October 30, 2008
SAIT: Calgary Herald Readers Rate SAIT #1
SAIT Polytechnic is Calgary’s top-ranked post-secondary school, according to a recent popular poll. The Institute was voted the gold award winner in the Career/Post-Secondary category of the Calgary Herald 2008 Readers’ Choice Awards announced October 29.
“We’re delighted at this strong endorsement by Calgary Herald readers,” noted Guy Mallabone, SAIT’s Vice President of External Relations. “It is a testament to the calibre of SAIT graduates and their contributions to the workplace and society, and an equally positive reflection on the dedication of our faculty and staff to delivering relevant, skill-oriented education.”
SAIT has consistently ranked among Calgary’s top post-secondary institutions in this annual poll.
SAIT, Alberta
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October 23, 2008
NAIT: Industry Come to NAIT to see Cutting Edge Machinist Technology
Industry is being invited to attend the Haas Demo Day presented by Thomas Skinner & Son Ltd. located within the new NAIT Sandvik Coromant Centre for Machinist Technology. The focus will be the Haas Technical Educational Centre (HTEC) Showroom featuring 20 Haas CNC Machines. There are a total of 36 Haas CNC machines in the NAIT Sandvik Coromant Centre for Machinist Technology.
“Industry support is the biggest reason the NAIT Sandvik Coromant Centre for Machinist Technology is second to none in the country,” says Stewart Cook, Chair of NAIT’s Machinist Program. “The students who graduate from this program have the privilege of being trained on some of the most technologically advanced equipment available.”
NAIT’s facility is an impressive showplace, that’s why Thomas Skinner & Son Ltd., a NAIT partner, has decided to host its Haas Demo Day at NAIT.
“I believe that quality education is vital to the continued success of our metal working industry,” says Paul Krainer, President of Thomas Skinner & Son Ltd. “NAIT’s HTEC offers students exceptional training, providing the metalworking industry with the quality employees so desperately needed.”
“Hosting a Haas Demo Day is a first for NAIT and any post secondary institute in Western Canada,” says Cook.” We see this as a great opportunity for NAIT. We get to show off our new facility and our students get to do some valuable networking.”
Source: NAIT, Alberta
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October 8, 2008
SAIT’s 22-Storey Residence Tower Officially Opens
Typically, living in a student residence is, quite literally, nothing to write home about. Tiny crowded rooms, shared bathrooms and a slightly uncivil lifestyle are images most often associated with on-campus living.
Those perceptions were smashed today for those who attended the official opening of SAIT Polytechnic’s ‘cool’ new 22-storey residence located only a stone’s throw from a rejuvenated 16th Avenue.
“Our new residence building was designed with student input for student success,” says Michael Dyer, SAIT’s Vice President Employee and Student Services. “The design of the building is sleek, modern and extremely practical. It’s like urban condo living in an environment that encourages learning.”
The building, suitably named ‘The Tower,’ is the tallest landmark in Calgary north of the Bow River and boasts breathtaking views revealed by floor-to-ceiling windows with lots of direct sunlight.
Designed to meet the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) silver certification standards, the building makes use of motion sensor lighting, low-flow showers and plumbing fixtures, radiant heating in the walls, and a heat recovery system that’s unique for a building of its size.
Special features found in the suites include concrete floors to help minimize allergens, full kitchens with granite countertops, walnut cabinets and black appliances.
Occupants can also enjoy student lounges with flat screen TVs on every floor, cable with internet access in every room, a games room, a small workout room, a study room, two meeting rooms and laundry facilities.
“The unique features of the building are complemented by a full-service Starbucks and western Canada’s first Sobeys store in a convenience format,” adds Dyer. “We are confident that The Tower will be a community gathering spot and one of the cornerstones for SAIT’s campus.”
The residence is managed by a professional team from Canadian Campus Communities and programming for residents includes everything from fun social nights to seminars on time management, handling stress and managing a budget.
The Tower adds an additional 715 spaces for students to call SAIT their home, bringing the total number of beds for on-campus housing to 1,171. Leases for the residence are signed on an academic year basis with special leasing options available for apprentices.
