Huron University

What does it mean to help shape Canada’s future?

At Huron University, students in the Nation Builder Program are answering that question through hands-on learning, new coursework, and meaningful connections with leaders across Canada.

Generously supported by The Schulich Foundation, the program has already expanded access to exclusive internship opportunities, introduced Contours of Canada, and welcomed hundreds of attendees to the President’s SPARK Speaker Series.

As a result, students are gaining new perspectives, building connections, and developing the skills to lead with purpose.

And this is only the beginning.

Learn more: https://huronu.ca/news/nation-builder-programs-inaugural-year-sets-the-stage-for-future-leaders/

Graduates of 2026: At Convocation last week, Dr. Craig reminded you that the secret to a happy life involves caring for other people.

As you leave the halls of Huron, we have the utmost confidence in your ability to care for others, care for yourself, and continue pursuing a path that reflects what you care about.

Your time at Huron has been full of transformation, perseverance, and remarkable achievements. Now, as you step beyond our campus, you leave not only with a degree, but with a network that believes deeply in your potential.

To the families and friends who supported you along the way, thank you for trusting us with your brightest minds and young leaders. This moment belongs to you, too.

Congratulations, graduates 🎓 Here’s to your next chapter!

Convocation attendees can find and download photos here: https://huronu.ca/about/huron-event-photos/

We are proud to welcome Dr. Genevieve Amaral as Huron’s new Dean, Faculty of Arts and Social Science.

Dr. Amaral brings a passion for the liberal arts and a commitment to helping students build creativity, empathy, and resilience. With deep experience in interdisciplinary teaching and global learning, she is dedicated to connecting the humanities to today’s most pressing challenges.

Join us in welcoming Dr. Amaral to Huron.

International experiences are enormously powerful learning opportunities for both students and faculty.

Earlier this year, students in GLE 4011 applied their in-class questions to global political issues in the Basque Country, an experiential lesson in Collaborative Governance. Led by professors Dr. Neil Bradford and Dr. Kate Graham, students engaged politicians, business leaders, and scholars in discussions on AI and democracy. Students returned with new ideas about what governance could look like, convening roundtable discussions to assess whether the models they experienced in Basque could be applied in Canada.

Learn more about experiential learning at Huron here: https://huronu.ca/news/leading-with-action-how-huron-students-and-professors-are-shaping-collaborative-governance/

The J. Douglas Leighton Award for Outstanding Teaching recognizes faculty who bring innovation, mentorship, and a deep commitment to student learning into the classroom.

This year, we are proud to honour Shahin Pardhan (Management and Organizational Studies) for her leadership in equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility, and her dedication to student success.

Past recipients:
2024–2025: Sarah Blanchette
2023–2024: A.J. Miller
2022–2023: Richie Bloomfield
2021–2022: Lucas Savino
2020–2021: Sawako Akai

Named in honour of Dr. J. Douglas Leighton, a celebrated educator and historian, this award reflects a legacy of teaching that extends beyond the classroom and shapes the student experience.

Five years ago today, our London community was devastated by the loss of the Afzaal family: Salman Afzaal, Madiha Salman, Talat Afzaal, and Yumnah Afzaal.

Today, and every day, we remember Our London Family, honour their lives and legacies, and stand in solidarity with our Islamic community. We stand with those affected by this terrible act of discrimination and hatred.

At Huron, we will continue to honour their memory by fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.

To honour Our London Family, you can attend the Our London Family Five-Year Commemoration Vigil and March today, June 6, at 6:00 PM.

Learn more here: https://london.ca/our-london-family

Hey Grads! Take a piece of Huron with you, wherever you go next. Our London Heritage collectible ornament, made with the Rotary Club of London South, is a great keepsake of your time here.

Available for $25, shop www.LondonOrnaments.com, the Huron Merch store: https://shop.huronu.ca/, the Western Book Store, or grab yours at convocation on June 10!

Congratulations to Huron alumni Emily Addison ('16), Vivek Prabhu ('13), and Kayla Duncan ('16) on being named to Canada's 2025 Emerging Leaders List! 🌟

Now serving as Country Director for Canada at the United Kingdom Department for Business and Trade, Emily is helping to strengthen economic ties between Canada and the U.K.

Vivek is the Canadian Practice Lead for Public Affairs at Burson, a global communications consultancy, where he advises organizations across Canada and internationally on protecting and enhancing their reputations.

Kayla is a Senior Manager at TD and President of the Ellevate Toronto Chapter, where she is recognized for her leadership and contributions within Canada's business and finance sector.

🔗 Read more: https://huronu.ca/news/huron-alumni-emily-addison-and-vivek-prabhu-named-to-canadas-emerging-leaders-list/

Huron was proud to host a stop on the 2026 Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference.

Bringing together emerging leaders from across the country, the delegation visited campus to explore this year’s theme of Sustainable Prosperity. During their time at Huron, participants engaged in discussions about Canada’s long-term resilience, shared perspectives, and examined the role of leadership in addressing today’s complex social, economic, and global challenges.

Thank you to Huron’s President, Dr. Barry Craig, and Senior Strategic Advisor at Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP, Nadir Patel, who engaged participants through their talks.

We were pleased to support this important national dialogue and showcase Huron as a place where thoughtful leadership, collaboration, and meaningful exchange thrive.

Happy Pride, Huron! 🌈

We celebrate and stand with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community as Pride is both a celebration of identity and a recognition of the ongoing work required to build a more inclusive and equitable world. We are committed to creating a campus where everyone feels safe, respected, and empowered to be themselves. We continue to learn, listen, and take action to foster a community rooted in belonging, dignity, and care.

As the outgoing president of Huron's Pride Club, Mehak's reflections on Pride point to the importance of community in providing a safe space for exploration and growth. There is much to be proud of, she adds, in everyone, "no matter where they are in their journey, for embracing who they are at their own pace."

Looking to get involved? Explore these upcoming Pride London events, or learn more: https://pridelondon.ca/prideevents/

June 6: Pride London Spring Picnic at Queen's Park at Western Fair from 3 PM - 6 PM
July 10: Pride London Art Show Gala at TAP Centre for Creativity from 6 PM - 9 PM
July 10 - July 19: Pride London Summer Festival in Victoria Park
July 19: Pride London Parade

Back at home for the summer? Western’s annual Pride Parade takes place in October, offering a meaningful way to reconnect and celebrate when you return to campus.