ACCESS FALL 2020

RODZIK FAMILY MAKES GENEROUS CONTRIBUTION TO TWL CAMPAIGN INSIDEFeature article on page 3

A MESSAGE FROM DEAN CHRISTOPHER WATERS A few months ago, we featured alumni who were for the future. By the time you read this we will have moved out of responding to the pandemic in remarkable and the Ron W. Ianni Building and into temporary quarters on campus, inspiring ways. These included a former nurse who and we will be preparing for a January 2021 start to construction. We put her law practice on hold to assist a remote have reached $5.1 million towards our fundraising goal of $6 million. community’s medical clinic, and a hotelier who Please help us get over the finish line if you have not yet had a chance provided free rooms for front-line medical workers. to contribute. The Transforming Windsor Law building project will In a myriad of ways – through client service, provide us with a law school home which is suitable for 21st century community involvement or daily acts of humanity law teaching and learning. The building will be more welcoming and and compassion – I know Windsor Law grads have sustainable. It will also better reflect the diversity of our student been living out our values. And my thanks you to those who, even in body, including through the use of Indigenous design principles and the midst of a pandemic, have continued to help your law school build universal design around accessibility and student amenities. WELCOME NEW FACULTY HIRES DANARDO JONES MANOJ MATE TESS SHELDON Professor Danardo Jones Professor Manoj Mate Professor Tess Sheldon is an experienced criminal will be joining Windsor joined the University of defence lawyer and Law as a tenure-track Windsor Faculty of Law criminal justice scholar, professor in January 2021 in 2018 as our Externship who will be joining the from the University of Director. She has now Windsor Law community in California, Irvine School rejoined us as a tenure- January 2021 as a tenure- of Law, where he served track professor. Professor track professor, teaching in as a Visiting Professor Sheldon writes, presents the areas of criminal law, and Visiting Scholar at the and teaches extensively race and the law and access to justice. He Center for Globalization, Law, and Society. His on a variety of mental health, access to earned a BA in Law from , research focuses on international trade law justice, disability and human rights topics. a JD from the , and an and development, law and globalization, and Dr. Sheldon completed her doctorate at the LLM from Osgoode Hall Law School, where comparative constitutional law. His current , exploring the legal he is also currently completing his PhD. research examines how international trade law issues raised by the covert administration Professor Jones also has years of experience norms are constructed and implemented at of medication in psychiatric settings. She working as a staff lawyer at various Legal Aid the domestic, regional, and transnational level practiced with ’s legal clinic system, organizations across Eastern Canada and through studies of WTO dispute resolution, including at ARCH Disability Law Centre and Ontario. His scholarly research investigates contestation over development norms at the Justice for Children and Youth. Dr. Sheldon’s how race, particularly Blackness, is or ought WTO, and implementation of the Canada-U.S.- research, including about coercive medication to be understood and articulated within the Mexico Agreement. Professor Mate received his administration practices in psychiatric criminal justice system. PhD from the University of California, Berkeley, settings, scrutinizes the role of law to protect and his JD from Harvard Law School. and promote our communities’ health.

