June 10, 2002

McMaster and five other universities (Lakehead, Laurentian, Ottawa, Toronto and York), will receive $2.1 million over the next six years from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the Canadian Health Services Research Foundation (CHSRF) to develop and evaluate an Ontario training centre for health services and health policy researchers. The funding is part of a $88-million investment in this area which was announced today by CIHR. Health services research develops knowledge that assists in policy development and decision-making concerning the organization, funding, delivery of health services, and the allocation of resources dedicated to improving the health of Canadians. Using a consortium approach, the training centre will draw on faculty and research expertise at the six universities to build a critical mass of skilled health services researchers. Students will be trained to conduct research that meets the needs of health services policy makers, planners and managers, including those in rural, remote and northern communities. Students enrolled in the centre (faculty, post-doctoral fellows, graduate students, and health care managers) will have access to highly experienced researchers and health services decision makers through collaborative research, distance education, summer institutes, and field placements. Lead McMaster faculty include Alba DiCenso, professor of nursing and clinical epidemiology & biostatistics, Christel Woodward, professor of clinical epidemiology & biostatistics and a member of the Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis, and Brian Hutchison, professor of family medicine and director of the Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis.

June 7, 2002

McMaster's 2002 engineering and science graduands will receive their degrees today at two ceremonies in the Great Hall, Hamilton Place. Engineering will award bachelor degrees in technology, engineering, engineering & society, engineering & management; master's degrees in science (materials science), applied science, engineering; and doctorates in philosophy. At the afternoon ceremony, science graduands will receive doctor of philosophy, master of arts (geography), master of science and bachelor of science degrees. Receiving honorary degrees at these ceremonies are Art Heidebrecht, George Stephanopoulos, Stephen Jarislowsky and Leslie King. Science student Leila Salehi will receive the President's Award of Excellence in Student Leadership at the afternoon convocation. Valedictorians Monique Bergeron (engineering) and Gregory Restivo (science) will address their fellow graduands and guests. To view honorary degree recipient bios,

June 6, 2002

The Faculty of Social Sciences confers degrees at two Convocation ceremonies today at the Great Hall in Hamilton Place. At the morning ceremony, graduands will receive degrees in anthropology, economics, geography, labour studies, political science, psychology, and religious studies. Gerontology, health studies, kinesiology, social work and sociology degrees will be conferred in the afternoon. Honorary degree recipients for these ceremonies are: Hugh Brody and Enrico Mancinelli (morning) and Ethilda (Tilly) Johnson and Roger Neilson (afternoon). Brody and Neilson will address the graduands. Other awards to be presented at these ceremonies include the President's Award for Excellence in Educational Leadership, which will be given to political science professor William Coleman. The valedictorians for these ceremonies are Franka Prce (a.m.) and Nicholas Armstrong (p.m.). To view honorary degree recipient biographies,

June 6, 2002

Representatives of the government, private sector, and the University came together Thursday (May 30) to celebrate SHARCNET(Shared Hierarchical Academic Research Computing Network), a network that brings together high-performance academic computers across southern Ontario. Working in parallel, the primary computer clusters at the University of Western Ontario, the University of Guelph, and McMaster University, along with smaller development clusters at the University of Windsor, Wilfrid Laurier University, Sheridan College, and Fanshawe College, "give researchers the tools to perform high-speed calculations they only dream about" stated Greg Chappell, vice-president of Hewlett-Packard Canada. The SHARCNET infrastructure enables forefront computational research in critical areas of science, engineering, medecine, and business. A $42 million project, SHARCNET is "the greatest example of the kind of powerful partnership that can flourish among the industrial, academic and government sectors," explained Mamdouh Shoukri, vice-president research & international affairs. David Bogart, executive director of the Ontario Innovation Trust, declared, "SHARCNET brings together the best scientific and research minds in Ontario." In contrast to the past where individual groups applied for funding independently, SHARCNET is a multi-university, interdisciplinary institute partnership, which allows for the establishment of a world-leading site for High Power Computing (HPC). Shoukri noted, "With the seven institutions involved in this partnership, it's incredible what we can accomplish by pooling our resources - not only our financial resources but our intellectual resources." In November 2001, McMaster's super computers ranked 315th on the Top 500 List , a list of the 500 most powerful computer systems in the world. The other primary SHARCNET computers ranked 183 (University of Western Ontario) and 280 (University of Guelph). Respectively, the SHARCNET computers are the third, sixth, and ninth most powerful computer systems in Canada. Peter Sutherland, dean of the Faculty of Science, explained that SHARCNET's "systems represent 27 per cent of all of the supercomputing power available in this country, and half of the supercomputing capability operated by universities in Canada. The possibilities that SHARCNET brings to research are endless." Astrophysicist Hugh Couchman uses McMaster's SHARCNET computers to simulate galaxies in a cosmic three-dimensional environment in order to understand how they formed billions of years ago. Sutherland stated, "Since coming to McMaster three years ago, Hugh has been instrumental in developing and enhancing McMaster's ever-growing reputation as a leader in supercomputing." Couchman used to have to book time on British and German computers for his experiments, but with the creation of the SHARCNET, he can conduct his work here in Canada, instead of going abroad. "Moreover, we can actually attract foreign researchers, as SHARCNET acts as a magnet for research excellence," noted Shoukri. Erik Sorensen, the first chair appointed through the SHARCNET Research Chair Program, came to McMaster from the University of Toulouse in France. He describes himself as the "end result and the end user of SHARCNET." Instead of the lengthy process of proposals, allocations, and scheduling he experienced working with many different computers on many different continents, Sorenson is able to easily access McMaster's Idra and Typhon computers. The Shared Hierarchical Academic Research Computing Network has made its mark on the University since the province-wide launch in November 2001. "SHARCNET has already had a significant impact on the scope and scale of science here at McMaster and we envision that the facility will be a tremendous resource to the province and to the country," said Shoukri.

