Daily News

posted on Dec. 17: McMaster engineering fireball show prepares to be festive

Get ready. It's the holiday version of the engineering fireball show. The annual McMaster engineering holdiay fireball show is ready to entertain you on Thursday, Dec. 20 at 10 a.m. in the John Hodgins Engineering Building Room 264. Presented by the Engineering 1 program, the educational show features hands-on activities that focus on science and engineering as an education and a career. The fireball show is presented throughout the year to high school students, teachers and guidance counsellors across Ontario. It is designed to introduce prospective students to science and engineering programs available through McMaster's Faculty of Engineering. (End of story)

posted on Dec. 14: McMaster President to take leave of absence

McMaster President Peter George will take a leave of absence early next year. Board of Governors Chair Ed Minich calls it a well-deserved break. "The Changing Tomorrow Today campaign was a tremendous success but it meant the President was on duty close to seven days a week for the past few years. Peter went above and beyond what was expected during the campaign and that, combined with his dedication to his other tasks, means he deserves some time to recharge his batteries." President George will be away from campus from Feb. 1 to April 15, 2002. In his absence, Peter Sutherland, currently acting provost on leave from his post as dean of the Faculty of Science, will be acting President. John Drake will continue to serve as acting dean of Science. President George says that the agreed-to leave of absence, originally scheduled to take place between his first and second terms as President was postponed because, "The campaign was in full gear and there was no way I could be absent until it was complete. As we headed towards the end of the campaign we began the search for the new provost and it would have been impossible to be away until he and I had at least a short period of time to work together." Ken Norrie assumes the role of provost on Jan. 1. The President, who also decided to shorten his leave from three to two-and-a-half months, says, "It will seem very strange to be away from campus but Allison and I are both looking forward to some time for reflection and rejuvenation." The appointments of the acting President and acting dean of science were approved at this week's meetings of the Senate and Board of Governors. (End of story)