Source: SAIT, Alberta
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October 8, 2008
New University of Regina Class Brings Business Leaders to Campus
Students at the University of Regina's Paul J. Hill School of Business will learn valuable lessons from prominent business leaders this semester.
This is part of a new course that focuses on teaching students how to become business leaders through practical experience and the new Business Leaders in the Community Lecture Series - a lecture series that will bring Regina's business leaders to the University of Regina campus as speakers and mentors.
"The intent of this series is to bring to campus business and community leaders who are making an impact and can serve as role-models for our students," says Anne Lavack, Dean of Business Administration at the U of R.
One such role-model is Fred Titanich, president and CEO of CAA Saskatchewan, who will kick off the speaker series on Friday, October 10 at 10:00 a.m. in room ED 623 (Education Building, 6th floor).
To serve its approximately 175,000 Members, CAA Saskatchewan has 12 offices conveniently located in nine regions of the province. With revenues exceeding 60 million dollars annually, the main body of the organization is the motor club which is operated as a non-profit entity while the full-service CAA Travel Agency Saskatchewan, CAA Insurance Company Ltd., CAA Saskatchewan General Insurance Agency, Car Care Plus and Car Care Plus Sales and Service are wholly-owned, tax-paying subsidiaries.
The new lectures series and course is designed to make students aware of the different roles leaders play in a business and community and to provide the skills required to be effective in playing each of these leadership roles. In class, leadership knowledge and theory will be taught through lectures however, students will also have the opportunity to apply what they've learned through the formation of student committees.
Upcoming lectures include Janet Wightman, president and CEO of Victoria Park Capital on October 31 and Paul Martin, president of Paul Martin Communications on November 14. The lectures are open to all U of R students, staff, faculty and the general public.
Source: University of Regina, Saskatchewan
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October 2, 2008
Thompson Rivers University: Dr. Kathleen Scherf Installed as TRU’s Second President
Dr. Kathleen Scherf was formally installed as the second President and Vice-Chancellor of Thompson Rivers University on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2008.
“I am honoured to lead this institution, and I will not let you down,” Scherf told the hundreds of well-wishers, convocating students and dignitaries gathered in the TRU gymnasium.
Part of the installation ceremony included Chancellor Nancy Greene Raine bestowing Scherf with the newly commissioned TRU Presidential Chain of Office which will represent the president's authority as head of the university. The chain features a medal of the university seal suspended from a chain that will be engraved to chronicle TRU’s appointed Presidents.
In her address Scherf praised Past President Dr. Roger Barnsley saying, “Thank you to you and your team for building such an incredible university for me to lead and to carry on your superb work.”
The pomp and circumstance of the Presidential Installation added an air of special importance to the TRU graduates who are part of the Fall Convocation ceremony immediately following the installation.
Scherf, transitioning from the Installation ceremony said, “I stand before this august assembly, this Fall Convocation ceremony, as both your President, and as a parent. And I am going to give our graduates some advice that frankly could stem from either of those roles.”
The first two hallmarks of a TRU graduate, Scherf said, is that they are active and dedicated members of a civil society, enter enjoyable and well-remunerated careers and look after themselves. “Be happy and fulfilled, that attitude colours every single other thing you do. And that, my friends, is my third wish for the hallmark of a TRU grad.”
Dozens of universities from across the country sent congratulations to Dr. Scherf including Alan Harrison, Provost of the University of Calgary who remarked that Dr. Scherf had served at his university extremely well for nine years as the dean of culture and communications and that TRU should be congratulated for choosing such a excellent candidate as its President.
Source: Thompson Rivers University, British Columbia
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October 1, 2008
Grand Prairie Regional College: Pipestone Creek Dinosaur Revealed
new Pachyrhinosaurus species from the Pipestone Creek bone bed, near Grande Prairie, Northwest Alberta was unveiled October 1, 2008 at Grande Prairie Regional College in Grande Prairie, Alberta. As well, the event marked the release of the monograph, “A New Horned Dinosaur from an Upper Cretaceous Bone Bed in Alberta” by Philip J. Currie, Wann Langston, Jr., and Darren H. Tanke, published by NRC Research Press, as it was introduced as part of the announcement presentation.