AN EXCEPTIONAL LAW SCHOOL FOR A CHANGING WORLD DUAL JD CALL FOR NOMINATIONS ALUMNI

To celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of our AWARDS Congratulations to this year’s Dual JD Alumni alumni, Windsor Law presents the annual Alumni Awards: Awards recipients! DUAL JD DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD EMERGING LEADERS Dual JD Distinguished Alumni award is given to alumni with significant career Previous Winners include: IN THE LAW AWARD achievements who has embraced the Justice Andrew Sanfilippo ’81 (2018) Previous Winners include: missions and values of Mercy Law Justice Andrew Pinto ’93 (2018) Mariam Moktar ’12 (2018) and Windsor Law: Jay Kellerman ’86 (2018) Fabio Costante ’13 (2018) Justice Carole Curtis ’76 (2018) Evan Kubes ‘16 (2019) Curtis Cusinato ’91 (Bennett Jones LLP) Allan Stitt ’88 (2019) Joshua Marcus ‘16 (2019) Heidi Reinhart ’05 (Norton Rose Fulbright LLP) Nils Engelstad ‘07 (2019) DUAL JD EMERGING LEADER Heather Hansen ‘06 (2019) BUILDERS OF WINDSOR LAW AWARD Dual JD Emerging Leader award is given to AWARD FOR EXTRAORDINARY an alumnus who has graduated within the CONTRIBUTION TO WINDSOR Previous Winners include: last 10 years with considerable early career Dr. Ron W. Ianni (posthumous) (2018) accomplishments: LAW IN MEMORY OF JOHN Professor Emeritus John Whiteside, Q.C. Vivian Ntiri ’17 (Foresters International) MOUNTAIN ’86 (posthumous) (2018) Previous Winners include: Dr. Bruce Elman (2018) DUAL JD TRANSNATIONAL LEADER Justice Steven Rogin ’71 Professor Emeritus George Stewart (2018) Dual JD Transnational Leader award is given (posthumous) (2018) Mary Gold (2019) to an alumnus who has achieved a significant Jamie Johnson ’87 (2019) Neil Gold (2019) impact with their Dual JD degree on an Justice Mary Jo Nolan ’81 (2019) international scale: Stephen Kim ’97 (Indivior) ACCESS TO JUSTICE AWARD To nominate a colleague for an Previous Winners include: Ed Ma ’98 (2018) award, please contact Karen Sonja Popovic ’07 (2018) Momotiuk Chapman by December Suhuyini Abudalai ’08 (2019) UPCOMING Nancy Merrill ’88 (2019) 4, 2020: [email protected] EVENTS TWL DEDICATION CEREMONY January 14, 2021 FACULTY RESEARCH UPDATE CLASS OF 2000 VIRTUAL REUNION Read the latest issue of the Faculty Research Update annual To Be Announced newsletter, highlighting research accomplishments of Windsor Law

faculty members: uwindsor.ca/law/research. CLASS OF 1971 VIRTUAL Dr. Laverne Jacobs, Associate Dean (Research & Graduate Studies) REUNION To Be Announced

2 RODZIK FAMILY MAKES GENEROUS CONTRIBUTION TO TWL CAMPAIGN

For 75 years, the Rodziks have the University itself has to keep attracting themselves been a corner- those students. A new building for the law stone of the Windsor business school was key to this. With Windsor Law’s community. In 1945, Matthew reputation growing every year, the Rodziks felt Rodzik co-founded the National the school needed a commensurately compel- Auto Radiator Manufactur- ling and modern home. “With all due respect ing Company Limited, which to the university, the law school needed to be initially produced radiators updated and refreshed,” says Don Jr., who for the tractors and combines also sits on the Transforming Windsor Law produced by, among others, fundraising committee. “It’s been the same for Massey Harris (later Massey over fifty years. But Windsor Law is nationally Ferguson). By the 1950s, as recognized now, it’s one of the University’s auto manufacturing boomed, flagship departments, and it’s something we NARMCO (as the company is need to tout. The graduates we’re turning out now known) re-tooled its equip- of there, the professors that we now have, ment and entered the automo- are world-class, and we want to continue to BY JASON MCBRIDE tive stamping business, serving be world-class.” For his part, Don Sr. likens , General Motors and Ford. NARMCO the transformation of the law building to In early April, the Transforming Windsor Law has always been a family business and Mat- the way his own company has adapted and (TWL) capital campaign took a great leap thew’s son, Don, who studied engineering at evolved over the years. “In the business world, forward thanks to a generous gift from the the University of Detroit, joined his dad after you have to keep up with the marketplace,” Don Rodzik Foundation. Not content to just a stint at Ford. He is currently the NARMCO he says. “It’s ever developing. The law too is support the transformation of the Ron W. Ianni Group’s Chief Executive Officer, with the group ever-changing.” building, the foundation is also helping to now comprising nine companies in Canada, “To date we have raised nearly $5 million establish the first endowed research chair po- the United States and Mexico. sition at Windsor Law. The gift is making these of our $6 million fundraising goal, largely plans a reality, with a donation of $3 million Don’s son, Don Rodzik Jr., likewise planned thanks to our Campaign Cabinet, which is over the next 3 years, the largest individual gift to follow his father into NARMCO, but from a our fundraising board. Don Rodzik Jr. is a in Windsor Law’s history. somewhat different angle. After finishing his member of this group and he and his family undergraduate studies at Boston College, he have made this project a possibility with their When the renovated building is open, the was eager to return home and entered Wind- input and financial support. We could not be Moot Court and Law Library will be renamed sor Law and the University of Detroit Mercy’s more grateful for such backing from a strong, in honour of the Rodzik family. “The build- Dual JD program, where he made a point of proudly rooted Windsor family,” says Dean Dr. ing provides the bricks-and-mortar for the studying subjects that would be useful in the Christopher Waters. learning environment,” Don Rodzik, Sr., says. business: labour and employment law, inter- The Rodzik family’s philanthropy has been felt “It’s a great toolbox. And the research chair in national business. He graduated in 2000 and law and entrepreneurship funds educational in many different corners of Windsor’s cultural is now NARMCO’s Corporate Manager. “The and civic life, emblematic of their roots in the growth outside the classroom.” He’s hopeful time I spent at Windsor Law,” he says, “was that the foundation’s investment will also city but also their great affection for it. And instrumental in my growth, my management just as their generosity has improved the city help the growth and prosperity of local private style, and how I work every day.” business, which he calls “the backbone of our has a whole, so too do they think the new law economy.” Many of NARMCO’s employees, in fact, includ- building will enhance the entire University of ing the company’s current CFO, are graduates Windsor. “The law school, the medical school, “The Rodzik family story is a uniquely Windsor of the , some from Wind- the engineering school—all those post-grad- one, rooted in hard work, tenacity, and a keen sor Law, and others from the engineering, uate programs really add to the reputation of eye to the future. We are deeply honoured that business and accounting programs. To ensure the university,” Don, Sr. says. “They just allow the Rodziks recognize Transforming Windsor that they have the best and brightest students the whole university to grow.” Law as an investment worth making,” says to draw from, however, the Rodziks know that President Dr. Robert Gordon.

