New organizational focuses announced in State of University address

Dr. Lloyd Axworthy’s State of the University Address on Sept. 7 underlined a reset in focus for the institution, according to a press release. Budgetary challenges and an increase in competition from online sources has prompted U of W to concentrate on innovative academic development, administrative streamlining and efficiency, increasing and integrating student services, and taking an entrepreneurial approach to funding. Axworthy’s address also drew attention to the work of the university’s five Canada Research Chairs, the launch of a $10- to $15-million Future Fund, and construction of the future UNITED Health & RecPlex.

Wesmen baseball go another 100 innings

On Saturday, Sept. 22, the varsity men’s baseball team will be participating in the second annual Wesmen Baseball Marathon Game at Shaw Park. The game will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and will last 100 innings. The event will raise funds for programs as well as raising awareness of the newly formed Wesmen varsity baseball program. On-site activities include batting cages, radar guns and opportunities to meet the players. Admission is free.

Dean of libraries moves to Edmonton

Jane Duffy has officially announced her new position as dean of libraries at Grant MacEwan University in Edmonton. Duffy took up the new position Friday, Sept. 14, following a Uniter report the former dean of libraries for the U of W was leaving the campus. Duffy has made many contributions to the improvement of the library, including overseeing a major expansion of the Learning Commons, an increase in accessibility to the library for non-traditional learners, the opening of Eckhardt-Gramatté Library, and the launch of the only full-service University Library Copyright office outside the tariff in Manitoba.

Wesmen Wrestlers champion Annual Great Rock Climb

Three members of the university’s Wesmen wrestling team won the 41st annual Great Rock Climb on Friday, Sept. 7, according to a news release. The team raced from the steps of Wesley Hall to the top of the Rock of Remembrance in just 33 seconds. The 11 other teams competing in this year’s competition completed the task in times ranging from 36 to 117 seconds. The standing record of 9.4 seconds to scale the rock was set in 1979. The rock climb is a part of the UWSA’s annual O-Week festivities.

U of W alum and grad student featured in TEDx talk

On Thursday, Sept. 13, Karyn Gagnon presented a paper in a TEDx talk at the Winnipeg Art Gallery. A U of W alum and middle years’ teacher, Gagnon used her talk to debate the complexities of Facebook as a communication tool, according to a press release. While many people communicate through Facebook, Gagnon explored how many people are actually listening. Gagnon’s talk resulted from a Ted Talk Junior showcase held as part of a new graduate-level course taught by Dr. Jan Stewart in the faculty of education. Students voted on the best talk to appear in the independent event. Gagnon has taught in Thompson, Winnipeg and Thailand, and is currently working towards her Post Baccalaureate in Education for Sustainability. TED is a non-profit devoted to ideas worth spreading.

Published in Volume 67, Number 3 of The Uniter (September 19, 2012)