June 5, 2002

The School of Business, Faculty of Humanities and Arts & Science Program hold Convocation ceremonies today in the Great Hall at Hamilton Place. The Faculties will confer degrees for doctor of philosophy, master of business administration, master of arts, bachelor of arts, bachelor of music and Bachelor of Arts & Science. Business students convoke in the morning (9:30 a.m.); the humanities and Arts & Science Program students in the afternoon at 2:30 p.m. The Governor General's medal will also be presented to Burlington resident Beth Zdriluk, who graduates today with her BA in drama and psychology. Arts & Science student Arif Manji will be recognized with the President's Award for Excellence in Student Leadership. The valedictorians for these ceremonies are Saundra Young (business) and Laurence Scott (humanities and Arts & Science). Honorary degrees will be presented to Calvin Stiller, Henry Mintzberg, Richard Margison and Neil McArthur. Mintzberg will deliver the Convocation address and Margison will perfom at their respective ceremonies. Click on "read more" for bios of the honorary degree recipients.

June 4, 2002

With the completion of the exterior of the McMaster University Student Centre (MUSC) comes a new view of the east side of campus as you approach from Stearn Drive. The hoarding around the MUSC is now gone and there are fewer construction vehicles in the immediate vicinity to obscure the view of the AIC Wing, the newest addition to the Michael G. DeGroote School of Business. Construction on the AIC Wing began in October 2001 and should be substantially completed by the end of this month. Most of the bricking has been completed on the exterior walls, while the mechanical and electrical work is near completion on the interior of the building. The new addition will house the AIC Institute for Strategic Business Studies and the e-Business Research Centre, providing approximately 17,000 square feet of space on three levels. The open concept design features an abundance of windows, creating a bright and spacious feel to the four new classrooms, 19 offices, graduate and shared work spaces.

