November 6, 2001
Raymond Moriyama, Doctor of LawsBorn in Vancouver, Raymond Moriyama received his bachelor of architecture degree from the University of Toronto in 1954, and his master of architecture urban design from McGill University in 1957. In 1958, Moriyama founded Moriyama & Teshima, a Toronto-based Canadian architecture firm that today has a worldwide reputation for excellence in design. Moriyama has applied his expert and unique vision to many projects including the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre, the Bata Shoe Museum, the Bank of Montreal Institute for Learning, the Saudi Arabian National Museum, the Ontario Science Centre, Science North in Sudbury, the Scarborough Civic Centre, the Toronto Reference Library, the new Canadian War Museum in Ottawa, and the Canadian Embassy in Tokyo. His firm has won more than 100 awards and has worked with 10 universities and colleges, including McMaster (as architect of the McMaster University Student Centre). Moriyama holds the Confederation of Canada Medal, the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada Gold Medal, an honorary fellowship from the American Institute of Architects, and the Golden Jubilee Medal. He is an Officer of the Order of Canada. Honorary degrees are awarded to persons who are distinguished scholars or who have made outstanding contributions to the creative or performing arts; to persons who have distinguished reputations in the area of public service or who have had long and distinguished careers; or to persons who have made noteworthy contributions to McMaster and/or the local community.
November 6, 2001
Israel Asper, Doctor of LawsIsrael Asper was born in Minnedosa, Manitoba. He attended the University of Manitoba where he received his BA, an LLB, and an LLM. Called to the bar in 1957, he practiced and taught law for 20 years. He was also a founding partner of Pitblado Buchwald Asper. Having served as chair or member of the board of several leading Canadian companies, Asper is most well known as the founder of CanWest Global Communication Corp. Today he serves as executive chair of the board and its subsidiaries. Asper's interests stretch beyond the corporate world. He served as the leader of the Liberal Party in Manitoba from 1970 to 1975, and was twice elected to the Manitoba Legislature. He is a member of the national board of directors, Canadian Council of Christians and Jews, and a member of the board of governors of the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba. In 1983, Asper established The Asper Foundation. Asper was inducted as a founding member of the Order of Manitoba in 2000, and was awarded the Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year and the Winnipeg Philanthropist of the Year Awards in 2001. Honorary degrees are awarded to persons who are distinguished scholars or who have made outstanding contributions to the creative or performing arts; to persons who have distinguished reputations in the area of public service or who have had long and distinguished careers; or to persons who have made noteworthy contributions to McMaster and/or the local community.
November 5, 2001
2002 Fall Convocation degreesMorning Convocation Doctor of Philosophy 12 Master of Arts 94 Master of Science 5 Master of Science (Teaching) 2 Master of Business Administration 14 Master of Social Work 21 Bachelor of Arts Honours 40 Bachelor of Music 1 Bachelor of Kinesiology Honours 4 Bachelor of Kinesiology Major 9 Bachelor of Kinesiology 3 Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Social Work 3 Bachelor of Social Work 1 Bachelor of Commerce Honours 8 Bachelor of Commerce 8 Bachelor of Arts and Science Honours 3 Bachelor of Arts 141 Bachelor of Arts and Science 3 Afternoon Convocation Doctor of Philosophy 41 Master of Arts 4 Master of Science 103 Master of Engineering 27 Master of Applied Science 15 Master of Science Occupational Therapy 50 Master of Science Physiotherapy 49 Bachelor of Science Honours 26 Bachelor of Science Nursing 21 Bachelor of Engineering 4 Bachelor of Technology 16 Bachelor of Science 46 Bachelor of Health Sciences Physiotherapy 2 Bachelor of Health Sciences Midwifery 2 Graduate Diploma in Advanced Neonatal Nursing 2 Diploma in Clinical Behavioural Sciences 1 Certificate in Ontario Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner 9
November 2, 2001
posted on Nov. 2: Recycling is back on campusThe message is simple - sort and save for Mac's sake! That's the slogan you will see on new recycling containers strategically located in outdoor locations and in campus buildings. Recycling was re-instated yesterday when students, faculty and staff participated in the first annual campus clean up day. The event was organized jointly by the physical plant department and the McMaster Students Union (MSU). Outdoor containers have been placed first and the inside containers will be added over the next two to three weeks after consultation with staff to determine the best locations, said Jan Callfas, of physical plant. The new recycling program and campus clean up are just the beginning of a renewed focus on environmental issues at the University. A University environmental committee has been established and will be making recommendations to the Board of Governors as part of the overall master plan process. The committee, in the early stages of its work, is establishing terms of reference and looking at policies and guidelines from other universities and organizations across the country. Karen Belaire, vice-president administration, said: "Recycling on campus is important to all of us."
