Daily News

McMaster professor wins 3M Teaching Fellowship

Colleagues and educators across the country have honoured a McMaster professor for his contributions to teaching and learning. Professor Richard Butler,Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, has been the recipient of numerous awards and accolades from McMaster's students and administration. On June 13 in Hamilton, he was honoured again, this time by colleagues and educators nationwide. Butler is the recipient of one of this year's prestigious 3M Teaching Fellowships. The 3M Teaching Fellowships were created through a partnership between 3M Canada Inc and the Society for Teaching Learning and Higher Education (STLHE). Since the program began in 1986, more than 160 educators across Canada have been recognized. These awards are given to individuals who not only excel in the teaching of their own courses, but also demonstrate an exceptionally high degree of leadership and commitment to the improvement of university teaching across disciplines. Butler does just that. In the classroom, Butler's aim is to make students think. One of McMaster's pioneers in problem-based teaching, he incorporates a problem-based, self-directed approach to all of the courses he teaches. As an instructor in both the Faculties of Health Sciences and Science, he helps students develop their knowledge and understanding, and stimulates them to strive to reach their potential.

$1-million gift establishes pediatric asthma research chair

GlaxoSmithKline Inc. today announced a $1-million investment to establish a McMaster University research chair in pediatric asthma at the Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton. The creation of this chair is part of the GlaxoSmithKline Pathfinders Fund for Leaders in Canadian Health Science Research, a $10-million initiative to help fight the brain drain in Canada by providing opportunities for leading medical researchers and scientists. The GlaxoSmithKline Chair in Pediatric Asthma will enable the Firestone Institute to create a permanent position, allowing the recipient to conduct research that will improve the understanding of this chronic disease and potentially lead to pioneering new treatments for Canadian children with asthma. "This is an important research investment into a disease that has a tremendous impact on all segments of the population, but especially children," said Paul Lucas, president and CEO of GlaxoSmithKline Inc. "As a company, we have been a leader in the treatment of asthma for more than 30 years, working with organizations like the Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health to improve the understanding and management of asthma in Canada. This investment is part of our longstanding commitment to asthma research." "The work being done in the Faculty of Health Sciences at McMaster University rivals any in Canada, and this chair will expand that reputation," said Peter George, President of McMaster University. "It will allow us to continue to attract leading scientists and provide an enriching environment to encourage world-class research, and also affirms our strong partnership with St. Joseph's Healthcare and the Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health."

Students come up winners in provincial budget

Students are the beneficiaries of Monday's provincial budget announcement that will see more money for matching bursary programs and operating funds to help pay for higher enrolments due to the double cohort class. McMaster University President Peter George welcomed the provincial government's pledge to commit more money to student assistance, fund new spaces for the double cohort graduates and continue research grant and infrastructure programs like the Ontario Innovation Trust and the Ontario Research and Development Challenge Fund. "Access to a university education is critically important to students, their parents and the province's future," said President George. "The government has demonstrated that it understands the role universities play and has followed through on its commitment to put students first. The support for the Ontario Student Opportunity Trust Fund, increased funding for higher enrolments and renewed support for research are the essential elements to building a stronger university system for Ontario." President George said he will update the University community on how the budget will affect McMaster once the specific budget details are known. Last week he told the Board of Governors meeting that the University's budget committee would reconvene to deal with any additional funding that is forthcoming from the province. To read more about the budget delivered by Finance Minister Janet Ecker, click on Ontario Budget 2002. (End of story)

Engineering’s Phil Wood named to student affairs post

Phil Wood will assume the role of associate vice-president, student affairs on July 1. McMaster's Board of Governors confirmed the appointment June 13. Currently McMaster's associate dean in the Faculty of Engineering, Wood brings almost 20 years of experience at the University to his new role. "We're fortunate to have found such a great candidate who is not only familiar with McMaster but also has clearly demonstrated his commitment to students. He is an award-winning teacher and a dedicated administrator and researcher," says provost Ken Norrie. Wood says it didn't take long for him to decide to apply for the position. "It's a unique opportunity to make a real difference in the quality of experience students have at McMaster." Wood believes that "while it is important to focus on the academic part of a student's time at the University, we sometimes forget that every experience a student has is a potential learning opportunity. That includes his or her time in residence, participation in athletics, and the campus social environment. Students don't only learn from faculty; they also learn from one another. The focus of my job will be to make sure those opportunities are the best that they can be." Wood assumes the AVP student affairs position for a five-year term. Mary Keyes was due to leave the position this month but passed away in February, four months before she was expected to retire.