Daily News

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.

September 23, 2002

The McMaster Museum of Art presents the work of Eadweard Muybridge (1830-1904), an English-born, American-based photographer and inventor, also known as the "Father of the Motion Picture." After more than a century, the significance of his photographic studies of motion and their relevance to the world of art and science remain undiminished. A pioneer in the field of photography in the 1860s, it was Muybridge's revolutionary photographs of animals in motion that first won him international recognition. In 1872, he was hired by Leland Stanford, the former Governor of California, to settle an argument about whether a trotting horse ever had all four feet off the ground at any one point in time. The widely published results and resulting controversy fueled Muybridge's research. With the support of the University of Pennsylvania, he was able to develop elaborate photographic systems including electromagnetic tripping devices, dry plates which would produce higher definition images, a motor clock that would allow him to take different views at the same time and his own invention, the zoopraxiscope, a lantern which allowed him to project images in rapid succession. Over three years, Muybridge took more than 20,000 photographs of men, women, children, animals and birds. Of these images, 781 were published in the 1887 series Animal Locomotion. Thanks to a generous donation by Jack Greenwald, a selection of this series is now part of the McMaster University collection. The McMaster Museum of Art is located on the campus of McMaster University at the corner of Sterling Street and University Avenue. 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 Phone: 905-525-9140 ext. 23081. Fax: 905-527-4548. E-mail: museum@mcmaster.ca

September 23, 2002

McMaster's University Student Centre offers more than your morning coffee. It is also a place to get prescriptions filled, photos taken and travel advice. Three new student-focused stores are located on the main floor of the MUSC, north of the food court. The University Pharmacy, also located at the University of Western Ontario and the University of Windsor, is open for business. The pharmacy fills prescriptions and sells typical drug store items, says Lori Diamond, MUSC administrative director. Jostens Photography, which offers studio photography, class rings, and graduation products, also opened recently. Travel CUTS opens today, Sept. 23. The Canadian University Travel Service (CUTS), is owned and operated by the Canadian Federation of Students. Travel CUTS work closely with tourist boards, airlines and land product companies to offer affordable travel to students. "For students, staff and faculty, it is great to have all of these clients available right on campus," says Diamond, "but it is also a revenue stream for the student centre."

September 20, 2002

McMaster was a much smaller place when Joe Laposa first walked onto campus in 1967. Over the 35 years that followed, not only did campus grow, but so did his affection for the University. "It is the people at McMaster that I miss the most," said Laposa, who retired from McMaster's chemistry department this past July. On Wednesday, President Peter George formally thanked him and several other McMaster retirees for their contributions to the University. "This is my opportunity to tell you how much I appreciate your work over the years and your commitment to our University," George said. "It is also an opportunity for you to take a moment and reflect on your accomplishments. This is not a time for modesty. Your contributions have helped to build a great University." Approximately 120 staff and faculty who retired from McMaster between January 2001 and July 2001 were honoured for their years of service. The annual reception was held in Faculty Hall. "This is a proud legacy," said George, "and it is one that each and every one of you helped to create."

September 20, 2002

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

September 19, 2002

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

September 19, 2002

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

September 19, 2002

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

September 18, 2002

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

September 17, 2002

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

September 17, 2002

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

September 17, 2002

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

September 16, 2002

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

September 16, 2002

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