view . summer 2008
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Dear Reader,
ALAN WILDEMAN
President, University of Windsor
It is with pride that I write my first letter as President of the University of Windsor to you – its
valued alumni and friends. This University has a distinctive legacy and unique potential among
universities in Ontario and beyond. UWindsor graduates are making a difference in all walks of
life. It is fortuitous for me that this issue of
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was already in preparation when I began a few
weeks ago. It has helped me to learn more about the University we now share.
In my early days at UWindsor the question I am most frequently asked is what I plan to do
as president. I must of course concern myself with the quality of the University’s teaching and
research programs, the experience our students have on campus, the day-to-day operations,
fundraising, external relations and more. The good news is that in all of those areas there are
dedicated faculty, staff, administrative teams, alumni and volunteers who do what needs to get
done to make the campus vibrant. They are the heart and soul behind the creative experience
we want our students to have. But the simplest answer to the question is that my goal is to help
ensure that all alumni – present and future – have a lifetime of pride in their university.
When I was growing up in Saskatchewan, I was told that if you put your ear to the railroad
tracks you can hear a train coming before you can see it. Our world is changing rapidly, with
global shifts in the environment, demographics, commerce, technology, and the arts. UWindsor
faculty and staff have interests and expertise that span all of the disciplines critical in this
changing world, and are engaged in research and teaching that help all of us prepare for the
future. They allow UWindsor to be a place where, metaphorically, our students can put their
ears to the tracks.
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gives us a glimpse of some of these people, and of alumni whose lives
contribute to the greater UWindsor story.
I want to close with a word of appreciation for Dr. Ross Paul. Many of you know him
personally and understand the tireless commitment he brought to UWindsor during his time as
president. In handing over the pen for me to be the one who now writes to you, he also shared
with me his continuing, unwavering passion to see your university excel.
Goals and aspirations
