September 20, 2002

McMaster's 2002 Community Campaign got off to a great start Wednesday at the annual faculty, staff, and retiree kick-off event. The country and western themed barbeque took place under sunny skies on the Frank C. Miller terrace of the McMaster University Student Centre. The terrace was transformed into a country and western paradise, complete with bales of hay, barrels of apples, and red and white gingham. More than 150 guests, including 20 retirees, attended the event. Faculty, staff, and retirees were treated to a barbeque lunch while Patsy Cline tunes played in the background. Evan Mackintosh, McMaster Students Union president, and Peter George, President and Vice-Chancellor, explained the vital importance of support from the faculty, staff and retirees to the past, present and future success of McMaster University. The Community Campaign, which begins each fall, aims to raise awareness and participation among faculty, staff and retirees and to encourage the McMaster community to support the University's fundraising goals. Photo captions: Top: Faculty, staff and retirees enjoy lunch on the Frank C. Miller terrace while Peter George, President and Vice-Chancellor, explains the importance of their support. Below: Rod Morrison, director, Alumni Advancement, left, and George draw a name for one of the door prizes. Photo credit: Chantall Van Raay

September 19, 2002

Cycling is a way of life for Sean Park. The third-year bachelor of health sciences student doesn't drive a car. In fact, he doesn't even have a driver's licence. For him it's have bicycle, will travel. He knows how important it is to have a bicycle in working order and how expensive it can be to fix common bicycle problems such as a broken chain or a flat tire. That's one of the reasons he and fellow student Dan Freeman have formed the MACycle Co-op. Along with a handful of other keen cyclists, the pair have opened a bicycle repair shop in the basement of Wentworth House to provide cycling students, staff and faculty with an affordable way to fix their bicycles. "Most people don't know how to fix a flat tire or a broken chain and it can be costly to go somewhere to have it fixed. This is a service cyclists need to keep biking," says Park. The co-op officially opens its doors today(Thursday), with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 6 p.m. The office is located below the Phoenix.

September 19, 2002

Leave the car at home Friday and hop on the bus for free. McMaster is celebrating World Car Free Day tomorrow by providing free Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) tickets for staff and faculty for travel to and from McMaster's main campus and downtown location. Tickets can be picked up at the information desk in the McMaster University Student Centre, or from the front desk (the Security Guard) at the downtown centre. The promotion will include a draw for Tim Horton's coupons. A car will be parked in front of the McMaster Museum of Art on Friday for faculty, staff and students to decorate and paint. "People are invited to leave a mark on a car instead of the car leaving a mark on the earth," says Daryl Bender, co-ordinator in McMaster's Alternative Commuting & Transportation Office. Bottles of water will also be handed out at campus entrances for those entering campus by means other then a motor vehicle. Bender encourages everyone to leave the car at home, not just on World Car Free Day, but every day. "The more people embrace the idea of leaving their car at home, the more we can avoid turning our green space into parking lots."

September 19, 2002

McMaster students will get a taste of what it's like to be an alumni today. The McMaster Alumni Association is hosting "Infinite Possibilities" in the University Student Centre marketplace from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. "The event is a way for our office to let the student body know about what the McMaster Alumni Association does for our grads," says alumni advancement intern Ben Chapeldaine, one of several alumni staff that be will on hand to answer questions and provide information. "The Alumni gallery will also be set up for people to come and learn more about our grads." The event is an opportunity for current students to discover who makes their alumni association, he adds. Information about the association will be distributed and there will be free food, gifts, prizes, posters and music. Photo caption: Stephen Smith, third-year honours commerce student, views the Alumni Gallery display at "Infinite Possibilities". Photo credit: Chantall Van Raay

September 18, 2002

McMaster's annual Faculty, Staff and Retiree Community Campaign kicks off today. The event, on the Frank C. Miller Terrace of the McMaster University Student Centre (third flor) takes place from 12 to 1:30 p.m. The theme of this year's event is country and western and there will be a barbecue lunch, including appetizers, salads, drinks and dessert. There will also be draws for door prizes. The annual lunch-hour barbecue is held every September to mark the beginning of the campaign to raise awareness and participation among faculty, staff, and retirees in University fundraising. The goal of this year's annual fund campaign is to increase participation among faculty and staff.

