Daily News

June 17, 2002

Students are the beneficiaries of Monday's provincial budget announcement that will see more money for matching bursary programs and operating funds to help pay for higher enrolments due to the double cohort class. McMaster University President Peter George welcomed the provincial government's pledge to commit more money to student assistance, fund new spaces for the double cohort graduates and continue research grant and infrastructure programs like the Ontario Innovation Trust and the Ontario Research and Development Challenge Fund. "Access to a university education is critically important to students, their parents and the province's future," said President George. "The government has demonstrated that it understands the role universities play and has followed through on its commitment to put students first. The support for the Ontario Student Opportunity Trust Fund, increased funding for higher enrolments and renewed support for research are the essential elements to building a stronger university system for Ontario." President George said he will update the University community on how the budget will affect McMaster once the specific budget details are known. Last week he told the Board of Governors meeting that the University's budget committee would reconvene to deal with any additional funding that is forthcoming from the province. To read more about the budget delivered by Finance Minister Janet Ecker, click on Ontario Budget 2002. (End of story)

June 14, 2002

Phil Wood will assume the role of associate vice-president, student affairs on July 1. McMaster's Board of Governors confirmed the appointment June 13. Currently McMaster's associate dean in the Faculty of Engineering, Wood brings almost 20 years of experience at the University to his new role. "We're fortunate to have found such a great candidate who is not only familiar with McMaster but also has clearly demonstrated his commitment to students. He is an award-winning teacher and a dedicated administrator and researcher," says provost Ken Norrie. Wood says it didn't take long for him to decide to apply for the position. "It's a unique opportunity to make a real difference in the quality of experience students have at McMaster." Wood believes that "while it is important to focus on the academic part of a student's time at the University, we sometimes forget that every experience a student has is a potential learning opportunity. That includes his or her time in residence, participation in athletics, and the campus social environment. Students don't only learn from faculty; they also learn from one another. The focus of my job will be to make sure those opportunities are the best that they can be." Wood assumes the AVP student affairs position for a five-year term. Mary Keyes was due to leave the position this month but passed away in February, four months before she was expected to retire.

June 14, 2002

[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/GeorgeNipissing2crop.jpg” caption=”President George and Chancellor Redpath”]McMaster President and Vice-Chancellor Peter George, who helped establish Nipissing University as an independent institution, received an honorary . . .

June 13, 2002

The University is going to the capital markets to help finance its largest capital expansion in more than 30 years. The planned private bond issue, which could raise up to $120 million, will help to complete construction of new classrooms, labs and research space. These capital projects will help to ensure McMaster maintains its place as one of Canada's leading teaching and research universities. The Board of Governors approved the financing strategy at its meeting today(June 13). The Board previously approved all of the projects that would benefit from the bond issue. These include expansion of the Health Sciences building, renovations to the Arthur Bourns Building, General Sciences, Hamilton Hall, and the School of Business, and construction of the parking structure. "This form of financing is a prudent, carefully thought out undertaking that lets us maximize our flexibility in managing our financial position and continue to build on the University's strengths," said Ed Minich, chair of the Board of Governors. "It will also help ensure that we continue to provide the highest possible quality education for our students, research opportunities for faculty and a positive working environment for employees." Minich said the bond issue is a solid solution for the University's short-term funding needs but stressed that continued support from the provincial and federal governments and the private sector are critical to the University's future success. Details of the capital financing strategy should be complete this fall. In the past year, the University of Toronto, the University of British Columbia and York University have floated successful bond issues that raised more than $450 million. See related Q and A

June 13, 2002

In a scientific review of the best available studies, a team of McMaster researchers has demonstrated that adolescent pregnancy prevention programs fail to delay the initiation of sexual intercourse, improve use of birth control, or reduce pregnancy rates. "The studies we summarized were all randomized trials,the highest quality evidence, " said Alba DiCenso, who led the research team. "The prevention strategies evaluated in these studies - sex education, abstinence programs, family planning clinics, and community based programs - did not achieve their intended effect." The situation is even worse for abstinence programs. "Not only do abstinence programs not delay initiation of sexual intercourse or reduce pregnancy rates," continued DiCenso "but an analysis of five studies, four of which evaluated abstinence programs and one of which evaluated a school-based sex education program, was associated with an increase in the number of pregnancies among partners of young males." The good news from the study comes from the finding that, contrary to the claims of sex education critics and advocates of abstinence programs, sex education programs did not result in higher rates of sexual intercourse. The results leave a big, unsolved problem. Pregnancy rates among young women aged 15 to 19 years, are among the highest in the world in the United States (93 per 1,000 young women), England (61 per 1,000), and Canada (43 per 1,000).

