Campus Villager
2026
CAMPUS VILLAGER • 2026
Student Work Feature: AI on art by Evan Rogers
Is Artificial Intelligence Facilitating the Death of Creativity? I had barely settled in when the commercial break delivered something far more unsettling than the gory crime documentary I was watching. Coca-Cola’s latest holiday advertisement, fea- turing off-putting polar bears, trucks with too many axles, and humans with soulless eyes, was unmistakably generated by artificial intelligence. The “humans” moved with an uneasy stillness, imitating the warmth and nostalgia of Christmas without fully understanding it. It was a carefully packaged attempt to recreate the spirit of the season, yet something essential was missing. In a world increasingly shaped by digital technology, no creative phenomenon has sparked more fascination or fear than AI- generated art. While artificial intelligence dates back to Alan Turing’s groundbreaking 1950 paper on machine intelligence, its role in artistic creation is far more recent and increasingly unsettling. As machine-learning models evolve at exponential speed, AI art has made its way into magazines, social media feeds, and creative studios across the globe, challenging long-held ideas about creativity, originality, and what it means to make art. AI-generated ads in reputable magazines like Vogue. This rais - es the question: is human creativity really coming to an end, or is AI art the next step in a technology-focused future? For centuries, each breakthrough in media technology has triggered anxieties about the death of human artistry. The camera threatened painting; digital photography threatened film; Photoshop threatened reality itself. But generative AI feels different. It doesn’t just enhance human creativity; it challenges what it means to be creative. Ruth Skinner, a professor of digital humanities at Western University, believes AI is a tool that can be equally used for good and bad. “There’s a world where this is very exciting, from a creative perspective. But it’s important to also contextualize how those images come to be,” says Skinner. Unlike human artists, AI has no need to practice techniques, analyze perspective, or develop a personal style. It simply remixes what already exists and creates an output so polished it blurs the line between creation and replication. This unsettles artists who have spent years honing skills that an AI generator can replicate in minutes. “In the future, I see it becoming an issue,” says Karlie McCullough, an artist and Studio Art student at Western University. It only takes a few words in an AI generator to produce a full-colour, conceptualized image or video. Social media has been flooded with AI “slop,” defined by a 2025 Scientific American article as “mass-produced, low quality content.” We’ve even seen The Coca-Cola ad demonstrates how corporate AI integration has already reached audiences worldwide. The ad gets some things technically right: colour composition, texture, and shadows. But there’s a reason most characters are animals. AI still can’t grasp specific human characteristics, like how we hold a mug or the tiny imperfections that reveal our humanness.
Roboticist Masahiro Mori theorized the “uncanny valley” effect in the 1970s, referring to the unique discomfort that stems from something that looks almost human, but not quite. The question is not whether AI can create compelling images; it already does. The question is whether those images can carry the emotional weight we expect art to hold. If AI eventually mimics human emotion so precisely it passes for genuine, does that make it a truly creative entity? Skinner pushes back on the idea that creativity is exclusively human: “animals have been making art from the beginning of time.” If creativity isn’t an inherent human characteristic, should it be extended to machine learning? Before AI, online media carried a tentative assurance of authenticity. With the advent of complex image generators, creating false images and propaganda is as easy as writing a short prompt and waiting a few minutes. Even I, watching a video testing whether viewers could spot AI-generated content, got almost all of them wrong. As Ellie Smith, a second-year Art History student at Western, admits: “It’s really hard to tell the difference. I have definitely saved an AI-generated image or two on Pinterest.” According to a 2025 KPMG survey, 48% of Canadian students say their critical thinking skills have deteriorated with increasing AI use. Students aren’t asking to ignore AI’s existence; they want institutions to provide the literacy tools to navigate a workforce that not only accepts but embraces it. One thing remains unchanged: creativity has always been a response to the world we live in. And today, that world includes generative AI. The Coca-Cola commercial may have failed to capture the warmth of Christmas, but it succeeded in revealing the fault lines of a new artistic era. For now, we stand in the uncanny valley, staring at almost-human faces on our screens, wondering what comes next.