September 17, 2002

When paralyzed actor Christopher Reeve credited activity-based recovery for a regained sensation in his fingers, wrists and legs, McMaster's Kathleen Martin was delighted, but not surprised. Martin and researchers in McMaster's Centre for Health Promotion and Rehabilitation have been working towards this for years. In her lab in the Ivor Wynne Centre, the assistant professor of kinesiology conducts research on the benefits of exercise for people with chronic disease and disability, including individuals with arthritis, heart disease and spinal cord injuries. With $122,097 from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, she's confident they will make great advances in this field. "Without a CIHR grant, our colleagues wouldn't be able to continue our research," she said at an announcement by health minister Anne McLellan at McMaster Tuesday. McLellan, who shone a spotlight on the work of Martin, toured her lab and spoke to those benefiting directly from her research. "It is research like Dr. Martin's that may one day allow people with these kinds of conditions, like Christopher Reeve, to move and increase their mobility," said McLellan. "This research will truly make a difference in the quality of life, not just for Canadians but for people around the world."

September 17, 2002

Whether a student dreams of working for Ontario Power Generation, IBM or Research in Motion, Thursday is their chance to get a head start. Careers Day 2002, the biggest recruiting event of the year at McMaster, will be held in Burridge gymnasium in the Ivor Wynne Centre on Sept, 19 from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Hosted by the Career Planning and Employment Centre, this annual event brings several companies onto campus, looking to hire McMaster students for various positions within their organizations. More than 60 employers (including McMaster for the first time) will come on campus to recruit students. There will be a wine and cheese reception from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., followed by an employer awards ceremony.

September 17, 2002

Business, academic and youth leaders from across Hamilton and the Halton region are at McMaster University today to discuss Canada's innovation strategy. More than 100 attendees, representing area businesses, academic institutions and governments, are participating in facilitated dialogue discussions, a plenary session and hearing from a panel of innovation champions, including Mamdouh Shoukri, vice-president research and Doug Barber, former chair of McMaster's Board of Governors and Distinguished Professor-in-Residence in the Faculty of Engineering. The dialogue sessions are focused on four key themes: knowledge creation and commercialization; innovation policy and regulatory climate; skills and learning; and strengthening community capacity. Participants are discussing local and regional business productivity and spin-off issues, as well as innovation at the community level, while proposing solutions to a number of challenges. Other McMaster participants include President Peter George, Ken Norrie, provost and vice-president academic, Mo Elbestawi, dean of engineering, Chris Bart, director of the Management of Innovation and New Technology research centre in the School of Business and business professor Marvin Ryder.

September 16, 2002

Nominations for the election of students to University Senate open today. Twelve student positions, one graduate and one undergraduate from each of the six Faculties are sought for Senate  the governing body responsible for making decisions on academic policy. "I think it is important for students to consider running for these positions because of the significance of the decisions that are made at the University Senate," says Evan Mackintosh, president of McMaster Students Union. "Students need strong voices at the Senate to ensure that their opinions influence the direction of the institution. McMaster is a student-centred University; therefore, its students must actively participate in the governance of the whole."

September 16, 2002

Security Services will present its annual bicycle auction and lost and found sale on Wednesday, Sept. 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the McMaster University Student Center plaza, outside of Mills Library. This year, there are approximately 35 bikes to be auctioned off. These bikes have been collected and stored by Security Services over the last year. These bikes have no identifiable marking on them, and security services cannot locate an owner. After keeping the bikes for a minimum of 90 days they are auctioned off with all proceeds going to Campus Watch programs. The auction will take place at 12 p.m. Security Services is also hosting a bicycle anti-theft program. This program was created in 1999 when bike theft became a growing concern on campus. This voluntary program is intended to educate and assist the University community in protecting and securing bicycles both on and off the campus. To date, hundreds of bicycles have been registered. This free program involves having the bicycle engraved with a uniquely identifiable number such as the owner's drivers license number. If the bike was stolen, any police agency would be able to locate the owner and return the bike. Also involved in this program is a registration form. This form includes the name, address, description of the bike and serial number. This registration form is kept on file with Hamilton Police Service, and a sticker is placed on the bike to educate others that it is registered with a police service. Security Services will be engraving bikes from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. If unable to attend at that time, bikes can be engraved and registered at the security office in E.T. Clark Center, or the MACycle Co-op office in Wentworth House anytime. During this event, Security Services will also be selling off lost and found items. These items have been held by security services for at least 60 days. Included in these items are text books, clothing, calculators, umbrellas, hats and gloves. Proceeds from these items also go toward Campus Watch programs. Bicycle security tips Always lock your bike to a bike rack Always buy the best quality lock you can afford Lock your bike with two different locks Place as much of the bike as your can through the lock Record the serial number of your bike Have your bike engraved Immediately report any suspicious activity to security Always wear a helmet, for your safety

