June 23, 2016 / Vol. 52 No. 20 westernnews.ca

PM 41195534 Western’s newspaper of record since 1972

FRANK NEUFELD 2 westernnews.ca Western News June 23, 2016 On Campus BEST BETS Visit the Western Events Calendar at www.events.westernu.ca for a full look at the week ahead. Western News (ISSNO316- 8654), a publication of Western University’s Department of Communications and Pub- 8:30-11 p.m. lic Affairs, is published every SATURDAYS | Thursday throughout the school year and operates under a reduced schedule during December, May, June, July and August.

An award-winning weekly news- paper and electronic news ser- vice, Western News serves as the university’s newspaper of record. The publication traces its roots to The University of CRONYN OBSERVATORY PUBLIC NIGHTS Western Ontario Newsletter, a Join us for a star-filled evening at the Hume Cronyn Memorial Observatory one-page leaflet-style publica- on Saturdays this summer. tion which debuted on Sept. 23, 1965. The first issue of the Western News, under found- ing editor Alan Johnston, was JUNE 27-JULY 27 9 a.m.-4 p.m. published on Nov. 16, 1972 | replacing the UWO Times and Western Times. Today, West- PAUL MAYNE // WESTERN NEWS ern News continues to provide As the longest-serving member of the University of Western Ontario timely news, information and Staff Association (UWOSA), Department of Math academic counsellor a forum for discussion of post- secondary issues in the campus Janet Williams will retire from Western next month after 46 years. and broader community.

WESTERN NEWS Pulling up roots SUMMER ACADEMIC ORIENTATION Summer Academic Orientation is a unique program to help first-year main WesternNews.ca campus students be prepared for the start of university. Westminster Hall, Suite 360 Western University London, ON N6A 3K7 after 46 years Telephone 519 661-2045 TUESDAYS | 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Fax 519 661-3921 BY PAUL MAYNE After a number of years working PUBLISHER Helen Connell out of the Engineering Building, Wil- [email protected], f you glance out Janet Wil- liams moved to her current location 519 661-2111 Ext. 85469 liams’ office window in Middle- in Middlesex College in 1980. Begin- sex College, you’ll see a lovely, ning as a secretary, she moved up to EDITOR mature 35-year-old beech academic counsellor. Jason Winders tree.I She remembers the day it was “I learned so many things on the [email protected], planted. job,” said Williams, the longest- 519 661-2111 Ext. 85465 “There used to be two, but about serving member of the University of REPORTER/PHOTOGRAPHER three years ago one suddenly died,” Western Ontario Staff Association SUMMER FARMERS’ MARKET Paul Mayne said Williams, an academic counsel- (UWOSA). Hit up Western’s Farmers’ Market all summer long in the green space [email protected], lor in the Department of Math. She “Sometimes, students come in beside McIntosh Gallery, across from the Social Science Building. 519 661-2111 Ext. 85463 has a piece of bark from that ill-fated thinking they have an insurmount- tree, with another small piece of the able problem. They don’t know what PRODUCTION DESIGNER tree doubling as a door stop. “When to do and they can’t figure it out. Frank Neufeld JULY 13-16, 20-23 | 7:30-10 p.m. [email protected], they were tearing it down, I remem- Oftentimes, it’s really cool to be able 519 661-2111 Ext. 89334 ber going out and asking them if to say, ‘That’s not a problem. All you they could cut me off a piece.” have to do is this, this and this.’” EDITORIAL SERVICES That beech tree is just one of As a clock on her computer COORDINATOR many memories Williams will take screen counts down the hours to Angie Wiseman with her next month as she retires retirement, Williams knows it will be [email protected], 519 661-2111 Ext. 81530 from Western after 46 years. hard to leave a place she has spent A Londoner born and raised, Wil- almost her entire life at – but she is ADVERTISING liams attended Fanshawe College ready. Chris Amyot, Campus Ad the second year it opened. “I wasn’t “I’m about a year and a half past [email protected], in that first-year class. I just missed my normal retirement date because SUMMER SHAKESPEARE PRESENTS: MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING 519 434-9990 out,” she laughed. I really didn’t want to leave,” she The storied Western tradition continues with Much Ado About Nothing, Following graduation, Williams laughed. “But I’ll be able to spend one of Shakespeare’s best comedies, outside the International and Gradu- POSTAL RECOVERY ate Affairs Building. $50 Canada, $65 United States, worked for a law firm, but the job more time with family and I would $85 Other was not what she was hoping for. like to take some trips. My pension Through an employment agency, counsellor said I can afford it.” POST OFFICE she found a part-time job at West- Williams has her eye on a trip to JULY 22-24 | Paul Davenport Theatre Please do not forward. ern, in what was then the Depart- Texas to see family, an adventure to Return to Western News, ment of Buildings and Grounds (now Newfoundland and, perhaps, even Western University, London, Ontario N6A 3K7 with new Facilities Management). a cruise. address when possible. “It was rather interesting over “I am looking forward to mak- there. I did enjoy the atmosphere ing an appointment for any time of of campus, which did prompt me the day, shopping any time of the wanting to stay,” said Williams, who day; it’s going to be different,” she “Our objective is to report recalls seeing architectural drawings said. “I have a lot of friends who are events as objectively as possible, for what would soon turn out to be already retired and they can’t wait without bias or editorial the University Community Centre. for me to join them.” comment. We hope you will STEPHEN SONDHEIM’S COMPANY read it and contribute to it.” “The Social Science Building. D.B. Williams said the university has Weldon Library. University Hospital. afforded her family a wonderful life. Join us for one of four performances of Stephen Sondheim’s Company, – L.T. Moore, presented by participants of Music Theatre on the Thames. University Relations None of that was here at that point.” But she’ll miss the students, the and Information director, At the time, Williams was a single campus events, the free concerts Nov. 16, 1972 mother hoping for something full and other activities, as well as her time with benefits. She found a role colleagues and friends. in Economics, which she got, before “I’m going to miss them the most transferring to Math just over a year – that and this incredible view,” later in 1971. she said. westernnews.ca Western News June 23, 2016 3

