December 5, 2001
posted on Dec. 5: Computer users should be wary of unexpected e-mailComputing & Information Services advises that e-mail continues to be slow due to problems created yesterday by the "Goner" virus. CIS virus expert Otto Geiss said the McMail system was down for part of yesterday as the virus created a backlog of about 2,000 messages in the mail queue. CIS manager Barb Campbell urges all University computer users to be vigilant before opening "unexpected" e-mail containing attachments. "We were flooded within minutes," Campbell said. "This is totally a result of people opening unexpected attachments. It's really frustrating for us." CIS deployed five people and called in one employee from vacation to help people deal with their computer problems. For information on the virus, go to: CIS Virus Information Web site at http://www.mcmaster.ca/cis/virus/ Symantec Web site at http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/w32.goner.a@mm.html Command Web site at http://www.commandsoftware.com/virus/goner.html. If you suspect you have the virus, disconnect the Ethernet cable and contact CIS at ext. 24357. The infected e-mail, which should be deleted, will have an attachment named "gone.scr". The e-mail subject line is "Hi" and the body of the message reads: "How are you? When I saw this screen saver, I immediately thought about you. I am in a harry, I promise you will love it!" (End of story)
December 5, 2001
posted on Dec. 5: Committee developing core competencies for McMaster managersEditor's Introduction The following report is from members of the Core Competencies Steering Committee. The committee is developing a competency-based system for managers and academic . . .
December 4, 2001
posted on Dec. 4: 2001 Service Recognition AwardsThe following is a list of McMaster employees who were honoured recently for their years of service: 2001 Service Recognition Awards 15 Years of Service . . .
December 4, 2001
posted on Dec. 5: Signing ceremony officially recognizes new collaborative nursing program[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/signing.jpg”]After 17 drafts, an agreement creating a new collaborative nursing program for McMaster University, Mohawk College and Conestoga College is now final and . . .
December 4, 2001
posted on Dec. 4: Virus Alert: W32.Goner.A@mmComputing & Information Services advises there is a virus spreading on campus that is slowing down computer systems. Delete any e-mail with the subject line of "Hi" and the body of the message reads: "How are you? When I saw this screen saver, I immediately thought about you. I am in a harry, I promise you will love it!" The attachment will be called "gone.scr". For information on the virus, go to http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/w32.goner.a@mm.html. Information is also available at the McMaster Virus Pages link. If you believe your computer is infected, disconnect your ethernet cable and contact CIS. For further information, please contact the CIS helpline at ext. 24357. (End of story)
December 3, 2001
posted on Dec. 3: McMaster Libraries’ Hours of Operation During Exams, Holiday PeriodDecember 3, 2001
posted on Dec. 3: Term 1 classes end todayToday marks the last day of Term 1 classes for the 2001-02 fall/winter session. Final examinations begin Wednesday, Dec. 5 and continue through to Tuesday, Dec. 18. Go to the Office of the Registrar's Web site at registrar.mcmaster.ca/internal/ examt/ for the exam schedule. Paper versions have been posted around campus. As well, students'personal exam schedules are also available on Mugsi. Click on McMaster Libraries' Hours of Operation for a complete listing of opening and closing times for the libraries during December and early January. Classes for Term 2 begin Monday, Jan. 7. (End of story)
December 3, 2001
posted on Dec. 3: Children’s party draws capacity crowd[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/christmastree.jpg”]Convocation Hall was filled with music, laughter and youngsters of all ages Saturday as more than 260 children and their families gathered to . . .
December 3, 2001
posted on Dec. 4: 163 McMaster employees honoured for years of serviceIf you do the math, the numbers are astounding. A minimum of 2,400 years of service to McMaster and counting. Recently, 163 McMaster employees were honoured at a Service Recognition Awards annual luncheon held to mark the worthy service of those who have been employed by the University for at least 15 years. "It is no small feat these days to accumulate 15, 20, 30, 35 or 39 years of service to an employer," said President Peter George. "As our society becomes more mobile and technology makes the world seem smaller, people have more choices about what they want to do, where they want to work and how they see their careers unfolding. These new facts of life make all of you even more exceptional." The University has instituted a new award category this year, marking 35 years of service. Twelve employees were honoured in that category this year.
November 30, 2001
posted on Nov. 30: 12 medical scholarships supported by Scotiabank’s $750,000 giftMcMaster University today celebrated a generous donation of $750,000 from Scotiabank towards the establishment of 12 undergraduate medical scholarships. The gift will be matched with . . .
November 30, 2001
posted on Nov. 30: Marauder quarterback named football player of the year[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/Chapdelaine.Ben.final.jpg” caption=”Ben Chapdelaine”]Marauder quarterback Ben Chapdelaine is the winner of the 2001 Hec Crighton Trophy presented annually to the most outstanding university football . . .
