Fall 2013

When the 50th Anniversary planning committee set the schedule for the celebration weekend, they treated it as a birthday party in the truest sense of the word, where the sole objective of the festivities is to have a wonderful time with those who are most important to you. Birthdays are commemorated with friends and family to reminisce, to share support and encouragement, and offer well wishes for a bright future ahead. And often, there’s a gift or two involved.

The University of Windsor’s 50th Anniversary celebrations reflect the long-standing traditions of a milestone birthday party. We’ve invited those who are most important to us, which for a university is a very big list, so we’re having a very big party. The guest list includes our alumni and friends, the campus community and the greater Windsor and Essex County region. They have all played an important role in shaping the University into what it is today and have provided support, encouragement and tireless dedication to this great institution.

This University has touched the lives of people across our community and around the world. It is a very special place that is entwined in the fabric of our community and within the memories of all who have made this a great University. Throughout the weekend of concerts, special meals, activities, games, tours, receptions, exhibits and even during the fun run, we know that by bringing the community and our alumni together, we will reinforce the pride we all have for the University of Windsor.

For five decades, the University of Windsor has been dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge, the development of character, the celebration of the highest human endeavours and the commitment to serve our students and the community. Our lives are anchored in the places where our memories are made. The University of Windsor belongs to all of us, and it is a place in which we share a lifetime of pride, and will continue to grow as we look toward the next 50 years.

To highlight this notion of a lifetime of pride, we have featured the first 25 of 50 alumni who will be profiled between this issue and the next, exploring interesting stories and achievements of a selection of graduates who are creating a better world with their UWindsor degree. I trust you’ll enjoy this special commemorative issue and its unique design that pays tribute to our rich 1960’s heritage.

And finally, it wouldn’t feel like a birthday without a gift, so I am happy to announce that as a result of the generous support of the Alumni Association, and the funding from our many sponsors, all of the proceeds from the 50th Anniversary weekend and the sale of our photo book will go towards 50 scholarships for the 2014-2015 academic year. A legacy scholarship will also be created to benefit students for many years to come.

Supporting student achievement is the focus of our Annual Giving Program, which launches once again this fall. I’d like to thank all of the contributors to last year’s campaign for their growing generosity; we would not be the university we are today without the shared vision of our donors.

Alan Wildeman
President and Vice-Chancellor