CAMPUS VILLAGER • 2026
Student’s Guide to Thrift Shopping In recent years, thrifting has seen a huge surge in popularity among younger generations. Whether this is due to budget- consciousness or a heightened awareness of the environmental impacts of fast fashion, thrift stores serve as a great alternative to the traditional retail experience. Still, if you are not used to sifting through racks of clothing or are unfamiliar with the different kinds of second-hand stores available in London, the experience can feel overwhelming. This article offers a few tips and tricks to help you feel prepared the next time you need to update your closet. In London, several types of second-hand shops can be found. There are the Value Village locations scattered across the city, and rumor has it the Oxford Street store has the best finds. Value Village is a well- known for-profit chain popular for its selection and volume. St. Vincent de Paul thrift stores also operate throughout the city as a non-profit, with proceeds supporting various charitable causes. For those who prefer a more curated vintage shopping experience, Filthy Rebena Vintage offers both vintage clothing and new goods, which can also be browsed online. DugOut Vintage, located in the Covent Garden Market, provides a similarly curated selection with a stronger emphasis on sports memorabilia, skater gear, and well-worn Carhartt pieces.
Now that you know where to go, how can you make the most of your shopping trip? A few key strategies will help your thrifting experience go as smoothly as possible. First, wear a base layer. Many thrift stores do not have change rooms and instead provide mirrors on the sales floor. Wearing clothes that allow you to try items on over top makes the process easier. My go-to is leggings and a tank top. It also helps to bring your own bag. Some stores do not provide them, and this simple habit further reduces your environmental impact. My final tip is to look up the tags on your thrift finds and prioritize vintage brands. These pieces tend to be more unique and, in my experience, they usually hold up better over time. Recommended Stores: Filthy Rebena 144 Wortley Rd., Dug Out Vintage 130 King St., Value Village 530 Oxford St W., St. Vincent de Paul 585 York St.
CAMPUS VILLAGER • 2026
What I knew in First Year ARTS! E-L-L-I-E! I can still remember the anxious but mostly excited feeling of stepping out of the car for the first time into the Ontario Hall parking lot. The pitch of the screams as residence Sophs welcomed me to my dorm. Just a few weeks ago, Western University had its spring open house, and through volunteering I got the chance to speak with prospective students and explain just how won - derful my experience has been thus far. Reflecting on this as I finish my second year of Art History and Museum Studies and stare down being halfway through my degree, I am struck by just how much first year impacted me as both a student and a person. With this in mind, I wanted to create a kind of “guide to first year” with all the tips, tricks, and advice I would give to future students, with the hope it will make you feel just a little more comfortable as you embark on this new chapter of your life.
First, and the obvious one: join clubs, societies, councils, and/ or intramural sports! There is truly no better way to meet people who, as a bonus, share at least one interest with you. Mustangs are extremely lucky to have such a diverse range of extracur - riculars available. From the Fashion and Lifestyle Society to Basketball Intramurals, there is an option for everyone. Despite
Campus Villager 2026
The 100% locally owned and produced series of Villager community magazines are published ten times a year with thousands delivered free to residences, set out at local venues, and posted online at www.villagerpublications.com Publisher: Barb Botten P.O. Box 134, Lambeth Station Ontario N6P 1P9 Barb@villagerpublications.com 519-282-7262 CAMPUS VILLAGER Managing Editor / Content Manager – Ellie Smith All articles by Ellie Smith unless otherwise noted. Graphic Artist: Cathy Wood Copyright @ 2015 Villager Publications. All rights reserved. This magazine or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the Publisher. Information presented has been compiled from sources believed to be accurate at the time of printing however the Publisher assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions.
possibly being an overly laboured point, many new students experiencing the stress of being a university student for the first time push other activities to the side, when those very activities were what kept me sane during the adjustment period that is first year. If all that you have is academics, every grade can feel like life or death. It is so important to make sure you have a network to fall back on, or even something to take your mind off things for a little while, to ensure you can thrive. Additionally, please do not be intimidated by your professors; they are there to help you. Take advantage of office hours, resources they may have posted, and most of all, attend class. No - body falls behind faster than someone who has to teach themselves all the course content. The unique allure of university and far decreased oversight is both refreshing while also making it all the harder to self-regulate. Your course schedule is the easiest way to ensure you are staying on top of things, so just go! Alongside this, at the beginning of each semester, gather your syllabi and plot all your assignments on an Excel or Google spreadsheet with the amount each is worth and when it is due. Having all this information in one place will save you so much time later in the semester when everything is far more hectic. Plus, a very personal tip, don’t overly stress about your major if you are feeling unsure. Western doesn’t even allow you to officially declare it until the end of first year. Most programs will have a certain number of credits required for entrance into the major, but if you are able to make a short list of a couple of top options, you should be able to explore them all while still making sure you are not falling behind going into second year. First year is so special because it truly allows you to discover and explore so many new things and, most importantly, learn more about yourself.
