Posted on June 19: New book chronicles career of modern-day McMaster architect

[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/Lillian_Zack.jpg” caption=”Lillian Zack”]

Harry Thode, former McMaster University president and international scientist, was responsible for transforming McMaster University into the student-centred research-intensive institution it is today. A new book from McMaster University Press chronicles the life of this remarkable man, who served as the University's president from 1961 to 1972.

Under Thode's leadership, McMaster became, nationally and internationally, a major centre of scholarship and research. Today, most of the approximately 1,000 McMaster faculty members, located in six strong faculties, are engaged in research and scholarship that both inform their educational work and help extend the frontiers of their disciplines. As well, McMaster students reap the benefits of learning from some of the country's finest researchers and educators. Modern McMaster is both a creator and preserver of knowledge.

Born in Dundurn, Saskatchewan, Thode joined McMaster in 1939 after completing his undergraduate degree at the University of Saskatchewan, earning his doctorate at the University of Chicago, teaching in Pittsburg, and performing postdoctoral work at Columbia University.

Thode's legacy at McMaster lasts to this day. Under his leadership, the University saw the construction of a nuclear reactor on campus, the establishment of the McMaster University Medical School, the formation of the Faculties of Health Sciences and Engineering, the acquisition of the Bertrand Russell archives, the creation of many new doctoral programs and professional schools, and the construction of nearly 20 new buildings.

The many achievements of Thode during his career as an international scientist and university administrator are chronicled in Harry Thode: Scientist and Builder at McMaster University, written by Manuel Zack, Lawrence Martin, and Alvin Lee. Copies are available in Titles, the McMaster University bookstore.

“Harry Thode did more than anyone else to create on this campus the research climate that still characterizes McMaster,” says University President Peter George. “Dr. Thode established the base that made it possible for University researchers to accomplish the host of important research achievements that McMaster enjoyed in the second half of the 20th century. Because of him, McMaster has become known as a place where students and researchers alike experience a high level of success.”

Photo captions: At the book launch, McMaster President Peter George presents a leather-bound copy of Harry Thode: Scientist and Builder at McMaster University to Lillian Zack, wife of author Manuel Zack (top photo). Bottom photo, George presents books to Richard Tomlinson, professor emeritus (chemistry), left, and former McMaster President Arthur Bourns. Photo credit: Chantall Van Raay