June 17, 2003

Senior management is inviting all McMaster employees to toast summer and the great success the University has experienced over the past year at a strawberry social on Thursday, June 19. The celebration takes place from 1-3 p.m. at East Meets West Bistro in the new Mary E. Keyes Residence. The residence is located near the Cootes Drive (west) entrance. Employees will also have an opportunity to view McMaster's newest residence and tour one of the rooms.

June 16, 2003

The McMaster Institute of Environment and Health will showcase recent and present projects at its first open house on Friday, June 20. "We are excited by this opportunity to share some of the Institute's recent highlights with the broader McMaster community," says John Eyles, Institute director. "We are now in our twelfth year of existence as a university research institute. In that time, we have undertaken many research projects and contracts as well as developing a post-professional diploma and outreach program. Several recent projects will be showcased in poster presentations"

June 13, 2003

After a national search, Susan Elliott has been appointed the new dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, effective July 1, 2003. "I'm very excited about this appointment and I'm committed to the vision and mission of McMaster University," says Elliott, "and I'm really looking forward to working with the Faculty of Social Sciences to realize that mission and vision." "Susan has been a member of the McMaster community for 16 years," provost Ken Norrie says. "She earned her Masters and PhD in geography at the University and since that time has developed a stellar reputation as a world-class researcher, an innovative and dedicated teacher, and a thoughtful and progressive administrator." Elliott joined the School of Geography and Geology as an assistant professor in 1992 from the University of Victoria where she spent two years as an assistant professor. She has been an associate professor at McMaster since 1998, served as the School's associate director since 1999, and is a member of McMaster's Institute of Environment and Health. She also served one year as acting director of the School of Geography and Geology.

June 13, 2003

McMaster University and the McMaster University Staff Association (MUSA) have reached a tentative agreement in their negotiations for a renewal collective agreement. The current collective agreement expires on June 15, 2003. The terms of the settlement are confidential until MUSA holds a ratification vote. They will be contacting MUSA members with the details of the ratification process in the near future. Both parties are pleased to have attained their goals in this process. They have been meeting intensively since late March with the goal of reaching a new agreement prior to the expiry of the current contract.

June 12, 2003

After months of discussion, consultation and review, both Senate and the Board of Governors have approved the final draft of Refining Directions, the next stage of the University's strategic plan. "Tremendous effort has gone into the process," says McMaster President Peter George. "From the more than 80 members of the six working groups to those who participated in the nine town hall meetings, the input we received throughout the process has been invaluable and has helped to craft the final document." The approved Refining Directions document is considerably shorter than the draft that was circulated for review earlier this spring. The earlier version was a discussion paper that included considerably more background material. It also incorporated the recommendations from the working groups that will be utilized throughout the Refining Directions implementation process. The implementation of the Refining Directions goals and critical success factors will now begin. One of the first initiatives will be the creation of a working group to make a recommendation on the long-run enrolment of the University. Feedback during consultation indicated that considerably more discussion and information was needed before making this critical decision. The work group will be asked to have its recommendation to Senate and Board this December. "Other initiatives to achieve the Refining Directions goals will be rolled out over the next few months and there will be considerable opportunity for people from across campus to be involved in this process," says provost Ken Norrie. Norrie would like to thank those who participated in Refining Directions and is happy to answer questions about the University's strategic direction.

June 12, 2003

McMaster President Peter George will be recognized as the 2003 Negev Dinner Honoree June 15, for his excellence in communal leadership and support of the Jewish community. The tribute was announced by the Hamilton Jewish National Fund's Board of Directors and the Negev Dinner 2003 Committee. The 50th anniversary celebration on June 15 is recognized as one of the most important social events on the Jewish calendar across Canada. It will take place at the Hamilton Convention Centre, in collaboration with the State of Israel Bonds.

June 12, 2003

The Golden Horseshoe has a chance to share in the vast wealth and promise of biotechnology innovation but it needs to make the right moves . . .

