The University of Windsor’s inaugural Sustainability Framework aims to integrate sustainability into every facet of campus life: beyond a strategic commitment to reducing environmental impact, it outlines goals for conserving natural resources, minimizing waste, and advancing sustainable practices in academics and research, as well as governance and operations.

“The University of Windsor strives to build a campus that balances immediate needs while preserving resources for the future,” says Gillian Heisz, vice-president, finance and operations. “This framework is fundamental for embedding sustainability into all aspects of our institutional activities.”

The document identifies five priority areas, all of which are essential to creating and maintaining a sustainable campus:

• Integrate sustainability in academics and research
• Reduce our environmental impact
• Protect and conserve natural resources
• Embed sustainability in policy, governance, and accountability
• Foster a culture of sustainability

Provost Robert Aguirre emphasizes the importance of championing goals of stewardship in all aspects of education.

“Embedding sustainability into the curriculum and research is crucial for equipping students to confront social, environmental, and economical challenges. This commitment is to provide students with the tools and knowledge necessary to make a positive local and global impact,” Dr. Aguirre says.

Aligned with the Aspire: Together for Tomorrow strategic plan and developed in extensive consultation across the University, the framework emphasizes environmental responsibility as a core institutional value.

Key leaders — including the sustainability committee and its specialized working groups — will oversee the implementation of objectives. They will focus on executing measures to lower the carbon footprint, conserve natural resources, and embed sustainability into educational and research programs along with governance practices.

To gain a deeper understanding of the shared commitment to sustainability and how you can contribute to its success, read the full framework on the University’s sustainability website.

Prof. Dan Mennill has received national recognition for his contributions to mentoring young scientists. The Jamie Smith Memorial Mentoring Award was presented to Dr. Mennill at the annual meeting of the Society of Canadian Ornithologists in Peoria, Illinois.

“Jamie Smith was a huge figure in ornithology in Canada, mentoring a generation of outstanding young ornithologists,” explained the professor in the Department of Integrative Biology. “To win this mentoring award in his name is a great honour for me.”

The Jamie Smith Memorial Mentoring Award honours established ornithologists in recognition of displayed excellence in mentoring a new generation of professional or amateur biologists. It is conferred annually by the Society of Canadian Ornithologists, Canada’s national organization for the study of birds.

Danielle Ethier, president of the Society of Canadian Ornithologists, presented the award. Dr. Ethier says Mennill’s willingness to guide and involve undergraduate students in the publication process is a testament to his unwavering commitment to nurturing the next generation of researchers.

“As a mentor, Dr. Mennill’s commitment is truly exceptional, going beyond the typical expectations of a research supervisor.

“An example of this commitment is Dr. Mennill’s ongoing collaboration on a research paper with a group of undergraduate students who participated in a field course under his leadership. This initiative not only highlights his dedication to fostering a collaborative research environment but also underscores his tireless efforts to engage and empower aspiring researchers at an early stage in their academic journey.”

Fourteen of Mennill’s peers and students nominated him for this award.

“I am deeply thankful to the Society of Canadian Ornithologists, and to members of my research team for nominating me for this award. Like so many academic activities, the research efforts in our lab are a team effort,” said Mennill.

“It is such a pleasure to be able to work with an outstanding team of undergraduates, graduates, and postdocs at University of Windsor.”

After a 2023 season that saw Lancer football earn its first-ever playoff victory at Alumni Stadium, head coach Jean-Paul Circelli is looking for his team to build on that momentum.

“Knowing how successful 2023 was for our team and how close we were to getting to the championship has fuelled our student-athletes for this upcoming season,” he says. “The players know that they have unfinished business and have the goal of winning their last game.”

The squad will kick off its 2024 campaign Saturday, Aug. 24, hosting the Queen’s Gaels at 4 p.m.

The game is faculty-staff appreciation day: UWindsor employees can claim a 50 per cent discount on admissions for up to four fans.

Circelli is keen to see many take advantage of the offer.

“I know our student-athletes and coaches are excited about the 2024 season and have been looking forward to playing in front of our great home crowds,” he says. “We hope to see everyone out cheering on the Lancers bringing that blue collar and gold swagger!”

To secure your discounted tickets, visit golancers.ca/tickets and use the promo code UWINTHX or show your UWinCard at the ticket booth on game day.

See a preview of the football season by Andrew Papadopoulos at goLancers.ca.

Two-time social work grad Stefan Stevic (BSW 2020, MSW 2023) is inspiring, says Mary Kay Morand.

Co-ordinator of field education programs in the School of Social Work, she oversaw his placements during his fourth year of undergraduate study, when he was diagnosed with cancer. With treatment, Stevic graduated and went on to earn a master’s degree. He is now employed as a social worker with the Guelph Community Health Centre.

Complications from a surgery in July have his family and friends seeking support for his recovery and rehabilitation. A GoFundMe campaign is just over halfway to its goal of $8,500.

Morand is hoping the UWindsor community will help.

“I have never seen anyone with such courage and resilience,” she says. “He is recently engaged and has many great things to look forward to.”

Find details on the fundraising website.

Physics student Nathan Drouillard (BSc 2021, MSc 2024) will compete for Team Canada in the World University Triathlon Championships.

The competition, held by the International University Sports Federation, known by its French acronym FISU, is set for Aug. 30 and 31 in Gdansk, Poland. The individual course will include a 750 m swim, followed by a 20 km bike ride and finally a five km run.

Drouillard will begin doctoral studies in physics next month.

He will be joined in donning the maple leaf by Daniel Damian and Hayden Woodrow of the University of Victoria and Nicolas Bolouri of McGill, and on the women’s side Juliette Chenail-Lafond of Université de Montréal, Saoirse Kealey of Carleton University, Jordyn Bandastra of the Canadian Academy of Osteopathy, and Isla Britton of the University of Edinburgh.

Leading the contingent is Lauren Nutt of Triathlon Canada, who served as manager of the Canadian team at the Paris Summer Olympic Games.

Read more at goLancers.ca.