Dr. Philip J. Currie, Canada Research Chair of Dinosaur Palaeobiology at the University of Alberta, and former head of Dinosaur research at the Royal Tyrrell Museum, co-authored this publication with Dr. Wann Langston Jr. of the University Texas at Austin, formerly of the National Museum of Canada, and Darren Tanke of The Royal Tyrrell Museum.
The new dinosaur species, Pachyrhinosaurus lakustai, was described from a location 30 kilometres southwest of Grande Prairie, Alberta. It is named to honour its discoverer, Al Lakusta, a now retired Grande Prairie science teacher. Lakusta’s excavations and study in the 1970s led the Royal Tyrrell Museum to begin the excavation of the bone bed in 1986. Grande Prairie Regional College has provided logistical, engineering and volunteer help for the excavations since the project began.
Dr. Currie explained that Northern Alberta was not known for its dinosaur material until Lakusta put the Pipestone Creek location on the paleontological map. The density of the site is exceptional with more than 100 bones per square metre. The rich fossil material has made it possible to reconstruct not just the animals but also their growth patterns, herding lifestyle and their catastrophic demise at the site.
Since the last field season of excavating the Pipestone Creek site, many new dinosaur discoveries have been made in Northwest Alberta. A missing chapter of the paleontological history of Alberta is being uncovered in the Northwest. This seminal publication coupled with new sites being discovered yearly strengthens Alberta’s position as one of the best dinosaur locations in the world.
Source: Grande Prairie Regional College, Alberta
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September 30, 2008
Trinity Western University Begins Invasive Species Fish Cull
Trinity Western University in cooperation with the Ministry of Environment and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) is beginning a lengthy and complicated project to return the pond at the entrance of the campus back into the healthy salmon habitat it once was.
It is estimated that a little over five years ago a variety of invasive species of fish were introduced illegally to the water on the Langley campus. "Someone probably dumped them in attempts to make a good fishing spot. Today we have bass, pumpkinseed and carp. None of these fish are native to BC. Pumpkin seeds and bass come from the Southern US, and carp originate from Southeast Asia," says Christopher Hall, TWU's Ecosystem Study Area Manager.
When an invasive species is discovered, it's the law to report it to the Ministry of Environment and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. Under government guidance, TWU is beginning an invasive species fish cull. All fish over half an inch long will be weighed, identified, measured and their maturity determined before they are destroyed. Fish scale studies may also be undertaken to help determine the age of the fish. All this will help in understanding how to properly return the pond to a healthy salmon habitat. When asked if there are any salmon in the pond that will be affected by the cull Hall says, "No. Most, if not all, have been eaten by bass."
"TWU has a special permit to remove the fish, and as part of that permit you can not sell or trade them. And you probably wouldn't want to eat them either," says Erin Stoddard, Fisheries Biologist for the Ministry of Environment. Stoddard explains that bass are very aggressive predators and are extremely hard to remove once they have taken to an environment. They are heavy competitors to other fish and have even been reported to eat unsuspecting ducks.
Over the course of the summer, Hall and a researcher have been researching the pond trying to identify what types of invasive species of fish the water contains and just how big this "bad fish" population is.
The pond, or Trinity Lake as it is called, is not a natural body of water but was man-made years ago when TWU was first built. Used historically as a water reservoir in case of a campus fire, the pond was once much deeper and colder, and salmon entering it from the connected Salmon River flourished. Today the berm or raised edging around the pond is slowly collapsing and in one area, has collapsed completely, entirely closing off the pond to the Salmon River resulting in a pond which is higher in sediment and temperature, and has less flow to it. These changes have resulted in a perfect habitat for bass and other non-native fish species. "It's a good thing the pond is disconnected at this time but a major problem will occur in the winter when the banks of the pond overflow and invasive species enter the Salmon River ultimately destroying the salmon habitat. That is why we have to do the cull now to lessen this effect." says Hall.
There are, however, some benefits to the unpleasant task. A TWU vertebrate zoology class will be assisting Hall in helping to record the fish from the nets making for a great learning opportunity and outdoor laboratory.