June 4, 2002

The CIBC Banquet Hall in the brand new McMaster University Student Centre was the site of the sixth annual McMaster Marauder Scholar brunch presented by the Assante Capital Management Group. One hundred and ninety five McMaster student-athletes were recognized for their outstanding athletic and academic accomplishments. Students-athletes who are named as Marauder Scholars must have achieved high academic standing while competing for a varsity or club team during the 2001-2002 school year. The Dr. Mary E. Keyes Award and the Dr. Jack Kennedy Award celebrate the accomplishments of the top female and male Marauder Scholars who best combine athletics and academics. Dr. Mary E. Keyes Award Dr. Mary Keyes was a key figure in the development of women's sports at McMaster. During her early years on the McMaster faculty, Dr. Keyes 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, Dr. 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 this past winter. This year's recipient of the Dr. Mary E. Keyes Award: Melissa Nock, Badminton Melissa completed her second year of the Engineering Physics and Management program this past year while competing for the Badminton team. She obtained an 11.4 average (95%) over thirty-eight units. Thirty-eight units translates into 2 to 3 additional courses above the average that a typical student would complete in an academic year. As a badminton player, Nock had a successful High School career earning OFSAA silver and bronze medals. As a junior under 19 player she was ranked in the top three in Canada and won major competitions in both Canada and the United States. At McMaster, she was the Marauder Badminton MVP in 2002 and an OUA All-Star in both 2001 and 2002. Dr. Jack Kennedy Award Dr. 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. He retired in 1987 after an impressive 34 years of coaching and passed away in 1999. This year's recipient of the Dr. Jack Kennedy Award: Rob Pineau, Baseball A third year medical student and multi-year Marauder Scholar, Pineau finished a stellar academic and athletic career this past year. While an undergraduate kinesiology student he had an 11.6 (97%) average over four years. As a graduate student he obtained an 11.3 (94%) average while earning his Masters of Science degree in Human Biodynamics. As a member of the Marauder baseball team, Pineau was a team captain for four years where he won two Division Championships ('97 & '99) and one National Championship ('97). A unanimous OUA All-Star selection in 2001, he was also in the top five in the OUA in most offensive categories. Pineau leaves McMaster having had the unique perspective of having competed for the Marauders in seven of his total eight year's at Mac ('94-99, '01) including the teams inaugural season in 1994. (End of story) PHOTO: Thirhse Quigley (centre), director of athletics and recreation congratulates Marauder Scholars Melissa Nock (Mary E. Keyes Award winner) and Rob Pineau (Dr. Jack Kennedy Award winner). Photo by Art Martin

May 31, 2002

Six engineering alumni accepted Engineering Physics' invitation to participate in their tenth annual forum, a panel discussion of work experiences shared with other alumni, students and professors. On the last day of classes, the panel of engineering professionals shared their insight into the career paths they have chosen since graduating with an engineering degree from McMaster. Graduates of the Engineering Physics program have a wide variety of job experiences, ranging from the telecom industry (Nortel and Bell Canada) to the nuclear and service industries. The alumni representatives stressed that there is a need to have on-the-job presentation and writing skills to succeed in the job market. The panel also emphasized the importance of demonstrated leadership and teamwork qualities as well as time management skills. They highlighted problem solving abilities and a broad, general knowledge base as assets in the workplace. Each panel member discussed their current careers and provided anecdotal comments to help connect the audience to their "real-world" experience. When asked to cite those courses that were most useful in preparing them for their careers, the responses were varied. Panelist Pete Aspros said his English course proved invaluable to his daily communication at Nortel Networks. Steve Tritchew, a strategist in new product development at Wescam, works half time in marketing, applying budgets and presentations --he finds he is continually learning. Tritchew suggested developing a solid base for understanding fundamentals and principles in math and materials applications. All agreed that a broad-based engineering education affords flexibility in the workplace. Dave Kingdon, safety & licensing analyst, Atomic Energy Canada, noted that at Ontario Power Generation (OPG), more general engineering applications are used. Kingdon adds that the most interesting aspect of his job was the challenge of problem-solving. While the focus of the forum was to share career experiences, Dan Turow, senior director of marketing at Genesis Microchip Incorporated, noted there is another, equally important dimension. "Work and dedication is important in the workplace," Turow explains, "You must learn to put balance in your life, as a personal choice." PHOTO: Panel particants Dan Turow, Steve Tritchew, Ian Craig, Pete Aspros, Rash Patnaik and Dave Kingdon

