Posted June 4: Sixth annual McMaster Marauder Scholar brunch honours student-athletes

The CIBC Banquet Hall in the brand new McMaster University Student Centre was the site of the sixth annual McMaster Marauder Scholar brunch presented by the Assante Capital Management Group. One hundred and ninety five McMaster student-athletes were recognized for their outstanding athletic and academic accomplishments. Students-athletes who are named as Marauder Scholars must have achieved high academic standing while competing for a varsity or club team during the 2001-2002 school year. The Dr. Mary E. Keyes Award and the Dr. Jack Kennedy Award celebrate the accomplishments of the top female and male Marauder Scholars who best combine athletics and academics. Dr. Mary E. Keyes Award Dr. Mary Keyes was a key figure in the development of women's sports at McMaster. During her early years on the McMaster faculty, Dr. Keyes coached both the women's swim team and women's basketball teams. She served as President of the C.W.I.A.U. and was a key member of the Amalgamation Committee that led to the Union of the C.W.I.A.U. and the C.I.A.U. into a single entity for university sport. From 1981-87, Dr. Keyes was the Director of the School of Physical Education and Athletics. She held the position of Associate Vice President, Student Affairs at McMaster until her passing this past winter. This year's recipient of the Dr. Mary E. Keyes Award: Melissa Nock, Badminton Melissa completed her second year of the Engineering Physics and Management program this past year while competing for the Badminton team. She obtained an 11.4 average (95%) over thirty-eight units. Thirty-eight units translates into 2 to 3 additional courses above the average that a typical student would complete in an academic year. As a badminton player, Nock had a successful High School career earning OFSAA silver and bronze medals. As a junior under 19 player she was ranked in the top three in Canada and won major competitions in both Canada and the United States. At McMaster, she was the Marauder Badminton MVP in 2002 and an OUA All-Star in both 2001 and 2002. Dr. Jack Kennedy Award Dr. Jack Kennedy was an associate professor of physical education from 1965-87 and head football coach from 1966-72, guiding his team to the Atlantic Bowl Championship and College Bowl final in 1967. Kennedy was Director of Athletics from 1969-74 and head coach of the women's ice hockey team from 1976-83 leading the team to O.W.I.A.A. and North American Championships in 1978. He retired in 1987 after an impressive 34 years of coaching and passed away in 1999. This year's recipient of the Dr. Jack Kennedy Award: Rob Pineau, Baseball A third year medical student and multi-year Marauder Scholar, Pineau finished a stellar academic and athletic career this past year. While an undergraduate kinesiology student he had an 11.6 (97%) average over four years. As a graduate student he obtained an 11.3 (94%) average while earning his Masters of Science degree in Human Biodynamics. As a member of the Marauder baseball team, Pineau was a team captain for four years where he won two Division Championships ('97 & '99) and one National Championship ('97). A unanimous OUA All-Star selection in 2001, he was also in the top five in the OUA in most offensive categories. Pineau leaves McMaster having had the unique perspective of having competed for the Marauders in seven of his total eight year's at Mac ('94-99, '01) including the teams inaugural season in 1994. (End of story) PHOTO: Thirhse Quigley (centre), director of athletics and recreation congratulates Marauder Scholars Melissa Nock (Mary E. Keyes Award winner) and Rob Pineau (Dr. Jack Kennedy Award winner). Photo by Art Martin

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Posted May 31: Engineering alumni share their career experiences with students

Six engineering alumni accepted Engineering Physics' invitation to participate in their tenth annual forum, a panel discussion of work experiences shared with other alumni, students and professors. On the last day of classes, the panel of engineering professionals shared their insight into the career paths they have chosen since graduating with an engineering degree from McMaster. Graduates of the Engineering Physics program have a wide variety of job experiences, ranging from the telecom industry (Nortel and Bell Canada) to the nuclear and service industries. The alumni representatives stressed that there is a need to have on-the-job presentation and writing skills to succeed in the job market. The panel also emphasized the importance of demonstrated leadership and teamwork qualities as well as time management skills. They highlighted problem solving abilities and a broad, general knowledge base as assets in the workplace. Each panel member discussed their current careers and provided anecdotal comments to help connect the audience to their "real-world" experience. When asked to cite those courses that were most useful in preparing them for their careers, the responses were varied. Panelist Pete Aspros said his English course proved invaluable to his daily communication at Nortel Networks. Steve Tritchew, a strategist in new product development at Wescam, works half time in marketing, applying budgets and presentations --he finds he is continually learning. Tritchew suggested developing a solid base for understanding fundamentals and principles in math and materials applications. All agreed that a broad-based engineering education affords flexibility in the workplace. Dave Kingdon, safety & licensing analyst, Atomic Energy Canada, noted that at Ontario Power Generation (OPG), more general engineering applications are used. Kingdon adds that the most interesting aspect of his job was the challenge of problem-solving. While the focus of the forum was to share career experiences, Dan Turow, senior director of marketing at Genesis Microchip Incorporated, noted there is another, equally important dimension. "Work and dedication is important in the workplace," Turow explains, "You must learn to put balance in your life, as a personal choice." PHOTO: Panel particants Dan Turow, Steve Tritchew, Ian Craig, Pete Aspros, Rash Patnaik and Dave Kingdon

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Posted May 31: Alumni Gallery celebrates 20 years with 12 new inductees