Alumni New president to help alumni find their voices

BY CRYSTAL LAMB a number of organizations, including Toronto’s specialty HIV/AIDS hospital, Casey House and the Canadian Club hen David Simmonds of Toronto. was searching for his “If you have a good idea, you have voice, he found it as a to express it to make change,” he said. student on Western’s “The university has created a space Wcampus. And now, as he begins his for alumni of all ages and stages to term as President of the Alumni Asso- come back and say, ‘I’ve got an idea ciation, he plans to use that voice to about how Western can continue to share the university’s story and encour- be a fantastic institution.’ We ben- age alumni to engage with each other, efited from its teaching, research and current students and the broader com- learning experiences. As we move on munity. and become leaders in our sectors, Simmonds, BA’07 (Political Science), there’s a role for us to come back and grew up in the Greater Toronto Area continue to build the good name of (GTA). In his current role as Vice-Pres- Western.” ident of Public Affairs at McKesson As part of the process to draft its Canada, he manages corporate mar- new Strategic Plan, the association keting, public policy and communica- recently hosted a series of roundtable tions for the large health company. discussions in key markets and solic- He knew from the moment he first ited online feedback about alumni crossed over University Drive Bridge programming and benefits. One on a campus visit with his parents that objective of the new plan was to make Western had the atmosphere he was it clearer what benefits the association looking for in a university. provides and to raise awareness about “The student voice is important how alumni can engage, he said. at Western. When I was a student, I Some of the top priorities Sim- found myself having a role to play in monds and the association are focused offering that voice – and it just never on include developing and expanding stopped,” he said. “When I look at programs to support alumni as they what we do with Western Alumni, I’m move through their life cycles, as well thinking ‘How do we make the alumni as continuing to grow successful initia- voice as central to that experience tives like 10,000 Coffees, a networking post-Western as the student voice is and mentorship initiative launched SPECIAL TO WESTERN NEWS to that experience while at Western?’” in 2015. Prior to taking the reigns as Presi- Another way he plans to add value David Simmonds, BA’07 (Political Science), assumed the role of Alumni Association President following the dent, Simmonds served as president during his term will be taking advan- organization’s Annual General Meeting last week. of the University Students’ Council tage of opportunities to shape and (USC) Alumni Chapter and volun- teered on several association com- mittees prior to his nomination to its Board of Directors in 2013. He hopes “I became passionate to use his skills to promote the asso- ciation and its mission and value to about telling stories the more than 285,000 alumni living Written submissions invited regarding around the world. early in my family life. “I became passionate about telling the Teaching Support Centre stories early in my family life. You had You had to tell stories to tell stories to get fed in a family with six kids,” he laughed. “And then to get fed in a family I learned to tell stories in a powerful and persuasive way in the liberal arts with six kids.” program. My experiences at Western Dr. John Doerksen, Vice-Provost (Academic Programs), invites members of gave me tools in my toolkit I use to share the Western story more broadly. the campus community to submit written comments on the present state this day.” “As an outsider from the campus Simmonds quickly found himself who cares deeply about the university, and future prospects of the Teaching Support Centre. “immersed in the culture” as a stu- I want to approach people who are dent, becoming involved on campus not from Western to find out what These submissions will inform the work of the Teaching Support Centre in residence life, intramurals and stu- they would like to see the university Review Committee as it undertakes its mandate. The timing of this review dents’ council, as well as off campus by doing, or how Western could help helping organizations around the city. them or the community,” he said. is now appropriate as Dr. Debra Dawson will retire from her position as “I felt very supported. Back then, “Public institutions play a powerful Western’s Director of the Teaching Support Centre on July 31, 2016. not a lot of students really looked role in social change. I look forward like me. As a young black man from a to offering another perspective about Written comments should focus on matters relating to the strengths, different community, I had a different how Western can grow and present- opportunities, and challenges facing the Centre. perspective. But I was supported to ing opportunities to build cultural, be my full self. I remember the first social or economic capital across the Submissions received by Monday, September 12, 2016 will be reviewed and time I met a faculty member who was country.” black and what that did for me. It was a Simmonds also hopes to inspire shared, in confidence, with the Centre Review Committee members. Please small moment, a small interaction, but alumni to celebrate their connections forward hard copy submissions in envelopes marked “Confidential” to: it was important because it showed to Western. me Western was a place where I could “The association is about creat- bring my full self to the classroom. If ing and bringing back memories. My I can play a role in some way to help favourite memories are from West- others now, how can I not?” ern. Every time I come to campus, no John Doerksen, Vice-Provost (Academic Programs), Following graduation, Simmonds matter how much it changes, when I completed a master’s degree in edu- walk past a tree or hear a bird chirp, Suite 3107, Stevenson Hall cation at the University of Toronto it reminds me of something that hap- and a master’s degree in communica- pened when I was on campus that had tions and media studies from Royal an impact on me. It’s a reminder about Roads University. In addition to his the transformative power this institu- role at McKesson, he is an instruc- tion has on people’s lives.” Submissions may also be e-mailed tor in the post-graduate certificate by Monday, September 12, 2016 in program in marketing, communica- tions and public relations at the Uni- confidence to [email protected]. versity of Toronto, and works as a public speaker. He also volunteers for 4 westernnews.ca Western News June 23, 2016

Commentary The Olympics’ exploitation of Indigenous People must stop

BY JANICE FORSYTH insights into whether or not the Inter- national Olympic Committee, the National Olympic Committees, the he final report for the Truth host societies (which includes govern- and Reconciliation Com- ment representatives) and corporate mission, released in 2015, sponsors are serious about creating includes 94 Calls to Action meaningful legacies for people other Tthat outline how Canada can help than themselves. reconcile its past with Indigenous There is a lot of room for improve- People. Five of those action items ment when it comes to the Olympics. focus on sport. One of those items, The 1904 Games in St. Louis pitted No. 91, addresses the inclusion of Indigenous People against white ath- Indigenous People in major games, letes in a scientific experiment called such as the Olympics. Anthropology Days, with the purpose Why was the Commission inter- being to demonstrate white athletic ested in major games? Didn’t it and cultural superiority. address the history and legacies of The 1976 Games in Montreal incor- Indian residential schooling? porated Indigenous imagery and Organized sport played an impor- people into various aspects of the tant role in the residential school sys- Games to sell Quebec as a multi- tem, which means sport is implicated cultural region and the Olympics as a in Canada’s history of cultural geno- vehicle for bringing peace, harmony cide. How we move our bodies, the and friendship to all corners of the values we attach to those movements globe – never mind the fact Quebec and the resources we provide to sup- didn’t recognize Indigenous People port certain types of movements and as ‘people’ at the time, or the Olym- not others are political decisions. pics were struggling from acts of vio- Not so long ago, in the late 1800s, lence and terrorism (Mexico 1968 and the federal government made Munich 1972) and global concerns it illegal for Indigenous People to about the financial risks associated engage in their traditional dances with hosting. and ceremo- Indigenous symbolism took on nies. Indian increased importance to organiz- agents and ers after Montreal. Consider Calgary missionaries 1988, Sydney 2000, Salt Lake City attempted 2002 and Vancouver 2010. In each to fill the case, there were more Indigenous cultural void People and imagery everywhere as by encour- the Games moved forward in time. aging sports How have Indigenous People FORSYTH participation benefited from their involvement in instead. That the Games? Vancouver 2010 offered prohibition, called the Potlatch Law, some instructive examples. The was finally repealed in 1951, the same highly acclaimed First Nations Snow- year Indian Affairs began encourag- board Team, a youth-based program, ing sports in the residential school initially benefited from a $3-million system, believing it would help Indig- dollar legacy fund. enous youth assimilate into main- Along the way, funding for the stream culture. team was reduced and finally cut, The final report and the94 Calls and not one organization has yet to Action are thus clear reminders explained why the team cannot that sport has always been, and will access the reserve fund. The remain- always be, political. Even if you don’t ing four or five team leaders who are participate in sport, it is an important working on volunteer hours are strug- feature of modern life, and that is why gling to keep the program alive. the commission included items about And, according to Grand Chief sport in its final report, alongside Stewart Phillip of the Union of B.C. SPECIAL TO WESTERN NEWS talks of treaties, health, justice and Indian Chiefs, the Four Host First While certainly a celebration of Canadianness – from the serious to the silly, as noted in the photos from education. Nations (on whose land the Games the Opening Ceremonies above – the 2010 Vancouver Games offer an instructive example into how It is tacit recognition that the rela- took place) were the only beneficia- Indigenous People benefited from their involvement in the Games. tionships that structure Indigenous ries outside of the big corporations, involvement in sport, including the the host society and the provincial Olympic Games, need to be rear- and federal governments. “We need to a close. Furlong, then-CEO of Vancouver for Indigenous People. In those struc- ranged so that Indigenous People to decide where we go from here,” But what does reconciliation in 2010, “We would dress them up in tural changes, we will see the limits do not have to fight the same battles Phillip said in 2009. “We can’t sit idly sport look like? modernized versions of their tribal for what is possible for Canadians – for inclusion, for consultation, for by and watch this continual genera- Is it the underfunded snowboard regalia to create the colour and pag- generally, so the broader public can legacies – every time an event rolls tion of wealth, while our commu- team, the only legacy from Vancou- eantry for which we were striving” benefit, too. into town. nities sink deeper and deeper into ver for Indigenous athletes in Can- and then “had them locked in a hall Canada, we can do better. Will future Olympic hosts build poverty.” ada? Is it the ongoing exploitation of in Squamish, a week or so before the on the progress made in Vancouver The exploitation needs to stop. Indigenous People and imagery for Games” so they didn’t leak confiden- Janice Forsyth is an assistant profes- with the Four Host First Nations by The Vancouver Games were far commercial gain? That would explain tial information about their role in the sor and former Director of the Inter- providing Indigenous People with from perfect, but they created a space Hudson’s Bay hiring Dsquared2, the Games. This is the perspective the national Centre for Olympic Studies more concrete benefits rather than to have a long-overdue conversation fashion designers who apologized Olympic chief brought to the Games in the Faculty of Health Sciences. symbolic ones? about Indigenous involvement in the for their Dsquaw line only after they and wants us to celebrate? She regularly provides leadership How Indigenous People are Games. signed their deal with Hudson’s Bay. There needs to be a robust discus- and direction to government and involved in major games is impor- Imagining what is possible is even Or maybe it’s an Aboriginal youth sion about Indigenous involvement service organizations in sport, as well tant because the benefits they accrue more relevant now that the Truth and forum, like the one organized for the in the Games and about legacies that as insight and commentary for media from taking part offer important Reconciliation Commission has come 2010 Games? In the words of John offer enduring concrete outcomes on Olympic-related matters. westernnews.ca Western News June 23, 2016 5