Senior Vice President for Administration and Resources, Dale Clark adds, "We recognize the value of maintaining a sustainable salmon habitat and are pleased to be able to partner with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the Ministry of Environment on this very important environmental issue. Hopefully we will see a return to proper native fish populations sooner than expected because of this project."
Source: Trinity Western University, British Columbia
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September 22, 2008
Carleton University Engineering Professor Leads Unique Canadian Study to Find Alternative to Chlorinated Wastewater
Carleton University engineering professor, Onita Basu, will oversee a full-scale study that could decrease damage to fish and marine life when chlorinated wastewater is released into municipal water systems.
The Ontario Ministry of the Environment approved the study that will allow Dr. Basu to research the use of peracetic acid to treat wastewater as an alternative to chlorine.
“This is the first study of its kind in Canada that is related to municipal wastewater,” says Dr. Basu. “My research could really minimize the adverse effects on the environment, especially for aquatic life, that are associated with chlorine.”
“Many municipalities will be interested as the federal government passed legislation that will force municipalities who surpass a specific flow of chlorinated effluent to dechlorinate their wastewater by 2010,” points out Dr. Basu.
Peracetic acid has been recently approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for similar full scale testing in the United States. Research already conducted in Europe shows that peracetic acid is less toxic than chlorine.
Dr. Basu, an assistant professor in the civil and environmental engineering department, has already successfully conducted pilot tests with peracetic acid with the Niagara Region.
“This study has been part of team experiment that could not have occurred without the proactive support of the Niagara Region to seek innovative alternatives to existing problems,” says Dr. Basu.
Source: Carleton University, Ontario
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August 28, 2008
Horizon College and Seminary: Prof. Jeromey Martini
Professor Jeromey Martini is the newest addition to the faculty at Horizon College & Seminary. Together with his wife Nicole, son Caylin and daughter Cara, Jeromey has followed the call to prepare men and women of God to enter the ministry.
Jeromey has received a B.A. from Briercrest, a M.A. from McMaster Divinity College, and a Ph.D. (Cand) from the University of Edinburgh. Well educated and passionate for God's written word, Jeromey brings excitement and confidence to the classroom.
Source: Horizon College and Seminary, Saskatchewan
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August 27, 2008
Horizon College and Seminary: Tim Beech awarded "Governor General's Gold Medal"
Horizon would like to congratulate Professor Tim Beech on winning the "Governor General's Gold Medal Award for Scholastic Achievement" in April of 2008.
We also congratulate him on receiving the degree of "Doctor of Philosophy in Theology" (Biblical Studies concentration) from Saint Paul University / University of Ottawa on June 6, 2008.
Coming to Horizon in 2007 Professor Tim Beech was appointed the "Old Testament Studies" Professor. With a passion for the written word Tim has developed ways to engage students into meaningful and educational discussions and assignments that bring them into a deeper understanding of and reverence for the written Word of God.
n addition to anchoring our Old Testament department Dr. Beech is also the Dean of Students at Horizon.
Passion, Training, and Impact are all areas in which Professor Beech excels. In his first year he has already demonstrated the ability to inspire and teach students to seek a deeper biblical foundation for their lives. His genuine care for students and availability outside the classroom have made Tim Beech an effective mentor.
Source: Horizon College and Seminary, Saskatchewan
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July 2, 2008
Thompson Rivers University Wins Another Major Respiratory Therapy Training Contract
The expertise of one of Canada’s top health care programs is once again reaching out across the Pacific Ocean to one of the major hospitals in China.
TRU World, the international arm of the Thompson Rivers University has secured another major Respiratory Therapy training contract in Hunan Province. It will be the fourth such contract in China, this time with the Hunan Peoples Hospital and the Hunan Ministry of Health.
The project will see a team of TRU faculty from the respiratory program spending six weeks in China over the summer, delivering RT training to 50 physicians in this major medical facility. Respiratory Therapy is not part of the health care system in many parts of the world, including China. They arrive in China July 14.
“This is a very valued partnership we have developed with the Hunan Hospital and the Ministry of Health in Hunan Province.” according to Cyndi McLeod, the Vice-President of TRU World. “These relationships go beyond just contracts, creating new opportunities for our faculty and building on the outstanding reputation we already have in the international community.”