September 15, 2002

Engineering and science graduate and senior undergraduate students take note. An information session being held on campus this week may yield some much-needed and useful scholarship information. Representatives from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) will be on campus Thursday, Sept. 19 to inform students of their scholarship and fellowship programs and to provide advice on the application procedure. The session will run from 8 to 11 a.m. in the Banquet Hall,(Room 319), McMaster University Student Centre. Students are invited to bring questions and to find out more about the programs and procedures. NSERC offers post-graduate scholarships valued at $17,300 to $19,100 annually (for a maximum of two years per category, depending on category of application and qualifications) to high-calibre scholars who are engaged in master's or doctoral programs in the natural sciences or engineering. Candace Robinson, Pat Houston, Eika Vagt, and Reginald Theriault, all from NSERC, will be present for the session. The session is open to all interested engineering and science graduate and senior undergraduate students. For more information about NSERC and its scholarship programs, visit the links below. For more information about the session, contact the School of Graduate Studies, ext. 24234.

September 13, 2002

A trimmed down Pat Quinn had lunch at McMaster Thursday. The head coach of Canada's gold medal winning men's ice hockey for the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, and general manager and head coach of The Toronto Maple Leafs, opened McMaster's fall luncheon series. The Toronto Maple Leafs' quest for the Stanley Cup, goaltender Curtis Joseph's refusal to re-sign with the Leafs and the diet which helped him trim about 45 pounds off his 300-pound figure were some of the topics he fielded from Steve Milton, sports writer for the Hamilton Spectator.

September 13, 2002

Highlights from the Sept. 11 McMaster Senate meeting Enrolment forecast McMaster's projected enrolment figures continue to grow. As of Sept. 10, 4,862 first-year students were enrolled at McMaster, reported University registrar George Granger. The number includes 147 first-year nurses enrolled in the collaborative nursing program at the Mohawk and Conestoga locations. When these students are subtracted from the total enrolment figure, McMaster is 306 students over its modified Senate level 1 target of 4,409. "Our first-year full-time student body is roughly 16.5 per cent larger than last year," said Granger. McMaster's total undergraduate enrolment currently stands at 16,601 (full- and part-time) compared to 15,069 on the same date last year, he says. At the graduate level, 1,799 full-time students are registered in full-time PhD programs as of Sept. 10 -- 739 more than a year ago, says Fred L. Hall, dean of graduate studies. In August, a tentative agreement was signed by McMaster President Peter George and all other Ontario university presidents, agreeing to take a share of undergraduate enrolment growth for this year and next. The final agreement will provide student forecasts to 2005-06. In return, the government has committed to provide full average funding for this enrolment growth up to the level of the revised projections, says George. This funding will be provided through the University Accessibility Funding envelope. To receive the funding, McMaster must achieve enrolment target levels and depending on enrolment outcomes across the system, there will normally not be funding for students in excess of the agreed upon target, George says. "The important good news is that we do have the assurances of the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities that full average funding will be received for his growth," he says. Degree designation change Two recently approved professional master's programs in the School of Rehabilitation Science have undergone a degree designation change. In effect for the first graduating classes this fall, master's programs in physiotherapy and occupational therapy are now called Master of Science in Physiotherapy (MSc(PT)) and Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSc(OT)). The professional or entry level master's programs in occupational therapy and physiotherapy are new within Ontario and nationally, says Fred L. Hall, dean of graduate studies. "McMaster is the first Canadian institution to offer a professional master's degree in physiotherapy and the second Canadian institution to offer a professional master's degree in occupational therapy." Distinguishing between degree designation provided to occupational therapists and physiotherapists with advanced research master's qualification and those with professional qualifications is important, adds Hall. "This change will provide our graduates a designation which is consistent with the national standard and easily recognizable by employers, patients and other health professionals." Distinguished Alumni Award Deputy minister of finance Kevin Lynch and award-winning scientist Martin Green will receive Distinguished Alumni Awards at Fall Convocation on Nov. 8. Lynch, who graduated from McMaster in 1980 with a PhD in economics, will receive the Award for the Arts. Named by MacLean's Magazine as one of the 50 most influential Canadians, Lynch sets policies on all major economic issues, such as the challenge of an ageing population, income inequality and competing fiscal objectives without incurring foreign debt interest payment obligations. Green, professor at the University of New South Wales and photovoltaics researcher, will receive the Award of Science. Green graduated from McMaster in 1974 with a PhD in electrical engineering. His award-winning research has led to significant innovations in solar cell technologies that have resulted in a 63 per cent efficiency increase for converting sunlight into electricity. His solar cells were also used in the homes of the Athlete's Village for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.

