Daily News

October 4, 2002

Mexican muralist Daniel Manrique's message to the world is now on view in the new McMaster University Student Centre. The painting will be officially unveiled today (Oct. 4) at a reception. "There is something idealistic, utopian and romantic about this image," Manrique explains (assisted by translator and McMaster professor emeritus of modern languages John Browning). His message? The natural world is the responsibility of human beings. Just as a mother protects her child, so must we protect the Earth. The artist has been at McMaster for the last three weeks working on a newly commissioned diptych, painted in acrylic, that replaces a painting he created for the University 20 years ago. His new work, titled El Mundo (La Naturaleza) Es Responsabilidad de los Humanos (The Natural World is the Responsibility of Humankind), is displayed on a wall outside the Bookstore where the University Centre and the Bookstore meet.

October 3, 2002

McMaster's School of Graduate Studies, in conjunction with the Department of Religious Studies, celebrated the establishment of the Buddha Dharma Kyokai Scholarship Fund at a recent event on campus. Established by the Buddha Dharma Kyokai Foundation of Canada, the fund will support Buddhist Studies in Canada, which will enable advanced graduate students at McMaster and other universities to study Buddhism for one year at a university in Japan. The funds for this scholarship will be set up under the auspices of the School of Graduate Studies at McMaster and administered by a committee of scholars from across Canada. "The study of East Asian Buddhism, and in particular Buddhism in Japan, has been a core component since the Department of Religious Studies was established in the 1960s, and one of the founding departments in the discipline in Canada and indeed in North America," said Eileen Schuller, chair of the Department of Religious Studies at McMaster. "One of the distinctive features of our department has been, and is, the commitment to strength in the study of the religions of the East and West within a context of academic research, respect for all religious traditions, and cross-cultural and interdisciplinary study." Photo caption:Pictured at the announcement, in back row, left to right: Neil McMullin, University of Toronto; Yasuo Honjo, director of BDK Canada; Brian Nagata, president BDK USA; Fred L. Hall, dean of Graduate Studies at McMaster; John Scime, Graduate Registrar and Secretary at McMaster; Koichi Shinohard, professor in McMaster's Department of Religious Studies; Jinhua Chen, University of British Columbia. Front row, left to right: Ken Maruyama, former director of BDK Canada; Victor Hori, McGill University; Eileen Schuller, chair, Department of Religious Studies at McMaster; Leslie Kawamura, University of Calgary and Roy Sato, president BDK Canada.

October 3, 2002

It may only be a day, but it could be the experience of a lifetime. The Experiential Education Initiative within the Faculty of Social Sciences at McMaster University, in partnership with Volunteer Hamilton and supported by the United Way, is organizing an event that can help students make a difference in their community. Mac Serve will offer students the opportunity to spend half a day volunteering in a local community organization and connect this to their academic and personal life. "By participating in Mac Serve, we hope students will learn more about the urgent and pressing needs that exist in the community and will be inspired to get more involved and make a difference," said Kris McCrady, leadership co-ordinator with Experiential Education.

October 2, 2002

A mathematical physicist and Anglican priest renowned for his treatment of theology as a natural science presents two public lectures on campus this week. John Polkinghorne is a Hooker Distinguished Visiting Professor invited by the Faculty of Science to lecture on his studies about the complicated relationship between science and theology. The first lecture is entitled "Belief in God in an age of science" and will be presented Thursday, Oct. 3 from 7 to 9:30 p.m. The second lecture, presented in conjunction with the Canadian Scientific and Christian Affiliation, is called "How will it all end?" and will be presented Friday, Oct. 4 from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Both lectures will be held in HSC-1A1 and are open to the public.

