News in brief: Sept. 23, 2009
New board of govenors chair
John Ormston, a lawyer and founding partner of Ormston List Frawley LLP, has been appointed the new chair of Wilfrid Laurier’s board of governors. He will be replacing Beverly Harris, who served four terms as chair, beginning in October 2005. She will now serve on the board of governors as past-chair.
Ormston graduated from Laurier 20 years ago with a bachelor of business administration before heading to the University of Western Ontario to attend law school.
He has remained closely involved with the Laurier community since his graduation and has been a board member since 2001. He has served many positions, including vice-chair and treasurer.
He was also a member of the WLU Alumni Association board of directors prior to his appointment as chair of the board of governors. He chaired his first board meeting last week on Sept. 16th.
–Compiled by Andrea Millet
Laurier receives $250,000
Sun Life Financial recently donated $250,000 to Laurier’s innovative research being done through the newly renamed Sun Life Financial Movement Disorders Research and Rehabilitation Centre (MDRC).
The centre has focused its research on finding ways to slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease, which affects a person’s central nervous system resulting in impaired motor skills and speech, among other symptoms.
The centre is also conducting important research relating to other movement disorders by determining which exercises provide the best results in a patient’s balance, gait and co-ordination.
Dean Connor, president of Sun Life Financial Canada, presented the cheque, ensuring that the centre will be able to continue research and continue to provide its services for those who benefit from it.
–Compiled by Andrea Millet
Grad lounge opens patio; launches new menu
Wilfrid Laurier University’s Grad Lounge, which is owned and operated by the Graduate Students’ Association (GSA), has opened its new patio, which provides seating for over 24 people.
It will now extend the regular 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. business hours on Wednesdays and Thursdays, staying open for pub nights until 1:00 a.m.
They have also extended their menu to include breakfast items as well as soups, salads and wraps for lunch.
The lounge will serve coffee, tea, hot chocolate and specialty coffees during all business hours.
In addition, Open Mic nights will start tonight, and will be held every third Wednesday of the month, as well as theme nights on the last Thursday of every month.
Dean of students David McMurray and Laurier president Max Blouw will also make an appearance one Thursday a month to spend time with grad students in the lounge. Local band “Far From Rich” with Laurier alumnus frontman Richard Garvey will be performing for students on Oct. 7th in the lounge.
–Compiled by Andrea Millet
Williams now open
Williams Coffee Pub has been opened as of Monday Sept. 21, in the Terrace and will be operating under regular Terrace Food Court hours.
It was originally supposed to be open for Sept. 1, along with the rest of the Terrace; however, delays with the designer caused construction to back up.
Contractors were waiting for drawings to come in, which arrived much later than originally anticipated.
–Compiled by Andrea Millet
WLU launches President’s Innovation Seed Fund
Wilfrid Laurier President Max Blouw announced on Sept. 16 a two-year pilot program with an initial fund of $200,000.
It is intended to reward students, faculty or staff who demonstrate leadership and innovation.
Each year, the top revenue-generating and cost-reduction projects will be recognized and shared among the Laurier community.
The fund will be guided by the amount of revenue it promises and its sustainability as a project.
Submissions should propose positive effects to Laurier’s future, and anyone is encouraged to submit proposals.
The most promising will be chosen by a steering committee, who will then invite the proponents to develop a more detailed business plan.
–Compiled by Lauren Millet