June 11, 2003

Hamilton will be one of more than 200 Canadian communities participating in Rick Hansen Wheels In Motion, on Saturday June 14 to make a positive difference in the quality of life of people with spinal cord injury. Hansen holds an honorary degree from McMaster. In the spirit of the original Man In Motion World Tour, people of all ages  backed by pledges and donations - are invited to wheel along a designated course on bicycles, wheelchairs, inline skates, scooters or by walking or jogging along. The Hamilton event, organized by McMaster's Fitness Centre, The Pulse and its staff, will be held at McMaster Campus all day June 14. With the support of thousands of volunteers and presenting partner Scotiabank, Rick Hansen is focusing on accelerating improvements to the quality of life of people with spinal cord injury. Fifty per cent of net proceeds will be used to support quality of life initiatives in the community. The other 50 per cent will support research, including finding a cure. "We invite people to participate by volunteering to join the organizing team or to participate at the event", said organizers Jackie Boutette and Siobhan Mark. "We are very excited about supporting Canada's Man In Motion, Rick Hansen, and helping people with spinal cord injury. Rick has inspired so many people and we are proud that the people of Hamilton and McMaster have generously come forward to be a part of this national initiative." Hansen has always dreamed big. As the only person to have circled the world in a wheelchair, he wheeled 40,000 kilometers on his Man In Motion World Tour (1985-87) through 34 countries, raising $24 million for spinal cord injury. Now, as founder of the Rick Hansen Man In Motion Foundation and CEO of the Rick Hansen Institute, he hopes his new dream will touch all Canadians. "We are at an exciting threshold," Hansen says. "We face huge challenges to improve quality of life, but the benefits are immeasurable . . . not only for individuals, but for society as a whole. We are asking everyone to join us, participate in our signature event and get on wheels every year until we ultimately find a cure. Together we can make this dream a reality." For local event information or to volunteer, call Tara Elston at McMaster or e-mail elstont@mcmaster.ca. For information on the Rick Hansen Man In Motion Foundation, visit www.rickhansen.com

June 11, 2003

Biotechnology in the Golden Horseshoe will be explored at McMaster today (Wednesday, June 11) during BioSummit2003. Organized by the Golden Horseshoe Biosciences Network, this biotechnology innovation conference brings together individuals in biotech business, research, venture capital, commercialization and economic development. This is the first conference of its kind in the Golden Horseshoe area that fosters bioscience driven economic development. Participants will examine global and North American perspectives of biosciences; venture capital and financing issues facing biotechnology; information technology/information management (IT/IM); challenges for a biosciences cluster; sciences in the Golden Horseshoe area; management of innovation as related to biotechnology; and IT/IM solutions for biosciences and health care. The one-day event takes place in the McMaster University Student Centre. For more, visit http://www.mcmaster.ca/Biosummit2003.

June 11, 2003

Ever wonder why food has no taste when you have a cold? Or if blind people really hear better than sighted people? Or why you need your glasses to hear the TV? These questions and much more will be addressed at the fourth International Multisensory Research Forum (IMRF) to be held at McMaster University June 14-17. For an overview of the conference, presenters, and papers, visit www.science.mcmaster.ca/~IMRF/2003. Organized by David Shore, assistant professor of psychology, the conference will bring together a growing group of international scientists who focus on the integration of information from different sensory systems. Many people never consider the number of senses they actually use at one time. Even scientists who study sensory perception typically only focus on one type of sensation (i.e., vision, hearing, touch, smell, taste). For a select few though, multisensory research is quickly become an active area for research. Explains Shore, "Everyday living is unrecognized as being multisensory. However, we live in a multisensory world. It is all of our senses working together that give us our rich perception of the world."

June 11, 2003

Therese Quigley, director of athletics and recreation at McMaster, has been named the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), International Athletic Director of the Year. NACDA serves as the professional and educational association for more than 6,100 college athletics directors, associates, assistants and conference commissioners at more than 1,600 institutions throughout the United States, Mexico and Canada including each of the NCAA Divisions I, II, III, the NAIA. Quigley is a former member of the Canadian National Women's volleyball team (1972-74) and former student athlete at The University of Western Ontario (BA) as well as the University of Alberta (MA). Quigley came to McMaster in 1984 as the head coach of the Women's varsity volleyball team and lecturer in the school of Physical Education and Athletics. She became the first female director of athletics and recreation in Ontario in 1990. Quigley has served as an assistant chef de mission for the 1991 FISU Games in Sheffield, England, chair of the FISU Games Women's Soccer Championships in 1993 and most recently as the chair of the Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) Women's National Basketball Championship Organizing Committee in 2002 and 2003 hosted by McMaster University. In 1993, The Sports Network (TSN) established a National award in Quigley's name recognizing the three time Ontario women's Interuniversity Athletic Association coach of the year's Leadership in and contribution to sport. In 1994, she was named Hamilton's Woman of the Year in Sport, Health and Fitness. Quigley also served as president of Ontario University Athletics (OUA) from 1999-2001. In November of 2002, Federal Minister of Heritage, Sheila Copps presented her with a Spirit Award for her contributions to sports in Hamilton. She is a board member for the 2003 World Cycling Championships and a member of the bid committee for the Commonwealth Games 2010. In 2002/2003, Quigley guided the Marauder's 30 teams to 16 provincial podium finishes including six provincial championships, while placing 25 per cent of the student-athletes on the Dean's Honour Role.