June 13, 2002

The McMaster Summer Drama Festival opens for it's 11th season today with a performance of William Shakespeare's As You Like It on the open-air stage in Faculty Hollow. The student-run festival, which integrates student actors from many Faculties, as well as the surrounding community, offers up free entertainment and culture for a few brief weeks in June. The 2002 season of the McMaster Summer Drama Festival includes: As You Like It, Shakespeare's blithe comedy about the corruption of the court and the chaos it causes when two young noblewomen and their fool flee to the pastoral Forest of Arden The Student scripted Commedia Crew, developed as an original Commedia dell'Arte scenario into an improvised performance, complete with the raucous physical comedy and masks that characterize Commedia High Tea and Poetry readings of different plays and poetry related to the Ffestival's theme, The Summer of Love. As You Like It stars Sara Burdulis as Rosalind, Brian Hood as Orlando, Jordan Hall as Celia, and Steff Bishop as Jaques. Dave Barclay and Matt T. Sheahan take on the roles of the merchant Pantalone, and his dim-witted servant Arrlechino respectively, in Commedia Crew. This week's High Tea and Poetry will be Christopher Marlowe's Hero and Leander as read by Meaghan Stovel and Carm Iachelli. Performance Schedule Thursday, June 13 As You Like It by William Shakespeare, directed by Rachel Baker University Club Hollow, 7 p.m. Friday, June 14 Commedia Crew, Original Commedia del'Arte, facilitated by Krista MacIsaac Chester New Hall Courtyard, 7 p.m. Saturday, June 15 As You Like It University Club Hollow, 2 p.m. Poetry and High Tea featuring tea, cookies and readings of famous plays and poetry, University Club Hollow, 4 p.m. Commedia Crew, Chester New Hall Courtyard, 7 p.m. Thursday, June 20 Commedia Crew, Chester New Hall Courtyard, 7 p.m. Friday, June 21 As You Like It University Club Hollow, 7 p.m. Saturday, June 22 As You Like It, University Club Hollow, 2 p.m. Poetry and High Tea University Club Hollow, 4 p.m. Commedia Crew Chester New Hall Courtyard, 7 p.m. Thursday, June 27 As You Like It University Club Hollow, 7 p.m. Friday, June 28 Commedia Crew Chester New Hall Courtyard, 7 p.m. Saturday, June 29 Commedia Crew Chester New Hall Courtyard, 2 p.m. Poetry and High Tea University Club Hollow, 4 p.m. As You Like It University Club Hollow, 7 p.m. Please note that all evening shows begin at 7 p.m. and afternoon performances at 2 p.m. Under rainy conditions, all performances will move into Robinson Memorial Theatre. Admission is free, however, donations will gladly be accepted.

June 13, 2002

McMaster Bond Issue Capital Financing Strategy 1. Why does the University need to raise money through a bond issue? McMaster is one of Canada's leading . . .

June 11, 2002

The Faculty of Health Sciences has graced its educational environment with the works of a well known Hamilton artist. E. Robert Ross, a celebrated artist in Hamilton for more than 25 years, unveiled his most recent work, En Trance, at a celebration in the Faculty of Health Sciences. The painting is of the entrance to the City of Hamilton over the McQuesten Bridge. Two other pieces of Ross's art, Cootes Paradise and Blue Shadows, are currently on view in the Faculty. Ross's work is in addition to 13 other paintings on loan to the Faculty from the private collection of Wynne and Bill Benson. The work enriches the Faculty's physical environment, bringing art and culture to the learning and working experience of students, staff and faculty. Ross's realistic landscape paintings are in many private, corporate and public collections such as those of former U.S. President Bill Clinton, Dofasco, Stelco and the Art Gallery of Hamilton. (End of story) Photo: E. Robert Ross with his painting En Trance, a depiction of the High Level Bridge (McQuesten Bridge)in Hamilton. Burlington Bay and Hamilton are on the left, and Princess Point and Cootes Paradise are on the right. The Niagara Escarpment and Hamilton Mountain are in the distance. The acrylic-on-canvas piece was completed in May 2002. Photo credit: Hank Balfoort.

June 11, 2002

Come see this special collaborative exhibition featuring images of sacred women from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance period selected from the Museum of Art . . .

June 11, 2002

It is Canada's premier conference for higher education. It draws premier minds in post-secondary education and it is coming to McMaster. The 22nd annual Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (STLHE) Conference begins tomorrow and runs till Saturday. Co-chairs of the organizing committee, Dick Day and Sylvia Riselay, from the Centre for Leadership and Learning, hope that this year's theme will be particularly memorable and relevant. Explains Day, "All of the conferences have themes, but they haven't related strongly to conference events." McMaster's theme, Fostering the Spirit of Inquiry, shapes many of the presentations being given over the four-day event. Organizers have encouraged participants to submit proposals that address the theme of inquiry. Along with the sessions, this STHLE conference is offering a new experience for certain participants - a chance to participate in the inquiry experience first hand. Applicants had the opportunity to sign up to participate as inquiry students. "Inquiry students will be meeting together in groups based on their primary interest in education, and they will form an important question about an issue in education, and will use conference sessions and lecturers to answer that question," Day explains. "We're showing, not telling. It's hands-on experiential learning at its best."Nearly half of the conference's participants, 177 people, signed up for the inquiry experience. When McMaster University last hosted a STLHE conference in 1988, 234 people participated. This year, more than 400 people are registered to attend, and there are nearly 200 sessions.

June 11, 2002

Two gold. One silver. Two bronze. Not Canada's medal count from the last Olympics, but McMaster's medal count from the Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education (CCAE) Prix D'Excellence annual awards program. The Prix D'Excellence is an Olympic event of sorts for the CCAE, honouring "outstanding achievement in alumni affairs, public affairs, development, student recruitment and overall institution Advancement." The Prix D'Excellence awarded medals in 33 categories this year and McMaster's tally of five medals placed the University's Advancement team among the top six universities in the country. "Winning the Prix D'Excellence awards only confirms what I've always known to be true about the group of people who work so hard to advance McMaster University. Our University is known for its innovation and commitment to excellence and the University Advancement team reflects this commitment in the communications we produce, the events we host and our Web innovations," says Roger Trull, vice-president, University Advancement. McMaster garnered medals in the following categories: Gold Best E-Innovation in Public Affairs, Marketing and Communications Daily News Electronic Calendar of Events Best Brochure Alumni Stories Silver Best Alumni Event Alumni Day (2001) Bronze Best Alumni or Volunteer Recognition Profiles Best Special Event Changing Tomorrow Today Campaign Celebration

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.