Health Sciences Matters 2009 Edition : Page 2
H e a l t H s c i e n c e s M a t t e r s F o u n d a t i o n W e s t e r n GreetinGs from the Dean GreetinGS to all of our valued alumni and friendS. We are so pleased to have our association with you. You need to know that we take great energy from your pride in the Faculty of Health Sciences and the schools and programs that make us one of the most progressive, and successful faculties at Western. Our academic programs continue to hold lofty reputations in the academy for excellence and accomplishment. We continue to attract student applications in record numbers. There is no question in my mind that societal realities make our field of study and our research undeniable areas for growth and prosperity. Our largest population cohort is aging and demanding both the results of our research programs and the services of our graduates. The consequences of an inactive lifestyle, particularly for children and youth, are now being seen, and gaining both public and government attention. We are the program of choice for the best students. Our dual focus on research excellence remains. Our researchers continue to distinguish themselves by earning some of the most prestigious teaching and research awards that our campus, and respective academies offer. We are very proud of our accomplishments and very excited about our prospects for success. As you’ll note from the contents of this magazine, the Faculty of Health Sciences continues on its sharp, upward trend. We are attracting internal and external support in ways that commensurate with our status as an emerging leader on our campus. We have raised the bar for performance in our core areas of teaching, research and service excellence. We continue to ensure that the Faculty of Health Sciences is a desired place to study, research, work, and grow. Great faculties don’t happen by accident. They emerge as the result of assembling talented faculty, staff and students who go above and beyond the call of duty in focused, strategic areas – and ours do. They require the strong support of senior administration and its sister faculties – and we have both. They require the strong support of all levels of government – and we continue to be a place where governments invest. They need corporate support from places like Christie Digital who helped us create our state-of-the art Anatatorium, a 3D facility used to teach anatomy using 3D MRI images. They need strong student leaders, like ours who helped lead a $23-million gift helping us to create the Western Student Recreation Centre, a facility unparalleled at any other university campus. They also need the personal and financial investment of our alumni and friends, like the $15 million we received from our former Chancellor, Arthur Labatt and his wife Sonia Labatt whose generous donations have allowed us to create a new Health Sciences Building as well as enrich our formidable School of Nursing (see story on page 8). Many of our alumni and friends donate funds to assist us in more effectively recruiting, and supporting the very best students, and providing them with an exceptional educational experience when they arrive. I also want to acknowledge the non-monetary giving that has also made our Faculty so special. The commitment of people like Mike Yuhasz (see page 4), Annabel Sels, and the Barber Shoppers are just three examples of people who give generously of their time and resources. Their unbridled affection for the University and their academic unit has made us stronger. Yes – giving – the theme of this publication, is essential if we are going to continue to deliver on our pledge of delivering the best student experience among Canada’s leading research institutions. We simply couldn’t do it without our loyal donors, and I thank each and every one of them on behalf of the 3,600 students we serve each year. As my first five-year term ends on June 30, 2009, let me state what I find myself saying on a daily basis, it has been, and continues to be, a pleasure and a privilege to serve as the Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences. I thank each and every one of you for your interest, commitment and support as we continue to move forward. Have a great summer. Yours in Health Sciences, W. James Weese, dean Faculty of Health Sciences
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