The University’s Commercial Aviation program (formerly known as aeronautics leadership) is proving to be a success, not just in attracting students, but as a source for qualified personnel for the aviation industry.

The program has grown by 50 per cent year over year and has increased its admission capacity. In addition, all Spring 2023 and 2024 grads are employed in the aviation industry.

“We have increased our seat capacity up to 45 students as Journey Air Ltd added a new Diamond DA20 aircraft to our fleet last year, with plans to purchase additional equipment,” says TJ Bradd, program manager. “Our students train on a fleet of seven aircraft that are flying all day long.”

The Commercial Aviation Leadership program offers students a unique blend of a Liberal Arts and Leadership-focused education with practical flight training, offering a diverse and flexible curriculum that allows students to delve into varying fields of study.

Academic courses are complemented by ground school and flight training, conducted in collaboration with Journey Air Pilot Training, located at Windsor International Airport. The location combines the educational advantages of a major air travel hub with the benefits of lower air traffic volumes and a more personal learning environment. This unique situation allows students to enjoy extensive in-air training time, a privilege that sets Journey Air Pilot Training apart from other flight schools in the Southwestern Ontario region and beyond. Journey Air Pilot Training provides hands-on experience, integrating academic learning with practical skills essential in the field of aviation.

“The combination of flight skills, leadership training, and an arts-, humanities-, and social science- based university education makes the University of Windsor’s program one of a kind in the industry,” says Cheryl Collier, dean of the Faculty of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. “We are thrilled that this combination is not only attractive to our students but is also translating into exciting career opportunities as the airline industry has a growing demand for qualified commercial pilots.”

The Commercial Aviation Leadership program was developed in response to the growing demand for pilots and leaders in aviation and aerospace. Working in partnership with industry, it has gathered a team of highly qualified people who draw upon their knowledge and years of experience to deliver excellence in the classroom and in the field. This program also offers unique professional networking and employment opportunities for graduates.

“Our fall 2024 enrolment is something to celebrate and shows great collaboration among multiple groups on and off campus towards our recruitment efforts,” says Bradd. “The partnership between Journey Air Ltd. And the University of Windsor Commercial Aviation Leadership program continues to grow, and we look forward to making Windsor proud by connecting Canada’s future aviators to high quality, safe, and efficient flight training, right here in Windsor.”

As the Faculty of Human Kinetics dedicated its main entrance plaza to its founding dean on Oct. 29, members of his family were on hand to honour the moment.

A plaque on the wall welcomes past, current, and future leaders in kinesiology, sport, and recreation to the Dr. P.J. Galasso Plaza, honouring Pat Galasso, who died in December 2023. Dr. Galasso served as dean of the faculty from its founding in 1965 until 1979. He retired from the University in 1990.

“I am absolutely thrilled because I know how much this would mean to my dad,” said daughter Kari Galasso. “As an adult, I can look back in hindsight and realize how hard he worked and how sure he was of how he should develop and lead the program.”

She said her father would encourage students of today to make the most of their opportunities in the field of human kinetics.

“He would encourage them to get involved in sports, intramurals, committees, teamwork, initiatives on campus, leadership opportunities: anything to broaden their skills as people, future leaders, and employees,” Kari Galasso said.

Son Mike Galasso said it was “wonderful” to attend the ceremony.

“I feel really proud to see dad permanently recognized at the University that was such a huge part of his dream in his life,” he said. “He loved so much of what he was able to do: to build a building, to hire the staff, to do the research, and that he was a part of a team that created something really special.”

And daughter Linda said she was certain her father would welcome this tribute.

“Seeing this plaza come to fruition and essentially having his celebration of life at the PJ Galasso Plaza unveiling is exactly what he worked for his entire life,” she said. “Though he didn’t know we were doing this for him, there could be no higher honour, in his mind. It really was one of the best days of my life.”

Heir to Galasso’s legacy of dedication and hard work is current dean Linda Rohr, who praised his contributions.