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BLAIR’S REPAIRS (Handy Man) SMALL HOME REPAIRS INDOOR / OUTDOOR PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
CAMPUS VILLAGER • 2026
Western Campus Hidden Gems On a campus as sprawling as Western’s, it can feel impossible to find a seat in the library when you need to commit to a study session. Your dorm’s lounge, constantly filled with people not even from your floor? Never fear. Beyond just studying, West - ern’s campus has countless hidden gems. Situated beside Middlesex College is Western’s very own greenhouse. Little known to most students, it is open for a stroll and even offers volunteer positions. Nothing beats escaping London’s decidedly snowy winters into the lush, warm cocoon of the greenhouse. Formally called The Tropical House, it con - tains the main plant display area and is open to visitors Tuesday through Thursday from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. All plants are labelled, so a self-guided tour is perfectly accessible.
suggests, offers fresh snacks for students and more of a supermar - ket style selection. Rarely busy, this spot deserves more love. For those rainy days, take the tunnels. While in various states of upkeep Western has many more tunnels than most people realize. You can get all the way to the Kresege Building from Middlesex College passing through Western Science Center and Natural Science Center on your way. Although occasionally slightly creepy, everyone should have a basic working knowl - edge of the Western underground. There is always another corner to turn, another spot to claim as your own. You just have to be willing to stray from the path a little. Happy exploring!
A short walk away is the Natural Sciences Building. While not exactly an underground spot, the Allyn and Betty Taylor Library situated inside has never failed me. Also nicknamed ‘the science library,’ the multi-floor space offers tables in the stacks and multiple floors of cubicle-style desks, all thankfully equipped with their own charging outlets. I have never once failed to find a spot in this building, and the typical crowd of serious science students tends to stay quiet, which is perfect if you, like me, need silence to get your work done. The University Community center is known as a campus hub for food. Still, a ton of people miss out on my favourite meal, a chipotle chicken sandwich. This highlight can be found in the UCC’s base - ment in the Grocery Checkout Fresh Market which, as the name
CAMPUS VILLAGER • 2026
Morissette Program Feature/Khadeejah In a job market that is not only difficult to break into but also continually evolving and asking potential employees to differentiate themselves, Western students have had to learn to adapt. One of the ways they can do this is by obtaining a certificate from Ivey Business School’s Morissette Institute for Entrepreneurship as a degree add- on. The Ivey Certificate in Entrepreneurship offers students across all faculties a formal academic entry point into startup thinking. Built around a mix of Ivey-style and interdisciplinary courses, the program teaches students how to identify opportunities, validate ideas, and turn them into viable ventures. English student Khadeejah Abdul Khadir says, “Coming into university, I did not expect to dip my toes into business at all. Western made doing this really accessible, and so I enrolled in the Certificate of Entrepreneurship during my second year. The Morissette Institute has supported me immensely! I’ve been a vendor at their Winter and Spring Markets, and my experience in their Founders Program has allowed me to be a part of a community that I’m very grateful for.”
The Founders Program at Western is a selective, multi-year experience for students serious about building ventures. It combines mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs, hands-on startup development, and leadership roles within the campus ecosystem, along with funding support, to help students turn ideas into real companies while shaping Western’s entrepreneurial community. The program is designed to meet students where they are, whether they have a fully formed idea or are simply curious about what building something of their own could look like. Khadeejah’s entrepreneurial side was first nurtured when she decided to create her own small business in high school. Kazlet’s is a business she built around the handmade jewelry and accessories she creates. You can find Kazlet’s online through her Instagram @kazlets or in many downtown London and campus spaces. She has participated in pop-ups such as Western’s Art Crawl, the Spooky Sunday Street Market at Dundas Place, and Western’s Winter Market. Additionally, she runs bracelet-making and keychain-making workshops at various campus locations. For Khadeejah, entrepreneurship has become an unexpected but welcome addition to her university experience, running alongside her degree rather than away from it.