May 31, 2002

Alumni Weekend 2002 marks the official launch of the Alumni Gallery's twentieth year. Started by a group of alumni to recognize the achievements of other Mac grads, the Alumni Gallery has become the most widely recognized honour offered by the McMaster Alumni Association. Alumni Gallery members exemplify how McMaster alumni positively affect and contribute to society. This year's inductees are business leaders, innovators in the creative arts, scientists, health sciences researchers, and policy makers. 2002 Alumni Gallery Inductees William Cody '46, B.A. Faculty of Science A botanist with the National Research Council of Canada, Willliam Cody has focused his research on the flora and fauna of Northern Canada and he is widely considered to be Canada's foremost expert on Canada's northern flora. His studies led to the publication of five award-winning books, including Flora of the Northwest Territories in 1996. Harold Cowie '62, B.Div. Faculty of Divinity (posthumously) Harold Cowie's diverse and interesting career took him all over the globe. His work included archeological digs in Israel; teaching in Jamaica; helping coordinate ophthalmic treatment for people in Asia, Africa, and South America in his capacity as Associate Director, Overseas Development for Operation Eyesight Universal; as well as serving as a minister at various churches in Ontario. Hertzel Gerstein '89, M.Sc. Faculty of Health Sciences Hertzel Gerstein is an associate professor, director of the division of endocrinology & metabolism at McMaster, and director of the diabetes care and research program for Hamilton Health Sciences. He currently leads the Diabetes Reduction Approaches with Rampril and Rosiglitazone Medications study (DREAM) which tests the possibility that certain drugs may prevent Type 2 diabetes. B.Connor Johnson '33, B.A., '34, M.A. Faculty of Science (posthumously) Connor Johnson's discovery that vitamin K is an integral part of the clotting mechanism opened the investigative world for vitamin K. Until his death this past March, Johnson continued his research work, most recently on obesity, caloric intake and life span. Bartha Maria Knoppers '72, B.A. Faculty of Humanities Bartha Maria Knoppers is a professor at the Faculty of Law, University of Montreal and Senior Researcher and Counsel to the law firm Borden, Ladner, Gervais. She was a member of the International Bioethics Committee of the United Nations, Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization that drafted the Universal Declaration on the Human Genome and Human Rights. Currently, she is Chair of the International Ethics Committee of the Human Genome Project. Michael Lee-Chin '74, B.Eng. Faculty of Engineering Although his degree is in Engineering, Michael Lee-Chin made his career in financial services and mutual funds. Currently chair and chief investment officer of AIC, Michael Lee-Chin shares his good fortune with the community by supporting such diverse causes as Ronald McDonald House, the Black Community Achievement Awards, Joseph Brant Hospital and the Burlington Art Gallery. Karen Maidment '81, B.Com. Faculty of Business When Karen Maidment accepted the position of executive vice-president and chief financial officer with Bank of Montreal in 2000, she became one of the highest-ranking women in Canadian banking. Despite her busy career, Maidment continues to be active in her community, including acting as treasurer for the Cambridge Winterhawks Junior B Hockey Team. Basanti Majumdar '87, M.Sc. Faculty of Science As a professor of nursing at McMaster University, Basanti Majumdar is instrumental in bridging the University and ethnocultural communities. As well, she has committed her professional research and personal pursuits to community health care throughout the world with a focus on both the empowerment of women and the HIV and AIDS crisis. Dawn Martens '86, B.A. Faculty of Humanities Dawn Martens is an educator with a passion for opera. As the artistic director of the Buchanan Park Opera Club, Martens has not only fostered an appreciation of opera in the over 400 individual students who have taken part in annual performances, she has also used these performances to help raise $11,000 for McMaster's Children's Cancer and Leukemia Fund. Thomas Mason '90, Ph.D. Faculty of Science Through his research, Thomas Mason earned an international reputation for his groundbreaking work in the underlying origins of superconductivity. He is now the director of the spallation neutron source project in Oakridge, Tennessee. Mason continues to be involved in his community by lecturing on the role of science to student, church and seniors' groups. Dermot Nolan '69, B.A. Faculty of Humanities Dermot Nolan is a former professional actor with the Stratford Festival who has practiced law in Hamilton for 26 years. He is a former president of both the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association and the Hamilton Law Association. His volunteer work includes membership on community boards of Theatre Aquarius, Hamilton Health Sciences and St. Peter's Hospital. Miriam Stewart '67, B.Sc.N. Faculty of Health Sciences In 1999, Miriam Stewart was awarded the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research Health Senior Scholar Award. She is currently professor of nursing and in public health sciences, faculty of medicine at the University of Alberta. She has served on numerous national and provincial foundations, government committees, and community groups on health research and policy. The Alumni Gallery reception and induction ceremony will take place at 2 p.m. on Saturday June 1 in Convocation Hall.