TRU has been providing contract training to bring respiratory expertise in life support systems and patient management to health care professionals in several countries, as well as hosting international health care professionals on a regular basis. There are currently two doctors from China studying in the RT program on campus in Kamloops.
The TRU program, which again this year had the top two graduating students in all of Canada, is the premier training centre for all respiratory therapists in British Columbia.
The program has also expanded the scope of training by offering students the ability to complete both their RT Diploma, leading to their national certification as Registered Respiratory Therapists, and their Bachelor of Health Science degree in an integrated four-year program. It’s an option that only TRU can provide as a comprehensive university that connects two- and three year diplomas to undergraduate degree programs.
Source: Thompson Rivers University, British Columbia
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June 13, 2008
University of Ontario Institute of Technology: Faculty of Science Students Make the Grade at Medical School
Three students graduating from the UOIT Faculty of Science have recently been accepted to medical school programs at various Canadian universities, another affirmation of the exceptional education students receive at UOIT.
"Acceptance into medical programs can be extremely challenging and many individuals apply more than once," said Dr. William Smith, dean of the Faculty of Science. "This is an incredible accomplishment for these students and a shining example that the innovative programs at UOIT provide students with a solid foundation to pursue their future goals, whether it is to begin a career upon graduation or to pursue post-degree studies such as medicine or graduate studies. In addition to these students entering medical schools, several of our other students have received prestigious scholarships to pursue graduate studies."
The students who will begin medical programs in the fall are 2008 graduates Naheed Dosani, attending McMaster University, and Shaqil Peermohamed, attending the University of Calgary, while 2007 UOIT graduate Katey Jakins will be attending the University of Toronto.
Source: University of Ontario Institute of Technology
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June 5, 2008
Thompson Rivers University Trade Students Crowned Tops at National Skills Canada Competition
Three Thompson Rivers University students are among the country’s top trades and technology students, bringing home gold and silver medals from the National Skills Canada competition.
After winning the annual Skills BC competition in April the three went on to compete with at the National Skills Canada competition held in Calgary last week; Jonathan MacInytre won gold in automotive, post-secondary; Mike Gatey, gold in carpentry, secondary and Evan Butchart, silver in welding, post-secondary.
Ralph Finch, Dean School of Trades and Technology, is extremely proud of his students' achievements. “This is an incredible result for our students and our instructors. Not only have these students won top honours for their trades in Canada, next year they qualify for the World Skills competition next year.”
For Residential Construction transitions student Mike Gatey, the gold medal winner in the secondary division, the buzz of 500 high school and post secondary students from all regions of Canada competing in over 40 trade and technology events did little to distract him from the task at hand—to turn a pile of materials into a playhouse in 14 hours.
“I knew what to expect from the provincials, Calgary was set up the same way,” Gatey said. It also didn’t hurt that the competition was in Cowtown, a city he called home just three years ago.
About to graduate from South Kamloops Secondary, Gatey has six weeks left in his trade transition program at TRU and is confident earning gold provincially and nationally will help him land a plum apprenticeship with a local construction company. After three more years at TRU he’ll become a journeyed carpenter. His ultimate goal is to have his own construction company.
Next year, he’ll be back in Calgary competing against 38 other countries in the World Skills event as a post–secondary student.
Although Jonathan MacIntyre’s age will make him ineligible to compete at the world’s next year, being crowned the best automotive student in Canada confirms that his decision to switch from computer sciences to automotive technician was the right one.
“The competition was challenging and nerve wracking,” the 22-year-old from Lytton said. “There was no way to get through all the problems they presented, but that was part of the competition, telling the judges how you’d solve the problem if you had the time.”
With 6,000 more hours of work experience and some time back at TRU to complete his trade qualifications, MacIntyre’s goal is to set up his own automotive shop.
Source: Thompson Rivers University, British Columbia
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June 4, 2008
Allan Rock Designated the University of Ottawa’s 29th President and Vice-Chancellor
Allan Rock, PC, QC, LLB will become the 29th President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ottawa. His appointment is effective July 15, 2008.
