Colleagues,
With the fall term winding down and the holidays just around the corner, I know this is a busy time of the year for many of you. As classes are ending, assignments coming in and exam preparation underway, it’s also the time of annual progress reports, research submissions, tenure and promotion reviews and enrollment planning, among many other important activities.
In the spirit of brevity, here are a few things I wanted to make you aware of:
Faculty news
- Earlier this month we hosted the Netherlands Health Attaché to the USA and Canada and the Consul General for a half-day introduction and tour of Applied Health Sciences. The event allowed us to share an overview of AHS research, showcase recent innovations in aging, and tour the Schlegel-UW Research Centre of Excellence for Innovation in Aging on north campus.
- On behalf of the Faculty, I would like to extend my congratulations to Lora Giangregorio, who is the recipient of the Bloomberg Manulife Prize for the Promotion of Active Health. The $50,000 award, which will be put towards future research, is awarded to a researcher whose work has significant impact on the health and well-being of people in North America.
- Construction continues on schedule for the AHS expansion building. The exterior bricking is expected to be completed within a week, and the roof is already a quarter of the way finished. With the exterior spray foam now in place, siding is set to begin. On the inside, planning and discussions continue around selecting the remaining finishes. Of special note: the work on the main foyer doors to BMH that was delayed earlier will begin around Dec 16 , with the plan to have it completed by Jan 4. Some disruption to the main foyer entrance may occur, but access will be maintained.
- We are beginning work on two new strategic publications for the Faculty. The first publication, an impact report, will showcase AHS’ contributions to local and global health issues and highlight some of our success stories. The second piece, an annual report, will provide metrics related to our growth and progress made in our strategic plan, as well as alignment with the larger University strategic plan. The first piece will be released in early spring.
- Thank you to all who contributed to the United Way campaign. Through our bake sale, pumpkin carving contest, pancake breakfast and our successful silent auction, we raised $2500. A special nod to all those involved in organizing the events.
- The communications team has not lost sight of sharing a summary of the results from the internal communications survey. A link to a report of the findings will be included in my December update. Your feedback will allow us to begin evolving and enhancing our practices in the new year.
Upcoming events
- Please don’t forget to join us for the AHS holiday gathering on Friday December 11. Stop by the University Club at 3 p.m. for some refreshments and merriment. RSVPs by December 1 to Bernice are appreciated.
Wishing you all a productive end of term,
Jim
James W.E. Rush, PhD
Professor and Dean
Faculty of Applied Health Sciences