“Although I am blessed to be the current custodian of the Faculty of Human Kinetics, the Toldo Lancer Centre, and the blue and gold, I am mindful that my privilege of leading the faculty and the extraordinary reputation of the Department of Kinesiology and Lancer Athletics and Recreation is absolutely a reflection of the past visionary leadership in the Faculty of Human Kinetics,” Dr. Rohr said. “The path the faculty has travelled started with Pat’s passion and commitment to success and I am incredibly grateful.”

The Detroit Pistons are reaching across the border, inviting the UWindsor community to a game against their NBA rivals, the Toronto Raptors.

University of Windsor night promises special packages that include a ticket to the contest, a sweatshirt emblazoned with both the Pistons’ and University of Windsor logos, and the opportunity to take a shot on the court after the game.

The game is set for 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 25, at Little Caesars Arena, 2645 Woodward Ave., Detroit.

Find details and purchase tickets through the NBA franchise’s website, pistons.com/uwnight. Note: all prices listed there are in U.S. dollars.

The first-of-its kind Experiential Learning (EL) Café, Oct. 22 in McPherson Lounge, brought together faculty from diverse departments to discuss and enhance experiential learning opportunities for students across campus.

Hosted by the Office of Experiential Learning, the event provided a unique platform for participants to share insights about current course-based experiential learning options and address challenges in broadening these offerings.

The EL Café aimed to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing, allowing participants to explore ways to integrate more hands-on learning into their courses and how the Office of Experiential Learning can continue to support expanding these initiatives said acting executive director Kristen Morris.

“It is inspiring to engage in these new forms of collaboration with faculty and staff beyond our unit, working together in a more integrated and impactful way,” she said. “We look forward to supporting faculty in bringing these enriching, real-world experiences into more classrooms, helping our students prepare for their future careers.”

The Office of Experiential Learning plans to host more EL Cafés in the hope of continuing to bridge connections across faculties to help enhance opportunities for University of Windsor students.

Organizers of the Celebration of Nations are issuing a call for volunteers to help with the showcase of cultural diversity, set for March 13 in the student centre.

Whether you love event planning, hosting, or just meeting new people, there’s a role for everyone.

Applications to volunteer are due no later than Jan. 31. Find the form here.

With over 47 years of dedicated service to the University, Cindy Wills will step down from her role as executive assistant to the associate vice-president, academic in the Office of the Provost on Nov. 28.

“Cindy has been the heart behind the faculty processes, from tenure to sabbaticals and more,” said Erika Kustra, associate vice-president, academic. “She has provided individual and detailed support to her colleagues across the University. I have truly benefited from her knowledgeable guidance, and we will all miss her. We wish her the very best on this new step!”

Wills’ portfolio includes dealing with matters of academic promotion and tenure as well as sabbatical leaves. Colleagues note her broad institutional knowledge and dedicated years of service are nothing short of admirable.

An open house reception for Wills will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 27, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Freed-Orman Commons. To contribute towards a gift, e-transfer to Blair Gagne at brgagne@uwindsor.ca.

Donating to the Children’s Aid Society Holiday Program helps make the season a little brighter for local families.

This year, the campaign is prioritizing children’s requests over adult necessities which will be addressed through other programs, says Shannon Taylor, the society’s community initiatives co-ordinator.

“Wish lists from participating families will focus exclusively on providing gifts to children,” Taylor says. “Youth living independently will continue to request household items and personal needs.”

The campaign traditionally attracts great support from the campus community, says co-ordinator Sabina Howell, administrative assistant in the Office of Public Affairs and Communications.

“Our UWindsor staff and faculty have been joining in to collect donations for more than 30 years,” says Howell. “I know that we appreciate our relatively fortunate situations and are willing to share with the needy in our community.”

She invites individuals and offices interested in sponsoring a family or youth to email her at Sabina.Howell@uwindsor.ca to receive a wish list once they are collected by the Children’s Aid Society.