June 10, 2003

The Department of Psychology at McMaster University will host the 13th annual meeting of the Canadian Society for Brain, Behaviour and Cognitive Science (BBCS), June 12-14. Highlights of the meeting, featuring about 400 psychologists from across North America, include an invited symposium on brain plasticity, the presentation of the Donald O. Hebb Award for Excellence in BBCS research to Queen's University professor Barrie Frost, and the inaugural presentation of the BBCS Award for Excellence in Science Communication to the Discovery Channel's Jay Ingram. The conference also features lectures and poster presentations on topics ranging from developmental neurochemistry to person perception (click Hot Tips for details). Tours of the newly renovated psychology department will be provided, including demonstrations and hands-on activities such as virtual reality games, as part of the first annual BBCS Olympics to be held on Saturday, June 14 from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. All talk sessions will be held in Togo Salmon Hall at McMaster University; the poster sessions and banquet will be held in the newly constructed McMaster University Student Centre. The Canadian Society for Brain, Behaviour and Cognitive Science (CSBBCS) is a non-profit organization whose primary function is to advance Canadian research in experimental psychology and behavioral neuroscience. For a listing of conference activities, go to http://www.science.mcmaster.ca/~BBCS/2003.

June 10, 2003

When you ask Brian Baetz what makes a community sustainable and livable, he reels off a long and detailed list of ingredients. His list includes things like: neighbourhoods with a mix of housing and shopping with schools and recreation just a walk or bike ride away; low energy and material usage; frequent and accessible public transit; accessible bikeways and pedestrian paths; extensive recycling, composting and waste reduction programs; plenty of green space and rural landscapes within close proximity; and buildings designed and operated with green design principles. While Hamilton has most of the necessary ingredients to lead it to becoming a sustainable city, Baetz believes "we're at a crossroads. If we build on the things that have been done right, we will go someplace. If we keep up with this '60s-type thinking, we'll be in big trouble." In an interview with the Hamilton Spectator, Baetz, a professor of civil engineering, says that "a community is sustainable if it meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the interests of future generations." Baetz and civil engineering colleague Cameron Churchill will deliver the sixth and final lecture of the Science in the City lecture series: "Sustainable Communities: What Would Make Hamilton a Truly Sustainable City?" They will address the need to plan, design and maintain communities so that "we really minimize the environmental footprint of what we do." The lecture takes place tonight (June 10) at the Hamilton Spectator Auditorium, which is located in the Hamilton Spectator building, 44 Frid Street in Hamilton. Doors open at 6:30 pm and the lecture begins at 7 pm. The lecture is free and all are welcome. The Science in the City lecture series is jointly sponsored by McMaster University and the Hamilton Spectator.

June 10, 2003

A McMaster study, led by researchers Philip Jong and Salim Yusuf, established that patients with low heart pump functioning benefit from drug intervention even when they are not experiencing symptoms of heart failure. The study was published in the May 31 issue of The Lancet. In a previous study of left ventricular dysfunction (SOLVD), the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor enalapril, reduced mortality in patients with symptomatic but not asymptomatic left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Jong and Yusuf recently completed an extended study (X-SOLVED), a 12-year follow up, to establish if the mortality reduction with enalapril among patients with heart failure was sustained, and whether a subsequent reduction in mortality would emerge among those with asymptomatic ventricular dysfunction. Of the 6,797 patients previously enrolled in the SOLVD prevention and treatment trials, they ascertained the subsequent vital status of 5,165 individuals who were alive when the trials had been completed. Follow-up was done through direct contacts in Belgium and linkages with national death registries and federal beneficiary or historic tax summary files in the USA and Canada. The reductions in cardiac deaths were significant and similar in both trials. Researchers concluded that treatment with enalapril for three to four years led to a sustained improvement in life expectancy by more than nine months. Jong says, "ACE inhibitors should be used in patients with reduced heart pump function as early as possible, even when they do not have symptoms or signs of heart failure, because it is this group that derives the greatest survival benefit from the drug years later. Heart failure is preventable, but as this study shows, benefits of drugs used to treat heart failure, such as ACE inhibitors, take a while to manifest."

