Daily News

June 1, 2001

The Faculty of Science Convocation takes place this afternoon at Hamilton Place. Degrees will be conferred for student in the programs offered by the departments . . .

June 1, 2001

A Convocation ceremony for Faculty of Engineering graduands takes place this morning (June 1) at Hamilton Place. Degrees will be conferred for students in programs . . .

May 31, 2001

Here is a transcribed version of Martin Short's address to McMaster University graduands at Spring Convocation 2001 on May 30: Please be seated. I can't . . .

May 31, 2001

Graduands from the Faculty of Social Sciences will be centre stage at Hamilton Place today as Spring Convocation continues. This morning's graduands hail from Anthropology, Economics, Geography, Labour Studies, Political Science, Psychology, Religious Studies and Teaching. The honorary degree recipients at this morning's ceremonies are Robert Giroux, president of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada and Colin Millar, retired Hamilton-Wentworth police chief. This afternoon, graduands come from the fields of Gerontology, Kinesiology, Social Work and Sociology. Honorary degrees will be awarded to retired nursing professor Mary Buzzell, who is recognized as a leader in the fields of gerontology and long-term care and Hamilton lawyer Jack Pelech. Two graduands of the Department of Religious Studies, one of the smallest departments on campus, are among those who will receive medals as the outstanding graduands in Social Sciences.

May 31, 2001

He mixed comedy with common sense, wit with wisdom. McMaster's newest honorary degree holder offered Humanities and Arts & Science graduands advice, best wishes, even a nine-step program, all wrapped in his humourous dead-pan style. McMaster alumnus Martin Short delivered the Convocation address yesterday to about 1,500 graduands and their families and friends gathered at Hamilton Place. While the speech was punctuated with satire and sendups, Short conveyed congratulations and a heart-felt message to McMaster's newly minted alumni to pursue their dreams. "Don't be afraid of trying, of dreaming," said Short, who received a Doctor of Letters. At a news conference held prior to Convocation, Short reflected on the impact of his years at McMaster. His dream was to become a doctor. "By the time I left I was an actor," said Short. "When I think of McMaster I think of four years of absolute new experiences, a separate existence, expressing all aspects of life and leaving on a totally new journey. If it hadn't have been for Mac, I wouldn't have gotten into the business." Short said in his early 20s, the idea of hailing from Hamilton and becoming an actor seemed "highly unrealistic." Short credited the people, the encouragement he received and the opportunities to experiment with helping him launch his acting career. "I don't think I would have had the nerve to do it," he said. "The atmosphere of Mac at the timethere was an active theatre scene, it encouraged the students to take more on their shoulders. It was a very creative period." In his speech to graduands, Short quoted Walt Whitman, Aldous Huxley and Winston Churchill, reiterating his theme to take risks to achieve goals. Dr. Short: Martin Short listens while President Peter George introduces him to the audience at yesterday's Convocation. Photo: Ron Scheffler (Editor's note: See Martin Short's Convocation Address for the full text of his remarks.)

May 30, 2001

For 3,000 McMaster students, graduation day will be one of celebration and achievement. For their parents, families and friends it will be a day filled with pride and joy. Over the next three days (May 30, 31 and June 1) some 2,700 graduates will take home degrees from the six ceremonies, McMaster's 377th-382nd Convocations, held in the Great Hall of Hamilton Place. These grads, along with some 275 others who received their degrees earlier this month at Convocation ceremonies for Divinity College (May 8) and the Faculty of Health Sciences (May 11), will become the University's newest alumni. Bachelor's, master's and doctorate degrees will be conferred on students in the Faculties of Business, Engineering, Humanities, Social Sciences, Science and the Arts & Science Program. At the ceremonies, McMaster will award honorary degrees to captains of industry, humanitarians, scientists, scholars and a comedian. The Faculty of Business Convocation takes place this morning with former professional referee Ron Foxcroft giving the Convocation address. World renowned comedian Martin Short will give the address at the Faculty of Humanities and Arts & Science Program ceremony this afternoon. This year's honorary degree recipients are: Anthony Fell and Ron Foxcroft* (Business); William Sinclair and Joseph Wright* (Engineering); Pierre Conlon and Martin Short* (Humanities and Arts & Science Program); Robert Giroux*, Colin Millar, Mary Buzzell and Jack Pelech* (Social Sciences, morning and afternoon); and James Bruce and David Strangway* (Science). Also recognized at Convocations will be: Phillip Weicker, winner of the Governor General's Medal; John Brash, University Professor; Jean Wilson, winner of the 2001 President's Award for Excellence in Instruction (an article on Wilson appeared on the Daily News last month); and Karinne Chan, Alex Mazer, David Sandomierski, Wai-Yin Shum and Meaghan Stovel, winners of the President's Awards of Excellence (Student Leadership).

