Daily News

Posted on Nov. 8: Diploma and certificate studies students graduate tonight

McMaster's Centre for Continuing Education rolls out the red carpet tonight to celebrate the achievements of some 225 students who are completing their certificate and diploma studies. The students will be honoured at a Graduation and Awards ceremony in the McMaster University Student Centre beginning at 7 p.m. Among those completing programs and courses are Sara Lake, a single mom and a full-time employee in telecommunications at McMaster, and Angela McKague, a fourth-year psychology major at McMaster. Both have gained an enriched learning experience through their continuing education studies. "Their stories show what can be achieved through certificate and diploma programs offered by the Centre for Continuing Education," says Anne Dwyer, CCE program co-ordinator. "Sara was able to apply credits from a diploma program to an undergraduate program and Angela has developed a specialization in addictions while pursuing full-time undergraduate studies."

Posted on Nov. 8: McMaster will pause to remember

The Toronto Star reports that poppy sales have soared this year. The legion believes the fight against terrorism is partially responsible for the increased demand for poppies they are seeing this year. Some may wear a poppy as a sign of respect for those who lost their lives in the fight for freedom. Others wear poppies as a sign of remembrance so they may never forget the loss of life. Remembrance Day ceremonies will be taking place around the world on Monday, Nov. 11, including a ceremony at McMaster from 10:45 to 11:15 a.m. in Convocation Hall. The Office of Alumni Advancement invites all students, faculty and staff to the ceremony which will honour those members of McMaster University who gave their lives in World War I and World War II. McMaster President Peter George will read the Honour Roll. Also speaking at the event will be McMaster Chancellor Melvin Hawkrigg and McMaster Students Union president Evan Mackintosh, who will read a Remembrance Day poem. There will also be a Remembrance Day reading by Anne Plessl, development officer in Mills Memorial Library.

Posted on Nov. 8: Students convoke today at Hamilton Place

Today, 789 individuals will leave Hamilton Place with a very significant piece of paper. McMaster confers undergraduate and graduate degrees at two Fall Convocation ceremonies Friday, Nov. 8, while also recognizing four outstanding leaders in public service, medical science and urban design. Legendary hockey dad Walter Gretzky, media executive Israel Asper, esteemed Japanese physician Shigeaki Hinohara and award-winning architect Raymond Moriyama, each receive honorary degrees. Pictured top, Isreal Asper reviews a convocation program prior to giving his address at this morning's ceremony. Pictured bottom, Walter Gretzky poses for a photo with McMaster President Peter George. Photo credit: Chantall Van Raay

Posted on Nov. 7: Marauders vie for Yates Cup

For the third consecutive year, McMaster will host the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) Yates Cup championship football game. The Marauders will take on the Queen's Golden Gaels Saturday, Nov. 9 at 1 p.m. at Les Prince Field. McMaster Marauders defeated York Yeomen, 29-14, in the OUA semi-finals this weekend. Queens defeated The University of Western Ontario in the other OUA semi-final. Mike Ray led the scoring with five field goals, the longest being 36 yards. Quarterback Jon Behie was 11 for 26 for 168 yards and scored one rushing touchdown. Kyle Pyear had the other McMaster touchdown and led the ground attack, with 100 yards on 25 carriers. Brandon Little led the defence with two interceptions. The winner of the Yates Cup will play in the Churchill Bowl game Saturday, Nov. 16. The winning team of this game will vie for the national championship Vanier Cup to be held in Toronto at the SkyDome Saturday, Nov. 23 at 1 p.m. Ticket prices for Saturday's championship game are: Adult - $10 Student - $8 Senior - $8 McMaster Student - $5 Children under 10 - $5 Children under 3 -- free Tickets are available beginning Tuesday at 12 p.m. at the following locations at no service charge: McMaster Information Centre, in the McMaster Student Centre McMaster Locker Room Service Area, in the McMaster Ivor Wynne Centre (Athletic Complex) Copps Coliseum Box Office McMaster Spirit Store at Lime Ridge Mall Les Prince Stadium on the McMaster University Campus, one hour prior to game time Tickets are also available through Ticketmaster at 905-527-7666, http://www.ticketmaster.ca and all Ticketmaster outlets. Normal service charges apply. For more information, contact the athletics & recreation department at www.athrec.mcmaster.ca or at ext. 24463

Posted on Nov. 7: McMaster’s MacShad students claim top environmental prize

Sometimes the simplest message has the greatest impact on the environment. It can also have the biggest reward. Students of McMaster's Shad Valley program, known locally as MacShad, received the best overall award from the RBC Shad Entrepreneurship Competition for the "Big Green Tree Planting Kit", which includes Marvin's Tree, a story about a bird who searches for a new home after his tree is destroyed. "We're really proud of winning this award," says Bob Loree. "It really says a lot for McMaster and the faculty, staff and students that we have here." The 52 students who came to McMaster in July for the Shad program were instructed to create a project that would benefit the environment. Divided into four groups, the students were given four weeks to design, build, market, and present a product or service to a panel of judges. The 'Big Green Tree Planting Kit' was selected for entrance into the fifth annual RBC competition. This is the second time McMaster has claimed the top prize. They also won first place for prototype and third for their business plan. The kit includes five tulip tree seeds per student that they plant to help re-establish this endangered species. Also included in the kit is a teacher's reference guide, three compact discs, 25 planting pots and a colored children's storybook of Marvin, that the students translated in several languages, including English, French, Ukrainian and Mandarin. The team also created a Web site, which people could submit their address to, to be mailed tree seeds native to their area. The kit has caught the eye of local school boards who are considering purchasing the books for Grade 3 teachers, notes Loree. "The Shad experience in itself is fantastic," he says. "With or without the reward, students were able to go home and say they had a great experience and a lot of fun. The skills they learn here are really invaluable." Photo caption: One of the pages from Marvin's Tree, the colored children's storybook that has been translated by students into several languages, such as French, Mandarin and Ukrainian.