October 31, 2001
posted on Nov. 1: Campus Clean Sweep takes place Thursday, Nov. 1The first annual Campus Clean Sweep, jointly organized by staff from physical plant and the McMaster Students Union, takes place today at lunchtime. All students, faculty and staff are encouraged to participate to rid the campus of litter putting the University's best "face" forward to visitors and ensuring there is a clean, safe environment for those who study and work here. Lunch hours have been extended by a half hour with the normal lunch of 12 noon to 1 p.m. beginning at 11:30 a.m. and the later lunch of 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. extended to 2:30 p.m. Garbage bags and gloves will be supplied to all participants - who should "dress down" - and grounds crew staff will lead teams on pre-determined routes. Participants are asked to meet in front of Gilmour Hall at either 11:30 a.m. or 1 p.m. Today also marks the return of campus-wide recycling and new recycling containers will be unveiled. (End of story)
October 31, 2001
posted on Nov. 5: New recognition policy will recognize cumulative serviceMcMaster is adopting a new service recognition policy. The University is revising most policies and practices directly related to employee years of service. The concept of "continuous service" is being replaced by that of "cumulative service." This will enable McMaster to recognize the total service of those full-time and regular part-time salaried and hourly employees who, at some time(s), left the employ of McMaster, but returned. "The new policy is part of McMaster University's commitment to continuously improve the experience of working at McMaster and its employee recognition practices," says Karen Belaire vice-president administration. It evolved from a recommendation by staff.
October 30, 2001
posted on Oct. 30: School of Business tops return-on-investment ranking in business schools surveyMcMaster's School of Business has made a dramatic move into first place in the return-on-investment category of Canadian Business magazine's annual MBA rankings. The Michael G. DeGroote School of Business moved from last year's position of 16th to 1st place in the return-on-investment category. It also improved in the overall rankings, moving to 7th place overall from 12th. In the return-on-investment category, McMaster students experienced a 252 per cent increase in average salaries from the time they entered their MBA to the time they found work. This brings the average back up to the levels McMaster registered in the first year of the survey category. Last year's rate was 183 per cent. These figures are based on an average incoming salary of $18,408 and an average graduating salary of $64,728. Vishwanath Baba, dean of the Michael G. DeGroote School of Business, is proud of the school's successes. This truly is a testament to our experiential learning philosophy," he said. "Students enter our program with very little experience in the world of business. They leave with a wealth of knowledge and practical experience in their chosen fields." Most MBA programs cater to mid-career professionals, while the Michael G. DeGroote School of Business specializes in delivering an MBA education to a younger market, students with little or no work experience.