September 12, 2002

For some children with a brain injury, remembering the rules to a game or following simple instructions is not easy. Researchers at CanChild are hoping to prove that a recently developed cognitive intervention will help children with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) handle the social and academic problems they encounter when they return to school. A one-year pilot study will examine the effectiveness of a strategy-based occupational therapy intervention with children who are 7 to 14 years and experiencing difficulties at home and school. The Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation (ONF) is awarding CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research at McMaster, $79,078 for the Cognitive Intervention for Children with Traumatic Brain Injury study.

September 11, 2002

Mexican muralist Daniel Manrique returns to McMaster this week to begin work on a new painting to hang in the McMaster University Student Centre. Manrique has been commissioned to create a diptych - two canvases sized 10 feet by seven feet each - that will hang above the lower west entrance that links MUSC with Gilmour Hall, in close proximity to the University's council chambers. The theme of the painting will be the human race and our responsibility for the planet. "We're delighted that Mr. Manrique accepted our invitation to come to McMaster and create a painting that will be exhibited in our new student centre," said Karen Belaire, vice-president administration. "This is a terrific opportunity for our students to see a muralist at work in a studio, benefit from his expertise and be exposed to his creativity." The University invited Manrique to return to campus to create a new painting when it was determined a mural he painted on a Togo Salmon Hall wall in 1981 would be too costly to move and could not be incorporated into the renovations for the new student pub, Quarters. Manrique understood the predicament and agreed to come back to campus to create a new work. The University is paying Manrique an honorarium for his work and covering his expenses while here. Once he arrives Sept. 12 and art supplies are purchased, he will begin work on the painting in the art studio in Togo Salmon Hall Room 116. When completed, the work will become part of McMaster University's permanent art collection, under the care of the McMaster Museum of Art. In conjunction with Manrique's visit, there will be a viewing of a video titled Walls of Mexico that focuses on Mexican mural painting on Sept. 26 at 7 p.m. in TSH-114 (the New Space). Manrique, who speaks Spanish only, will participate with the aid of an interpreter in a question and answer session that will follow the viewing. As well, there is a reception planned for Oct. 4 at 3 p.m. in the Council Chambers to celebrate the completion of the painting and allow Manrique to meet members of the McMaster and local artistic communities.

September 11, 2002

As the world reflects today on the terrorist attacks on the United States, so will McMaster. A commemorative service, called "Roses Among the Stones" brought together faculty, staff and students on the steps of Gilmour Hall today. The service, which celebrates non-violence, is a garden ceremony held annually for Anti-Violence Month. This year, McMaster's Anti-Violence Network (AVN) chose to hold the event on the anniversary of Sept. 11, says Carol Wood, ecumenical chaplain in McMaster's Chaplaincy Centre. "The non-violence service has been happening for a number of years but this year we wanted to do something special for Sept. 11, but also remember that non-violence is an issue that people face every year," she says. "Following Sept. 11, the media bombarded us with images and many of them were quite shocking. We need a place where we can acknowledge that collective grief." The fifth annual garden ceremony began on the steps of Gilmour Hall at 12:30 p.m. and moved to the garden in front of University Hall. Speakers included McMaster President Peter George, Evan Mackintosh, president of McMaster's students union, and Priscilla de Villiers, the mother of murdered McMaster student Nina de Villiers.

