Saturday, July 26, 2025
A partnership rooted in student innovation, experiential learning, and community impact was celebrated on July 17, 2025, as the University of Windsor and Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA) unveiled a scale model of the Gordie Howe International Bridge at the Ed Lumley Centre for Engineering Innovation.
For nearly a decade, WDBA has provided University of Windsor students with meaningful co-operative education opportunities across disciplines — from civil engineering and communications to environmental science. Over 220 students have participated in placements with WDBA since 2016, and more than 50 alumni are now employed in key roles supporting one of North America’s most transformative infrastructure projects.
“Our students are not just witnesses to change — they are the changemakers,” said Robert Gordon, president and vice chancellor of the University of Windsor. “This partnership with WDBA exemplifies how strategic collaboration can empower students, strengthen communities, and bridge regional priorities with global innovation.”
To honour this partnership, a 1:750-scale model of the Gordie Howe International Bridge project — previously used for public engagement — was permanently installed within the Faculty of Engineering. Created by Peter McCann Architectural Models Inc., the display is 6.1m/20 ft long and 2.4m/8ft wide and includes detailed models of the bridge, two ports of entry, and the Michigan Interchange. A smaller 1:500-scale model of the bridge was also permanently installed in the Dean’s boardroom on the third floor.
“As a proud graduate of the University of Windsor, I am thrilled to see the permanent display of the Gordie Howe International Bridge scale model at the school,” said Grant Hilbers, chief capital officer at WDBA. “It is indicative of the synergetic partnership between WDBA and the University. Our shared values of community leadership, collaboration and advancement have allowed us to bring the project to life in a way that invites the next generation of students, engineers and community leaders to imagine the ways they may be able to shape the future through large infrastructure projects.”
In a creative and personal touch, UWindsor engineering students 3D-printed custom figurines to populate the display — each representing a member of the University or WDBA team. These avatars serve as a tangible reminder of the human connections driving the bridge’s success.
The collaboration between UWindsor and WDBA extends beyond campus and construction. Through the Gordie Howe International Bridge Community Benefits Plan, WDBA has supported several local initiatives, including CJAM’s Higher Grounds Music Festival, Assumption University’s Father Joe Quinn Education Series, and contributions to the campus Pow Wow. These investments reflect a shared commitment to community enrichment and educational outreach on both sides of the border.
With the Gordie Howe International Bridge anticipated to open later this year, the model installation at the University of Windsor ensures the legacy of student impact and cross-border collaboration will endure well into the future.
Featured image: University of Windsor president Robert Gordon, engineering student Mariah Saad, Faculty of Engineering Dean Bill Van Heyst, and WDBA chief capital officer Grant Hilbers unveil a scale model of the Gordie Howe International Bridge on July 17 at the Ed Lumley Centre for Engineering Innovation. (Mike Wilkins/University of Windsor)
