Western invites MPs to head Back to Class
Western News out for Reading Week
Reminder: Western News does not publish during Reading Week, Feb. 20-24. The paper will publish Feb. 16 followed by March 1. The deadline for the March 1 issue is noon Feb. 16.
Kang among jubilee honourees
Western University professor Chil-Yong Kang was named among 60 Canadians this week to receive the Diamond Jubilee Medal. Prime Minister Stephen Harper joined David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, to present the medals at Rideau Hall in Ottawa. Kang was honoured for advancing scientific research and his dedication to finding a preventative vaccine for HIV.
The Diamond Jubilee Medal was created in honour of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, to recognize Canadians from all walks of life who have made significant contributions or whose achievements abroad have brought credit to Canada. A total of 60,000 Diamond Jubilee Medals will be given to Canadians throughout the year.
The inaugural set of 60 medals was presented on the first day of Diamond Jubilee Week (Feb. 6-12) which launches the Diamond Jubilee Year in Canada. This date commemorates the Queen’s accession to the throne on Feb. 6, 1952.
Norton Rose supports Western Experience
Western Law students can enjoy a renovated space to gather and relax thanks to the support from the law firm Norton Rose Canada LLP. The international firm’s $200,000 gift to the Faculty of Law will support a range of initiatives including significant upgrades to the student lounge, now named The Norton Rose Canada LLP Student Common Room.
“We’re very committed to giving back to the law student community,” said Michelle Gage, a Western Law graduate and national director of legal talent at Norton Rose. “We want to support students in as many ways as we possibly can.”
Gage said it was important for Norton Rose to provide students with a comfortable space to relax, interact and engage in informal learning. “Law school is challenging,” Gage added, “and a balanced approach to school will make you a better student and person.”
Green Award nominations open
Nominations are being sought for the Western Green Awards to recognize contributions to sustainability on campus.
“In the past, the Western Green Award has unearthed some of the best-kept sustainability secretes on campus,” said Beverley Ayeni, Facilities Management environment and energy manager, “and we expect much of the same this year.”
Nominations can come from anyone who wishes to recognize the activities of a Western campus community member (student, faculty or staff).
For more information or to nominate, contact greenawards@uwo.ca or visit the Facilities Management website. Submission deadline is Feb. 27.
UWOSA announces new leadership
Last week, the University of Western Ontario Staff Association (UWOSA) named its new leadership team for 2012-14 electoral year.
The executive team includes John Critchley, president; Stephanie Macleod, vice-president; Deb Novakowski, chief steward; Rob Fournier, treasurer; Denise Farr, membership services officer; Dax Chauvin, health and safety officer; and Cinthia Maclean, secretary.
The Stewards Council includes Area E: Lotte Huxley; Area F: Mary Van de Ven; Area G: Maureen O’Connell; Area H: Meg Perinpanayagam; Area K: Carey Platt; Area N: Lori Dengler; Area P: Nancy Warren; Area Q: Karen Foullong; Area R: Wendy Hough; Area S: Boun Thai; and Area T: Meera Karajgikar.
All terms begin May 1.
Filmmakers capture ‘Life in 5’
Western University and universities and colleges across Ontario are teaming up with TVO to help foster talent from new filmmakers through the inaugural Doc Studio Contest.
TVO is challenging aspiring filmmakers across Ontario to think about all that can happen in five minutes, and then to capture it on film. TVO’s Doc Studio Contest dares participants to reveal ‘Life in 5’ through an interview-based, five-minute film.
TVO will showcase five finalists on docstudio.tvo.org from March 5-11, and the online audience will vote on the winner. The winning film will be announced March 12, and air on TVO in spring.
The contest closes Monday, Feb. 27.