Campus and Community Family’s ‘long journey’ peacefully ends in London

BY PAUL MAYNE

s Western professor Victoria Esses walked hand-in-hand down the street with 3-year- old Syrian refugee Bushra, itA was difficult to imagine that same playful child hiding in fear as bombs exploded around her home just under a year ago. Nevertheless, such was everyday life for Bushra and her family before the Western Social Science Refugee Sponsorship Fund helped bring them to London in recent weeks. Led by the Faculty of Social Sci- ence, in partnership with the London Cross Cultural Learner Centre, fund- raising began last summer in hopes of collecting $30,000 to bring a Syrian refugee family safely to London. Just this past month, mother Maha and her six children – Muntaha, Nour, Bushra, Mohamad, Sidra and Aya – landed at London International Airport to a warm welcome. “It was really exciting being able to meet them at the airport,” said Esses, who joined others with signs welcom- ing the family. “Even though it took them almost three hours to clear cus- toms, it was great to finally see them in person. We knew who they were through photos, but seeing them for real was the best.” According to the United Nations, 13.5 million people inside Syria need urgent help, including 6.5 million who are internally displaced. More than 250,000 people have died in the con- flict, with hundreds of thousands more wounded. Almost 4.6 million Syrians have sought refuge in the neighbour- ing countries of Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey. Leaving her husband in Syria, Maha and her children spent seven months in Turkey after fleeing their home. Today, she is thankful to be some- where “without fear.” “It was very nice to finally arrive here after such a long journey. We are much more secure than back home,” Maha said through an interpreter. “My kids like the feeling of being here, the feeling they are home. We are happy to be here.” Two of her children attend nearby Eagle Heights Public School and their excitement was evident, despite the language barrier, to be around other children and learning in the class- room. “Next year, another one goes to school, and she (Bushra) is the most active one. Then I can maybe have some time to rest,” Maha laughed. “My children were so happy to get to go to school. They are excited each PAUL MAYNE day.” Syrian refugee Maha sits on the porch of their new London home with her children, clockwise from top left, Muntaha, Nour, Aya, Sidra, Mohamad Fund organizers surpassed the ini- and Bushra. They are the first family brought to London through the Western Social Science Refugee Sponsorship Fund. tial fundraising goal of $30,000, which would help the family arrange hous- ing, schooling, documentation, lan- ian refugees have landed in London. Between Esses, and numerous oth- and other family members remaining guage assistance and general settle- Esses applauded volunteers who ers who have made the sponsorship in Syria, she is optimistic the war will ment for the first year. With Maha and worked to make all this happen, not funding a success, someone usually end one day, allowing her to visit her family safely in London, the group to mention the support received from stops by every other day to check on homeland once again. However, she is now working on bringing another the Western community. However, Maha and the children. stressed, Canada is now home for her family to London. with Canada’s commitment already While the Syrian crisis may no lon- family – the place where her children From November 2015 to Febru- met, things are in “wait-and-see HOW TO HELP ger be front-page news, the problems will grow up and come to call their ary 2016, the Federal Liberal govern- mode” for the next family, Esses said. You can support the Western Social remain as thousands of refugees seek home. ment focused on resettling 25,000 “Number two (family) is in the Science Refugee Sponsorship by visiting a safer existence. “It’s not quieting “I like the Canadian life. The best Syrian refugees in Canada. In the works. We have the family ID’d and canadahelps.org/dn/9556 and selecting down for us,” Esses said. “We want thing is the security for myself and my three months since the government are working on the paperwork, but it to keep encouraging people to help children,” Maha said. “After such hard ‘Western Social Science Refugee reached that target, another 2,500 will be longer since the government because there are so many more fami- times, and hiding from the bombs, the Syrians have arrived in Canada as has reached its maximum,” she said. Sponsorship’ from the dropdown menu. For lies, so many more individuals who kids don’t have to live through that part of those ongoing efforts. Since “But they will be here sometime in the more information on the program, contact continue to need our help.” again.” December 2015, more than 1,000 Syr- near future.” Victoria Esses at [email protected]. While Maha misses her husband 6 westernnews.ca Western News June 23, 2016

On Campus New PMA President targets PDG process

BY PAUL MAYNE

ith contract negotiations still two years out, newly elected Professional Man- agement Association (PMA) President Melanie Molnar will instead focus her Wattention on improving a performance review process, she said, many of her members feel is falling short. “I’ve reached out to other universities that have similar organizations such as PMA, and perhaps we can put a task force together to find out what it is about the PDG system that isn’t working to the best of its abilities, and see how we can improve it,” said Molnar, Director of the Master of Professional Educa- tion Programs. PDG, or Performance Dialogue and Goal Setting, is an annual feedback process for PMA-eligible employ- ees and their leaders to discuss performance, work goals and professional development plans. “We’ve heard from leaders, and our members, that it’s a broken system. That is something I want to be looking at,” she said. Molnar took over the president’s role of PMA, ABOUT PMA PAUL MAYNE which represents 1,233 full-time employees engaged To learn more about the Melanie Molnar, Director of the Master of Professional Education Programs at Western, is the new in managerial and professional roles at the university, Professional Managerial earlier this month. Previously, she served on a variety President of the Professional Management Association (PMA), which represents 1,233 full-time Association (PMA), an of PMA committees and posts, including the last two employees engaged in managerial and professional roles at the university. years as Vice-President. That position, she added, was organization representing a great springboard into her new role. 1,233 full-time employees “Chris (Thompson), last year’s President, helped engaged in managerial and having our say in how things are run is what I enjoy. participation, more is even better. me learn the ropes before I jumped into this new and professional roles at Our voices are being heard and it’s a matter of con- “There is always room for improvement,” she said. position,” said Molnar, who has spent six of her nine the university, visit uwo.ca/ tinuing to build that relationship and foster it. Being “We do want to have greater involvement. But it’s years at Western as part of PMA. “The association was honest and approachable, making sure we share our voluntary. We are always looking for opportunities to pma, email any questions a great way to get involved and meet new colleagues message and that we listen to what our members say reach out to those who haven’t signed up yet and let from across campus I might not have otherwise met. to pmaoffice@uwo, call and bring any concerns forward, leads to our success.” them know about the importance of their involvement, Once I got involved, and started to see the benefits it 519-661-3005 or stop by Membership in the PMA has grown steadily the last the opportunities for networking and the learning ses- afforded the members, I kept involved. University Community Centre, few years, said Molnar, with 60 per cent, or 730 of eli- sions we offer members.” “The ability to make a difference, being involved Room 351. gible employees, being part of the group. While solid westernnews.ca Western News June 23, 2016 7

On Campus Honouring a quarter century of service

estern honoured its long- serving employees at recent celebrations for faculty and staff who have been work- ingW at the university for 25 years. While spending a quarter of a century at a single institution might seem like an anomaly today, these 53 university employees have made Western like a second home since they were first hired in 1991. Long-service award ceremonies were held June 6 at Gibbons Lodge, hosted by Western President Amit Chakma. Each recipient was presented with a pin and a Western print. 105,000 people during their careers. investment in Western has earned the Since this group began working at “Western’s reputation is simply a admiration and gratitude of all who work Western a quarter century ago, the reflection on the quality of our people – and study here, and I wish you all the smallest entering class the university has and particularly those employees whose very best for continued success.” ever admitted was 4,000 first-year stu- many years of service have made us Pictured are those who attended the dents. That means this group has con- who we are today as one of Canada’s event. Photos by Rachel Lincoln. tributed to the education of more than best universities,” Chakma said. “Your

Christine Stutt Barbara Merner Vladimir Tumanov Amy Jacob Nicole Charbonneau Marta Valovcik

Jin Jiang David Haniford Magda Catani Graeme Hunter Charlotte Huxley Philip Doyle

Mark Vandenbosch Linda Chapman Don Rhynas Elizabeth Skarakis-Doyle Carolyn McLean Kamilia Rizkalla

Madeleine Moussa Mary Godbout David Wilson Zbigniew Krzeminski David Holdsworth Angela Schneider 8 westernnews.ca Western News June 23, 2016

