President and Vice-Chancellor Emeritus Dr. Alan Wildeman, whose decade of leadership helped transform both the University of Windsor and the city's downtown core, died June 16th at the age of 72. The University's flags have been lowered in his honour.
"Dr. Wildeman played a pivotal role in helping the University become the institution it is today," said President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. J.J. McMurtry.
"He led with purpose, believed deeply in the power of education to change lives and never lost sight of the University's responsibility to serve students and the broader community. The impact of his leadership continues to be felt across our campus and community."
Dr. Wildeman served as UWindsor's sixth president and vice-chancellor from 2008 to 2018. His presidency was marked by one of the most significant periods of growth and renewal in the University's history.
President and Vice-Chancellor Emeritus Dr. Alan Wildeman, the University of Windsor's sixth president, led the institution from 2008 to 2018 and helped guide a major period of campus renewal and downtown expansion. (FILES/University of Windsor)
Under his leadership, the campus was expanded through the acquisition and restoration of landmark heritage buildings, including the Armouries and the former Windsor Star building. Dr. Wildeman championed the development of a vibrant downtown hub for artistic and cultural activity that strengthened the University's connection to the city.
His tenure also saw major investments in student learning and research, including the opening of the Centre for Engineering Innovation, the construction of new student residences and significant campus renewal projects.
Dr. Wildeman believed the arts play an essential role in the life of a university and the vitality of communities. Throughout his time in Windsor, he championed cultural and community organizations, including the Windsor Symphony Orchestra, the Art Gallery of Windsor, the United Way and the Windsor International Film Festival. Together with his spouse he established the Alan Wildeman and Debra Henderson Scholarship in Creative & Dramatic Arts. The couple also supported other University initiatives, including student scholarships, the Faculty of Law renovation project and campus enhancement efforts.
Upon his retirement in 2018, the University's downtown arts hub was named the Alan Wildeman Centre for Creative Arts in recognition of his contributions to the University and City of Windsor. Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens also awarded him a key to the city.
Born and raised on a family farm in Saskatchewan, Dr. Wildeman often spoke about the values of hard work, humility and community that shaped him growing up. Those close to him say that despite the responsibilities of leading a university, he remained, at heart, a Saskatchewan farm boy. He played guitar and banjo, wrote and recorded music and was known to delight students and colleagues by breaking out an instrument at campus gatherings. He also enjoyed life outdoors, whether tending his property, driving his tractor or spending time with his dogs.
Dr. Wildeman earned bachelor's and master's degrees in biology from the University of Saskatchewan before completing a PhD in genetics at the University of Guelph. He later joined the University's faculty and served as vice-president (research) from 2001 to 2008.
He built an international reputation in genetics and molecular biology, made significant contributions to Canadian research and graduate education and served on numerous national research review panels and advisory bodies.
A memorial service celebrating Dr. Wildeman's life and legacy will be held at the University of Windsor at a later date. Details will be shared with the campus community when available.