May 30, 2002

Hundreds of staff, faculty and student volunteers welcomed almost 5,500 visitors to campus for May@Mac, the University's spring open house. The not-so-spring-like weather didn't deter prospective students, their families and friends from enjoying the full slate of activities offered across campus. "This is a unique opportunity to showcase the University from one end of campus to another--visitors were travelling from the Ivor Wynne Centre to the Institute for Applied Health Sciences and enjoying all the activities between and beyond those areas of the University," says Bonnie Crocker, student liaison officer. There were 18 checkpoints across campus, manned by volunteers who offered assistance to those visitors who chose a self-guided tour or helped direct others to various events. University volunteers were the key to the success of the open house--serving at displays, doing lab tours, presentations and encouraging hands-on participation from prospective students. "The success of May@Mac was the result of the cooperation and participation of so many people across campus," says Crocker, and this success was reflected in the comments from those who attended the open house. "The feedback indicated that our visitors were pleased with how well-organized we were, how much there was to see and do, how much fun they had and how great our campus looked," notes Crocker. "Whether it was climbing the stairwells in University Hall or sitting in the lobby of the new student centre, they were impressed with McMaster." (End of story)

May 30, 2002

A McMaster staff team has been assembled to review and consider several innovative proposals for additional university student residences. Committee chair Roger Trull, vice-president of University Advancement, acknowledges the value of additional housing to serve McMaster students and potentially ease the impact on the neighbourhoods surrounding the University as our student body continues to grow. Under Trull's leadership, the committee is currently reviewing a number of residence proposals. One such proposal includes a potential partnership with a private sector developer who has received support from the City of Hamilton to build a residence in the downtown core that would accommodate senior undergraduate and graduate students. The proposal provides an opportunity to achieve the potential benefits of addressing student housing requirements while supporting the City's downtown redevelopment initiatives as well as the business interests of the developers. But such potential benefits must be balanced with the University's priorities of providing adequate and reasonably priced housing options that meet the needs of our students. Despite the potential benefits of the downtown residence proposal and recent media reports about the City's approval to provide an interest-free loan to the developers to support the project, the proposal is far from the approval stages at McMaster. The staff team will continue to review this proposal as well as others, and will work towards developing recommendations to the appropriate internal committees by the fall of this year. "The committee appreciates the support that the City of Hamilton is providing to the project developers' initiative to partner with McMaster in a unique student housing proposal for the downtown core," says Trull. "Absolutely no commitment has been made to date to proceed with the proposal, but the committee will give it serious consideration along with the other potential proposals. We'll be requesting the input of various McMaster committees who need the opportunity to review and comment, and then we will aim to present final recommendations to the Board of Governors." The staff team dedicated to reviewing the student housing proposals includes the following McMaster representatives: Roger Trull, chair, vice-president, University Advancement; Fred A. Hall, vice-president academic; Andrea Farquhar, director of public and government relations; Pat Harris, student liaison; Cathie Miller, director of housing and conference services; Jennifer Kleven, co-ordinator of off-campus housing; Evan Mackintosh, president, McMaster student union; Shano Mohan, inter-residence council president; Gina Robinson, director of student services, student affairs, Lilian Scime, assistant vice-president, administration; Marc Filion, grad student association; and Linda Axford, University planner. (End of story)

May 29, 2002

Stop the presses! Today marks the official launch of Perspectives - a new electronic newsletter written by and for McMaster employees! The objective of Perspectives is to provide a bridge between employees at all McMaster locations, to encourage opportunities for employees to learn more about one another, to recognize individual achievement, and to act as a forum for constructive discussion. It is an electronic publication with limited print copies that are available to employees who do not normally have access to computers. Perspectives is managed by an editorial board consisting of 10 members from various locations, departments, bargaining units and employee groups. Board chair Joanne Kehoe states that "Perspectives provides all employees in the diverse and far-flung McMaster community with the ability to communicate about and with one another. It is very much grassroots in nature, and to that extent, it offers a fresh approach to communication and collegiality at McMaster." The newsletter was created based on a recommendation from the staff involvement work group as part of the staff survey follow-up process. An employee newsletter task team was then formed to assess need and niche, and then work out various details of the new newsletter involving content, authorship, readership, format, production, cost, and frequency.

May 29, 2002

One is described as a walking university. One already holds several awards for educational leadership. Another is a leading figure in developing educational programs for outpatient psychiatry. They are this year's winners of the President's teaching awards and each has made a significant contribution to educational excellence at McMaster. Philosophy professor Sam Ajzenstat, political scientist William Coleman and psychiatry professor Priyanthy Weerasekera take home this year's awards for Excellence in Instruction, Excellence in Educational Leadership and Excellence in Course or Resources Design. Established in 1993, the award provides the opportunity for McMaster to recognize outstanding contributions to education. Each winner receives a citation and memento at Convocation and a $5,000 honorarium. Their names and photographs will be included on McMaster's Wall of Recognition in Gilmour Hall. "I am delighted to extend my congratulations to each of you for this well-deserved honour," says University President Peter George. "McMaster has been well served by your continuing efforts on behalf of teaching and learning, and our University is very fortunate to number you among our most celebrated colleagues."