October 2, 2002

McMaster isn't messing' around in its effort to bring together faculty and staff. The McMaster Employee Spirit Society (MESS) is offering free tickets to the Oct. 12 Marauders football game to faculty, staff and their families. "The purpose of this is to bring McMaster employees and their families together to the football game, in a way of building "working at McMaster" team spirit and to recognize and thank employees and have fun with colleagues and families," says Anthony Celani, Human Resources officer. The Marauders will take on the University of Toronto Varsity Blues at Les Prince Field at 2 p.m. The initiative includes free refreshments in a tent from 1 to 2 p.m., end-zone patio seating, child-monitoring services and children's programs from 1 to 5 p.m. for ages four and up. Half-time activities include a 60-piece marching band from New Jersey, a 50-50 draw and door prizes. A limited number of complimentary tickets are available. To get game tickets and information sent by mail, you must register by Oct. 4. Employees who register after that date will be able to pick up their tickets and information at the Ivor Wynne Centre Locker Rooms Service Desk. Tickets are limited to a maximum of two adults and two children per family. Registration must identify is minding/activities for children over four years old are needed during the game and if a child has special needs. For more information, or to register online, visit http://www.workingatmcmaster.ca/life/index.html or email celania@mcmaster.ca.

October 1, 2002

The Speech from the Throne officially opened the new session of Parliament yesterday. The Speech sets out the broad goals and directions of the government and its strategy to accomplish those goals. The following are sections from the Speech on Skills, Learning and Research: "The fuel of the new economy is knowledge. The government has invested heavily in providing Canada's schools and libraries with the information technology to connect young Canadians with the best information and knowledge the world has to offer. It has invested in access to universities and in excellence in university research because Canada's youth need and deserve the best education possible, and Canada needs universities that produce the best knowledge and the best graduates. The government will build on these investments. It will continue to increase its funding to the federal granting councils to provide young Canadians greater support for graduate studies and research. It will work with universities on the indirect costs of research and on strategies for its commercialization to create opportunities for entrepreneurs and to fuel innovation. It will strengthen government science, integrating its efforts across departments and disciplines, and focussing on the priorities of Canadians. In November, the Government of Canada will host the National Summit on Innovation and Learning. This will be an opportunity to position Canada as a world leader in such areas as health sciences, biotechnology and clean energy. The government will work with its partners to break down the barriers to the recognition of foreign credentials and will fast-track skilled workers entering Canada with jobs already waiting for them. It will also position Canada as a destination of choice for talented foreign students and skilled workers by more aggressively selecting and recruiting through universities and in key embassies abroad. It has invested in access to universities and in excellence in university research because Canada's youth need and deserve the best education possible, and Canada needs universities that produce the best knowledge and the best graduates."

October 1, 2002

McMaster University will be lending two documents from the Bertrand Russell Archives for a major exhibition on Einstein to be staged at four museums in the United States and one museum in Israel over the next three years. The exhibit is titled Einstein: Changing World. Carl Spadoni, research collections librarian, Mills Memorial Library, says that the Library will be providing the April 11, 1955 letter from Einstein to Russell which, in fact, is Einstein's last letter. The letter was written a week before Einstein died, and in it he agrees to sign a statement about the threat of proliferation of nuclear weapons. The statement is known today as the "Russell-Einstein Manifesto." The second document is a mimeographed press release, containing the statement, which is signed by Einstein, Russell, and six other scientists, several of whom were Nobel Prize winners.

September 30, 2002

Recipients of the 2001-02 Karl Freeman Prize in Biochemistry for top graduate seminars were announced Monday. The recipients, pictured from left, with Karl Freeman in centre, are: fourth-year PhD candidate Iain Mainprize (first prize PhD), first-year PhD candidate Tracey Campbell (second prize MSc), fourth-year PhD candidate Kari Draker (second prize PhD) and second-year MSc candidate Joe McCann (second prize MSc). McCann will transfer to PhD in January. The prizes are awarded to biochemistry students deemed to have presented the most outstanding graduate seminars during the 2001-02 graduate seminar series. The Karl Freeman Prizes in Biochemistry Graduate Seminars were established in 2001 by Karl Freeman, chair of the Department of Biochemistry from 1973 to 1979 and also acting chair for six months during 1982. This is the first time the prizes have been presented. Freeman is now professor emeritus but continues to have an active interest in the Department and takes courses at McMaster. Tracey Campbell was also awarded the 2002/03 Thomas Neilson Scholarship. This is awarded each year to the biochemistry graduate student deemed to show the greatest potential as an independent scientist at the time of transfer to the PhD program. This award was established in memory of Thomas Neilson by his family, friends and colleagues as a token of their appreciation and respect. Neilson joined the Department of Biochemistry in its early years and contributed strongly to its chemical expertise.