Campus and Community Western insights inform rural seniors development

BY PAUL MAYNE age-friendly communities, health and functioning of older individuals living in the community and peer-led education proposed $21-million models to improve chronic disease. retirement living project “Her passion and research fits with in rural Huron County has every aspect of our community,” added a Western compo- said Jessica Lunshof, President and Anent to its focus on keeping seniors in CEO of JL Retirement Living, who their own community. are heading the project. “This is a Inspiring Living Seaforth, which gap within the rural community – an looks to break ground in spring 2017, individual must transition through the will consist of 20 units for palliative system and move miles away from and cognitive impairment residents, their hometown. This can lead to a 60 independent-living units and 40 significant decline in health and qual- townhomes for independent living. ity of life.” Health Sciences professor Marita Smoothing this transition is impor- Kloseck said Western research will tant for all seniors, especially for those inform the development of the com- who experience cognitive impair- munity-designed project by providing ments, like dementia or Alzheimer’s, incremental care options for active or those entering the final stages of seniors and those requiring rehabilita- life through Hospice and palliative tion, assisted or end-of-life care. care, she added. “For us, it’s a nice chance to part- “The concern was for these farm- ner with a rural developer and rural ers who grew up and lived all their community,” said Kloseck, Director of lives in a rural location. If something the Sam Katz Community Health and happened, they were automatically Aging Research Unit in the Faculty of shunted to an urban centre; their Health Sciences. “Not only do rural quality of life was compromised and seniors have the same health-related were now in unfamiliar territory,” said concerns (as urban seniors), they face Kloseck, who is also involved with the other issues related to geography, Cherryhill Healthy Aging program in location to health services and access London. to those health services. There are so “Let’s see if we can build an inte- many concerns already. In rural areas, grated, incremental living unit where the problems are exasperated.” we can keep these people in a rural The Katz research unit, part of community. These are the communi- Western’s Cluster of Research Excel- ties where they lived all their lives. We lence in Musculoskeletal Health and want to be able to keep them there PAUL MAYNE The Bone and Joint Institute, brings – to live there and die there.” Health Sciences professor Marita Kloseck is thrilled to be part of a proposed $21-million retirement living together teams from many disci- It was clear to Kloseck that her lab’s plines to translate academic research passion and vision were a perfect fit project in Huron County, a facility aimed at keeping rural residents in their own community. into community action to improve for the project. the management of aging-related “The challenges in conducting issues. “Our focus is on individuals in community research is how research- working together – so everyone wins. dents to work on-site in the commu- Lunshof maintains high hopes for advanced age who are on the tipping ers parachute in and parachute out. It’s all about the people being at the nity, with different cohorts of older the project. point of losing their independence,” Very often, they would get what they forefront, their quality of life, being people, she said. There will be clinical “With our partnership with West- Kloseck said. needed and not much was given back engaged in the co-design and find- opportunities with the School of Nurs- ern, we hope to become a model and Developers of the Seaforth project to the community,” she explained. ing out why they want to stay in their ing, Occupational Therapy and Physi- a hub for successful aging-in-place for were attracted to Kloseck’s research “But it needs to be a win-win situation. community.” cal Therapy, Speech and Language other rural and remote communities,” interests, including health promotion, “Here, people truly care about There will be opportunities for stu- Pathology – all working together. she said. westernnews.ca Western News June 23, 2016 9

Research Centre celebrates two decades of seeing differently

BY CRYSTAL MACKAY

hen the Centre for Functional and Meta- bolic Mapping (CFMM) first opened its doors at Robarts Research Institute in 1996, you could stand in front of the Wbuilding and see the reflection of the hospital on one side and the university on the other. At the time, it was revolutionary – a cutting-edge magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) research facility on the doorsteps of both patient care and academics. “You need a facility with access to patients and doc- tors if you want to have clinical impact, and you need access to the academic side to answer the basic sci- ence questions,” said Ravi Menon, a Schulich Medicine & Dentistry professor and director and founder of the CFMM. “We are right in the middle of that; we are a bridge between the hospital and the university.” In 1994, Menon was recruited from the University of Minnesota to establish the high-field imaging facility at Robarts with the aim of helping answer some of the world’s most pressing medical questions. During the past two decades, clinicians and research- ers at Western and abroad have used the ultra-high field MRI to probe the anatomy, function and metabolism within the brain and body, often at very temporal and spatial resolution. The technology has been used to explore the basis of diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkin- son’s and multiple sclerosis, as well as provide a unique look into what exactly is happening inside the minds of patients in a vegetative state. In the spring of 1996, when MRI was just starting to make its mark in the field of imaging, the first MRI sys- tem was delivered to Robarts. It was a 4 Tesla (4T), and, TIMELINE at the time, was the highest magnetic field in Canada. Spring 1996 “In the early days, it was unique across the world,” said Establishment of Western’s Joe Gati, hired by Menon in 1996 as Associate Director of CFMM. “We garnered attention from a lot of other Centre for Functional and sites for not only our cutting-edge technology but the Metabolic Mapping, and the design and function of the facility. We led the way in a first 4T MRI is delivered to lot of aspects.” Robarts Research Institute. Some of the early work at CFMM involved prov- ing the viability of the technology and demonstrating September 1996 how increasing field strength could more than linearly improve image quality. One of the first publications by The official opening of the Gati and Menon demonstrated the benefits of using 4T A.M. Cuddy Wing which MRI compared to clinically available field strengths like houses CFMM. 0.5T and 1.5T. “That paper really propelled the growth of high-field scanners,” Menon said. “At the time we June 1999 were only the fourth scanner in the world at that field First major clinical finding strength – now there are more than 4,000 worldwide.” comes out of CFMM showing This spring, as CFMM celebrates its 20th anniversary, the facility continues to be on the leading edge under that the mere anticipation Menon’s direction, with a dedicated core staff of 14. In of pain can get the brain so the time he has been director, he has watched the field worked up that a person feels of ultra high-field imaging grow in unimaginable ways. pain even if they aren’t Currently inside the $35 million CFMM are Canada’s injured. only large-bore 9.4T MRI for studying animal models of disease; Canada’s first and only 7T human MRI; and the world’s first customer-delivered Siemens Prisma 3T MRI. 2005 That represents an increase in the strength of the scan- Facility undergoes first major ners by almost 100-fold since Menon began his research renovation for the addition of more than two decades ago. Canada’s only large-bore 9.4T PAUL MAYNE // WESTERN NEWS “With MRI, there is a combination of image process- scanner. Ravi Menon, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry professor and Director and Founder of the ing, and image acquisition, and engineering. It’s just Centre for Functional and Metabolic Mapping, shows off the first scan from the 4T MRI, taken of his such a growing, innovative, seemingly limitless field for former student Chris Thomas in 1996. opportunity,” he said. 2007 Part of CFMM’s mission is to advance the field of The 4T is decommissioned imaging through innovations in the technology, namely to make way for the 3T and radio frequency coils. Like the lens of a camera, tech- Canada’s first 7T human MRI and his colleagues are spending much of their time dozen or so concerned with advancing the technology nology can be built for the scanners to focus down on scanner. focusing on the functional information, exploring new and exploring exactly how it works. specific areas with more detail for different applications. imaging techniques that show exactly what those struc- “What’s next is to be able to measure the electrical “It’s absolutely amazing what we can see now,” he tures are doing. They are trying to answer questions activity in the brain directly with MRI instead of going 2014 said. “When I go to the scanner here and look at some- about blood flow, tissue viability, oxygenation, pH and through the intermediate step of looking at blood thing that we’ve built from scratch and see how it works, $7 million in upgrades to brain activity. flow,” Menon said. “To be able to do that would be it’s pretty incredible.” 3T and 7T MRIs to improve Menon says while there are thousands of labs around phenomenal.” While the structure of an organ is important, Menon software and imaging speed. the world using functional MRI, there are only a half 10 westernnews.ca Western News June 23, 2016 Words of wisdom SCENES AND ADVICE FROM THE CELEBRATION OF WESTERN’S 307TH CONVOCATION

“I don’t know any successful leader, including myself, who hasn’t had a handful of character-testing days, weeks, even months and, possibly, years. They are horrible; they are awful; they are golden. They help us know who we are, who we want to be and what is most important to us.”

CAROL STEPHENSON

“Time is a very precious gift. While building a career, “We should be and must be horrified don’t miss out on your children growing up, your parents by the brutality of what we see, growing old and the chance to see the world. It will all but we should not be terrified.” happen too quickly. Live a full and balanced life.” JANICE STEIN STEPHEN BURLEY westernnews.ca Western News June 23, 2016 11

“Networking and bridge-building is not hard work. It only requires sensitivity, an unselfish attitude and a little energy. Try it. It can make for a much more fulfilling life.”

DON MCDOUGALL

“Maintain your principles. “Your decision, your choice “It is time for optimism in Stay on the high road. Should to take the initiative and Canada provided we are neither you fall off, be pushed off or earn this degree may have complacent nor parochial.” choose to go the low road, it just changed someone’s life KEVIN LYNCH is a very tough climb back. in a very meaningful way.” Maintain your principles. NAZANIN AFSHIN-JAM MACKAY Maintain your values. Do not be tempted to seek shortcuts.”

