News & Events

The University of Windsor, Faculty of Nursing alumni from the Class of 1973 got together this August in Ingersoll for their 50th Anniversary Reunion.

Coordinated in no small part by Leslie MacPherson, the alumni gathered both in person and on Zoom to reminisce, catch up with each other and reconnect with their roots at the University of Windsor.

Alumna Liz McHugh commented on how she loved the small and intimate size of her class. “We got to know one another so well. We got to be such good friends and many of us have remained very close”.

Darlene Scarrow remarked, “My years at the U of W were possibly the best of my life. Our education was superior and the friendships we made are life lasting”. She also noted, “things are so different in health care now - we really appreciate the training and support we received”.

UWindsor Nursing alumna and former adjunct professor, Dr. Vanessa Burkoski, leaves behind a legacy of professionalism and progressive nursing.

Long remembered for her tireless work in advancing the nursing profession, UWindsor Nursing alumna, former adjunct professor, and past president of Registered Nurses Association of Ontario (RNAO), Vanessa Burkoski, has passed away at the age of 61.

An extraordinary mentor and leader with a courageous voice, Dr. Burkoski was highly regarded and respected for her progressive work in nursing education, practice, administration, and research. Burkoski is described as true friend who was passionate about improving provincial health programming and making a difference for nurses and the community.

Nursing student and Governor General Award recipient Sylwia Borawski credits personal experience for her academic journey.

At 13 years old, Sylwia Borawski received an unexpected diagnosis that would change her life.

As her doctor explained that she had Type 1 Diabetes, little did Borawski realize that the care she was to receive from an emergency room nurse and hospital staff would influence her scholarly journey and help fuel her drive for academic excellence.

Today, the BScN graduand will be honoured at Convocation with the Governor General Silver Medal, given annually to an outstanding graduating honours student on the basis of academic performance. In addition, Borawski is receiving the Board of Governors Medal in nursing, a feat she accomplished in 2021 and 2022.

Registered nurse and UWindsor alumna Sara Williams vaccinates Lacey George, a member of the Indigenous community.

Registered nurse Sara Williams, a UWindsor alumna (BScN 2019, MN 2021), has answered a spiritual call to her profession and her community.

She is an Anishinaabe Kwe from Aamjiwnaang First Nation, located on the St. Clair River in the city limits of Sarnia, and belongs to the Sucker Fish Clan.

Studies in sports and recreation administration at Lambton College led her to a practicum placement in Saskatchewan, a province steeped in Indigenous culture.

While Willaims was working at White Buffalo Youth Lodge for the Boys and Girls Club of Saskatoon, a nurse practitioner encouraged her to consider a career in nursing, since there was a need for Indigenous nurses.