September 30, 2002

While it has been open for months, the cutting of a red ribbon made it official. Alumni, faculty, staff and students converged in the curved, glassed-in Marketplace of the new McMaster University Student Centre (MUSC) Saturday for a grand opening celebration. Taking part in the official opening, from left are, Walter Pohl, McMaster Association of Part-Time Students president; Evan Mackintosh, McMaster Students Union president; Ian Cowan, Alumni Association president; Peter George, McMaster President; and Gary DeGroote.

September 27, 2002

This Homecoming weekend, McMaster alumni will return to a very different campus. One major change is the addition of the McMaster University Student Centre (MUSC). The long-awaited heart of campus will be home to two days of celebrations to thank students and donors, past and present, for their contributions to the project. The MUSC and the McMaster Students Union (MSU) will be hosting a number of events on Friday. The MSU is sponsoring hourly draws starting at noon for students who pick up a special passport for the day. Once the passport is stamped at five MSU services, it can be entered into the draws. Services located in the MUSC and the newly renovated space in Gilmour Hall will be holding open houses. Students and staff are encouraged to visit and see what services are available.

September 27, 2002

A fourth-year student in the School of Business is being lauded for recovering a visiting consultant's computer this week. In this story, Bob Hodgson, director . . .

September 27, 2002

The McMaster community had a glimpse into the future of the Health Sciences Centre Expansion Thursday. Pictured from left, David Clusiau, principal architectural designer of Norr Limited, Tony Cupido, director of Physical Plant at McMaster and Niky Melichar, administrator in the Office of the Dean and Vice-President, Faculty of Health Sciences, display a rendering of an addition to the facility. Details, construction timelines and the approved design of the expansion of the facility were presented. The building will be located in the area between Wentworth House and the McMaster University Medical Centre. The multi-storey building will be approximately 300,000-sq. ft. and will house lecture halls, classrooms, hospital facilities, the Institute for Molecular Medicine and Health and incubator space. The project -- the largest in 30 years on campus -- is tentatively scheduled to commence Oct. 15, 2002 and will be completed in the summer of 2004. Site preparation has already begun.

September 26, 2002

McMaster Tiger-Cats fans are being offered a touchdown deal on the final three games of the season. Two-for-one tickets are being made available to faculty, staff, students and alumni for games on Sunday, Sept. 29 vs. the Edmonton Eskimos; Monday, Oct. 14 vs. the Toronto Argonauts; and Sunday, Oct. 27 vs. the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. All three games begin at 1 p.m. Tickets are two for $40 and can be purchased at the Roarrr Store in Jackson Square or Centre Mall, the Ivor Wynne Stadium Box Office and at the concession of Les Prince Field at Saturday's Homecoming football game. You must present your McMaster identification card. "McMaster's partnership with the Tiger-Cats is an effort to get people excited about Tiger-Cats football," says Roger Trull, vice-president, University Advancement. "We're trying to get faculty, staff, students and alumni to consider going to games. In return, the Tiger-Cats are going to offer this attractive ticket package for McMaster's people and will donate five per cent of the proceeds from the tickets to student groups on campus." Supporting the Tiger-Cats ultimately benefits the University, Trull adds. "We think it is important that the Tiger-Cats thrive in the city because what it good for the city is good for McMaster and what reflects positively on the city, reflects positively on McMaster," he says. Tiger-Cats chairman and co-owner David MacDonald appreciates McMaster's support. "We know that McMaster has always been a strong football University and Tiger-Cats supporter," he says, "and we are happy to offer them this special deal on our last three games before the playoffs."