ANAN EXCEPTIONAL EXCEPTIONAL LAW LAW SCHOOL SCHOOL FOR FOR A ACHANGING CHANGING WORLD WORLD THANK YOU

TRANSFORMING WINDSOR LAW BUILDING CAMPAIGN GROUND FLOOR LEAD DONOR NAMING

Norton Rose Fulbright Classroom Judicial Way

Greg Monforton & Partners Classroom

Exterior Main Entrance

Donald & Amber Rodzik John and Randi Bitove Winston and Donna Yee and Family Café Student Lounge Family Foundation Classroom

4 THANK YOU

Thank you to our lead donors for supporting Transforming Windsor Law and Contact Shae Harasym to make a gift: making our $30 million-dollar building renovation a reality. We would like to [email protected]. share some of the committed named spaces in the Ron W. Ianni Law Building and express our immense gratitude to our donors for their leadership and support.

FIRST FLOOR LEAD DONOR NAMING

McTague Law Firm LLP Don Rodzik Moot Court Jamie Johnson Student Lounge Welcome Room

Himelfarb Proszanski Meeting Room

Amato Study Room

Kellerman Family Meeting Room Reserve Room Don & Gail Rodzik Law Library

AN EXCEPTIONAL LAW SCHOOL FOR A CHANGING WORLD THANK YOU

TRANSFORMING WINDSOR LAW BUILDING CAMPAIGN SECOND FLOOR LEAD DONOR NAMING

Graham Gow and The WB Family WeirFoulds LLP Clinical Foundation Meeting Room and Experiential Learning Zone Dr. Bruce P. Elman Classroom

Alumni Lounge

Lerners LLP Alumni Graham Gow and The WB Family Alumni Terrace Touchdown Office Foundation Accessibility Ramp

6 A RETIREMENT MESSAGE FROM GEORGE STEWART

Having now gained octogenarian status, I warmly body there is and was so much talent. Every year the students and happily reflect on 50 years at Windsor Law. provided deeper insights into the subject of the course. I especially I have been a most fortunate person to have had the and affectionately remember the first graduating classes in 1970’s privilege of being part of Windsor Law’s history. I and the no-talent nights. I was much younger then and felt a close arrived in Windsor to take up a teaching position at comradeship with the students. the law school in the summer of 1970 in time And, of course, how can we ever forget the great students and to teach the first graduating class. challenges of the first Dual program class that began in 2001 – just Upon mandatory retirement in 2005 the law school in time for 9/11. From time to time it is very gratifying to hear from kindly allowed me to remain on a post- retirement alums. It brings back many happy times and friendships. All in all, contract. I fully retired in May 2020. Over the years I have been I consider myself to have been most fortunate and with fond privileged to teach many subjects including civil procedure, remedies, memories I wish all the best for our great law school. intellectual property and many aspects of commercial law. Also, as “George played every role imaginable at Windsor Law,” says Dean part of the Dual JD program I taught many UCC commercial law Christopher Waters. “From Associate Dean to Professor. Even courses at UDM. From 1975 to 1980 I served as Associate Dean to following his first, formal retirement he continued to convene the Dean Ron W. Ianni. Advanced Business Law course and was an admissions file reader I have been blessed with many fine colleagues and friendships but extraordinaire. He has also been a repository of Windsor Law what I most gratefully recall is the students. Within the student knowledge and lore. We will miss him.”

