Kick tires in Engineering
Ambitious students in Grades 9 to 12, who excel in math and sciences, now have an opportunity to explore engineering at the new Western Engineering Summer Academy. The weeklong sessions start July 20, July 27, August 4 and August 10. Students will discover the world of applied science and engineering in Western’s top research facilities and teaching environments. www.eng.uwo.ca/academy.
Conservationist Earns Honorary Degree
Conservationist James Thorsell (MA ’67) was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws by the University of Alberta on June 4. Thorsell began his career working for Parks Canada in Banff and was an early pioneer of sustainable development and natural conservation. He gained higher profile through work with the UNESCO World Heritage committee. His field experience covers more than 700 protected areas in 90 countries.
Soldiering new lawyers
Unique admission in Law – The Faculty of Law is easing admission for Canadian Forces (CF) personnel released for medical reasons. Western Law will provide a simplified application process and special consideration for admission. “We are delighted to offer this opportunity to people who have served our country,” says Dean Ian Holloway. www.law.uwo.ca
Green thumbs on display
Several faculty and staff will have their gardens on display to raise money for the London International Children’s Festival. The tour takes place July 5, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Among those opening gardens are Hazel and Peter (former journalism dean) Desbarats, Wendy Dickinson (Student Development Services) and Wes Kinghorn, and James McDermott and Claire Callaghan (King’s University College). Faculty of Education members Betsy Reilly and Alison Ogilvie are organizers. Tickets are $10. www.londonchildfest.com.
Registration
Continuing Studies has released the new Fall calendar of courses and programs for registration. New in this program are sessions on coaching, career management for professionals, literature appreciation, advanced conflict management and roots of terrorism. www.uwo.ca/cstudies/framebrochure.html
Grad students online
The online edition of Western Graduate Review profiles research by outstanding graduate students, this year featuring Nicolas Bedard, Economics; Julia Bickford, Health Professional Education; Matthew Izawa, Earth Sciences; Kevin Lee, Music; Lisa Mannik, Microbiology and Immunology; and Matthew Shanahan, Psychology. www.uwo.ca/sogs/WGR/index.html
Alumna joins native reconciliation panel
Western graduate Marie Wilson is one of three members the new Truth and Reconciliation Commission for residential schools established by the federal government. Wilson, with a bachelor’s degree in French language and literature and a master’s in journalism, is a senior executive with the N.W.T. workers compensation commission. She previously worked for the CBC, serving as regional director for CBC North. The northern newsmagazine Up Here recognized her with the Northerner of the Year award.
Representing Canada
Goalkeeper Haidar Al Shaibani and defender Paul Seymour are two Mustangs who will represent their nation this summer along with 16 other Canadians in men’s soccer at the 25th Summer Universiade July 1-12, 2009, in Belgrade, Serbia. Follow activities at www.universiade-belgrade2009.org or www.universitysport.ca/belgrade.