October 29, 2001
posted on Oct. 29: Free campus flu clinics prove highly successfulAlmost 2,000 people patiently lined up last week for a free flu shot at the four clinics held on campus, Student Health Service reports. This was the first time a free clinic was held for students and employees - the response was tremendous. Student Health Service and Employee Health Service said considerations for next year include a larger room, longer clinic hours and increased clinic staff so that everyone can be accommodated. If you missed getting your flu vaccine there are still options available: students may book an appointment at Student Health Service, ext. 27700 employees may book an appointment with Employee Health Service, ext. 23300 the City of Hamilton is hosting numerous clinics throughout the fall and dates and locations are listed on its Web site at www.city.hamilton.on.ca Shoppers Drug Mart in Westdale (905-525-7772) is hosting an evening clinic, by appointment, on Nov. 1. (End of story)
October 26, 2001
posted on Oct. 26: McMaster makes two top 10 lists for research intensity, incomeMcMaster University is on two national top 10 lists that rank research intensity and income at Canadian universities. The University is one of only 10 in the country to top the $100-million mark in sponsored research income in 2000, according to a report ranking Canada's Top 50 Research Universities published Thursday. The University moved into the top ten group, as its $106.9 million was an increase of 24.4 per cent over the previous year, when it was in 11th place. In the same report, McMaster is also on the top 10 list which ranked Canadian universities by research intensity, defined as research dollars per full-time faculty position. Averaging $117,600 per faculty position, McMaster placed 7th, or 37 per cent higher than the Top 50 average of $85,900. Mamdouh Shoukri, vice-president research and international affairs, says McMaster has seen a significant increase in its sponsored research income over the last few years. We've seen an increase of more than $25 million in just the last couple of years and we expect that to grow again next year, he says, adding that the University is now seeing the results of new provincial and federal research investment programs like the Ontario Research & Development Challenge Fund and the Canadian Foundation for Innovation. The study shows that 65 per cent of the research money comes from all levels of government, with the remainder coming from corporations, private donors and non-profit organizations. The report was published by Research Infosource Inc. based on data collected by Statistics Canada. (End of story)
October 26, 2001
posted on Oct. 26: Two new students join Board of GovernorsA fourth-year electrical engineering & management student has won the undergraduate seat on the Board of Governors. Ali Rohani will serve on the Board for a two-year term from November 2001 to October 2003. Rohani was one of 10 candidates vying for the undergraduate seat in an election that saw the largest number of candidates fielded in 10 years. The online election ran from Oct. 10 to Oct. 12. As well, the Board of Governors election broke another record, with the highest voter turnout ever - 413 votes were cast. Sa'ad Salim, of the medical science program, will represent graduate students on the Board from November 2001 to October 2003. The previously scheduled election for this seat was cancelled, when the second graduate candidate withdrew. Rohani and Salim were also appointed to the Board's finance and audit committees.
October 25, 2001
posted on Oct. 25: Prospective students eye campus at Fall Preview 2001High school students, their families and friends will be checking out the campus Saturday as part of Fall Preview 2001. Prospective students - about 2,000 visitors came last year - are invited to attend an information session and take part in campus walkabouts. More than 30 academic, student service and student club displays will be on view in the Ivor Wynne Centre from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Visitors are invited to browse through the available information and have their questions answered by the exhibitors. As well, self-guided tours can be taken of the campus, including a stop inside a residence, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. To register for Fall Preview contact 905-525-4600 or click on registrar.mcmaster.ca/external/tours/preview.htm.
October 23, 2001
posted on Oct. 23: New employee physician ready to diagnoseYou wake up with your throat feeling like you've swallowed a fistful of razor blades. You suspect some variation of strep throat. Your doctor's away or booked or perhaps you don't have a family doctor and the local walk-in clinic doesn't open until after work. What can you do? For the first time, University employees can call the Employee Health & Wellness service at ext. 23300, located within Student Health Service at McKay Hall, to book an appointment to see a doctor. The new service is a one-year pilot project presented by Student Health Service with funding from the McMaster University Futures Fund. It is designed to give employees access to a physician on campus. "The aim is to make it easier for employees to receive medical care and advice while at work," said employee physician Finola Foley. "We're easily accessible." Photo: Appointments can be booked to see employee physician Finola Foley. Photo: Shelly Easton
October 23, 2001
posted on Oct. 24: Alcohol awareness campaign back on campusStudents have the opportunity to visit the Downstairs John today to learn something new about alcohol awareness. The alcohol awareness day provides an opportunity for McMaster students of all ages to learn about the importance of responsible alcohol use in an entertaining, student-friendly environment. Spirit's Day runs today from 11:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. This is the third year Spirits Canada has partnered with Bacchus Canada, McMaster University and local alcohol education groups to stage an innovative educational program aimed at teaching students in real world situations about the responsible use of alcohol. Hosted by the University's Student Health Service and the McMaster Student Union Bar Operations, the day involves a combination of campus and community partners. These include housing & conference services, residence life, the student health education centre, the Pulse and three distillers. About 15 booths with displays and material are available for students who want more information. (End of story)
October 22, 2001
posted on Oct. 22: Flu vaccine clinics begin todayStudent Health Service is operating free flu vaccine clinics for students and employees beginning today. The clinics run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the International Student Lounge of Wentworth House until Thursday, Oct. 25. For more information contact ehealth@mcmaster.ca.