Alumni Weekend 2002 marks the official launch of the Alumni Gallery's twentieth year. Started by a group of alumni to recognize the achievements of other Mac grads, the Alumni Gallery has become the most widely recognized honour offered by the McMaster Alumni Association. Alumni Gallery members exemplify how McMaster alumni positively affect and contribute to society. This year's inductees are business leaders, innovators in the creative arts, scientists, health sciences researchers, and policy makers. 2002 Alumni Gallery Inductees William Cody '46, B.A. Faculty of Science A botanist with the National Research Council of Canada, Willliam Cody has focused his research on the flora and fauna of Northern Canada and he is widely considered to be Canada's foremost expert on Canada's northern flora. His studies led to the publication of five award-winning books, including Flora of the Northwest Territories in 1996. Harold Cowie '62, B.Div. Faculty of Divinity (posthumously) Harold Cowie's diverse and interesting career took him all over the globe. His work included archeological digs in Israel; teaching in Jamaica; helping coordinate ophthalmic treatment for people in Asia, Africa, and South America in his capacity as Associate Director, Overseas Development for Operation Eyesight Universal; as well as serving as a minister at various churches in Ontario. Hertzel Gerstein '89, M.Sc. Faculty of Health Sciences Hertzel Gerstein is an associate professor, director of the division of endocrinology & metabolism at McMaster, and director of the diabetes care and research program for Hamilton Health Sciences. He currently leads the Diabetes Reduction Approaches with Rampril and Rosiglitazone Medications study (DREAM) which tests the possibility that certain drugs may prevent Type 2 diabetes. B.Connor Johnson '33, B.A., '34, M.A. Faculty of Science (posthumously) Connor Johnson's discovery that vitamin K is an integral part of the clotting mechanism opened the investigative world for vitamin K. Until his death this past March, Johnson continued his research work, most recently on obesity, caloric intake and life span. Bartha Maria Knoppers '72, B.A. Faculty of Humanities Bartha Maria Knoppers is a professor at the Faculty of Law, University of Montreal and Senior Researcher and Counsel to the law firm Borden, Ladner, Gervais. She was a member of the International Bioethics Committee of the United Nations, Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization that drafted the Universal Declaration on the Human Genome and Human Rights. Currently, she is Chair of the International Ethics Committee of the Human Genome Project. Michael Lee-Chin '74, B.Eng. Faculty of Engineering Although his degree is in Engineering, Michael Lee-Chin made his career in financial services and mutual funds. Currently chair and chief investment officer of AIC, Michael Lee-Chin shares his good fortune with the community by supporting such diverse causes as Ronald McDonald House, the Black Community Achievement Awards, Joseph Brant Hospital and the Burlington Art Gallery. Karen Maidment '81, B.Com. Faculty of Business When Karen Maidment accepted the position of executive vice-president and chief financial officer with Bank of Montreal in 2000, she became one of the highest-ranking women in Canadian banking. Despite her busy career, Maidment continues to be active in her community, including acting as treasurer for the Cambridge Winterhawks Junior B Hockey Team. Basanti Majumdar '87, M.Sc. Faculty of Science As a professor of nursing at McMaster University, Basanti Majumdar is instrumental in bridging the University and ethnocultural communities. As well, she has committed her professional research and personal pursuits to community health care throughout the world with a focus on both the empowerment of women and the HIV and AIDS crisis. Dawn Martens '86, B.A. Faculty of Humanities Dawn Martens is an educator with a passion for opera. As the artistic director of the Buchanan Park Opera Club, Martens has not only fostered an appreciation of opera in the over 400 individual students who have taken part in annual performances, she has also used these performances to help raise $11,000 for McMaster's Children's Cancer and Leukemia Fund. Thomas Mason '90, Ph.D. Faculty of Science Through his research, Thomas Mason earned an international reputation for his groundbreaking work in the underlying origins of superconductivity. He is now the director of the spallation neutron source project in Oakridge, Tennessee. Mason continues to be involved in his community by lecturing on the role of science to student, church and seniors' groups. Dermot Nolan '69, B.A. Faculty of Humanities Dermot Nolan is a former professional actor with the Stratford Festival who has practiced law in Hamilton for 26 years. He is a former president of both the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association and the Hamilton Law Association. His volunteer work includes membership on community boards of Theatre Aquarius, Hamilton Health Sciences and St. Peter's Hospital. Miriam Stewart '67, B.Sc.N. Faculty of Health Sciences In 1999, Miriam Stewart was awarded the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research Health Senior Scholar Award. She is currently professor of nursing and in public health sciences, faculty of medicine at the University of Alberta. She has served on numerous national and provincial foundations, government committees, and community groups on health research and policy. The Alumni Gallery reception and induction ceremony will take place at 2 p.m. on Saturday June 1 in Convocation Hall.

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Posted May 30: May@Mac a success

Hundreds of staff, faculty and student volunteers welcomed almost 5,500 visitors to campus for May@Mac, the University's spring open house. The not-so-spring-like weather didn't deter prospective students, their families and friends from enjoying the full slate of activities offered across campus. "This is a unique opportunity to showcase the University from one end of campus to another--visitors were travelling from the Ivor Wynne Centre to the Institute for Applied Health Sciences and enjoying all the activities between and beyond those areas of the University," says Bonnie Crocker, student liaison officer. There were 18 checkpoints across campus, manned by volunteers who offered assistance to those visitors who chose a self-guided tour or helped direct others to various events. University volunteers were the key to the success of the open house--serving at displays, doing lab tours, presentations and encouraging hands-on participation from prospective students. "The success of May@Mac was the result of the cooperation and participation of so many people across campus," says Crocker, and this success was reflected in the comments from those who attended the open house. "The feedback indicated that our visitors were pleased with how well-organized we were, how much there was to see and do, how much fun they had and how great our campus looked," notes Crocker. "Whether it was climbing the stairwells in University Hall or sitting in the lobby of the new student centre, they were impressed with McMaster." (End of story)

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