After a comprehensive search process that included consultation with the university community, the Board of Governors has selected Allan Rock, lawyer, former federal cabinet minister and past ambassador to the United Nations as its next President and Vice-Chancellor. He succeeds Gilles Patry who has served as President and Vice-Chancellor since 2001.
“As a University of Ottawa alumnus, I am deeply honoured and privileged to have been selected by the university community to lead this great institution,” said Allan Rock. “Canada’s university has a storied history, solid values and time-honoured traditions. Under Gilles Patry’s leadership, the University of Ottawa has grown significantly in size and in reputation. I look forward to working closely with all members of the University community to continue to move the institution forward in a progressive, innovative and inclusive manner.”
The appointment was announced at a press conference held on campus on June 4, 2008. Marc Jolicœur, Chair of the Board of Governors and Chair of the Selection Committee, explained: “With Allan Rock at the helm, we are confident the University is going to be led by a dynamic, experienced leader who is able to embrace both the current environment of the University of Ottawa and also play a major role in shaping its future direction.”
Born and raised in Ottawa, Allan Rock is a three-time graduate of the University of Ottawa. He attended the old University of Ottawa high school and went on to obtain a Bachelor of Arts and an LLB. Fluently bilingual, Allan Rock was also a prominent student politician and was elected president of the student federation in 1969.
He brings a wealth of national and international experience to his new position. As Canada’s ambassador to the United Nations from 2004 to 2006, he distinguished himself as a leader in peace and security and as a champion of UN reform. For the ten years prior to his diplomatic appointment, he was a member of Canada's Parliament.
First elected in 1993 following a successful legal career, Allan Rock was immediately appointed as Minister of Justice and Attorney General. He subsequently served as Minister of Health where he spearheaded the creation of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and more than doubled annual health research funding on a national scale.
As the Minister of Industry and Minister of Infrastructure, he introduced Canada’s innovation strategy, was responsible for Canada’s three granting councils and introduced legislation to create the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation to promote applied research in the social sciences and the humanities.
Allan Rock serves on various boards including the United Nations Association of Canada, the Trust Fund for War-Affected Children and Youth in Northern Uganda and Save the Children Canada. He is currently a partner with Sutts Strosberg LLP in Windsor, Ontario.
Source: University of Ottawa, Ontario
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June 4, 2008
Dalhousie University: Air Apparent?
Indoor forklifts, race cars, and the family car, all powered by air! Five Dalhousie mechanical engineering students made a bold start toward this goal.
David Alderson, Scott Allan, David Langille, Michael Roy and Dave Spencer, inspired by air-powered car concepts in Europe, decided to develop their own compressed air engine for their senior year research project.
Funded through Shell's Campus Ambassadors Sponsorship program, the project was completed in two semesters. "In the first we concentrated on design. The second was for building and tweaking the design," said Langille.
The students modified a 40-year-old snowmobile engine and then ran compressed air through it, producing power similar to a gas engine. They attached it to a refurbished go-kart using two scuba tanks to house the air, releasing it through a standard scuba fitting with a high-flow regulator. The released air travels through tubing to a ball-valve connected to the foot pedal and throttle. "It operates much like a normal rotary engine," says Langille.
This development is timely, given the rising cost of fuel and the search for sustainable energy. Although it produces zero local emissions, Langille says a generator is still required to get the compressed air into the tank. He hopes this will be more fully researched.
The students officially unveiled their air-powered go-kart at Kartbahn Racing, Inc., in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The vehicle performed comparatively to Kartbahn's electric-powered carts. "We can do three laps in just under two minutes going full out at 43 km/h with two tanks," said Langille.
Kartbahn owner Lucas Strackerjan, BSc (Physics) and BEng (Mechanical), Dalhousie 2000, was impressed. "As someone involved in both go-kart racing and the international racing industry, it's important to find something that's more advanced and could be accepted as sustainable energy," says Strackerjan. "We set benchmarks for the electric cars and the air-powered car is right between them."
The engine's greatest drawback is that it runs out of air quickly. When improved, Strackerjan believes it could be a successor to conventional gas-powered engines.