September 26, 2002

More than 60,000 prospective students will probe McMaster this weekend. These students  many of the double cohort  will explore what McMaster and 19 other Ontario universities have to offer at the sixth annual Ontario Universities' Fair at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. "For some students, this is probably the only chance they have to see all Ontario universities in one location at one time," says Bonnie Crocker, student liaison officer in McMaster's Office of the Registrar. "Hopefully the fair will interest students enough to come visit McMaster because our campus is a great selling feature." Representatives from across McMaster will attend the fair, including individuals from first-year programs, Department of Athletics and Recreation, Housing and Conference Services, The Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships, Admissions and Student Liaison. "Over the three days we will have 183 McMaster faculty and staff representing 17 McMaster faculties and departments," says Crocker. "One of the unique things about our booth is that we have representatives from all of our programs and services there to speak to students and this will allow us to have one-on-one contact with them."

September 25, 2002

Three suspects are in custody today after McMaster security officers observed them breaking into vehicles on campus Tuesday, Sept. 24. At approximately 1 p.m., a McMaster shuttle bus driver witnessed someone suspicious entering vehicles and informed McMaster Security. Officers monitored their security cameras and observed three individuals breaking into vehicles. The officers responded in their cruisers. According to sergeant Margaret McKittrick of the Hamilton Police, the suspects, who were operating a stolen auto, attempted to exit the parking lot but were blocked in by McMaster security cruisers. "The suspects rammed the roadblock and subsequently collided with a third McMaster vehicle (a McMaster Physical Plant van) where they were eventually stopped. All three suspects were apprehended. Hamilton Police cruisers responded to assist and take control of the suspects." The suspects were transported to St. Joseph's Hospital and the Hamilton General with minor injuries and released. The vehicles were towed and secured. As the vehicles contained stolen equipment, the Hamilton Police Break and Enter Auto Recovery Unit was advised and will continue an investigation. Hamilton Police suspect the arrested persons may have been responsible for numerous other thefts from autos in the area. Facing charges of dangerous driving, theft and possession under $5,000 and criminal negligence causing bodily harm are Michael Hall, 19, Trevor Marquard, 20, and a 16-year-old Hamilton female. "The entire community came together to make this arrest," says McMaster's sergeant of crime prevention Cathy O'Donnell, noting Parking and Transit Services helped redirect traffic. "It really was a combined effort."

September 25, 2002

McMaster's Web site has a new look and feel. Check it out. After months of talking to user groups, developing navigation structures, testing proofs and confirming design features, a revamped mcmaster.ca goes live Wednesday, Sept. 25. The redesign was implemented to enhance McMaster's Web site and give it a consistent look and feel, in an effort to improve the user's experience. The University's Web project includes the development of templates and a style guide to be used by all departments and faculties. This will ensure the University has a unified look and consistent navigation structure. The design provides a fresh new look with snapshots of current information and an improved navigation system to help users find what they're looking for easily and quickly.

