on creating sustainable, smart, and durable transportation infrastructure, particularly, pavements. She works on developing and accessing sustainable and smart materials and construction techniques, as well as designing accessible transportation systems for different user groups. Additionally, she studies how climate change affects materials and pavement designs, their resilience, and their adaptability to changing environmental conditions.

Dr. Lee has also come from the University of Waterloo. Her research focuses on developing sustainability and resilience assessment frameworks that apply to geotechnical structures and civil infrastructure systems. She believes it is crucial to thoroughly evaluate current engineering practices and traditional methods, ensuring they align with sustainability principles.

Lee says she is drawn to the “wicked” problems posed by complex sustainability issues.

“Viewing this complexity as a challenge inspires me with innovative thinking about multiple approaches to solving such complex problems,” she says.

The Detroit Pistons are offering a special deal for UWindsor students to watch them play the Toronto Raptors at Little Caesars Arena on Wednesday, March 13.

It’s the third and final meeting of the season for the two National Basketball Association teams, who have each prevailed once thus far — Toronto winning 142-113 on Nov. 19 and the Pistons snapping their record streak of 28 losses with a 129-127 victory on Dec. 30.

The student package includes admission to the game and an opportunity to take a shot on the court following the game.

UWindsor Student Night tip-off is at 7 p.m. Little Caesars Arena is located at 2645 Woodward Ave., Detroit. Select your seats and buy tickets on the event website.

A fashion show hosted by a UWindsor student group promises an interactive introduction to fashion and food from across the African diaspora.

Presented by Powah, the event will showcase the progression of fashion through the diaspora while providing attendees with a taste of foods like suya, jerk chicken, and fried plantain.

Some of the featured clothing will be provided by Canadian Black-owned fashion brands and there will be opportunities to support them.

The Diaspora Fashion Show is set for 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, March 9, in the Alumni Auditorium, CAW Student Centre. Tickets are $20 at the door and $15 in advance, available on Instagram @_.powah.