June 10, 2003

Hop on the bus Gus. McMaster's Alternative Commuting & Transportation Office (ACT) is offering you a free ride. A two-week pilot express bus service from Ancaster and Dundas to campus has been gaining steam since it was launched June 2. With only a few days left, it's important employees and students take advantage of this free service, says ACT co-ordinator Jennifer Dawson. "The success of this pilot program will determine whether McMaster will pursue a partnership with the Hamilton Street Railway to provide a regular Meadowlands Express to McMaster," she says. The 10-day pilot service ends June 13. "We see this as a milestone opportunity to start a better integrated service from the mountain to campus," says Physical Plant director Tony Cupido. "This is a logical start."

June 10, 2003

McMaster's Mark Loeb is on the front lines, working with researchers at McMaster and around the globe, in the battle to control and overcome Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). Loeb, an assistant professor of pathology and molecular medicine and an expert on infectious diseases, leads a team of researchers that will improve understanding of the diagnosis, clinical course, epidemiology and immunopathogenesis of SARS. His studies are part of a new $1.7-million research strategy announced today by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). This strategy is designed to address the causes and control of SARS.

June 9, 2003

For their outstanding contributions to McMaster students, Sue Baptiste, Patricia Solomon, Michael Brook, and Jim Waddington, have been crowned recipients of the 2003 President's Awards. The President's Awards demonstrate the value McMaster attaches to its educational function and recognize those who, through innovation and commitment, have significantly enhanced the quality of learning by McMaster students. The President's Award for Educational Leadership recognizes the contributions of an individual that more generally promote excellence in teaching and learning. The contributions in question may not influence any single course or program directly but have effects well beyond the nominee's own department or faculty. The President's Award for Instruction recognizes the contributions of an individual to education through innovation, achievement or continuing excellence in classroom or personal instruction.