September 10, 2002

'Toledan Exchange', an international exhibition now on in the completely refurbished New Space (Togo Salmon Hall 114) brings a taste of Spain to Hamilton, featuring work by School of the Arts professors Judy Major-Girardin and Graham Todd, fellow Canadian Lorraine Samuel, and Spanish artisits Pablo Sanguino and Ma Deva Sufi. Spain's important ceramic tradition is at the heart of the show. The artists have introduced new shapes, outside influences (like Japanase raku), and the latest technology to create a vibrant visual experience. "Commercial ceramic factories in Spain have a long history of allowing artists to use their facilities," says Todd, who created many of his own pieces in one such factory just outside Toledo. His work, along with that of Samuel, Sanguino and Sufi, was the basis of the original exhibition which showed at major ceramic museums in Toledo and Talavera de la Reina late last year. At McMaster, they are joined by Judy Major-Girardin, who travelled to Spain this spring and found inspiration for her exhilarating mixed media works in the geometric patterns of the Arab mosaics of Cordoba, Toledo, and Malaga. Toledan Exchange' can seen at the New Space (TSH 114), Tuesday to Friday, 12 to 4 p.m. Photo caption: Graham Todd and Judy Major-Girardin with their ceramic work.

September 10, 2002

Members of the Bay Area Leadership will be hosted at McMaster today (Sept. 10) for a day-long workshop designed to focus on Positioning the Community'. The Bay Area Leadership program involves approximately 30 representatives of private and public sector organizations from Burlington and Hamilton. It's an innovative initiative to inform, motivate and mentor its participants in developing leadership skills. A number of community organizations have helped host monthly workshop to discuss issues and share various areas of expertise in an effort to develop and encourage leadership and a stronger community. This month it's McMaster's turn.

September 9, 2002

Pat Quinn, head coach of Canada's gold medal winning men's ice hockey for the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, and general manager and head coach of The Toronto Maple Leafs, will open McMaster's fall luncheon series Thursday. McMaster alumni are invited to go one-on-one with Quinn as he talks on his career, his Olympic memories and the drive to bring the Stanley Cup back to Toronto. Steve Milton, sports writer for the Hamilton Spectator will facilitate the interview session with Quinn. The event will be held at the Hamilton Convention Centre, Chedoke Room and begins at 12:15 p.m. with a reception, followed by a lunch at 12:45 p.m. Suggested questions for the Pat Quinn luncheon should be forwarded to alumni@mcmaster.ca and indicate in the subject line Pat Quinn Luncheon Questions or fax to 905-524-1733. The MAC (McMaster Alumni Community) Committee will review the submissions. The MAC Luncheon Series has developed into one of the McMaster Alumni Association's marquee events, attracting business and community leaders as well as alumni and friends of the University with its attention to topical issues presented by high calibre speakers. The committee is expanding the series to include a dinner event to be held at the University. In addition to the Pat Quinn luncheon, the series fall line-up includes: Oct. 2 -- Ajon Moriyama, partner, Moriyama & Teshima Architects and designer of the McMaster University Student Centre, discussing the process behind designing a building that will become the focal point of an already developed campus. Oct. 22 -- Paul E. Kenyon, co-chair, Commercial Production Association of Toronto and president, Absolute Location Support Services discusses Hollywood North: Fact or Fiction. Nov. 7 -- Kevin Smith, president and chief executive officer, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton will take a look into the future of healthcare as he discusses new technologies, disease trends, the impact of gene research as well as other important issues. For more information on the series, to suggest a future speaker or for ticket information call 905-525-9140 ext. 23900, alumni@mcmaster.ca or visit www.mcmaster.ca/ua

September 9, 2002

Those seeking information on research funding should make a point of stopping by the new University Student Centre Tuesday. McMaster's Office of Research Services is hosting a Research, Resources and Results Fair on Sept. 10 in the student centre market place from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Thirteen research sponsors, including the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, the Ontario Centres of Excellence -- Centre for Research in Earth and Space Technology and Ontario Innovation Trust will be on hand to answer questions and provide students and faculty with research material and information. "Faculty can expose themselves to potential funding opportunities at the research fair," says Emmi Morwald, director of research services. "Students can also talk to sponsors who might have opportunities for them when they graduate." The fair will expose faculty to potential funding opportunities they may not otherwise have pursued, adds Donna Burns, assistant director of grants, in the Office of Research Servives. "It will also provide a forum for them to obtain information about funding opportunities, guidelines for applications and meet representatives of the sponsoring agencies." The fair also benefits sponsors, she adds. "It gives sponsors an opportunity to advertise their funding programs and network directly with faculty and the University's administrators," she says.