Daily News

Posted on Feb. 26: Province commits $625 million for R&D into auto sector

The Eves government announced today that it will invest $625 million over five years to expand and enhance current research and development programs and training funds to make them more accessible to the automotive sector. Of this, $500 million will be invested to enhance the Ontario Research and Development Challenge Fund, which will support industry-based innovation activities that will accelerate the commercialization of next generation products. The remaining $125 million will be invested to enhance existing programs that support training in skills that are needed by the sector. The focus would be on creating the strategic skills necessary for building competitiveness, increasing the fit between Ontario's training institutions and advanced manufacturing needs and expanding opportunities to learn the new skills needed for the development and use of advanced manufacturing technologies. Read more

Posted on Feb. 25: Joe Raso slam dunks Coach of the Year

The first place McMaster Marauders men's basketball team garnered three honours from the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) 2002-03 OUA West Men's Basketball All-Stars, as voted on by the coaches. Coach Joe Raso was honoured as Coach of the Year for the second time in three years. Raso has led the Marauders back into the nation's top ten and, after a one-year absence, hopes to bring his team back to the CIS Final Eight tournament in Halifax. Fifth-year veteran Graham Hewitt received his second consecutive First Team All-Star selection, with second-year guard Rob Scully named to the Second Team. Marauder Adam Steiner made the all-rookie team. Click here to read more.

Posted on Feb. 24: Tommy rocks McMaster employees

More than 150 McMaster employees and family members gathered in the Robinson Memorial Theatre Saturday (Feb. 22) to enjoy the McMaster Musical Theatre presentation of the rock opera Tommy. The event was organized by the McMaster Employee Spirit Society (M.E.S.S.!). The objective of the society is to promote McMaster team spirit through the organization of sporting and cultural events that encourage employees to have fun with their colleagues and families. This event was also promoted and co-sponsored by the Office of Student Affairs. Phil Wood, associate vice-president, Student Affairs, began the afternoon with opening remarks. The event featured complimentary tickets to the show, including a complimentary reception, draw prizes and a 50/50 draw. All of the proceeds from the 50/50 draw were donated to McMaster Musical Theatre. Mike Fazzari, husband of McMaster employee Kathy Fazzari and winner of the 50/50 draw, generously donated his share of the winnings back to McMaster Musical Theatre. The members of the M.E.S.S.! were thrilled with the participation and encouragement that they received. Pat Fraser, event co-chair said, "The employees have enjoyed all three of the M.E.S.S.! activities. They are so enthusiastic about the functions, even the planning and organizing is fun. The Tommy performance was very well received, and everyone enjoyed the afternoon". The event organizers of this M.E.S.S.! event include Pat Harris (chair), Kathy Kishimoto, David Tucker, Sue Birnie, Cam Playfair, Stacey Henderson, Pat Fraser (event co-chair), Terri Jones, Theresa Cooke, Alex Coldwell and Anthony Celani. M.E.S.S.! is always interested in enthusiastic volunteers to join the team. Interested volunteers can e-mail mess@mcmaster.ca or contact Anthony Celani, ext. 23554. Photo caption: Phil Wood, associate vice-president, Student Affairs, and M.E.S.S.! event co-chair Pat Fraser enjoy an afternoon at the theatre.

Posted on Feb. 21: Wanted: remarkable alumni

What do the deputy minister of finance, the inventor of the IMAX Camera and the editor-in-chief of Gardening Life magazine have in common? They are all honoured recipients of the McMaster Alumni Association's Distinguished Alumni Award. Nominations for the award are now being accepted until March 31. Almost 15 years ago, the McMaster Alumni Association established the Distinguished Alumni Awards as the highest form of recognition offered by the Alumni Association to its members. Each year, two Distinguished Alumni Awards are awarded at the fall Convocation ceremonies to honour alumni who have established themselves as leaders in the arts, comprising humanities, performing and fine arts, social sciences and business; and the sciences, comprising science, engineering and health sciences. The nominees will have distinguished themselves through outstanding scholarship, research or creative contributions to the arts and sciences. To submit a nomination go to http://www.mcmaster.ca/ua/alumni/nominationform.htm. Or contact the Alumni Office at ext. 23900 or email alumni@mcmaster.ca. McMaster prides itself on its reputation as a university dedicated to innovative programs and interdisciplinary studies. The recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Awards have also distinguished themselves as leaders in their chosen fields and are living examples of McMaster's core values. There are 27 recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Award, ranging from professional artists to historians, policy makers to human rights acitivists, innovative researchers to health care professionals. More than half of the Distinguished Alumni Award recipients are also members of McMaster Alumni Gallery. To view a list of past recipients go to www.mcmaster.ca/ua/alumni/daa.htm or check out the Alumni Gallery at www.mcmaster.ca/ua/alumni/gallery.htm. Last year, deputy minister of finance, Kevin Lynch '80, received the Distinguished Alumni Award for the arts for his contribution to Canadian finance, and Martin Green '74 travelled from Australia to receive the science award for his research leading to innovations in solar cell technology.

Posted on Feb. 24: Patients’ stories offer insight for future doctors

Hamilton residents have the opportunity to put graduating doctors on the right path to developing excellent relationships with their future patients. One hundred and twenty people who have had a good relationship with a medical doctor are being invited to talk one-to-one about their experience with a third-year medical student. The sessions, organized in partnership with the City of Hamilton, will be held at city hall and at the West End Clinic during Patient Week starting April 28. Associate professor, family medicine, Cathy Risdon, said the first-person stories about memorable encounters, and the positive difference it made for the patient, are important for the students to hear. "Stories are a powerful tool for teaching. Patients have invaluable expertise in defining excellent medical care, and they can have a true impact on the students' perspective on their future." One prospective storyteller says, "When my daughter was first in the hospital, with isolation signs posted, you can imagine how upset we were. The very first night of our stay in walks our family doc, at the time fully outfitted in 'isolation' regalia. The smile on Sarah's face and the feelings of reassurance that we all felt from this first visit and the subsequent ones was overwhelming." "We went from feeling lost and isolated among strangers, in a strange and frightening situation, to actually feeling somewhat special and cared for on more than just a physical level."