Three campus leaders named to Faculty of Health Sciences’ Community of Distinction
Left to right: Jack Gauldie, Peter Dent and Peter George will have their names added to the Faculty of Health Sciences’ Community of Distinction on Friday afternoon. The Community of Distinction honours those who have made distinguished contributions in scholarship and research that have brought distinction and recognition to McMaster and the Faculty of Health Sciences.
A trio of influential University figures will have their names added to the Faculty of Health Sciences’ Community of Distinction on Friday.
Jack Gauldie, world-renowned as a pioneer in gene therapeutics; Peter Dent, the clinician scientist behind the creation of the McMaster Children’s Hospital; and Peter George, president emeritus of McMaster, will be honoured at a presentation and reception in the Ewart Angus Centre of the Health Science Centre Nov. 6 at 4 p.m.
Between them, they established McMaster’s outstanding reputation for pediatric research and care; its pioneering advancement of gene therapeutics; and coached its growth and development.
Everyone is welcome to this celebration of the Faculty’s highest accolade.
The Community of Distinction honours those who have made distinguished contributions in scholarship and research that have brought distinction and recognition to McMaster and the Faculty of Health Sciences. Plaques of each individual member join a prestigious wall display in the Ewart Angus Centre lobby.
Get to know the inductees:
Jack Gauldie, PhD, is a world-renowned expert in the field of gene therapeutics, and best known for his contributions to mucosal immunology, cytokine biology and the regulation of inflammation, fibrosis and tissue repair. He joined the Faculty in 1971 and continued a distinguished career of research, education and administration until 2015. Gauldie was designated as a Distinguished University Professor in 1998. While serving in many important roles, including chair of the Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine (1989-2004), his outstanding leadership influenced the direction of research locally, provincially and nationally. Several generations of McMaster scientists count Jack Gauldie as their mentor and role model.
Peter Dent, MD, is a pediatrician dedicated to the health and well-being of children. Joining McMaster in 1968, he began as a clinician scientist with a research focus in cancer immunology and pediatric rheumatology. As the chair of the Department of Pediatrics (1981-1990), his stamina and political capability were key to the creation of the McMaster Children’s Hospital and the Ronald McDonald House for families of pediatric patients. During his final decade in administration (2002 to 2012), he served as the Faculty’s associate vice-president, clinical services where he worked to align university and hospital priorities. He has received top local, national and international awards for his achievements.
Peter George, PhD, had a significant impact on the Faculty’s success during his 15 years as McMaster’s president and vice-chancellor from 1995 to 2010. He encouraged the development of expanded and new programs in the Faculty. Some of these initiatives included the growth of the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine; the successful consortium built by the School of Nursing with Conestoga and Mohawk colleges; and the launch of the Physician Assistant Education and Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours) programs. He also encouraged the Faculty to seek philanthropic support which resulted in the formation of several institutes and the creation of dozens of endowed research chairs.
