U of W in China and Hong Kong

Dr. Lloyd Axworthy, president and vice-chancellor, and Dr. Neil Besner, vice-president (research, recruitment and international) of the University of Winnipeg visited China and Hong Kong last week, according to a university news release. The two met with U of W alumni and key education officials in the Chinese government during the Manitoba Reception in Shanghai. The reception, hosted by Premier Greg Selinger, was intended to foster relationships that will open doors for students in Manitoba and China. Last Thursday, Axworthy delivered a keynote address to raise the profile of U of W among Hong Kong students heading to Canada. Also on Thursday, Dr. Axworthy and Dr. Charles Man Wing Tan, chair of U of W Hong Kong Alumni Association, co-hosted the U of W Hong Kong alumni reception. On Friday, Dr. Axworthy’s second address focused on the role of the United Nations and human rights in recognition of the International Day of Peace.

Chief Darcy Bear shares success story at U of W

Chief Darcy Bear of the Whitecap Dakota First Nation delivered a keynote address on Sept. 19 entitled Dakota - Crown: a Legacy of Alliance at U of W. The event was hosted by the Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba and U of W, and was followed by a panel discussion, according to a university news release. The panel, How Would You Like To Be Called A Refugee In Your Own Country?, addressed issues such as treaty relations between the Dakota, Crown and other First Nations. A little over 12 per cent of this year’s first-year U of W students self-identify as First Nations, Métis or Inuit, making U of W one of the top universities in Canada for indigenous participation.

Mental health symposia at U of W

Healthy Minds Canada and its national research partners are hosting Open Minds Across Canada Mental Health Symposia 2012 at U of W on Thursday, Oct. 4. The Winnipeg symposium will feature the topic From the Street to Home: An Essential Stop on the Road to Recovery, with speakers from U of W, the University of Manitoba and the Mental Health Commission of Canada. According to a university news release, the general public will have the opportunity to ask researchers and senior medical practitioners questions. The Winnipeg symposium takes place from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Convocation Hall, (2nd Floor, Wesley Hall, 515 Portage Avenue). This event is free and open to the general public.

U of W to be pesticide-free in 2013

In 2013, U of W will be the first pesticide-free campus in Manitoba, the university announced in a recent news release. U of W is making the commitment because of the threat pesticides pose to people, pets and the environment - including Lake Winnipeg. U of W geography professor Dr. Bill Buhay is involved in research about the impact of cosmetic pesticides on Lake Winnipeg and he endorses the banning of cosmetic pesticides in Manitoba. The elimination of cosmetic pesticides is consistent with U of W’s developing Campus Sustainability Policy and Healthy Campus Initiative and the university’s other eco-friendly initiatives.

Published in Volume 67, Number 4 of The Uniter (September 26, 2012)