Daily News

Posted on June 9: Economic impact report highlights McMaster University’s impact on Hamilton’s economy

McMaster University generated $670 million of provincial economic activity, and $455 million of economic activity in Hamilton, says a report released today by the University. The report, prepared for the University by PriceWaterhouseCoopers based on data from 2001, shows that with operating expenditures more than $477 million, McMaster was responsible for creating 14,500 person-years of employment province-wide, with 11,600 person-years in Hamilton. The operating budget created $670 million of provincial economic activity, $455 million in Hamilton. McMaster is Hamilton's sixth largest employer with approximately 3,500 full-time equivalent academic and support staff. Annual operations generate government revenues in excess of $201 million, with almost $139 million of that accruing from within the Hamilton economy. "Hamilton and McMaster are like two parts of the same ecosystem," Peter George, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University, told a luncheon hosted by the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce Business Development Committee today (Wednesday). "We sustain each other without ever getting together and acknowledging the depth and power of our symbiotic partnership."

Posted on June 10: Museum of Art presents new summer exhibits

A sound and sensory exhibit and geometrical interpretations of nature are the focus of two new exhibits opening at the McMaster Museum of Art. The Museum presents Flotilla, by artist Erika James, and My Mother Tongue, by Lee MyungSook, from June 13 to Aug. 22. There will be a public reception for both exhibits on June 24 from 7 to 9 p.m. Flotilla is the first in a series of exhibitions by contemporary artists who submitted proposals to the Museum's call for submissions last fall. Curated by Alexandra Pierce, acting director of the museum, the exhibit presents a sound and sensory experience with objects that shape an "unnatural" environment or landscape. With an installation of floating, breathing, murmuring organic sculptures that pulse with light, James challenges traditional perceptions of landscape in art.

Posted on June 8: Waste audit reveals need for recycling awareness

Before throwing that pop can or newspaper in the garbage, think about how much it's costing. A recent audit on McMaster's waste stream revealed 40 per cent of garbage on campus consists of recyclable materials. By reducing that, the University has the potential to save tens of thousands of dollars a year. "If we take recyclables out of our waste stream, there is the potential the University could save up to $100,000 a year," says University planner Linda Axford, explaining a reduction in waste equates to less disposal costs. On April 8, Waste Services Inc. (WSI) conducted an audit on campus to identify the composition of the University's waste. In the audit, conducted in accordance with provincial regulation, WSI collected waste and inspected it at the WSI transfer station in Hamilton. Bags of waste were opened and divided into six categories: waste, metal, papers, mixed recyclables, cardboard and pizza boxes. The audit revealed that of 5,230 kilograms of garbage collected, 3,190 kg was waste, 510 kg was metal, 450 kg was paper, 450 kg was mixed recyclables, 360 kg was cardboard and 270 kg was pizza boxes. "We really need to reduce waste and increase recyclables, but it will take the will of everyone on campus to make this happen," Axford says, adding education on how to accomplish this is key.

Posted on June 9: McMaster recognized for advancing education

Teamwork has once again paid off as McMaster University has been awarded three medals at the Prix D'Excellence, the prestigious annual awards program of the Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education (CCAE). The CCAE recognizes outstanding achievement in alumni affairs, public affairs, development, student recruitment, and overall institutional advancement. Teamwork showed up in a big way in the first place entry in the Best Print Ad or Ad Campaign. Anne Plessl, Library Development Advisory Group, teamed up with the Department of Athletics & Recration and photographer Scott Gardner to develop the @ your library posters for McMaster University libraries. This innovative marketing campaign for used varsity athletes to help make fellow students more aware of the resources available at their library of choice.