May 29, 2002

She has received straight 12s in all four years of study at McMaster. This distinction has earned Beth Zdriluk the Governor General's Academic Medal this year, making her the top McMaster undergraduate student. A McMaster Scholar, Zdriluk graduates from the Faculty of Humanities on June 5 with a combined honours BA in drama and psychology. Her academic record is impressive. She had held numerous awards and scholarships: H. L. Hooker Entrance Award, Amelia Hall Scholarship, University Scholarship, Sears Canada Scholarship, Dofasco Scholarship, Drama Book Prize, and the Eleanor Dornbush Marples Prize in Drama. She will study for her PhD at the University of Toronto this fall. "I applied for their MA program, but then was offered to go straight into their PhD program," she says. Although unsure now of what she will study, Zdriluk is interested in Canadian theatre. Her scholarship is complemented by a host of volunteer and community activities. She has been a volunteer in both drama and mathematics for high school students in Burlington for several years. She has worked with students to help develop their natural talents in performance, design, music and theatre, recently serving as co-director and musical director of the student production, Godspell. She has lectured to high school students on the Canadian, Greek and Elizabethan theatre as well as several of the major theatrical styles and movements of the 19th and 20th centuries. She plans to continue her work with high school students after graduation, assisting with drama studies and providing some tutoring. Since June 1995 Zdriluk has been heavily involved in the Centre Stage Productions Community Theatre Group. In May 2000 she travelled to Nova Scotia as a performer in a show chosen to represent all of Ontario at the Liverpool International Theatre Festival. She has also been a member of the Sears Drama Festival Organizational Team in Halton since 1993. She is also a member of the Front of House Crew. Her work has covered all facets of the theatre industry. She was costume designer for the fall 2000 production at McMaster of Pericles, Prince of Tyre. She has served as both a performer and designer for Centre Stage and earned awards for performance, set design and vocal arrangement at the Sears Drama Festival (1994-98). At McMaster she has been a TA for Drama 1AA3, worked as a research assistant on a study of Victorian Hamilton and been a volunteer for patients in Ward 3A at Hamilton Health Sciences. She is a member of the Golden Key International Honours Society. In addition to the Governor General's medal she also receives the Amelia Hall Gold Medal and the Dean's Medal for Excellence in the Humanities. (End of story)

May 29, 2002

Twenty-seven new researchers are among the 96 McMaster faculty who have been awarded more than $12 million over five years for research in business, engineering, health sciences, science and social sciences. The $12.6 million in grants from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) 2002-03 competition are for research, equipment and infrastructure needs. The McMaster grants are part of more than 2,900 new research grants worth $361 million over five years awarded to Canadian university and college professors at 62 Canadian post-secondary institutions. The new University researchers were awarded almost $3 million over a four-year period, the largest number of new McMaster researchers ever funded in a NSERC competition. The average grant for a new researcher increased 11 per cent, from $23,547 in 2001-02 to $26,000 in 2002-03. "Once again the excellence of our research community has been recognized at the national level," said Mamdouh Shoukri, vice-president research & international affairs. "We've made significant strides and excelled in a number of areas." Fifty-five McMaster researchers were also awarded $9.63 million over a five-year period in renewal research grants, making this one of the most successful competitions for NSERC funding in the last 10 years. For a complete list of McMaster researchers and their awards, please click on NSERC grants 2002-03. (End of story)

May 28, 2002

During last year's Commuter Challenge, over 2000 individuals, including 157 from McMaster University, left the car at home and kept over 35 tons of pollution from Hamilton's air. McMaster University is again joining other Hamilton residents in improving local air quality in the Commuter Challenge. Interested in participating? Register online at the Commuter Challenge website , or pick up a Commuter Challenge information kit in your department office. Host organization Green Venture is encouraging people to carpool, board the bus, walk, jog, rollerblade, and bike -- to use any and all alternatives to the standard drive alone car trip most of us take every morning. The Commuter Challenge is aimed at everyone who commutes, including those who regularly travel to and from work by bicycle or foot. It's not just for those who drive to and from work everyday. While participants are encouraged to use environmentally friendlier transportation for the duration of the week, the focus for McMaster will be on getting as many people as possible to participate on Wednesday, June 5, Totally Transit Day. This is National Commuter Challenge Competition day, where individuals taking public transit will be rewarded with newspapers, giveaways, and coupons. As if saving money, reducing stress, and joining the fun aren't reward enough, all participants will be entered in a draw to win two first class return rail travel tickets to anywhere in the Windsor-Quebec City corridor, courtesy of VIA Rail Canada. (End of story)

