The Alumni Awards of Excellence, celebrated at a reception April 10 in the CAW Student Centre, offer proof that achievement doesn't end at graduation — it begins there, says Kelly Gosselin, director of advancement and alumni relations.

“We come together at this event to recognize and applaud some remarkable individuals who have not only excelled in their respective fields but have also contributed significantly to our community and beyond,” she says. “It is a matter of pride for the University to celebrate their accomplishments and inspire each other to reach new heights of achievement.”

Bukola Salami (BScN 2004), a professor in the Department of Community Health Sciences at the University of Calgary, received the Alumni Award of Merit. She expresses gratitude for the support she received as an undergraduate from faculty members, colleagues, and the community.

“I feel very honored to receive the award, especially in the presence of faculty members who taught me 20 years ago and my family,” Dr. Salami says. “I would have never thought this was possible 20 years ago. I remember coming to the University of Windsor with the goal of surviving and realized my potential to thrive.”

Odyssey award recipient Mathew Zaia (BA 2016, MA 2018), a Toronto-based lawyer, calls the recognition “a profound honour.”

“Receiving this award is a profound honour and a testament to my mentors and loved ones who generously offered their guidance, encouragement, and unwavering support,” he says. “Their belief in me gave me the courage to keep learning, growing, and stepping outside my comfort zone.”

Lisa Williams (BA 1991), recently retired after 38 years as a host in morning news and talk radio, says recognition with the Alumni Ambassador Award validates the connection she formed with listeners across Windsor-Essex.

“It was incredible to share the evening with other alumni and award recipients who have all made their mark by accomplishing such wonderful things both in and outside of our community,” she says. “Thank you to the University of Windsor Alumni Association.”

Rounding out the honorees were Alumni Award of Merit recipient Irene Moore Davis (BA 1993), Alumni Ambassador Lisa Voakes (BHK 1999, B.Ed 2000), and Odyssey Award winner Jordan Goure (BA 2014).

Learn more about the Alumni Awards of Excellence, awards categories, and recipients on the event website. Find photos from the reception on the alumni Flickr page.

UWindsor chancellor Mary Jo Haddad (BScN 1984, LLD 2005) will be honoured with a Champion for Children Award as part of Children First Canada’s 10th anniversary celebrations. Dr. Haddad is one of 10 leaders being recognized for their leadership, dedication, and transformative contributions to advancing the rights of children and youth across Canada.

Haddad served as president and CEO of the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto from 2004 to her retirement in 2013, following a career that began in 1984 and included service as the hospital’s executive vice-president and chief operating officer.

Haddad was founding chair of the board of Children First Canada, where she remains as a member of the Council of Champions. Other award recipients include industry executives and non-profit leaders.

The honorees will be celebrated at events in Toronto May 27 and Calgary Sept. 23.

This recognition adds to the chancellor’s numerous awards and achievements. She was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada in 2010 and received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012. Haddad was also a recipient of the Premier’s Award for Outstanding Achievement.

Haddad was installed as the University’s eighth chancellor in spring 2019, the first woman in the University of Windsor’s history to hold the position. In September 2024, Haddad announced that she will be stepping down as chancellor this spring.

Three Lancer alumnae are among the 2025 inductees into the Windsor-Essex County Sports Hall of Fame.

Track stars Melissa Bishop-Nriagu (BHK 2010, B.Ed 2011) and Noelle Montcalm (BScN 2012) along with basketball standout Korissa Williams (BComm 2015) will represent the University in the sports heritage organization’s class of 2025.

Bishop-Nriagu is a middle-distance runner who competed in three Olympic Games — London, Rio, and Tokyo — and currently holds the Canadian record in the 800m. Her silver medal at the 2015 World Athletics Championships was the first-ever podium finish for a Canadian woman in the event. During her varsity career, she was a four-time Ontario University Athletics all-star and all-Canadian; gold medal performances in the 600m, 1000m, and 4x800m at the 2010 national championships earned her the Banner Shield as the Lancers’ female athlete of the year. She was inducted into the Alumni Sports Hall of Fame in 2018.

Montcalm is a five-time national champion in the 400m hurdles who represented Canada at the Rio and Tokyo Olympics — at the latter competition, running a leg in the 4x400m relay as well as hurdling. She led the Lancer women to four provincial and four national championships in track and field and received the Wendy Jerome Trophy three times as Ontario University Athletics female track MVP. She was inducted into the Alumni Sports Hall of Fame in 2020.

Korissa Williams (BComm 2015) played on the Lancer women’s basketball teams that dominated the sport to capture five straight national championships from 2011 to 2015. Twice MVP of the title tournament and twice the country’s defensive player of the year, she claimed the 2015 Banner Shield and that same year was named female athlete of the year by Canadian Interuniversity Sport. That summer, she helped the Canadian women’s basketball team claim a silver medal at the 28th Summer Universiade. She was inducted into the Alumni Sports Hall of Fame in 2023.