CAMPUS VILLAGER • 2026
Student Athlete Day in the Life by Anya Bawa
Hi, My Name is Anya Bawa. I am a second-year student at Huron College pursuing an honours specialisation in Global Development Studies at the School for Global and Social Innovation, and simultaneously pursuing a second major at the School for Advanced Arts and Humanities (SASAH) at Western University’s main campus. Outside of academics, I am a member of the Varsity Western Women’s rowing team at Western. Being a student athlete is a large part of my daily life and schedule, and has a large impact on how I distribute my academic and other extracurricular commitments. Another important factor in how I distribute my commitments during the day is factoring in commuting time, as I live off campus. My daily commute is likely very manageable, and I take the LTC
bus from my apartment to campus every day. A typical day in my life during the Winter semester starts by waking up at 5:10 am to get ready for 6 am practise. Typically, we finish practise by 8:00 am, so if we have an 8:30 class, we are able to make it on time. My earliest class this term is at 8:30, but most of my classes start at 11:30 in the morning, so I have time to go home, eat breakfast after practice, and pack for a day of classes. On a Monday, for example, I have 6 hours of class as my first class is from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm at Huron, and then I have another class between 2:30 and 5:30 pm for my SASAH program. Something I really appreciate about my classes is the small number of students and their discussion- based nature. I find this makes it much easier to stay engaged for longer periods of time and helps build rapport between professors and students, which also opens up really great mentorship opportunities. After class in the afternoon, I will usually either run or lift at our gym before going home for dinner. I typically aim to complete any school work before 8 pm so I can get ready for the next day and get an adequate amount of sleep, aiming to be in bed by 10:30 pm.
When I am not in class or at rowing, I like to find places to study on campus, including coffee spots such as the Spoke and the Huron Library. Studying on campus before commuting home also makes it easier for me to time manage effectively and manage the early mornings as a student athlete more efficiently.
CAMPUS VILLAGER • 2026
Western Campus History – Main Campus:
Ontario, with the Act authorizing the affiliation of Huron College with the university. That relationship has held ever since. In 1951, Huron moved to its present location and has seen major growth in student enrolment, residence facilities, classrooms, library, and faculty offices. From its original 13 students, the Faculty of Arts and Social Science now serves close to 1,300 full-time students. Huron changed its name to Huron University College with Royal Assent in June 2000. It remains known for its small class sizes, close faculty relationships, and a liberal arts tradition rooted in over 160 years of history. King’s University College came considerably later but grew quickly into the largest of Western’s affiliate colleges. King’s was founded as the College of Christ the King in 1954. A group of local clerics, headed by London Bishop John Christopher Cody, along with several monsignors and fathers, began meeting to discuss plans for a new college. The goal was to provide the all-male seminary community with a liberal arts education grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition. A ceremony marked the official opening of Christ the King College on September 14, 1955, with the leaders of London’s educational, political and religious communities assembled at the steps of the new institution. The name was changed to King’s College in 1966 after it became affiliated with the University of Western Ontario. It later became King’s University College in 2004. Today, King’s enrolls approximately 3,500 students and welcomes those from all faiths and backgrounds, with respect for the human person at the core of its commitment to diversity, social justice, and community. Brescia’s story is perhaps the most complex of the three. Founded by the Ursuline Sisters in 1919, the college was established by a group of Catholic nuns who were deeply conscious of the lack of women’s rights and opportunities. The liberal arts school was formerly named Ursuline College before becoming Brescia College in 1963 and Brescia University College in 2001. For over a century it stood as a space built specifically for women, part of a broader movement that believed women’s education deserved its own dedicated institution. In September 2023, Western announced that Brescia would integrate into its operations, citing financial difficulties Brescia had approached the university about. The announcement was met with heartache across the Brescia community. Students formed the Brescia Preservation Alliance and several rallies were held, with hundreds attending dressed in Brescia’s signature blue and yellow carrying signs that read “Save Brescia.” Brescia ceased operations in May 2024, with Western assuming all liability, debts and assets, including around $35 million in loans. Western created a $25 million Brescia Legacy Fund to support equity-deserving students going forward.