November 29, 2001
posted on Nov. 29: Celebrating McMaster’s Canada Research Chairs successThe achievements of McMaster's 28 Canada Research Chairs were celebrated Thursday by one of the leaders of the federal government's innovation agenda. Industry Minister Brian Tobin was on campus to announce the appointment of McMaster's two newest chairholders as part of a national announcement of the newest recipients at Canadian universities. McMaster's newest Canada Research Chairs both hail from the Faculty of Science: John Brennan, an associate professor of bioanalytical chemistry and Cecile Fradin, an associate professor of physics & astronomy and biochemistry. Both recipients received Tier 2 awards which means they are researchers whose peers acknowledge them as having the potential to be world leaders in their field. The appointments are for a five-year period and can be renewed once. (Click on McMaster Chairholder Profiles for information about all the University's chairholders.) Tobin lauded the Canada Research Chairs program as one of integrity that emulates the highest standards, noting the awards aren't governed by appeasing political allies or constituents. "It's based on peer review," he said at the ceremony held at the Health Sciences Centre. "It's based on excellence. These 28 chairs have competed against the best and the brightest." The Canada Research Chairs initiative is a $900 million program created to establish 2,000 research chairs in Canadian universities by 2005. LAB TOUR: (L to R) Mamdouh Shoukri, vice-president research, McMaster President Peter George, Industry Minister Brian Tobin and Stan Keyes, MP Hamilton West were given a tour of the new new High-Throughput Screening (HTS) lab by manager Rebecca Hartlen. Photo by Ron Scheffler
November 29, 2001
posted on Nov. 29: National university cheerleading championship roars on campus Nov. 30After a successful championship last year, with a capacity crowd in attendance at McMaster's Burridge Gymnasium, Power Cheerleading Athletics will host the National University Cheerleading . . .
November 28, 2001
posted on Nov. 28: Student-driven SOS makes sick children smile[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/ShaveForACure.final.jpg”]Their mandate is to make children smile. So 17 of them shaved their heads to make people do just that. And in the . . .
November 27, 2001
posted on Nov. 29: School of Rehabilitation Science professor appointed to chair in childhood disability researchProfessor Mary Law has been appointed to the John and Margaret Lillie Chair in Childhood Disability Research, which is supported by the Jack and Ina Pollock Charitable Foundation. Law is a professor and associate dean in the School of Rehabilitation Science and an associate member of the Department of Clinical Epidemiology & Biostatistics. She is co-director of the CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research, a partnership between researchers at McMaster University and children's rehabilitation centres in Ontario. "There are more than 500,000 children and youth in Canada with disabilities that affect in some way their participation in daily activities," said Law. "The chair in childhood disability will enable continued leadership in childhood disability research at McMaster so that families can benefit from research, resources and information leading to improved outcomes for their children." Law is an occupational therapist with training in both epidemiology and health and social planning and has worked in the area of children's rehabilitation for many years. Her research has led to innovative methods to enhance the participation of children with disabilities in everyday activities. "Dr. Law is a fabulous mentor for young investigators in the field," said John Kelton, Faculty of Health Sciences' dean and vice-president. "Through her work with graduate students and the development of future post-doctoral study opportunities, Dr. Law will be helping to develop our future scientists in rehabilitation science." The funding of this chair will help lead to new discoveries about effective interventions for children and youth with childhood disabilities and the efficient and timely dissemination and use of research information in healthcare practice. Founded in 1997, the Pollock Foundation has continuously supported the School of Rehabilitation Science with particular interests in childhood disability research and the research activities of the CanChild Program. (End of story)
November 27, 2001
posted on Nov. 27: Esteemed scientist examines relationships between biology, technologyThe way may be clear for scientists to take apart biological systems and understand them in the same way we understand machines. Robert Austin, professor of physics at Princeton University and a member of the National Academy of Sciences asks the question, "Will the 21st century be the century of biology?" for the 24th annual Alexander Graham Bell Lecture. The free public lecture takes place today, Nov. 27 at 2:30 p.m. in the Burke Science Building, Room 147. Austin's lecture will explore the technologies that have allowed scientists to quantify complex phenomena and the new ideas that have arisen from their understanding of biological systems. These new ideas include the possibility that scientists will have the ability to control and change biological systems. Austin's presentation will also include taking a guess at some new technologies and offering his ideas about what the future may bring. The Alexander Graham Bell Lecture, presented annually by the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, offers outstanding speakers on a topic in information and emerging technologies that is of interest to both the members of the University community and the general public. (End of story)
November 26, 2001