DAVID HOWMAN 12 westernnews.ca Western News June 23, 2016 2016 Discovering parting words from the past

osephine (Ferguson) Timmerman, BA’84, “Tonight we break the bonds that have united recently uncovered the handwritten us for the past years. We have breathed the valedictorian speech her great- same atmosphere, striven manfully in the grandfather Dr. Robert Ferguson, ranks, thought the same thoughts, gone in JMD 1890, delivered to his graduating and out together, shared one another’s medical school class more than 125 laughter and on another’s burdens – years ago. but here our paths diverge. … What- Born July 5, 1855, Dr. Robert Fer- ever the future may have in store for guson was the son of Alexander us, let us act our part consistently and Elizabeth McLachlen Fergu- with the dignity and honour of son. He attended Owen Sound our profession, as well as the High School and Queen’s Uni- claims of common humanity.” versity. He trained as a Pres- To read the full text, visit byterian minister, but found alumni.westernu.ca/alumni- that type of work was not his gazette/. calling. He began teaching Timmerman’s roots run in Owen Sound, Woodstock deep at Western. Along with and, later, London, where her paternal great-grand- he began taking courses in father, both her father, Dr. medicine. He graduated with Robert Ferguson, MD’31, an MD from Western in 1890. and paternal grandfather, In 1896, he joined West- Dr. John Irwin Ferguson, MD ern’s Department of Thera- 1900, graduated from the uni- peutics. He completed post- versity’s medical school. graduate work at Western On her mother’s side, her Reserve University and New great-grandfather, the Rev. York Postgraduate School and J.W.P. Smith, served as Canon returned to Western to focus of St. Paul’s Cathedral in Lon- his instruction in gynecology and don and Chaplain to Bishop Isaac obstetrics. In 1920, he was pro- Hellmuth. In the early 1870s, Smith moted to Professor of Obstetrics and assisted Hellmuth in raising money Gynecology. He died in 1927. for a new university and even gave The eloquent, hand-written speech $500 personally to the fund. SPECIAL TO WESTERN NEWS is a tribute to the soaring oration of the When Western opened its doors in 1878, The handwritten valedictorian speech of Dr. Robert era. It is in near-perfect condition thanks Smith became Secretary of the Senate and Ferguson, MD 1890, left, delivered to his graduating to generations of family care. The 35-year-old Registrar. He was Bursar of Huron College from Ferguson wrote, in part: 1894 until his death in 1914. medical school class more than 125 years ago.

Written submissions invited regarding the Faculty of Arts and Humanities

On behalf of the Senate-appointed Decanal Selection Committee for the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, Provost & Vice-President (Academic) Janice Deakin invites members of the campus community to submit written comments on the present state and future prospects of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities.

These submissions will inform the work of the Decanal Committee as it undertakes its mandate to review the Dean of Arts and Humanities, the timing for which is now appropriate as Michael Milde will conclude his first five-year term appointment as Dean on June 30, 2017. Written comments should focus on matters relating to the strengths, opportunities and challenges facing the Faculty.

Submissions received by Friday, September 16, 2016, will be reviewed and shared, in confidence, with Arts and Humanities Decanal Committee members and two External Reviewers who will be visiting campus to conduct a review of the Faculty on September 20 & 21. Please forward hard copy submissions in envelopes marked “Confidential” to:

Janice Deakin, Provost & Vice-President (Academic), Chair of the Arts and Humanities Decanal Committee, Suite 2107, Stevenson Hall

Submissions may also be emailed by September 16 in confidence to: [email protected] westernnews.ca Western News June 23, 2016 13

On Campus Craig to shout Huron story from the rooftops

BY JASON WINDERS a university president, he enrolled in the Foun- dation Year Program at Kings College. A few months in, his moment arrived during a lecture arry Craig looks for the same moment on Plato’s Republic. in others that was once sparked in him. “For the first time, at the age of 18, I realized “Nothing is more exciting than seeing there was a difference between having an opin- that moment when an 18- or 19-year-old ion and knowing something is true,” Craig said. Bundergraduate student – you know the one who “That was the lightbulb moment for me.” cruised through high school trying to get marks, Today, he is a passionate defender of liberal but not being enflamed or impassioned about arts education. He speaks with confidence about anything – that moment when their head explodes the discipline’s role in a thriving democracy and and they say, ‘This is incredible what you are talking functioning society. He also preaches the gospel about,’” Craig said. “That moment, that was the of the Canadian postsecondary system. bait that lured me back into academia.” Craig knows the names: Wellesley. Barnard. On July 1, Craig starts as principal of Swarthmore. These American institutions offer Huron University College. He follows Stephen a liberal arts education in a small setting, within McClatchie, who served as principal since 2011, intimate classrooms, taught by full professors to the leadership post of the Western affiliate. who are experts in their field, all contained within A native of Woodstock, Craig holds a PhD a cozy community where you are known by name from the University of Wales, an MA from Dal- and not number. The only thing not small about housie University and a BA from the University the experience is the price tag. of Kings College. A member of the Philosophy “The funny secret about Canada is, we have a Department at St. Thomas University since 2000, couple dozen institutions that offer that experi- SPECIAL TO WESTERN NEWS he has served as that institution’s Vice-President ence – not solely for the children of the elite, not Barry Craig starts his job as principal of Huron University College on July 1. Craig follows (Academic and Research) since 2010. solely for those who can afford a quarter-million Stephen McClatchie, who served as Huron principal since 2011. Craig is on his “second career” – having dollar undergraduate education, but virtually spent time in the Anglican Church before join- anyone has access to it,” Craig said. ing academia full time. That “moment” in young “Somehow, strangely, we have not recognized “‘Come to Canada. Have all the experience of a stressed, as St. Thomas and its 2,300-person stu- students still resonates because, not long ago, it the value of these institutions in Canada. We small, elite liberal arts school and be next door dent body, produced three Rhodes Scholars in five happened to him. think a St. FX (Francis Xavier University) or Aca- to a place like Western where you have all the years. He looks to build on an already successful “I was completely lost, totally hopeless. dia are ‘sort of like a Dalhousie’ or ‘sort of like a advantages of a massive research institution – Huron by tweaking the current academic pro- Woodstock High School graduated me just to Western’ except they didn’t grow up. Well, no, and all at an accessible price.’ gramming offerings aligned to what the institution get me off the property,” he laughed. “I had no they have a different mission.” “I don’t know why Ontario doesn’t shout from already does well yet will still differentiate them plan for my life whatsoever.” Ontario, he further contends, is even smarter. the rooftops that we have this remarkable model from every other school in the country. As the summer after graduation faded, Craig They take these smaller institutions and affiliate of undergraduate education unlike anywhere “We don’t need to apologize for being small,” had yet to apply for university. In August 1978, them with larger universities. else in the world. It is pretty exciting.” Craig said. “We don’t need to say we are a little he thumbed a ride to Halifax and, thanks to the “When recruiting, here’s what I can tell stu- At Huron, the university’s founding institution, junior version of a university. We are intentionally encouragement of a friend and the blind faith of dents from around the world,” he explained. Craig eyes a bold future. Size is no excuse, he this size.” 14 westernnews.ca Western News June 23, 2016