SCOTIABANK SCHOLARSHIP SUPPORTS ANTI-BLACK RACISM INITIATIVES

Scotiabank is inclusivity. Demonstrated work or voluntary experience supporting developing a BIPOC, marginalized or disadvantaged groups is considered an asset. scholarship for Scotiabank will provide a stipend (of up to $2,000) to cover the cost law students who of travel, accommodations and meals for each first-year scholarship are interested in recipient to come to Toronto to participate in a “Day on Bay St” – a pursuing a career in the legal profession with the goal to support and curated one-day symposium: advocate for anti-racism in the legal sector. This $10,000 per year scholarship is provided to one Windsor Law student for the duration of • This symposium will provide an opportunity for the successful the student’s 3-year law degree at Windsor Law. recipients to meet with Scotiabank executives, members from the legal community and spend time with community groups that they To be eligible for this scholarship, candidates must be accepted hope to support through their legal degree into the Faculty of Law at the University of Windsor. Students must demonstrate financial need and, preference will be given to individuals • If an in-person symposium is not feasible, every effort will be who self-identify as Black, Indigenous, or a person of colour. made to establish a virtual symposium to enable the scholarship Scholarship applicants are to provide a one-page essay articulating recipients to meet with Scotiabank’s executive team how they will positively impact the University and BIPOC communities Select recipients of the scholarship will be provided an opportunity to over the course of three years by combatting racism and furthering interview for a co-op or internship opportunity at Scotiabank.

AN EXCEPTIONAL LAW SCHOOL FOR A CHANGING WORLD STUDENTS IN THE NEWS

PEER MENTORSHIP PROGRAM LAW STUDENT RECEIVES WINDSOR LAW FINDS SUCCESS REACHES NEW HEIGHTS HONOURABLE SANDRA CHAPNIK IN MOOTING COMPETITIONS Now in its 11th year, WOMEN-IN-LAW AWARD Windsor Law’s Peer The Honourable Sandra Mentorship Program helps Chapnik Women-in-Law to ease the transition for Award recognizes female first-year Law students law students who exemplify who share similar the drive and determination academic and non- to achieve a law degree academic interests and after having spent time in experiences. the workforce. This year, the program has paired up 385 law Law student Sabih Ottawa students, including 196 first-year mentees (2L) receives the 2020 Honourable Sandra Recognizing that experiential learning is (75% of the first-year class) and 189 upper- Chapnik Women-in-Law Award. a key component of providing a rigorous year mentors. This new record is a result of legal education, the Advocacy and Mooting the tireless work of the program’s student Program at Windsor Law engages students coordinator Aulona Arbana. WINDSOR LAW STUDENT each year in a variety of mock advocacy competitions including mooting (appellate CO-FOUNDER OF NON- advocacy), mock trial competitions, mock LAW STUDENT AIMS TO PROFIT CONNECTING LAW mediation, client counseling, and negotiation EMPOWER BLACK WOMXN STUDENTS WITH VOLUNTEER competitions. Windsor Law reports the following successes Having emigrated from OPPORTUNITIES Kenya to pursue her for the 2019-20 mooting season: The COVID-19 pandemic post-secondary education • Adam F. Fanaki Competition Law Moot in Canada, second-year has created difficulties for law student Angela Ouma law students seeking to • Arnup Cup found it challenging gain practical experience, • Donald G.H. Bowman National Tax Moot to secure meaningful says Nadia Shivratan, and • Gale Cup Moot mentorship and a non-profit organization representation. she co-founded hopes to • International Association of Dispute help. LawLinks connects Resolution (INADR) Tournament In 2019, Ouma co-founded Hey Black Girl! volunteers with law firms, with her friends Tanaka Chitanda and Martina • Ontario Trial Lawyers Association clinics, and organizations seeking assistance Mbadinga, students at the University of (OTLA) Cup on specific projects — everything from Toronto and respectively. case research to preparing summaries of • Oxford Intellectual Property Moot The organization hosts workshops for the legislative changes. • Winkler Class Actions Moot encouragement and empowerment of Black “I was finishing my first year of law school womxn, focusing on creating safe spaces to and a lot of my friends were losing their engage in conversations with experts in such summer positions,” Shivratan says. “I noticed subjects as professional development, mental there was a gap that needed to be filled.” health, and financial literacy while being provided opportunities for personal growth.

To read the full articles, please visit uwindsor.ca/law/all-news

8 AN EXCEPTIONAL LAW SCHOOL FOR A CHANGING WORLD