A gala awards reception will celebrate the inductees Nov. 8 at the Ciociaro Club of Windsor.

Other honorees include boxer Kara Ro, wrestler Jordan Steen, and football players Tyrone Crawford and Luke Willson in the athlete category, and broadcaster Steve Bell, basketball coach Andy Kiss, and football official Bruce Carter in the builder category.

When travelling abroad, whether for study, work or leisure, it is important to follow these general steps to ensure a safe and smooth journey, says Sherri Lynne Menard, director of campus safety and emergency planning.

1. Review government travel advisory websites: Before travelling, check the most up-to-date information on the official government of Canada travel advisory website. This will provide important details on any safety concerns, travel restrictions and other critical information regarding your destination. Travel advice and advisories - Travel.gc.ca.
2. Verify travel and insurance coverage: Contact your insurance provider to confirm the details of your travel and health insurance coverage. Ensure that your policy includes extended benefits for international travel, including medical care, emergency services, and any other necessary support for the area to which you are travelling. https://www.uwindsor.ca/humanresources/faculty-staff/benefits/out-provincecountry-coverage.
3. Report your travel plans: Notify your supervisor or any relevant authority about your travel. Provide them with your full itinerary, including flight details, accommodation, and contact information.
4. Stay connected and informed: Keep copies of important documents and share your plans with a trusted contact. Ensure communication options are available to stay connected while abroad.

Travelling to the United States – additional information

The required documentation for some travel to the United States has been updated. These changes may affect your current or future stay.

Alien Registration Requirement | USCIS

Be aware that border authorities in both the United States and Canada have the legal right to inspect electronic devices such as laptops, phones, and tablets without a warrant. Travellers should ensure sensitive or confidential information is properly protected and avoid carrying unnecessary devices or data that could raise concerns or compromise privacy.

Examining personal digital devices at the Canadian border.

Border Search of Electronic Devices at Ports of Entry | U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

“Smart planning leads to safer travels,” Menard says. “Stay aware, stay informed, prioritize your health and safety, and enjoy your time abroad.”

For more information, visit the Campus Safety website.

Several campus amenities will reduce operations over the holiday weekend.

The CAW Student Centre will close on April 18 for Good Friday and April 20 for Easter Sunday. It will close at 8 p.m. Thursday and open Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., returning to normal hours of operation on Monday.

The only Food Services outlet open Friday is the Corner Convenience in Alumni Hall, which will serve patrons from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. On Saturday, the student centre Marketplace will open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. No service will be available on Sunday.

The Toldo Lancer Centre will close Friday and Sunday and open Saturday, April 19, from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Monday, April 21, from 7 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

The Leddy Library will close on Friday, opening from 1 to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, and maintaining shortened hours of operation through the end of the month.

The Don and Gail Rodzik Law Library will close Friday. See its operating schedule.

The Health Research Centre for the Study of Violence Against Women (HRC-VAW) is now accepting applications for the Graduate Student Research Scholarships.

These scholarships are funded by Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Collaboration Research Group Grants and the former Canada Research Chair in Sexual Violence at the University of Windsor, Charlene Senn.

Full-time graduate students at the University of Windsor whose research projects are about any type of violence against women and girls, gender-based violence, or health issues as they relate to either may apply.

HRC-VAW uses a broad and inclusive approach to research and scholarship, so projects can include violence experienced by transgender, gender expansive, and gender non-binary people.

There are two scholarships available, each worth $500; applications are due April 30. For more information on the application criteria and instructions, visit https://www.uwindsor.ca/hrcvaw/GraduateScholarship.

One copy of the completed and signed application form is to be sent to co-directors Betty Barrett and Amy Peirone at hrcvaw@uwindsor.ca.

The Campus Bookstore is offering savings to students of the Odette School of Business on Thursday, April 17, as part of a series of discount days targeted to students in specific programs.

Hooded sweatshirts embroidered with the name of the school are available for $55 — a savings on the regular price of $69.95. The sweatshirts are a 50-50 blend of cotton and polyester and boast a kangaroo pocket.

Business majors can further claim a 10 per cent discount on any gift in-store Thursday.

The program discounts continue:

• April 23, Human Kinetics
• May 1, Law
• May 6, Nursing
• May 15, Biomed
• May 21, Neuroscience
• June 9, Social Work
• June 20, Computer Science

See the selection in the store, located on the lower level of the CAW Student Centre.

Today is the last chance to enter the DailyNews Easter egg hunt for a chance to win a prize basket filled with candies, chocolate, and a University of Windsor T-shirt.

Just look through the photos in the DailyNews and spot the one with the superimposed Easter egg, then fill out your entry specifying which article the egg appeared with. One egg is hidden in each edition of April 11, 14, and 16.

The contest is open to all members of the campus community. Entries are due by noon today — Wednesday, April 16 — so that the the basket may be claimed before the Easter weekend. A winner will be drawn at random from all correct responses.

Here’s the link to submit today’s guess: https://forms.office.com/r/r9P6cP0Ekx.