The Retirees' Newsletter

The Retirees's Association ( Faculty, Librarian, Administrator), University of Windsor, Windsor, Ont. Canada

Vol X , No. 2, April 2000

.WINDSOR IN DRIVER'S SEAT

AS CANADIAN UNIVERSITIES FORM AUTO NETWORK OF CENTRES OF EXCELLENCE

The University of Windsor is part of a national steering group developing a new Network of Centres of Excellence for the Automotive Industry, says Windsor's Associate Vice-President, Research, Attahiru Alfa.

Research relating to the automotive sector was one of four new Networks to be developed under a $13-million initiative announced by the Government of Canada in mid-January. Since then, more than 70 researchers nationwide have expressed an interest in joining the auto network. The other Networks for development included Genomics Technologies and Society; Meeting Environmental Challenges for Clean Water; and Early Child Development and Its Impact on Society.

At a preliminary meeting for the auto network in Toronto recently, Windsor was identified as one of the members of the national steering group. Windsor Engineering Dean Graham Reader will be the key Windsor contact with Mechanical Engineering Professor Peter Frise, Nursing Professor Anne Snowdon and Kinesiology Professor Jim Potvin helping to co-ordinate Windsor's input to the Networks of Centres of Excellence office.

Dr. Alfa says it is important that all Windsor researchers who wish to become part of this effort sign-up now. "We are using a team approach to develop an all-inclusive letter of intent from Windsor before the May 1 deadline," says Dr. Alfa. "This project offers opportunities for social sciences and humanities, business, law and others. Our engineering expertise is key, but not the only element of this initiative."

"BUILDING BLOCKS FOR BETTER BABIES"

GETS MORE SUPPORT

Dr. Mary Louise Drake of the University of Windsor School of Nursing has just been notified by the Health Promotion and Programs Branch of Health Canada that she has been awarded $476,342 over the next three years to continue expanding and developing her innovative program Building Blocks for Better Babies (BBBB). This grant nearly triples her previous level of support. Dr. Drake chairs the Essex County Prenatal Nutrition Committee, which has been developing the BBBB concept since their first start-up grant in March 1996.

"Our principal aims are to identify the causes of unusually low birth weights in the Windsor and Essex County region, and to develop a coordinated and comprehensive program to promote and support the achievement of an optimal nutritional status during the complete reproductive cycle," says Dr. Drake.

There are clear social benefits to the BBBB program. It currently operates three drop-in centres where pregnant women can come and receive information on a healthy diet, partake in nutritious snacks, receive food vouchers, bus fare, and obtain information about the growth and development of their baby. The women become part of a broader social network through discussion groups and peer support. In addition, Dr. Drake believes that the grant money is cost-effective because it reduces the public health expenditures associated with the aftercare of low birth-weight babies and the consequences to the health of infants and mothers alike.

"A child who is born weighing 2500 grams or less (five pounds, six ounces) begins life at a disadvantage," says Professor Drake. "Our studies show these children are more at risk for illness and learning difficulties. All of society benefits when children get a healthy start from the moment of conception."

MacLEOD, SMEDICK AMONG SIX

TO RECEIVE HONOURARY DEGREESThe University of Windsor will confer six honorary degrees during Spring and Fall Convocations this year, including retiring English Professor Alistair MacLeod and former Dean of Graduate Studies and Research Lois Smedick.

The other recipients are Madame Justice Claire L'Heureux-Dubé who will receive a Doctor of Civil Law. Dr. James Beaudoin will receive a Doctor of Laws. David Broadfoot will receive a Doctor of Humanities.

Dr. Lois Smedick will receive a Doctor of Humanities on Sunday, June 11 at 10 a.m. Dr. Smedick is a retired Professor of English and former Dean of Graduate Studies and Research (1985-1996) at the University of Windsor. A member of the faculty from 1963 until 1998, Dr. Smedick has recently been a key figure in the development of the City of Windsor's downtown and waterfront as the Chair of the Board of the Art Gallery of Windsor.

Suzanne Lesa will receive a Doctor of Laws. Ms. Lesa has been a tireless worker on behalf of the University of Windsor for many years. She was a member of our Board of Governors from 1989 until 1998.

In the Fall, on Saturday, October 14, at 10 a.m. Dr. Alister MacLeod will receive Dr. MacLeod was described recently by the Globe and Mail as "the greatest living Canadian writer". Already regarded as one of Canada's finest writers of short stories, his most recent book, "No Great Mischief" has brought him international acclaim as a novelist of the first rank. He is one of the University of Windsor's own and will retire in the year 2000.

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