posted on Nov. 26: Adventure racing team finishes 16th in China"Skreemin' Fury" indeed. With a speed worthy of their name, a fledgling Hamilton-based team of McMaster professors and graduate students has scorched a trail through the young but growing sport of adventure racing landing a coveted spot this fall on the starting line of one of the sport's top international races. Three members of the team pitted themselves against some 30 entries from around the world in this year's Mild Seven Outdoor Quest, held earlier this month for the fourth time in China. In adventure racing, teams of three or four people tackle a succession of sports - including running, mountain biking, paddling and orienteering -- over outdoor courses ranging anywhere from 50 to 300 kilometres long and lasting from one to four days. Based on its impressive track record - Skreemin' Fury won all five of the races it entered last year after it was formed in June 2000 - the team was selected early this year from among hundreds of would-be competitors. Says team member Mike Waddington, a professor in the School of Geology & Geography, "We were the only team invited from Canada." Theirs may also be the only team made up entirely of academics rather than professional athletes. Besides Waddington, the team includes Mark Tarnopolsky, a professor of medicine, and four graduate students: Doug Mahoney, John Markez, Natalie Perkins and Gianni Parise. Tarnopolsky, Mahoney and Markez, along with Ken Sidney, a cross-country skiing champion and professor at Laurentian University, made up a foursome that finished exactly in the middle of the 32 teams that competed in the race. "I broke my ribs on the first day of the race and we were in the top seven at the time," says Tarnopolsky, about the team's showing. Although he was taped up every morning by doctors, Tarnopolsky and his team finished the race. "Not bad, given the fact that I [could not] take a deep breath. It was hard to run at 11,000 feet above sea level with shallow breaths. Overall it was a great experience." Skreemin' Fury: (l-r) Doug Mahoney, Gianni Parise, Mark Tarnopolsky and Mike Waddington train on the trails in Dundas. Photo by Simon Wilson
November 26, 2001
posted on Nov. 28: Social work association raises funds for children, needy studentsA fundraiser initiated by social work students at McMaster will brighten the lives of children at McMaster's Children's Hospital and University students in need of financial assistance. The McMaster Social Work Students Association has teamed up with the hospital and its Teddy Bears Picnic program in launching a colouring calendar featuring Clifford's Creatures. Each picture is accompanied by a self-esteem building message. The groups are hoping to raise about $25,000 from the project. Gerald Walsh, president of the McMaster student group, organized the calendar as a community outreach program. He says funds raised from the sale of calendars will also support the establishment of bursaries for McMaster social work students in financial need. The calendars are $6 each and can be purchased on campus (from the hospital's gift shops) or from the Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation. They will also be sold at the Hamilton Centre Mall and area schools. Sponsors of the program, which includes a colouring contest for kids, include Laurentian, Maple Leaf, McMaster Media Productions, the School of Social Work, and the McMaster Students Union. Laurentian is providing complimentary crayons with each calendar purchased. Illustrations for the calendar were supplied by Hamilton artist J. C. Walsh. Photo: Gerald Walsh with five-year-old Tylor Grant at calendar launch. (End of story)
November 23, 2001
posted on Nov. 23: Museum looks forward to new shows, programs[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/cameraman.jpg” caption=”Cameraman films new exhibit in Museum”]The large billboard at Longwood and Aberdeen streets in Hamilton tells the story. McMaster's Museum of Art . . .
November 23, 2001
posted on Nov. 23: A mover’s headache: how to install a giant machineIt's taken almost a week to move a 74,250-kilogram giant into the McMaster Manufacturing Research Institute. Physical plant employees, security, machinery movers -- teams of people have been working on moving a new automotive sheet metal forming press into the back end of the John Hodgins Engineering building. The mammoth press has been lying on its side outside the engineering building as movers determine how to ease it through a hole in the wall, tilt it into a standing position, while at the same time positioning it into a 3.6-metre deep pit. Hydraulic lifts and conveyer belts are being used. And yes, it takes a few engineers to figure this out. The $1.6 million press, funded by the Canada Foundation for Innovation, comes from a company north of Toronto. Mukesh Jain, of the MMRI, said major automotive companies like the Ford Motor Co. would have this type of press in their manufacturing operations, but the McMaster model will be used as a highly refined research tool. "This one is unique, " said Jain, who left Alcan's Kingston operation three months ago to join McMaster. "This is well instrumented and well controlled." Jain said the McMaster operation would be one of the largest among universities in Canada. The press takes a flat sheet of metal and stamps it into a component, with the capacity to punch metal at a force of 900-tonnes. "The research will be working with material suppliers and automotive companies to try and understand the different types of metal forming processes." Jain said researchers will study topics such as how new materials and lubricants behave in the metal forming process. Once the press is ensconced in its new home, it will take a few more months to set up the instrumentation before researchers can begin conducting research using the machine. The new press is the final piece of equipment to be housed in the 15,000 sq. ft. MMRI facility, which houses 13 industrial machines and a robot. The institute is designed to meet the sophisticated research and development needs of leading manufacturers. MOVING DAYS: MMRI researcher Mukesh Jain stands in front of the new sheet metal forming press being installed in the institute. Photo by Shelly Easton