Higher Education · ON
This year, seven individuals and one team were celebrated for their collaboration, dedication and innovation through the Western Award of Excellence. This award program recognizes staff members who demonstrate exceptional commitment to the University’s values and who contribute in a demonstrable way to Western's reputation as a leading institution of higher learning. The awards provide meaningful and enriching recognition, offering respect and appreciation to outstanding staff and academic administrative leaders. Western officially opened the Ronald D. Schmeichel Building for Entrepreneurship and Innovation on September 27, 2024. This new, fully net-zero building, was made possible thanks to $10 million gift from the visionary donor and law alumnus Ronald Schmeichel. In addition to students, this impressive new building is available to staff and faculty too — designed to be a hub for entrepreneurship and innovation, providing access to resources and spaces for anyone within the Western community interested in developing and sharing new ideas. Western was named one of the top Canadian employers for diversity in 2024, according to Forbes’ list of 200 organizations leading the way on equity, diversity and inclusion in their workplaces. Forbes’ list recognizes organizations “excelling in creating diverse, equitable and inclusive workplaces,” based on analysis of their policies and interviews with approximately 40,000 workers at 1,200 companies with more than 500 employees across the country. Western placed 44th out of 200 companies and was one of 11 research-intensive universities to be ranked.