Daily News

posted on Feb. 20: Mary Keyes’ life, legacy celebrated at memorial service

She was tireless in her commitment to students. She never lost sight of what was important. She was the portrait of grace, integrity, respect. She was mentor to many. She encouraged and challenged us to find the common purpose that binds us together not the small details that make us different. She truly believed that mistakes helped a person to grow. These were among the warm and heartfelt thoughts and remembrances colleagues, friends and students shared with several hundred people who gathered in Burridge Gymnasium on Saturday afternoon to celebrate the life of Mary Keyes. Attendees included Keyes' father, Charles, and members of her immediate family, as well as friends and colleagues who knew Keyes for many years, including Canadian astronaut Roberta Bondar. "There are thousands of faces on this campus: students, faculty, staff, parents, alumni, neighbourhood children here for sports camp. For many of us, getting to know more than a handful of the people who make up McMaster can be difficult. It wasn't difficult for Mary. She knew everyone," said Acting President Peter Sutherland of Keyes, who headed student affairs at McMaster for the last 10 years. "Whether it was working with student leaders, the students she taught, coached and counseled, her staff, the faculty or administrative colleagues, Mary took the time to get to know as individuals the people with whom she worked. They, in turn, had tremendous respect for her as a mentor and friend." Other speakers included Cathie Miller, director of housing services, who spoke on behalf of colleagues in student affairs, and Sam Minniti, president of the McMaster Students Union.

posted on Feb. 19: Materials science & engineering professor named NSERC Fuel Cell Technologies chairholder

Tony Petric, an associate professor of materials science & engineering, has been appointed the NSERC Fuel Cell Technologies Chair. Petric leads an active research group involved in fuel cells, ionic electronic and mixed conducting oxides and thermodynamic properties of reactive alloys. "Tony Petric is eager to expand on his research work in fuel cells," said Mo Elbestawi, dean of the Faculty of Engineering. "The Faculty is fortunate to have such an enthusiastic researcher of his ability. We are excited about awarding this chair to Dr. Petric." The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) is funding the new Faculty of Engineering research chair, in collaboration with industrial sponsor Fuel Cell Technologies Corp. and the Faculty.