October 20, 2001
posted on Oct. 20: Homecoming 2001 in full swingMcMaster's 2001 Homecoming festivities are in high gear this weekend with a free community barbecue, the annual homecoming football game and the induction of eight honorees into the 2001 Athletic Hall of Fame. The community barbecue, held prior to the football game, is to celebrate the Changing Tomorrow Today campaign, McMaster's most successful fundraising campaign. It is being held in the striped tent in Edward's Quad from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday. The Maruaders take on the York Yeoman at Les Prince field at 2 p.m. The team will try to clinch home field advantage throughout the playoffs and cap off an undefeated regular season. The last time the football team finished with an undefeated record was 1984. For a complete listing of all Homecoming sporting events, go to the athletics & recreation Web site. On Friday night, the eight newest inductees into the Athletic Hall of Fame were honoured at a dinner at the Royal Connaught Hotel in Hamilton. The inductees are Janet (Lee) Davis '58; Russ Jerome '39; Judy Kent, builder; Scott Mauthe '84; Susan (Porter) Northey '87; Barry Phillips, builder; and Jeff Treftlin '84.
October 18, 2001
posted on Oct. 18: Award-winning scientist appointed inaugural chairholder in diabetes researchCanadians suffering from diabetes have new hope with the announcement today that Hertzel Gerstein, a professor of medicine, will be the first chairholder of the Population Health Institute Chair in Diabetes Research, sponsored by Aventis Pharma Inc. "The research will focus on two areas - preventing diabetes and developing new management strategies for health care providers and people already affected by diabetes," said Gerstein. Aventis Pharma Inc. committed $1 million in funding to establish the new chair. Last year Aventis was a funder, with other partners, of the DREAM (Diabetes Reduction Approaches with ramipril and rosiglitazone Medications) study, an international clinical trial testing ways to prevent type 2 diabetes. Jean-Francois Leprince, Aventis Pharma Inc. president, said the latest sponsorship "reaffirms our commitment to the diabetes field and complements the extensive research and development efforts underway within our own global organization to find innovative therapies to combat and treat an illness which will soon take on epidemic proportions." John Kelton, dean and vice-president of the Faculty of Health Sciences said the company's generous gift "will allow Dr. Gerstein to continue to look for ways to prevent the consequences of diabetes, and indeed diabetes itself - a disease that affects one in 14 Canadian adults over the age of 20."
