view . fall 2012
3
dear
viewer
Alan wildeman
President and Vice-Chancellor
When you enter the Ed Lumley Centre for Engineering Innovation (CEI), you will not only
walk into an architectural marvel, you will literally step into the future.
September 17 will mark the culmination of a five-year journey when we open the doors to
the CEI and usher in a new era of learning and discovery at the University of Windsor.
That day, 1,221 engineering students will join more than 100 faculty and staff, and embark
upon an experience that touches every goal in the University of Windsor’s strategic plan.
The CEI is the direct result of the University’s commitment to: an exceptional student
experience; strengthening research and graduate education; supporting our faculty and staff;
and partnering with the region to build our community on a global scale. From day one, the
CEI was designed to become a regional address for innovation, and to elevate UWindsor’s
teaching and learning experience to a level of technical sophistication that rivals any other
post-secondary institution in Canada.
Whenever I toured the facility over the summer as the project neared completion, what
impressed me the most is the way the design provides stunning examples of engineering
for functionality and aesthetic quality. There is a spaciousness that is truly inspiring, with
classrooms and laboratories that incorporate technology, lighting and design to facilitate
learning and innovation.
The inspirational vision for CEI is felt strongly across our campus, the region, and beyond.
Corporate and individual donors and sponsors are demonstrating this with their engagement
and their generosity. And the fundraising campaign continues; there are many opportunities
to become a part of UWindsor’s innovative future before the official grand opening, which is
scheduled for March of next year.
This facility would also not be possible without the dedication and expertise of dozens of
our faculty and staff who have worked tirelessly these past seven years to help turn a vision
into reality. In addition, students have played key roles in helping us ensure that the building
will work for them.
In this issue of
VIEW,
we’re pleased to introduce you to this incredible facility and to the
people who will be teaching, learning and discovering within its spaces. We also celebrate our
donors whose contributions are enabling UWindsor to fulfill its goals and enrich the lives of
students. We are fortunate to benefit from dedicated alumni, parents, and friends who share in
our vision and, through their support, have joined our efforts to prepare our students and our
campus for the future.
The Ed Lumley Centre for Engineering Innovation is a major piece of the larger campus
transformation plan that is preparing UWindsor for the next 50 years. All of the projects now
in planning—including our downtown campus for music, visual art, film and social work—are
designed to build upon our commitment to our students, our community, and the needs of a
changing world. I look forward to sharing our progress with you in the months to come.
Dr. Alan Wildeman
