Daily News

posted on Feb. 6: Third annual food fair warms mind, body, soul

Returning for its third year, the annual Soul Food Fair is underway today, Feb. 6, in Convocation Hall. The fair also features guest speaker Stu Black, who will speak on Laughter Really is the Best Medicine tonight at 7 p.m. in Convocation Hall. Black's talk is focused on teaching people to rediscover their funny bones on the way to a happier more productive life. The fair's theme - "It's about balance" - recognizes that everyone needs sustenance for the body, mind and spirit in order to enjoy true health and wellness. The Soul Food Fair, which runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., was initiated by the Chaplaincy Centre in the winter of 2000 recognizing that many people experience "the winter blues." February seemed like the perfect time to be proactive about sharing resources for health and wellness that nourish the body, mind and spirit. This year's fair is co-sponsored by McMaster Students Union campus events and the Soul Food organizing committee comprised of athletics & recreation, Centre for Student Development, the Chaplaincy Centre, International Students Office and Student Health Service. The fair is free for all McMaster students and employees, featuring prizes, giveaways and free samples. There are exhibits and musical entertainment in Convocation Hall, as well as workshops located in the McMaster Museum of Art and the Ivor Wynne mezzanine. Workshops do not require registration. Topics include art therapy, aromatherapy, meditation, massage therapy, esoteric studies, reflexology, reiki and touch therapy. (End of story)

posted on Feb. 5: Nominations open for 2002 President’s Award of Excellence – Student Leadership

Nominations are now being accepted for the President's Award of Excellence - Student Leadership. Nomination forms - the deadline is Feb. 22 - are available from the Office of the Associate Vice-President (Student Affairs), Gilmour Hall, Room 207. The President's Award of Excellence was established in 1993 to recognize in-course students in their graduating year who have demonstrated a commitment to the University's belief in excellence in its student body. The selection committee may present up to three awards annually. Each award will be a President's Student Medal of Excellence and the recipient will have his/her name inscribed on a commemorative plaque displayed permanently in the McMaster University Student Centre. This award acknowledges the contributions made by students who play a significant role in improving and developing the intellectual, social, cultural and/or athletic fabric of the McMaster community. The selection committee will consider those nominees who have demonstrated outstanding student leadership qualities. The award will be presented on the basis of how the nominees' achievements have contributed to the betterment of the University community and to the advantage of the students who attend McMaster. The overall quality of the contribution rather than the achievement of a certain status or position will be the determining factor for the committee to arrive at a final decision. In addition, the individuals selected to receive an award may also have extensive involvement in the local, provincial, or national communities. (End of story)

posted on Feb. 4: McMaster researchers awarded more than $8M for innovative projects

Seven McMaster researchers have been awarded $7.6 million from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) to help build labs and facilities necessary for their research. The money will go towards projects such as a brain imaging facility in psychology, a micro-machining lab in mechanical engineering, a lead monitoring in children initiative in medical physics & applied radiation sciences and an arts/humanities text analysis computing portal initiative. Three new researchers were also awarded about $660,000 from the New Opportunities Fund for their projects in mathematics, medical physics & applied radiation sciences and mechanical engineering. The awards were part of a national announcement made last week by Industry Minister Alan Rock that involved $779 million going to support projects at 69 universities, colleges, hospitals and not-for-profit research institutions. "This CFI investment confirms the talent of our researchers and the research expertise that resides at McMaster in all of our disciplines," said Mamdouh Shoukri, vice-president research & international affairs. "Consistently, we have seen investment in areas for which we are known as leaders (engineering, science and health sciences), but this round of funding highlights new and emerging areas of excellence." The awards were based on the recommendations of multidisciplinary assessment committees made up of world-class experts from a wide range of fields and disciplines. To receive funding, applicants had to show the excellence and innovative nature of their projects and how they will benefit Canada.