Giving Fund allows students to confront global challenges BY SONIA PRESZCATOR

To boldly know

atthew Cross understands the challenges of exploration in hostile environments. Nearing completion of his PhD in Engi- neering, Cross used his $2,000 Global OpportunitiesM Award to travel to Arizona and Utah to participate in the Planetary Surface Processes Field School. “This school, which is the brainchild of Western professor Gordon ‘Oz’ Osinski, brings students and researchers in planetary science, engineering and geol- ogy together to collaborate and learn from each other in one of the most diverse geological areas on Earth,” Cross said. Cross is developing techniques to use existing scien- tific instruments onboard mobile robots for predicting rough terrain conditions. If a mobile robot can suc- cessfully self-pilot in rough terrain, the payback will be increased science data sent back to Earth. Current terrain-sensing and path-planning approaches can avoid rocks and steep slopes, but are unable to avoid lesser-seeming, but still tricky, hazards like loose sand that can bog down a rover. It was the opportunities offered by the field school – in theory and practice – that made the experience so valuable to researchers like Cross. “Before we even set foot on the ground to explore the terrain, we were given remote-sensing data, such as multi-spectral images, like the ones a satellite could take while orbiting a planet. The group then had to try to describe the physical feature we were looking at. It was a real eye-opener to realize what we think we see is not what’s actually there. What we might think is a series of slopes, might turn out to be a dry creek bed once we’re SPECIAL TO WESTERN NEWS actually hiking through the area.” Cross is thankful to donors for the Global Opportuni- ties Award that enabled him to train side-by-side with my fellow students were from different countries and geologists, planetary scientists and other engineers. disciplines. It will take teams with different perspectives “The challenges of designing an autonomous vehi- and strengths to mitigate the negative consequences cle, especially one designed for a rugged, largely and position the broad trajectory of communities and unpredictable terrain, demanded a team approach. As societies in more positive and healthier directions,” she an engineer, when you get to work with explorers who continued. would be using your technology, you get their perspec- Farias is grateful for her research field school experi- tives on the problem as well as get a better idea of what ence, made possible through her $2,000 Global Oppor- the needs are,” Cross said. tunities Award. After the successful completion of his doctorate at “Through this generous award, I was able to harness Western, Cross hopes to return to the European Space the power of 13 other individuals to explore how Gua- Agency where he worked as project coordinator for two temalans view migration and what they think should years for the European Student Moon Orbiter. be done to address it. I have laid the foundation for a “Space exploration creates an atmosphere of initia- research network that will serve me well,” she said. “My tive; the technological payback is very valuable. My hope is to help occupational therapists and other practi- research could, in the future, be adapted for self-driving tioners move beyond traditional frameworks of research SPECIAL TO WESTERN NEWS vehicles, not like Google cars that drive on smooth and practice to address issues of health inequity outside highways, but rugged, off-road vehicles that can be the mainstream health system. By exploring how space His Global Opportunities Award allowed him to used in agriculture or even natural and man-made for these initiatives can be carved out in conjunction with design his own summer research project – to test the disaster relief.” communities that experience varying types of inequities, compatibility of his software with a wearable device we can begin to take action against social exclusion and developed by a team at the University in Twente in The • • • injustice.” Netherlands. The device is an upper-body, wearable As a result of her work while in Guatemala, Farias robotic arm for boys and young men suffering from Vera collaborated on a number of academic and non- Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a disease that results in academic presentations, including one with an Ameri- muscle degeneration and premature death. The arm is a Action from education can classmate, a PhD candidate in anthropology, on a discreet, body-connected support aid that can support chapter outlining Guatemala’s challenges to maternal independent operation of the arm during daily activities. When Lisette Farias Farias Vera used her Global health among indigenous women. “My work is at the intersection of electrical and bio- Opportunities Award to study the root causes of child “I’ve been given the gift of real-world experience and GLOBAL OPPORTUNITY medical engineering. I’ve cre- migration, she knew it would change her perspective. the chance to understand at a fundamental level, how The Global Opportunities ated the software architecture During the summer of 2015, Farias Vera, a Health and my work as a researcher and health professional can Awards are $1,000 for a wearable mechatronic Rehabilitation Sciences PhD student, spent a month be the catalyst for creating better societies,” she said. scholarships for international elbow brace for rehabilitation. with a local family in a research field school in Antigua, “When donors give students these opportunities, we go learning provided through Right now, there isn’t a stan- Guatemala, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. out into the world with our skills and passions to make donations matched by dard embedded operating “Although I grew up in Chile, it was a shock to com- it a better place.” system for wearable robotic funding from Western. A prehend how the lack of access to adequate housing, devices. My software is modu- health services and even basic staples, such as nutritious • • • number of donor-sponsored lar and that gives it great flex- food and clean water, could create such significant awards valued at $2,000 DESPLENTER ibility; you can pick and choose obstacles for the rural and indigenous families who are also available. These what works. My system has the attempt to live off their land that they feel forced to Charting his own course scholarships enable more potential to help eliminate the need to design a new migrate in search of other alternatives for supporting Western students to embedded system for every research project in this their families. Families are forced to make what, for us, participate in exchanges, field,” Desplenter said. are extreme survival decisions” Farias Vera said. Currently completing his PhD in Engineering, Tyler While in The Netherlands, Desplenter conducted She acknowledged the structural and systemic issues Desplenter works in an area once considered science study abroad programs, remote experiments with his elbow brace, located in affecting Guatemala – poverty, violence, inequity, lack fiction – wearable robotics. These devices give reha- international field courses, his lab at Western. of access to basic services – are “wicked problems” that bilitation professionals more tools and strategies to summer programs, “I’m thankful for this opportunity. Successful col- seem impossible to solve. help patients by bringing exoskeletons from the movie international service learning, laboration is key to developing new support aids that “What drew me to this particular field school was screens into real life. field research and more. can improve the quality of life for people,” he said. westernnews.ca Western News June 23, 2016 15 Professor offers a sentence to the letter

BY DOUGLAS KEDDY Read ABCs were a moral text,” de Looze A said, adding that the alphabet has ALL OVER . b s conditioned how Western culture o w is journey began with a views its reality. Dating back to the o e Social Sciences and Ancient Greeks, for example, it has k N su rn Humanities Research not only been tied to religion, it has pp ste Council-funded project been representative of it. leme We examiningH cultures that didn’t use The Letter & The Cosmos weaves nt to alphabets. The resulting book was the through Ancient Greece and the exact opposite. Roman Empire, and on into the Mid- Modern Languages and Literatures dle Ages, in which the alphabet was professor Laurence de Looze had viewed as the embodiment of God been seduced by the letters. and all his creation. Christ’s claim he is They had, quite naturally, been the “Alpha and Omega” – which are there all along but, much like breath- the first and last letters in the Greek ing, tend to be overlooked despite alphabet – in the Book of Revelation, their ubiquity in our daily lives. de for example, is interpreted as an impli- Looze set out to restore some of their cation He is both the alphabet and meaning. everything that has ever been created “Every culture is really attached from it – not just the Bible, but also the to its orthography (the conventions whole of the Cosmos. for writing that include spelling and The alphabet was also seen as anal- punctuation),” de Looze said. “It’s ogous to numerical relationships of the ingrained in our culture.” Cosmos, and vice-versa, providing an SPECIAL TO WESTERN NEWS In The Letter & The Cosmos, pub- interesting tension between science In The Letter & The Cosmos, published by University of Toronto Press in July, Modern Languages and lished by the University of Toronto and religion. The Greeks and Romans Literatures professor Laurence de Looze examines how the alphabet has, for thousands of years, shaped Press in July, de Looze examines how expanded this relationship between the Western view of the world. the alphabet has, for thousands of the alphabet and numbers by creating years, shaped the Western view of the their numerals from letters. world. “Were people just excited to During the Middle Ages, too, each before reciting it.” “A Westerner’s view of the world over the world culturally and alpha- be able to write shopping lists, or to letter was imbued with its own inher- By the Renaissance, however, is conditioned by the alphabet at a betically, de Looze said. write down the great epics?” he asked ent meanings, and often delicately society’s view of the alphabet had very young age – it’s part of our social- “It’s kind of a melting pot,” he with a chuckle. “Was the alphabet a illustrated to tell a moral story read- become secularized and letters were ization,” de Looze said, pointing to added, as culture is transferred to game-changer or simply a utilitarian ers needed to decode. This allowed compared to the human form – par- the presence of illustrated letters ring- new societies through language they, tool?” illiterate members of society to find ticularly Leonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian ing nearly every first-grade classroom. in turn, influence ours. The book deals primarily with the salvation even when they were unable Man. While our writing has taken on new From every corner, these random rise of the Roman alphabet as a global to read the Bible. As examples, the As societies entered the 19th forms with the advent of digital tech- characters continue to shape how monolith that continues to expand letter ‘T’ was understood to represent and 20th centuries, letters began to nologies, the zeros and ones of binary we think about, and convey, nearly its influence today. “Romans held the cross upon which Christ was cruci- steadily lose their individual meanings code fired off into the ether are still rem- everything. more lands through language than fied; the letter ‘Y’ was understood altogether. We began to focus on iniscent of the ties between numbers “The alphabet is a consistent lens through arms – and they rose and fell to represent a fork in the road – the words, not letters. “These days, let- and letters identified by the Ancient through which we view the world,” together,” de Looze said, reiterating choice between good and evil. ters seem to be more seen as sources Greeks thousands of years ago. de Looze concludes. “It’s amazing a point originally made by Geoffroy Even the act of reciting the alphabet of content to be consumed without If anything, we’re using the alpha- a set of 22-26 arbitrary symbols can Tory in his 1529 book, Champ Fleury. took on religious overtones, de Looze their individual meanings,” de Looze bet more than ever, even if we don’t express anything you ever want to Since the Phoenicians 3,000 years said. “The alphabet was referred to as added. take the time to think about it. In fact, express.” ago, the alphabet has meant far more ‘La Croix de Dieu,’ or ‘God’s Cross,’ Just don’t expect our reliance on with the dominant spread of lan- than its simple shapes belie. “The and children would cross themselves the alphabet to end anytime soon. guage, the United States has taken

