U OF W TO HOST LECTURER FROM IRAN

The University of Winnipeg has announced that Dr. David Menashri from Tel Aviv University will be giving a public lecture on Tuesday, March 8. Dr. Menashri specializes in the history and politics of modern Iran, Central Asia and the Persian Gulf, and is the founding director of the Centre for Iranian Studies at Tel Aviv University. He is also a visiting professor at Oxford University and has been a visiting scholar at other notable universities including Princeton, Cornell, the University of Chicago and the University of Munich. The lecture will run from 7:30 to 9 p.m. in Convocation Hall at the University of Winnipeg.

Arab -Jewish dialogue expanded via talk

With the goal of expanding Winnipeg’s Arab-Jewish circle of trust, the U of W is hosting a panel discussion on March 7 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in Convocation Hall entitled, “Building Trust and Understanding: An Evening with the Arab-Jewish Dialogue.” Co-chairs of the Arab-Jewish Dialogue, Ab Freig and Howard Morry, and members Jim Carr and Ossama Abou Zeid, will attend the panel discussion and explain the history of their group following an introduction by president and vice-chancellor Lloyd Axworthy. The event is public and free to attend.

Presidential succession at CMU

Gerald Gerbrandt, current president of the Canadian Mennonite University, will complete his term at the end of June 2012, after accepting the invitation to extend his presidency by a year. CMU has just announced the beginning of their search for a new president. Gerbrandt has been described by his colleagues at CMU as a gift, and he has achieved much in his 10 years at the university. Potential candidates for president will be evaluated by the CMU Board of Governors and are expected to lead the university according to its mission and Anabaptist-Mennonite biblical principles.

Wesmen player makes all -star team

The Wesmen announced recently that Lauren Sears, a fourth-year student at the University of Winnipeg and Wesmen women’s volleyball middle, has been named to the Canada West Women’s Volleyball Second All-Star Team. In the Canada West Conference she placed third in hitting percentage, fifth in points and eighth in blocks. In her recently completed fourth season, she led the team in points, blocks and service aces; placed second in kills; and was named University of Winnipeg Female Athlete of the Month in November, and Female Player of the Week twice.

Active Living Centre coming to U of M

The University of Manitoba has recently announced plans to construct the largest active living facility in Manitoba designed to encourage fitness and social activity, according to the U of M website. The 100,000 square foot space is estimated to be completed as early as 2013 and will replace the Gritty Grotto. Included in the plans are a 200-metre track, an open concept workout floor with cardio and weight training machines, a 12-metre climbing wall, areas for yoga, pilates and dance, as well as communal free spaces and places for Internet access and food.

Published in Volume 65, Number 21 of The Uniter (March 3, 2011)