May 29, 2001

[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/Risdon.Cathy.h&sh.jpg” caption=”Cathy Risdon”]Cathy Risdon, an assistant professor of family medicine, has been appointed to the David Braley and Nancy Gordon Chair in Family . . .

May 29, 2001

Five McMaster students -- including two from engineering and two from the Arts & Science Program -- are the recipients of this year's President's Awards of Excellence (Student Leadership). The five awards are the highest number ever given out since the awards were introduced. The award acknowledges the contributions made by sutdents who play a significant role in improving and developing the intellectual, social, cultural and/or athletic fabric of the McMaster community. Third or fourth-year students who are in their graduating year are eligible for the award. This year's winners are: Karinne Chan (Chemical Engineering & Society) was actively involved in the McMaster Engineering & Society student association, serving as its president last year. She was a member of the McMaster Engineering council and represented her Faculty on McMaster's Undergraduate Council. She served as Kipling co-ordinator for the Faculty's iron ring celebration. She was a Welcome Week representative for a campus residence, a peer helper and academic outreach co-ordinator for McMaster's Centre for Student Development, and a teaching assistant. She held many awards including the National Research Council's Women in Engineering and Science Program and the Ashbaugh Scholarship. Alex Mazer (Arts & Science and Political Science) served McMaster students as a writing clinic tutor for the Centre for Student Development, a residence program assistant and a teaching assistant. He was a reporter and freelance writer for Incite Magazine and copy editor and typesetter for The Silhouette. Mazer is also a talented musician, artist and photographer. He came to McMaster on a national award for the Canadian Merit Scholarship Foundation and served as McMaster's chapter representative for the foundation. He received the Ontario-Rhone-Alpes Scholarship and spent his third year studying in Grenoble, France. He is the lead guitarist and songwriter for the group Toothpaste/Dentifrice. David Sandomierski (Arts & Science) was captain of the Marauders varsity cross-country and indoor track teams and was twice named Canadian Interuniversity Athletic Union Academic All-Canadian. He won the national award for the Canadian Merit Scholarship Foundation in 1997 and has since been a committed volunteer for the foundation. During his third year he studied at the Universiti Lumihre in Lyon, France on an Ontario-Rhone-Alpes bursary and was the lead runner for the Universiti Lyon II at the French national championships. He has been a teaching assistant and a residence program assistant at McMaster and a volunteer for a youth drop-in centre in Hamilton. Meaghan Stovel (Commerce) co-chaired the successful 22nd McMaster World Conference for the Michael G. DeGroote School of Business. As co-ordinator of the McMaster Student Union Information Centre, she managed a staff of seven undergraduates. She served as the University undergraduate representative to the Board of Governors for the past two years. Stovel produced the sold-out production of Shakespeare's Pericles: Prince of Tyre and was actively involved with the McMaster Drama Club during her four years on campus, serving as president during her third year. She was also academic chair for the MSU Clubs executive council and a teaching assistant for the commerce program. Wai-Yin Shum (Computer Engineering & Management) placed first in an Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (IEEE) Computer Society international design competition in Washington, D.C., for his team's "Heart Mate" invention, a warning device for high-risk heart patients. A Dean's List scholar, Shum voluntarily introduced, developed and taught more than 15 IEEE courses to about 1,000 engineering students. He chaired the committee for the McMaster Student Professional Awareness Conference. He introduced and organized the McMaster Industry Wine and Cheese to help connect students with potential employers, and he created the first Web service on campus for students to host their Web pages. (End of story)

May 25, 2001

[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/Pieczonka.Wally.h&sh.jpg” caption=”Wally Pieczonka”]A strong belief that human beings need the arts to balance their lives convinced a Burlington couple to support McMaster University's . . .

