Daily News

posted on June 20: Trull appointed vice-president university advancement

Roger Trull has been appointed vice-president university advancement. Trull has been executive director of University Advancement since 1994 and led the development and implementation of a highly successful plan for advancement activities at McMaster. Within each of the advancement portfolios -- alumni relations, advancement services, decentralized advancement, development (fundraising) and public relations/government relations -- Trull has built a team that consistently exceeds performance targets. The Changing Tomorrow Today campaign surpassed its $100 million target eight months ahead of schedule. Trull is respected throughout the country as a leading advancement professional. The Board of Governors and Senate approved the change of title from executive director to vice-president university advancement last week. McMaster President Peter George said the vice-presidential title will bring McMaster in line with all other research-intensive universities in Canada and with leading universities across North America. It will also be an important advantage in developing new opportunities for the University. A devoted member of the McMaster community since his graduation in 1979, Trull has volunteered considerable time and energy to other organizations. He has served as the vice-president of the National Association of Canadian Clubs and trustee of Hillfield Strathallan College, was founding president of the Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education (Ontario) and is a past board member of the United Way of Halton Burlington. (End of story)

posted on June 19: Elbestawi named engineering dean

Mechanical engineering professor Mo Elbestawi has been named dean of engineering. He begins his five-year term on July 1. Elbestawi arrived at McMaster 15 years ago and since that time has consolidated his reputation as a leading researcher, teacher and administrator. A graduate of Alexandria University, Elbestawi earned his M. Eng and PhD degrees in mechanical engineering at McMaster. He then worked for several years in industrial research and development before returning to the University in 1986 as an associate professor. He recently completed two terms as chair of the Department of Mechanical Engineering. His industrial experience has proven invaluable in his ability to mobilize resources to support research. Founder of the Intelligent Machines and Manufacturing Research Centre, he has most recently devoted his time to the establishment of the newly created McMaster Manufacturing Research Institute where he serves as director. As well, he holds the NSERC Industrial Research Chair in Precision Machining and the Braley-Orlick Chair in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering. "I am confident that under Mo's leadership the Faculty of Engineering will continue to build its reputation as one of the country's premier engineering schools," said McMaster President Peter George. (End of story)