June 9, 2003

One hundred and seventy four McMaster student-athletes were recognized for their outstanding athletic and academic accomplishments at the Seventh Annual McMaster Marauder Scholar Brunch. Student-athletes who are named as Marauder Scholars must have achieved high academic standing while competing for a varsity or club team during the 2002-2003 school year. Also presented where the Dr. Jack Kennedy and the Dr. Mary Keyes Awards. The Dr. Mary E. Keyes and Dr. Jack Kennedy Awards are presented annually in honour of Keyes and Kennedy to a male and female undergraduate student-athlete who best combines outstanding academic achievement and athletic excellence. Candidates exemplify the high ideals of Keyes and Kennedy, including the qualities of excellence, integrity, development of the whole student athlete, and community involvement. Dr. Mary E. Keyes Award Mary Keyes was a key figure in the development of women's sports at McMaster. During her early years on the McMaster faculty, she coached both the women's swim team and women's basketball teams. She served as president of the C.W.I.A.U. and was a key member of the Amalgamation Committee that led to the Union of the C.W.I.A.U. and the C.I.A.U. into a single entity for university sport. From 1981-87, Keyes was the director of the School of Physical Education and Athletics. She held the position of associate vice-president, Student Affairs at McMaster until her passing in the winter of 2002. This year's recipient: Allison Mills, volleyball Mills completed her third year of the kinesiology program this past year while competing for the women's volleyball team. She obtained an 11.5 average (95 per cent) over 30 units, which is equivalent to an "A+" average. She is a three-time Marauder Scholar and has also been awarded the Rose Hill Scholarship, Dr. Harry Lyman Hooker Scholarship, and the Miller Thompson Award for her academic achievement while at McMaster. Hill's ability to juggle her academic and numerous community endeavors while competing at the Varsity level in volleyball is truly remarkable. In addition to being a teaching assistant in first-year anatomy and physiology, she has volunteered at the McMaster Sports Injuries Clinic, Cardiac Rehabilitation Centre, and has found time to volunteer at Prince Phillip Primary School. She has been involved with the McMaster Athletic Council as a team representative and during the summer she has worked with both the McMaster E.X.P.L.O.R.E and Mini-University programs. On the volleyball court she is described by her coach, Tim Louks as, "One of the hardest workers on the team. She applies the same dedication and determination to the volleyball court." Dr. Jack Kennedy Award Jack Kennedy was an associate professor of physical education from 1965-87 and head football coach from 1966-72, guiding his team to the Atlantic Bowl Championship and College Bowl final in 1967. Kennedy was director of athletics from 1969-74 and head coach of the women's ice hockey team from 1976-83 leading the team to O.W.I.A.A. and North American Championships in 1978. Kennedy retired in 1987 after an impressive 34 years of coaching, and passed away in 1999. This year's recipient: Scott Moore, tennis A fifth-year engineering physics and management student and member of the Marauder Men's tennis team, Moore has been a Marauder Scholar every year that he has been at McMaster. He finished the 2002-2003 school year with an 11.1 average over 36 units. Thirty-six units translates into two additional courses above the average that a typical student would complete in an academic year. He is a nominee for the 2002-2003 Chancellor's Gold Medal as well as the recipient of the Atomic Energy of Canada Scholarship, Ray Lawson Scholarship, and Dr. Harry Lyman Hooker Scholarship. Moore graduates with a combined average 11.7 out of 12 or A+ average. On the tennis court, Moore has had an equally successful McMaster career. A nominee for the 2002-2003 Ivor Wynne (Male Athlete of the Year) and Ray Johnson Awards, Scott was this year's OUA singles bronze medallist and also won a bronze medal in doubles. For the second straight season he was the Men's Tennis team Most Valuable Player and for the fourth time in five seasons he was an OUA All-Star. While at McMaster he has won a combined six OUA individual medals and five team medals, including the 1999 OUA Championship and National Championship titles. Moore has also demonstrated his ability to contribute off the court acting as not only the team captain, but as an assistant coach for the past two seasons.

June 6, 2003

McMaster alumni George Koblyk '60, will receive the McMaster Alumni Association Distinguished Award, the highest form of recognition offered by the Alumni Association to its members. He will receive the award at the Alumni Gallery Induction and MAA Awards ceremony June 7 during Alumni weekend. Over the years, Koblyk has held a number of volunteer positions with the McMaster Alumni Association, from holding committee meeting for his class' 25th reunion in his living room to representing the MAA Board of Directors on the University Senate. Koblyk is currently a member of the Alumni Adventures in Continuing Education committee, and was a member of its predecessor, the MACE committee, almost since its inception. He is a creative, enthusiastic and vital member of the committee. However, Koblyk has contributed to and continues to be involved with the MAA in a variety of ways. He has been an on-course' volunteer for every year of the McMaster Pro-Am Golf Challenge and has been either a member of the greeting crew, a reunion volunteer, or a golf cart driver every Alumni Weekend since 1995. Koblyk has also represented the MAA on the President's Teaching Awards committee, the Community Contribution Awards selection committee, and chaired the Stockwell Review Committee on Branches. Perhaps Koblyk's most significant contribution to the MAA is how is able to create an environment of enthusiasm for McMaster. Several currents volunteers can credit him for their involvement with the MAA, including Scott Koblyk '92 and Liz Koblyk '98. Koblyk is an exceptional and remarkable volunteer and the McMaster Alumni Association is proud to recognize such outstanding service.

June 6, 2003

The focal point at McMaster this weekend (June 6 to 8) will take place in the 'heart' of campus, the foyer of the McMaster University Student Centre. Here, old friends will meet, memories will be shared and new friendships established during McMaster's Alumni Weekend. It's the spot where alumni can check in for a campus tour on Saturday afternoon to reminisce with other graduates while strolling through campus, partake of some refreshments while listening to music or pick up their nametag. An induction ceremony will be held Saturday afternoon in Convocation Hall for inductees to the Alumni Gallery. The Alumni Association will also be recognizing achievements of young grads with the first recipients of the Arch Award.