NEWSFLASH June 2026 – SANS Institute, St. Clair College, siberX; WindsorEssex Community Foundation; Lois Fairley Nursing Award; AV Gauge & Automation
HALL OF FAME
Since 2008, the Windsor Essex Nurse of the Year has honoured one of the dedicated and compassionate nurses who make a meaningful difference every day in the lives of patients, families, colleagues, and the community. The Lois Fairley Nursing Award is presented annually by the Windsor-Essex Chapter of the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO), based on nominations submitted by members of the public. The 2026 recipient is Spenser Dionne, a nurse in the Clinical Teaching Unit (CTU) at the Ouellette Campus of Windsor Regional Hospital. In the winning nomination, Ryan Pebbles (a patient’s son) wrote about how Dionne supported his family through a major crisis, offering exceptional personal care to his mother after a stroke. Dionne went far beyond her duties — she provided a sense of home, brought in items to help stimulate his mother’s recovery, visited on her days off, and stayed connected even after longterm care. He adds that she is also a trusted mentor to student nurses, including his sister, who has witnessed Dionne’s guidance firsthand. According to Pebbles: “She is not only healing patients today; she is shaping the nurses of tomorrow. By treating my mother as a person worthy of the highest devotion and fostering a supportive environment for students, Spenser has proven herself to be a leader in the Windsor Essex healthcare community.”
Presented each year during National Nursing Week in May by the Fairley family and the RNAO Windsor-Essex chapter, the award is named after Lois Fairley, a graduate of Grace Hospital’s nursing program in 1955. She spent her career serving patients at Grace Hospital in Windsor as a nurse and head nurse until retiring in 1993. Lois passed away in 2007. Get further details on the local RNAO chapter here at the website.
In mid-May 2026, AV Gauge & Automation of Oldcastle achieved Platinum Club status with Canada’s Best Managed Companies program by retaining its Best Managed designation for seven consecutive years or more. “We are incredibly thrilled to be named one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies for the 10th consecutive year,” states Tim Campeau, President of AV Gauge & Automation. “This milestone is a proud reflection of our team’s dedication, passion, and commitment to excellence, and it reinforces the trust our customers and partners place in us every day.” The 2026 cohort of Best Managed Companies shares common themes, including fostering a people-centric culture, implementing a strategic company framework, investing in innovation and technological advancement, and maintaining financial resilience and strong corporate governance. Together, these practices strengthen the Canadian economy by promoting sustainable growth, enhancing competitiveness, and cultivating a thriving business ecosystem.
THE RUNDOWN
SANS Institute, St. Clair College, and siberX recently announced a new partnership to launch NOW // AI, an executive education program focused on AI-driven cybersecurity risk and governance. Scheduled for October 2026 in Windsor Essex, the immersive program features SANS-led simulations, cyber-range exercises, and scenario-based training designed for leaders in finance, critical infrastructure, and the public sector. “This partnership represents a significant step forward inexecutive cybersecurity education,” says Mahdi Raza, CEO and Founder, siberX. “By combining SANS’ global expertise, St. Clair College’s regional leadership in applied learning, and siberX’s innovation in immersive experiences, we are creating a program that prepares leaders for the realities of AI-driven risk.” Participants will develop practical skills in AI risk management, incident response, andgovernance while earning a SANS — siberX credential. The initiative also supports regional innovation and strengthens the region’s role in cybersecurity and applied AI education. Michael Silvaggi, President of St. Clair College, adds: “This initiative reflects our commitment to delivering industry-relevant education that prepares professionals to lead in rapidly evolving digital environments, particularly in areas as critical as AI and cybersecurity.” Learn more online.
It’s time to make your voice count. The WindsorEssex Community Foundation (WECF) invites all residents to share their views on life in Windsor Essex by taking part in the Vital Signs Survey, open online until August 7, 2026. Your Voice. Your Community. This powerful theme reflects the purpose of Vital Signs — gathering local perspectives to help foster a stronger, more connected, and vibrant Windsor Essex. This year’s survey explores 11 key areas of quality of life, including housing, belonging, safety, mental wellness, and more. Every response helps build a clearer picture of community strengths and challenges, and directly informs local decision-makers, non-profits, businesses, and government on what matters most to residents. Since 2014, the local Vital Signs program has tracked local priorities and helped align resources to create lasting, positive change. “Vital Signs gives Windsor Essex residents a chance to speak up about what matters most,” expresses Lisa Kolody, Executive Director of the WECF. “Together, our voices shape how we grow, connect, and thrive as a community.”