Reviews

BY KANE FAUCHER

Female Piety and the American history as merely a kind of by a common cause to confront the harsh religious intolerance. hushed topic of venereal disease in a Invention of American Traister explores several notable time of staunch conservative values, Puritanism figures such as Anne Hutchinson and and in a setting where women’s roles Bryce Traister, English and Writing Mary Rowlandson, and how they wres- were heavily prescribed. Clara and tled with the sometimes contradictory Lily, in their own ways, challenge those Studies Chair nature of personal piety and commu- prescribed roles by showing fierce The origin of what we call Ameri- nal faith. This is a compelling read that independence. Johnston employs a can Puritanism scarcely elicits much addresses a major historical lacuna, somewhat staccato approach to nar- debate when there appears to be but one that maps exquisitely on the rative through rapid switching and a consensus in what this term refers current political discourse between portrays the empirical messiness of to, at least in political circles and in the antipodean ideals of puritanism life in the many segues and threads a somewhat leavened and myth- and secularism, and how understand- that do not neatly tie up in the end. inflected chapters in standard his- ing the origin of female piety in New It is, by far, a highly ambitious work tory textbooks. However, it is much England exposes many of the gen- that might have prospered with more to Traister’s credit that he reopens the eralizations and assumptions made attention to some of the very heavy discussion by tracing the genealogy of today. topics involved, possibly in a serialized puritanism back to its roots, and with form. From a historical fiction per- the particular lens of focusing on the spective, Johnston has a strong and role of female piety which – against Matrons and Madams masterful sense of the period. From many misconceptions – was founda- Sharon Johnston, BSc'79 the mental and physical challenges tional rather than something subordi- of returning soldiers, sexual abuse, nate or unimportant in the develop- how the instrumental role more radi- A powerful story of loss and However, Clara and Lily could not controversy, death and a challenging ment of, and challenge to, American cal forms of female piety and polemic empowerment, we are introduced be more on the antipodes, at least of the mores of the day, this novel is Puritanism. It is perhaps the secular- shaped the current discourse. It is, in to two women who, after the Great superficially, as Clara is the superin- quite sure to deliver. ization bias in historical studies that fact, a gross generalization to look War, find themselves on their respec- tendent of a hospital and Lily runs a elects to remain quiet or dismissive on back at this formative period of early tive paths of tragedy in Lethbridge. brothel. Their lives become entwined 16 westernnews.ca Western News June 23, 2016

Read Debut novel no longer a ‘secret’ for alumna ALL OVER

BY CRYSTAL LAMB has been pretty great so far.” Her experiences dealing with criti- Despite what some might consider cism as a model also served her well controversial subject matter, Flynn in handling the rejections she faced or a long time, Laurie Eliza- believes the key messages in the story navigating the publishing process, beth Flynn told very few peo- are important, especially for people said Flynn, who wrote two novels prior ple what she spent her morn- in high school: don’t judge others to Firsts that were never released. ings, evenings and weekends because you don’t always know their “You need to have thick skin. There doing.F stories, and don’t let others make were many times that were sad and “I was a secret writer,” she said with decisions for you about what you do heartbreaking when I wanted to a laugh. “I didn’t think it was practical with your body. give up. I wondered, ‘Why am I put- or a life path I could actually choose. “My favourite thing as an author ting myself through this?’ But, even I didn’t know what people would say is having teenagers who’ve read the though there were a lot of lows during and I didn’t want anyone to quash book tell me it’s had an impact on the process, I’m relieved about how my passion for it. Then, once I got them. I’ve had a lot of readers reach things turned out. Those earlier books my book deal, I just announced, ‘So, out to me to say the book helped weren’t ready and weren’t good I wrote a book and it’s getting pub- them realize something about them- enough. Sometimes, when you’re in lished.’” selves or made them feel better about the situation you want things to work Her debut novel, Firsts, released a real-life situation. It can be scary to out one way, but when you look back in January, has been described by know your book is out there in the on it, it’s really better they turned out reviewers as “brave,” “gutsy” and world. But it’s awesome to know your the way they did.” “powerful.” Geared to a young-adult book is out there and it might be The whole experience – from find- audience, Firsts tells the story of helping people feel less alone. That’s ing an agent to seeing her first book 17-year-old Mercedes Ayres, who is amazing.” for sale in a bookstore – has all been trying to cope with a past traumatic Seeing her first novel published surreal, said Flynn, who also works incident in her life by offering secret has been many years in the making, full-time in communications for TD sex lessons to male classmates who despite a number of years in which Canada Trust. She has a few projects promise to use what they learn from she didn’t really take her writing seri- in the works she’s focused on and has her to give their girlfriends the perfect ously, Flynn said. “I remember being SPECIAL TO WESTERN NEWS no plans to slow down any time soon. ‘first time’ experience she didn’t have back in Grade Four and writing little Laurie Elizabeth Flynn’s debut novel, Firsts, released in January, has “I want to keep writing and keep herself. stories. When the other kids were been described by reviewers as “brave,” “gutsy” and “powerful.” putting books out there,” she said. “I “I wrote a heroine not everyone bored I would keep writing page after feel very lucky I get to do this because is going to like,” Flynn said. “Some page,” she said. “My teacher was so it’s something I love – even on those people are even going to hate her. I supportive and enthusiastic. I actually English Language & Literature from school. It helped my writing, gave trying days. Sometimes I can’t believe remember a few times thinking maybe thanked her in my acknowledgments Western in 2010, the London, Ont., me some great life experiences and I get to do this. My dream hasn’t I should have written something a little for Firsts. Her encouragement really native tried modeling and then jour- led me to admit to myself that I really changed really. Now, it’s just to keep tamer, but I’m proud of it and I’m meant a lot to me.” nalism school at Sheridan College, wanted to write fiction. Now, I get to doing it. When I don’t write for few happy with how it turned out. The She has always felt writing was “like where she quickly discovered news do what I love. I think everything hap- days now, I’m grumpy. I need to write doubts went away once I saw people a second pulse,” but wasn’t always writing was not for her. pens for a reason. This all happened to be happy.” felt as passionately about the story as sure where it would lead her. After “I don’t have any regrets,” she said. the way it was supposed to and I’m I did. For the most part, the feedback graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in “I learned a lot by going to journalism grateful.”

Written submissions invited regarding Western International

On behalf of the Senate-appointed Selection Committee for the Vice-Provost & Associate Vice-President (International), Provost & Vice-President (Academic) Janice Deakin invites members of the campus community to submit written comments on the present state and future prospects of the Western International portfolio.

These submissions will inform the work of the Selection Committee as it undertakes its mandate to review the portfolio, the timing for which is now appropriate as Julie McMullin will conclude her first five-year term appointment as Vice-Provost & Associate Vice-President on May 30, 2017. Written comments should focus on matters relating to the strengths, opportunities and challenges facing the portfolio.

Submissions received by Friday, September 30, 2016, will be reviewed and shared, in confidence, with Western International Selection Committee members and External Reviewers who will be visiting campus to conduct a review of the portfolio in October. Please forward hard copy submissions in envelopes marked “Confidential” to:

Janice Deakin, Provost & Vice-President (Academic), Chair of the Western International Selection Committee, Suite 2107, Stevenson Hall

Submissions may also be emailed by September 30 in confidence to: [email protected] westernnews.ca Western News June 23, 2016 17

Steve Alb Instructor, Business Strategy Director, Western Retail Services

As an eligible employee at Western, you are provided with an educational assistance plan to pursue professional development. 18 westernnews.ca Western News June 23, 2016

Campus Digest

NEWS AND NOTES Western celebrates Yeung during Hong Kong Convocation

Mental-health strategist added to university team

Western has hired a mental-health strategist to work with the Student Mental Health and Wellness Advisory Committee, as well as other partners supporting mental health and wellbe- ing across campus. Debbie Chiodo, who holds a Masters in Psychology and a Master of Educa- tion in Counselling Psychology from Western, joined Student Experience last month. She is currently completing her PhD in Educational Psychology. Supported by donor Heidi Balsil- lie and the Fairmont Foundation, Chiodo’s position will be part-time over the next year as she develops a mental-health strategy plan. She has been a senior research associate at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and a lecturer for the Faculty of Education for Research Methods in Counseling Psychology. “Her knowledge, education and research expertise will serve her well as our mental-health strategist,” said Jana Luker, Associate Vice-President (Student Experience). “She has an extensive background in mental health and education research and has published several papers.”