October 18, 2001
posted on Oct. 18: Tribal philosophies, environmental health focus of two public lectures tonightSpiritual tribal philosophies, the ramifications of Sept. 11 and environmental health in the 21st century will be topics of discussion at two public lectures on campus tonight. The indigenous studies program and the Centre for Peace Studies present Leon Secatero, chair of the Indigenous Elders of the Americas, who will explore spiritual tribal philosophies and prophecies in his talk My Ancestors Speak. Secatero will be followed by Ovide Mercredi, former national chief and current political adviser of the Assembly of First Nations, who will speak about the past in his talk, Listen to My Ancestors, and will explore how the themes of the past can guide us after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. The free public lecture takes place tonight (Oct. 18) in Health Sciences Centre, room 1A1 from 7 to 9:30 p.m. The presentations by Secatero and Mercredi are part of the 2001 Indigenous Studies Lecture Series. For more information, contact Cassandra Lo in Indigenous Studies at ext. 27226. As well, the McMaster Institute for Environment and Health (MIEH) presents its fourth annual public lecture entitled Environmental Health in the 21st Century: Challenges to Decision Making with guest speaker Trevor Hancock. Hancock has been described as one of the top 10 health futurists in the world. He is a public health physician and health promotion consultant working primarily for local, provincial and national governments, as well as the World Health Organization. Hancock's lecture will explore three key environmental challenges: ecotoxicity (the wide-spread contamination of ecosystems); the physical, mental and social health of our built environments (from indoor air quality to urban sprawl) and global environmental change. The free public lecture will run from 7:30 to 9 p.m. tonight (Oct. 18) in Health Sciences Centre, room 1A6. (End of story)
October 16, 2001
posted on Oct. 16: University mail service disruptedThe following message was distributed to the McMaster community today from Ron Angus, director of Risk Management Services: Dear members of the McMaster community: Mail services on campus have been temporarily interrupted today after a member of the mail services staff was concerned about a package received by the University. Security Services were immediately called. The normal procedure for a suspicious package is for security to inform Hamilton police who are now on campus investigating. There is no evidence that the package is dangerous but the current heightened sense of security across the country means that every precaution needs to be taken. The mailroom in the Michael G. DeGroote building has been closed. However, access to other areas near the mailroom is not restricted. Mailroom staff are assisting police with the investigation. Although the majority of mail at McMaster passes through either the Faculty of Health Sciences or the MGD mailroom, other mail is sometimes directly delivered to offices and is dealt with by other employees. Here are a few tips to help identify suspicious mail: No return address Return address and postmark are not from the same area Grease stains or discolouration Strange odors Hand written or poorly typed addresses A common sense approach is best but if you have any concerns about mail you receive please call security at ext. 24281. (End of story)
October 16, 2001
posted on Oct. 17: University mail services updateThe following update is from Ron Angus, director of Risk Management Services: Mail services in the Michael G. DeGroote School of Business reopened for business this afternoon. The office was shut down earlier today after staff reported a suspicious package. McMaster security and Hamilton police were called. The package has now been removed from campus and will be disposed of by police. It is important that people know that they should call security if they are concerned about any mail they receive at work. The University has a system in place to handle this type of situation and I believe today's experience shows that system works well. McMaster is committed to taking every precaution to ensure safety. In this case: The package was suspicious only because of the way it was addressed. There were no signs of powder or any contamination. The package was not opened and the mailroom area was temporarily closed. The University's crisis management team was called to assess the situation. It worked with authorities to ensure that accurate and factual information was provided to the campus community. Mailroom staff worked with police in their investigation. No one was hurt and staff returned to work this afternoon. My message to you earlier today included tips on identifying suspicious mail. If you have any concerns about mail you receive please call Security Services at ext. 24281. (End of story)
October 16, 2001
posted on Oct. 17: Music, art, multimedia on stage for School of the Arts open houseAbout 275 high school students and their teachers have accepted an invitation to view McMaster's School of the Arts in action -- making music, creating multimedia, acting and sculpting to name a few activities. The students, from 110 schools in southern Ontario, are on campus today to take part in the second annual open house presented by the School of the Arts. "The response has been overwhelming, it's been amazing," said Terri Galan, who has been co-ordinating logistics for the event on behalf of Susan Fast, the school's acting assistant director and open house organizer. Students will attend an introductory session at Robinson Memorial Theatre at 9:30 a.m. and will then go to the subject area they are interested in to attend lectures, performances or workshops. The four areas are art and art history, music, drama and multimedia. Depending on the stream they choose, students can attend a jazz improvisation class, a sculpting class or a multimedia tutorial in the new multimedia wing. Students will also be given an introduction to the new communication studies program.