May 28, 2002

Not one model of student leadership, but three. This year, University President Peter George is awarding his student leadership awards to three individuals whose exemplary scholarship and service to community provide models of leadership for their fellow students and all members of the McMaster community. Mary-Melinda Gillies (nursing), Arif Manji (Arts & Science) and Leila Salehi (biology) are this year's recipients of the distinguished awards, given to McMaster students in their graduating year who exemplify leadership. The students will receive their awards at Spring Convocation. For biographical information on each winner,

May 28, 2002

The 2001 President's Working at McMaster Awards for Outstanding Service were presented May 28 to eight individuals and to two work groups. Under the President's Staff Awards Program, these awards have recognized 85 exceptional employees and team members since 1997. The program was renamed this year and the number of awards for 2001 was doubled to 10, including two work-group awards. More than 100 nominations were submitted. Click on "Read more" for profiles of each winner/team.

May 22, 2002

The flowers are blooming. The birds are chirping. Spring has sprung and it's May@Mac! May 25 is the date of McMaster's second annual May@Mac, an open house for prospective students that runs from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday. Event organizers expect 5,000 to 6,000 high school students will come out to experience the wide variety of events on campus--everything from participating in an auction market, touring a trading floor, taking an engineering challenge, finding out if your ankles and knees are stable--to learning how to overcome budget fears and successfully manage the cost of a university education. While most universities hold their spring open houses during March break, McMaster has taken a different approach. Student liaison officer Bonnie Crocker explains that May is the ideal time to showcase the entire university, "McMaster has a lovely campus, and it looks much nicer in the spring. It's also easier to get facilities when classes aren't in session. As well, it's good timing, because this open house falls right between the two rounds of offers of admissions that students receive." Two large tents--one in front of Burke Science Building and the other in front of the John Hodgins Engineering Building-- will house the McMaster Marketplace where prospective students can pick up a final schedule of events for the day, chat with current students, tour more than 40 displays, and meet with academic, student services and student organization representatives. Self-guided campus tours allow visitors to stroll around the campus at their leisure, with the option of stopping at various checkpoints where staff are available to answer questions and provide directions. Students will also have the opportunity to tour the residences. Athletics and recreation staff will give presentations on the university's competitive sports, intramurals, instructional and outdoor programs, as well as the facilities available, including "The Pulse" fitness facility. The department is also sponsoring a "Meet the Coaches" session where students can meet McMaster Marauder coaching staff. The Student Liaison Office organizes May@Mac and sent open house invitations to each of the 22,000 students who applied to McMaster. The office expects attendees to be mainly Ontario students graduating from high school this year. Since information about May@Mac has been sent to high schools across Canada, organizers are expecting out-of-province students as well. The final schedule of events will be available at the Welcome Tent (or in the Ivor Wynne Centre if it rains). Family and friends are welcome and parking is free for this event. (End of story)

May 22, 2002

What would the Renaissance masters have made of scratches on tin foil, inkless prints and mud splatters? If you visit the current exhibition at the McMaster Museum of Art you're likely to find the answer. The exhibition, entitled Medieval to Mud explores the development of prints and drawings from the intricate engravings of the late medieval period to the contemporary and sometimes unorthodox techniques of artists like Antoni T`pies and Richard Long. More than seventy significant prints and drawings will be featured in this exhibition. Highlights include Picasso's etched study for his masterpiece, Guernica, Goya's folio Disasters of War, prints by D|rer, Rembrandt, Hiroshige, Matisse, Ensor and Hockney. Of course McMaster's stellar collection of German Expressionist art will also be well represented. McMaster University possesses one of the finest University collections of works on paper in North America. Medieval to Mud is an opportunity to highlight strengths and notable recent growth as well as to present a number of acquisitions that have never before been exhibited at the Museum. Admission to the Museum and this special presentation is pay-what-you-can with a suggested donation of $2. Students, seniors and members are free. Museum Hours: Tuesday - Friday 11-6; Thursday evening 7-9; Sunday 12-5. (End of story)