May 25, 2001

Dust off that bicycle. Dig out your running shoes. Try on those shiny, new rollerblades. The Commuter Challenge is coming to Hamilton in June and McMaster commuters are being encouraged to bicycle, walk, run, or skate to work. "Leave your car at home and take up the commuter challenge" is the message from Green Venture during National Environment Week, June 3 - 9. Why does Green Venture want you to leave your car at home? The answer is a four-letter word: smog. The City of Hamilton and several organizations in the region are participating in the national initiative aimed at keeping our air clean. And McMaster is being asked to do the same. The challenge provides McMaster faculty, staff and students with a chance to demonstrate their concern for the environment and increase the University's participation in the event, which averaged about 40 participants last year. (It was the first year for Hamilton and McMaster to join in the event and there was little time to prepare for and promote the event.) "This is an opportunity for the McMaster community to build on the momentum and interest that was created last year. We know faculty, staff and students are committed to the environment and to sustainable transportation," says Jennifer Dawson, air quality project co-ordinator for Green Venture, which is organizing participation in the Second Annual Hamilton Commuter Challenge.

May 25, 2001

[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/pianosale.jpg”]Looking for a deal on a good piano? Well, you might find one in Togo Salmon Hall today, tomorrow and Sunday. And, with . . .

May 24, 2001

Staff from some areas of Purchasing Resources and Financial Services are packing up, preparing for their move to the courthouse June 1. Movers will come in next Friday morning and on Monday morning (June 4), 43 staff will begin their work day on the fourth floor of the former Wentworth County courthouse. Staff who are moving downtown June 1 are from the areas of Payroll, Purchasing, Customs & Traffic, Accounts Payable, Travel and Accounting & Control. Student Accounts Receivable, the Cashier's Office, both store locations and Mail Services are not moving. Lilian Scime, assistant vice-president administration, said the departments will be communicating directly with their users via e-mail about any specific changes in operating procedures. "Our plan is to ensure that the move goes smoothly and that business carries on as before once everyone is moved in," said Scime, who will move to the courthouse campus in September. Purchasing Resources and Financial Services will be closed to visitors Thursday, May 31 and Friday, June 1. On those days, students can continue to make payments on accounts at Titles Bookstore or leave payments in the drop box outside of Gilmour Hall, room 208 and can consult MUGSI for account balances. "Once everyone is moved in and we're through year end, Business Management Service staff will consult with their customers to determine how we can provide service more effectively from our new location," said Scime.

May 24, 2001

[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/GEgift.announce.jpg” caption=”Peter George, Bob Gillespie”]The General Electric Fund has generously contributed $125,000 ($75,000 US) to establish graduate bursaries in the MBA electronic commerce . . .

May 24, 2001

Barbara Carroll, a professor of political science, has been elected to represent the teaching staff on the Board of Governors. Her three-year term begins on . . .

May 24, 2001

John G. Kelton has been appointed as the new vice-president and dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences. His appointment for a five-year term begins July 1. "Dr. Kelton has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to McMaster since his arrival in 1977," said McMaster President Peter George. "His significant research record, his excellent leadership as chair of the Department of Medicine at a critical stage of its development, and his strong, constructive vision of the future of the Faculty of Health Sciences and its partner institutions made him the unanimous choice of the selection committee." Educated at the University of Western Ontario medical school, Kelton has developed a national and international reputation in the study of thrombosis and hematology. He has pioneered tests to diagnose and treat platelet and bleeding conditions that are now used around the world. His studies have significantly enhanced the understanding of blood illnesses and led to new ways to diagnose and treat them. "I am honoured that President George and the other members of the selection committee have entrusted this significant responsibility to me," Kelton said. "The Faculty of Health Sciences, with its schools of medicine, nursing and rehabilitation science, as well as its other programs, represents an outstanding resource of skilled and knowledgeable clinicians, educators, scientists and students. "I look forward to working with these colleagues to ensure we continue our innovative approach to health care and reputation for excellence. We must also further strengthen the relationship between the University and its regional and other partners so that the citizens of Hamilton and Ontario continue to benefit from the advances in health care pioneered at McMaster." Kelton is an elected member of both the Canadian and American Societies for Clinical Investigation, and was this year's winner of the Scripps Cancer Foundation's Bernard L. Schwartz Award and Lectureship. He is a member of the scientific review committee of the American Society of Hematology and is on the College of Reviewers for the Canada Research Chairs program. Kelton's research credentials are more than matched by his administrative experience. He is currently chair of the Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences and previously served as chief of medicine, McMaster Medical Centre. He also acts as scientific advisor to the Canadian Blood Services. He has held a number of administrative positions within the Faculty of Health Sciences, including head of the Hematology Residency Training Program and director for the Regional Hematology Group. He was appointed chair of the Department of Medicine in 1997. "Kelton's understanding of the University, the Faculty, its students, its affiliated teaching hospitals and other community organizations is a tremendous asset," added President George. "His experience and skills will help to enhance the synergy between the Faculty's basic and clinical scientists and will build on the Faculty's capacity to deliver its educational, research and service mission successfully."