The university you walk through every day has been over 140 years in the making. Founded on March 7, 1878 by Bishop Isaac Hellmuth, The Western University of London Ontario opened its doors to students for the first time in 1881, and what started as a modest Anglican institution has grown into one of Canada’s most recognized universities. Hellmuth was born in Poland and educated at the University of Breslau. Originally Jewish, he converted to Anglicanism after moving to England in 1842. Once in London, Ontario, he recognized the need for a place of higher learning. In 1863, he founded Huron College, and by 1871, as Bishop of the Diocese of Huron, he began pushing the provincial government to establish a university in the city. It was an uphill battle. Though legislation met stiff resistance in provincial parliament, a charter for Western was finally authorized in 1878. The first four faculties were Arts, Divinity, Law and Medicine, and there were originally only 15 students when classes began. The first graduation ceremony did not take place until April 1883, and for years, the institution teetered between ambition and financial survival. The university was made non-denominational in 1908, opening the door to a much broader student body. In 1916, the current site of the university was purchased from the Kingsmill family. Construction moved quickly from there. The first two buildings constructed at the new site were the Arts Building, now University College, and the Natural Science Building, now the Physics and Astronomy Building, and classes on the present site began in 1924. The University College tower, one of Western’s most iconic landmarks, was named the Middlesex Memorial Tower in honour of those from Middlesex County who fought in the First World War. In 1923, the university was officially renamed The University of Western Ontario. Growth through the twentieth century was significant, particularly following the Second World War, when enrolment surged and new faculties and schools were added steadily. In 2012, the university rebranded as Western University, though its legal name remains The University of Western Ontario. Today it is home to twelve faculties and schools, and a history that began with fifteen students and a bishop with a vision. Affiliate Campuses Western’s story cannot be told without its affiliate colleges. For over a century, Huron, King’s, and Brescia each carved out their own distinct identities while remaining connected to the larger university. Together, they represent some of the oldest and most storied corners of the Western community. Huron is where it all begins. Incorporated on May 5, 1863, Huron is the founding college of Western University. Originally established as Huron College, it officially opened its doors on December 2, 1863. Classes began on January 9, 1864, with 13 students and two instructors, including Huron’s first Principal, Bishop Isaac Hellmuth, the same man who would go on to found Western itself. In 1877, Huron alumni and students met with the purpose of forming a university, and on March 7, 1878, a charter was granted to the Western University of London,
The three colleges together tell a richer story of Western than the main campus alone ever could. Each was born from a distinct vision, each served a different community, and each left a mark on the city of London and the students who passed through.
CAMPUS VILLAGER • 2026
CAMPUS VILLAGER • 2026
Western through the decades Foreword to Looking Back Section: As the daughter of both a Western grad and a born-and- raised Londoner, I grew up hearing stories about my parents’ experiences as young people in London. Comments like, “That place is still open?” or “Oh, I had a class in this room!” were a constant refrain. Looking back at old photos, I’m continually reminded that even in a world so transformed by cellphones, dating apps, and social media, the university experience endures. This series draws from a variety of sources, including the now- extinct Occidentalia Western yearbook. I hope current students will see more of themselves in these pages than they might expect, because in the end, our lives are far more similar than we think.
CAMPUS VILLAGER • 2026
CAMPUS VILLAGER • 2026
Villager Publications
WINTER 2026 Issue 27 REAL LIVING Rural Elgin Agricultural
Your LOCAL community connector! LOCALLY owned and produced by local writers, artists, photographers and printers in support of LOCAL artisans and entrepreneurs, events, businesses, service organizations and neighbours! WE SUPPORT LOCAL – YOU CAN TOO! In addition to the thousands of homes in your community that the magazine is delivered to by Canada Post, we expand the reach of your message with copies at various local pickup points and by posting the magazines online at www.villagerpublications.com.
CAMPUS VILLAGER • 2026
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