September 25, 2002

The tenth annual Ghandi Peace Festival and Peace Walk, hosted by McMaster's Centre for Peace Studies and the India Canada Society, takes place Saturday, Sept. 28 at Hamilton City Hall. The festival opens at 10 a.m. and activities commence at 11 a.m. The festival, which celebrates the birthday and philosophies of Mahatma Ghandi begins at 11 a.m. with an opening address by Mayor Bob Wade followed by a keynote address from Joy Warner, past national chair of Canadian Voice of Women for Peace. At noon, there will be a peace walk followed by food and music. Festival participants and interested onlookers are invited to participate, march through the city and bring signs and banners to display and voice their messages of peace and non-violence. "The purpose of the Gandhi Peace Festival is to promote nonviolence, peace and justice," says Rama Singh, professor of biology at McMaster. He also hopes it provides an avenue for various peace and human rights organizations within the local community to become collectively visible, and exchange dialogues and resources, and build on local interest and dialogue in peace and human right issues that develop around the world. "We are encouraged by the growing interest in the Gandhi Peace Festival," he says. In an effort to involve more people in the festival, they created the McMasterPeaceFest, an annual event that consists of a number of peace related events on campus. They have also initiated a high school peace essay competition. The winners of this competition will be recognized at the Sept. 28 festival. They also have increased the content of the peace booklet and made it a more relevant and resourceful book for high school students, says Singh. "I know of no city of the size of Hamilton which has more peace and human rights organizations than we have," says Singh. "I am excited about the involvement of high school students as well as those from McMaster to make it a great peace walk." The Gandhi Peace Festival is twinned with the Annual Gandhi Lectures on Nonviolence, sponsored by McMaster's Centre for Peace Studies. This year's speaker will be the imminent Elder of Australian Aboriginal People, professor Lowitja O'Donoghue, Flinders University, South Australia. She will speak on Wednesday, Oct. 23, at 7:30 p.m. at the McMaster University Medical Centre, Room HSC 1A1. Pictures and posters from the Vaishali Sabha Conference on Peace, Nonviolence and Democracy that took place last February in India will be on display at the University Centre Marketplace Thursday, Sept. 26 until 8 p.m. The Vaishali Sabha was co-sponsored by the Centre for Peace Studies.

September 24, 2002

As another summer came to an end, so did another busy season for Conference Services. Wendy Read, conference co-ordinator, Housing and Conference Services, cites events held by the Statistical Society of Canada (SSC), the Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (STLHE), and the Olympic Academy of Canada (OAC) as the highlights of a very positive summer for McMaster University. The SSC annual meeting and the STLHE conference, each of which hosted approximately 400 delegates, were very large events. States Read, "This year was bigger than last year. There were a large number of departmental events."

September 24, 2002

McMaster University is taking a lead position on an innovation policy on behalf of 50 business schools in Canada. McMaster is one of only two schools chosen -- University of Ottawa is the other -- to provide business-school input to the federal government. The university hosted a federal summit on innovation last Tuesday. McMaster hopes to submit its paper to other business schools, with the final version to go to Ottawa before a national conference on innovation, likely in November in Toronto. Ottawa is pushing cutting-edge innovation and knowledge-enterprise in research schools and Canadian companies. Without new products and services, Ottawa is saying, Canada will slip in its standard of living among the great economies of the world. What McMaster is telling Ottawa is that it must give equal weight to how companies take innovations to market. In general, innovation relates to new products, new services or new technologies that have gone to market and been adopted into commercial use. "Eighty per cent of good inventions fail because somebody has not bothered to look at this from the invention-to-market stage," says business dean Vishwanath Baba. He is chair of the Ontario Council of Business School Deans, representing 17 schools in the province. (The Hamilton Spectator, Sept. 24, 2002)

September 24, 2002

McMaster faculty, staff, students and community members are invited to attend an open house for information on the building expansion to the Faculty of Health Sciences. After considerable planning, construction of the multi-use facility is about to begin. The expansion is the largest building project on campus in the past 30 years and will provide significant new classroom, research and hospital space. However, the construction itself will create some challenges. "We have tried to anticipate and mitigate the impact the construction will have on campus and the community," says Karen Belaire, vice-president (administration). "Input received at the open house will help to ensure that we have considered all the issues that may arise during this phase of the project." Details of the project, including the construction timelines and the approved design, will be displayed. As well, the architect, project manager and University officials will be available to answer questions. The open house will take place Thursday, Sept. 26 in Divinity College, Room 136 from 4 to 7 p.m.