May 23, 2001

More than 2,000 children will be on campus this summer to participate in a number of different camp experiences. McMaster provides opportunities for children to swim, learn a sport from a varsity coach, create a Web site and learn about the body's healing powers, in addition to having lots of fun. Here's a brief look at what will be happening on campus this summer for the younger set: Sports Fitness School Now in its 24th year, the fitness school remains popular. The camp is already full with 1,560 children signed up for the two-week sessions, held in July and August. Children, aged 6 to 14, choose to participate in three sports from 20 different options. More than 90 per cent of the camp counsellors who help the children enjoy themselves are McMaster students. In addition to the two-week sports fitness camps, McMaster's Department of Athletics & Recreation also offers one-week, sports-specific camps where children learn from varsity coaches. The children can choose to do basketball, football, swimming or volleyball. At press time there were still openings for the one-week sports camps. Mini-University These two-week camps combine some academic subjects with swimming and outdoor recreation. The children select one module to pursue from a choice of three. The modules focus on science, biology and kinesiology or the humanities. Engineering and Science Camps The Faculty of Engineering offers two different one-week camps for children this summer. The Venture Engineering & Science program is designed for children in Grades 4 to 8. The children do hands-on activities in biology, chemistry and physics. They also do sports at noon and have one pool day during their week. The Adventures in Engineering Computing program is for children in Grades 5 through 10. Children who attend this camp will do lots of computing activities from Web design to taking old computers apart to see what's inside, in addition to swimming and sports activities. There will be an all-girls Adventure Camp the week of July 23. Shad Valley Experience The Shad Valley Experience is for senior high school students interested in science, technology and engineering. Fifty-two students from across Canada and Scotland will spend the month of July on campus, living in residence, while they attend lectures and workshops. During the month of August the students do work placements at sponsoring companies across Canada. (End of story)

May 22, 2001

McMaster has been awarded about $3 million from the Ontario government's new Research Performance Fund. "This is welcome news for McMaster," said President Peter George. "In setting up the Research Performance Fund, the government has demonstrated that it understands what research will do for Ontario's economy and quality of life and that it is willing to share the costs." The $30 million fund was set up to help universities and other research institutions pay for the indirect costs -- utilities, computer support, libraries -- of scientific research. The fund was announced in the 2000 provincial budget. The combined total for Hamilton's share of the Research Performance Fund is $4.5 million with the Hamilton Regional Cancer Centre and other affiliated research institutes receiving some of the fund money. (End of story)