Koval earns Distinguished Service Award Recognized as a prolific scholar in urban, global and China studies, Western alumnus Yue-man Yeung, right, received an honorary degree, Doctor of Laws, honoris causa (LLD), from Western Chancellor Jack Cowin, middle, and Western President Amit Chakma, left, during the university’s Mathematics professor John Koval, Hong Kong Convocation on May 29. Yeung is an emeritus professor of Geography, and former director of the Hong Kong Institute of Asia- King’s University College, was named Pacific Studies, head of Shaw College and university registrar of the Chinese University of Hong Kong. He worked almost a decade for Canada’s among seven outstanding statisticians honoured at the 44th Annual Meeting International Development Research Centre in Singapore and Ottawa. of the Statistician Society of Canada (SSC). Koval received the 2016 Dis- Please review, or contact the faculty, the rank of assistant professor effective Schulich School of Medicine tinguished Service Award, an honour pher Alcantara and Robarts Research scientist John Ronald have been school or department directly. Sept. 1 or as soon as possible thereafter. & Dentistry celebrating his “important and sub- Chair in the Department named among the 2016 Petro Canada Full-Time Academic Appointments Faculty of Health Sciences stantial role in fostering the growth of Physiology and Pharmacology Young Innovator Awards. The pro- School of Communication and success of the Canadian statistical Ivey Business School sciences community.” gram provides two awards to new Sciences and Disorders The Schulich School of Medicine & researchers at Western ($12,000) and Faculty position in Corporate Dentistry is inviting applications for the Clinical lecturer/Supervisor in Speech- Sustainability position of chair in the Department His nominator wrote, “To John Koval Robarts ($6,000) to recognize, pro- Language Pathology for exemplary service as treasurer of mote and support particularly inno- Seeks candidates for a probationary of Physiology and Pharmacology. The the SSC and of the Biostatistics sec- vative work that impacts positively (tenure-track) appointment at the rank Invites applications for a limited-term position of chair is for a five-year term, tion over more than a decade; for his on the learning environment in their of assistant professor or associate pro- faculty position for up to three years as normally renewable once. Applications efforts to ensure that the SSC has suffi- department, and has the potential to fessor or a tenured appointment, at the a clinical lecturer/supervisor in Speech- will be accepted until the position is cient funds as reserves while investing rank of associate professor or professor Language Pathology. Academic rank filled. Review of applicants will begin be of significance to society at large. and salary will be commensurate with after Oct. 30. wisely in new activities; for his endless with research interests consistent with Alcantara examines the roots of col- the areas of Corporate Sustainability or the applicant’s qualifications. The antici- attention to the active participation pated start date of the appointment is of students in SSC activities, notably lective action and intergovernmen- Responsibility. A limited-term appoint- ment may also be considered; rank to Sept. 1. The closing date for receipt of through the Student Travel Awards.” tal cooperation in Canada, especially between Indigenous communities and be determined by qualifications and applications is July 22. Fusion Sushi, the other three levels of government. experience. The position is available to Faculty of Health Sciences Ronald, a Medical Biophysics profes- begin in July 2017, although alternate School of Health Studies and now Rylett tapped as College of sor, is focused on developing novel start dates may be arranged. A prelimi- Reviewers Chair nary review of applicants will commence Probationary (tenure-track) appoint- featuring gene-based tools for various biomedi- on July 15, for informal meetings at ment at the rank of assistant professor cal applications such as cell tracking disciplinary conferences. Please indicate fresh Physiology and Pharmacology pro- and cancer detection/treatment. Invites applications from exceptional, the meeting and dates in your cover early-career investigators for a proba- fessor Dr. Jane Rylett was recently letter so a preliminary meeting can be tionary (tenure-track) appointment at Osysters & named among 15 College of Review- arranged if possible and appropriate. A the rank of assistant professor. The Izakaya Bar. ers Chairs by the Canadian Institutes Student Biz project honoured full review of applicants will take place position will commence on Oct. 1 or as of Health Research (CIHR). after Sept. 30 for campus interviews. negotiated. Salary commensurate with Visit our newly renovated Selected from among more than 100 A joint Western Retail Services and Faculty of Engineering qualifications and experience. Deadline for applications is July 22. second level that offers candidates across Canada, these Propel project, Supporting Student Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Japanese night life in chairs will oversee strategies aimed at Businesses: Building trust and rela- Download our free Ozen attracting and retaining outstanding tionships with student entrepreneurs, Applications are invited for a probation- Downtown London. app for Android & iPhone. peer reviewers. They will also ensure recently earned second prize in the ary (tenure-track) appointment in the that the necessary frameworks are in Open Category of the 2016 Cana- area of Software Engineering in the place to provide peer reviewers with dian Association of University Busi- Department of Electrical and Computer the relevant learning, mentoring and ness Officers Quality and Productivity Engineering, Western Engineering at support required to deliver fair and Awards Program. the rank of assistant professor effective Sept. 1 or as soon as possible thereafter. quality reviews. The appointments will be effective July 1. Faculty of Engineering Department of Electrical CAREERS and Computer Engineering 607 Richmond Street Alcantara, Ronald named Applications are invited for a probation- A central website displays advertise- ary (tenure-track) appointment in the (at Central) dine in & take out Young Innovators ments for all vacant academic positions. area of Electrical Engineering in the The following positions are among Department of Electrical and Computer 710 Adelaide Street N., just south of Oxford St. 519.642.2558 those advertised at uwo.ca/facultyrela- Engineering, Western Engineering at Political Science professor Christo- tions/faculty/academic_positions.html westernnews.ca Western News June 23, 2016 19

Research Professor is a driving force for safety

BY PAUL MAYNE

erhaps there is nobody bet- ter to take the wheel of this particular research project than Health Sciences pro- Pfessor Sherrilene Classen. “This is the sort of work that makes me jump out of bed in the morning because I know we can prevent another death or severe injury,” said the Director of West- ern’s School of Occupational Ther- apy. “I grew up in South Africa and so, for me, this is like giving back to my country in such a cool way. It brings meaning and purpose to a greater level of significance for me. It’s about capacity building; it’s about recognizing the need; it’s about putting the supports in place to eventually make a difference.” Classen has explored driving safety for more than a decade in the United States and Canada. Through a battery of clinical tests she devel- oped, the Carnegie African Dias- pora Fellow is able to determine people’s fitness to drive through working memory. “Our whole objective is to keep people on the road as long and as safe as possible,” she said. “There is a convincing body of knowledge PAUL MAYNE // WESTERN NEWS showing if folks need to stop driving, Sherrilene Classen, Health Sciences professor and Director of Western’s School of Occupational Therapy, shows off one of the many scenarios or can’t continue to drive, that it’s on a driving simulator used in her research. Classen is working with Stellenbosh University in South Africa to explore the astronomical number associated with depression, isola- of motor vehicle fatalities that plague the country. tion and a reduction in the quality of life.” Now, Classen is partnering with they have no idea what the driver “We got all the people in the coming to Western three years ago. come back to civilian life, they may Stellenbosh University in South needs to do in terms of breaking room who needed to be there. We She is running a randomized control still have that mentality – but it’s a Africa to combat the astronomical response.” ID’d the needs and are trying to see study for the U.S. Department of different situation. number of motor vehicle fatalities With graduate students from Stel- what the country needs. People are Defence looking at effective driving “In a war zone you are taught plaguing that country. A mixture of lenbosh, Classen looks to create dying and we can make a differ- interventions for returning combat ‘don’t stop.’ There is not desensiti- behavioural factors – from drinking a five-year strategic plan for their ence,” Classen stressed. veterans. zation from that. They go through and driving to not wearing seat belts university to move forward with She has been asked by the World “We are teaching people self- training to be able to realize what a to simple speeding – and mechani- her work. Earlier this year, in South Federation of Occupational Thera- management strategies to real- combat situation is and to illicit that cal shortcomings account for more Africa, Classen hosted a driving col- pists to lead an international effort ize they are getting anxious,” said battlefield mindset, to evoke the than 13,000 road fatalities each year. loquium that included occupational on writing a position paper outlining Classen, adding everyday noises alpha male ego that needs to pro- “People feel they can take any- therapists, scientists, neuropsychol- the organziation’s stance on driving such as helicopters or motorcycles tect and defend and do whatever is thing with four wheels and an ogists, psychiatrists, members of and community mobility. backfiring can trigger battlefield necessary to stay alive. Our job is to engine and drive on the road,” South Africa’s Department of Trans- Classen also has an ongoing driving behaviours. “It was stuff they reverse that.” Classen said. “A lot of pedestrians portation, medical doctors and per- research project at the University of needed to do in the war zone to have never even been in a car. So sons with disabilities. Florida, where she worked prior to survive and stay alive. But when they

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Until next year

PAUL MAYNE // WESTERN NEWS As Convocation concludes, the print edition of Western News heads into its summer hiatus with this issue. We thank all our readers and advertisers who have supported us – once again – this academic year. Be sure to check westernnews.ca throughout the summer for your newspaper of record. Your print edition returns weekly for its 44th year on Sept. 8.

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