May 18, 2001

McMaster will do its share to quickly implement any new medical student places that emerge from the provincial government adopting recommendations from the expert panel on health professional human resources. President Peter George, who chaired the 18-member expert panel, said he is pleased the government has accepted the group's recommendations on undergraduate education. "I am pleased that the government has accepted our recommendation to increase undergraduate enrolment by 120 positions and that they have chosen to implement it over two years rather than the recommended three years," George said. As well, George said he is happy the government is moving to implement some of the decentralized training opportunities recommended. "The panel worked hard to develop practical recommendations," he said. The panel and its working groups included family doctors and specialists, nurse practitioners, academics, researchers, health care administrators, students and the international medical graduate community. The panel's mandate was to suggest solutions to solve the province-wide family doctor shortage. The panel's report, Shaping Ontario's Physician Workforce, was released yesterday by Health Minister Tony Clement. The University doesn't know exactly how many student places it might be assigned, but the number would likely be between 30 and 40. Ministry officials will be meeting with the medical school deans to decide exactly how the 120 positions will be allocated. In addition to committing to expand undergraduate and post-graduate medical school enrolment (from 572 to 692), the government said it will create a northern medical school with a main site at Laurentian University in Sudbury and a clinical education campus at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay. The government also pledged to increase post-graduate training positions by up to 25 in northern and rural communities, beginning in 2002. See also: Harris government announces new northern medical school and increased medical school enrolment. (End of story)

May 16, 2001

Don't put those winter clothes away just yet. MacSOC or the McMaster Student Outreach Clinic initiative has launched its first annual summer "WINTER" clothing drive. Nursing student Melinda Gillies is MacSoc's clothing co-ordinator. She came up with the idea of a winter clothing drive in the summer months after organizing a successful clothing drive last December. Although the drive was hugely successful with the McMaster community donating 4,000 pounds of clothing, Gillies found sorting the material required the hours of a full-time job. Juggling her volunteer work with her studies was demanding. Getting a head start on the process during the summer made sense. "I thought if we did it during the summer, people could sort their stuff while changing their closets over from winter to summer and we would have a big stockpile for the fall," said Gillies, who is entering Level IV nursing and is studying for a minor in indigenous studies. "I didn't want to get caught in the fall without a good reserve of clothing. Our name is out there on the street. We go through 20 pairs of mitts and gloves in a night. That's a lot to keep up with." The drop-off point is the Health Sciences bookstore (known as mediashop.com) in the Health Sciences Centre. Items required include winter coats, mitts, hats, gloves, scarves, winter boots, blankets and sleeping bags. Gillies sorts and stores the clothing in her former landlord's garage but she would love to find a place on campus. Last year more than 120 volunteers -- students and faculty mainly from nursing but also medicine, midwifery and occupational therapy and physiotherapy -- visited three areas in downtown Hamilton on Wednesday nights delivering clothing and food to homeless people. MacSOC members anticipate interest in helping the homeless will be strong again when the bulk of students return to campus in September. WINTER STORAGE: Melinda Gillies and Bruno survey the inventory of clothing now stored for use this fall when MacSOC's homeless initiative restarts. Photo: Shelly Easton (End of story)

May 16, 2001

Nearly two years after the University, the federal and provincial governments and a number of leading industrial partners committed $19 million to create the McMaster Manufacturing Research Institute (MMRI), the facility is open for business. Industrial partners, government officials, faculty, staff and students gathered this morning to celebrate the opening of the new institute, housed in an addition to the John Hodgins Engineering building. University President Peter George said the institute provides undergraduate and graduate students with a tremendous opportunity to apply their knowledge to industry-relevant research and development issues, adding that these kinds of partnerships with industry will continue to be a major thrust at McMaster. "We have become a partner, a player in the international markets, a resource for the industrial sector and a crucial link in our province's and country's economic well-being." Experts consider the MMRI to be Canada's most advanced and best-equipped manufacturing research laboratory. David Braley, president of Orlick Industries, donated $1 million to establish an endowment fund for the David Braley Chair in Advanced Manufacturing. Braley, chair of the MMRI advisory board, told the gathering that partnerships between business and education are positive for the community and a "tremendous asset" for research and development initiatives. Through the institute, McMaster engineers will conduct industry-relevant research connected to the polymer, automotive and aerospace industries and the tool, die and mould industry. Mo Elbestawi, MMRI director and a professor of mechanical engineering, said the 15,000 sq. ft. facility, which will house 13 industrial machines and a robot, is designed to meet the sophisticated research and development needs of leading manufacturers. "The institute is of international calibre and our work here will undoubtedly lead to advances in several manufacturing technologies in the areas of machining, metal forming, polymer processing and automation." MMRI Opening: Andy Hrymak, MMRI associate director (left); Jennifer Jonkers, student; Mo Elbestawi, MMRI director Photo: Shelly Easton