"Sometimes you gain on one end and lose on the other," he says. "You have the same issue with gas versus electric, but life is a series of compromises".
Langille and his colleagues are thrilled with their project. "It was an awesome experience, very fulfilling. We're excited to see it work so well. A lot of people who were doubtful - plus it was exciting to get an A+."
Langille sees initial practical uses in forklifts and smaller indoor machines. "The zero local emissions make it attractive for indoor operations."
Strackerjan thinks the project is exciting for the automotive and racing worlds. "It's very exciting this happened at Dal by Dal students," he says. "In my final year project, we made a desert racing Baja, which was not very efficient. For students to be doing something like this just seven years later says a lot about the University and the way our ideals have shifted."
See more on this and other student projects at mechanical engineering website.
Source: Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia
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June 4, 2008
Mount Allison University: Renowned Canadian Theatre Director Joins Mount Allison Team
Linda Moore, whose stage directing talents are recognized from coast to coast, and who headed Halifax’s Neptune Theatre for a decade, has recently been appointed Crake Fellow in Drama at Mount Allison University for the 2008-09 academic year. Moore succeeds playwright, actor, and dramaturge Jenny Munday to become the fourth theatre professional to be funded as Drama Fellow by Sackville’s J.E.A. Crake Foundation.
Primarily a stage director for live theatre, Linda Moore has worked at major theatres across Canada including the Shaw Festival, the Manitoba Theatre Centre, and The Arts Club in Vancouver. She was the artistic director of Neptune Theatre in Halifax from 1990 – 2000, where she was a driving force behind Neptune’s major facility expansion and renovation. She has also worked as a dramaturge/director on new plays for numerous companies, including Alberta Theatre Projects, The Blyth Festival, Playwrights Workshop Montreal, and the Stratford Festival. In 2005 Moore was awarded the Halifax Regional Municipality’s Mayor’s prize for achievement in theatre, and in 1997 she received an Honorary Doctor of Letters from St. Mary’s University in Halifax. She wrote the foreword for I Still Love You, the 2006 Governor General’s award winning collection of plays by Daniel MacIvor. She has taught and directed at Dalhousie University, the University of Victoria, McGill, and the National Theatre School of Canada. In 2007, Moore published her first novel with Vagrant Press of Halifax.
Moore will take up her duties at Mount Allison in September. She will supervise student projects, direct, and teach in the university’s Drama Studies Program. Director of Drama Mark Blagrave says he is thrilled to have a person of Linda Moore’s stature and experience joining the team, continuing the tremendous contribution made by previous Crake Fellows. Moore is looking forward to working with the students and is excited about the opportunity to pass on what she has learned to a new generation.
The Crake Fellowship in Drama is made possible through the generous support of the J.E.A. Crake Foundation, a philanthropic body that administers funds left by the late Dr. Ernest Crake, long-time Professor of Classics at Mount Allison University.
Linda Moore, whose stage directing talents are recognized from coast to coast, and who headed Halifax’s Neptune Theatre for a decade, has recently been appointed Crake Fellow in Drama at Mount Allison University for the 2008-09 academic year. Moore succeeds playwright, actor, and dramaturge Jenny Munday to become the fourth theatre professional to be funded as Drama Fellow by Sackville’s J.E.A. Crake Foundation.
Primarily a stage director for live theatre, Linda Moore has worked at major theatres across Canada including the Shaw Festival, the Manitoba Theatre Centre, and The Arts Club in Vancouver. She was the artistic director of Neptune Theatre in Halifax from 1990 – 2000, where she was a driving force behind Neptune’s major facility expansion and renovation. She has also worked as a dramaturge/director on new plays for numerous companies, including Alberta Theatre Projects, The Blyth Festival, Playwrights Workshop Montreal, and the Stratford Festival. In 2005 Moore was awarded the Halifax Regional Municipality’s Mayor’s prize for achievement in theatre, and in 1997 she received an Honorary Doctor of Letters from St. Mary’s University in Halifax. She wrote the foreword for I Still Love You, the 2006 Governor General’s award winning collection of plays by Daniel MacIvor. She has taught and directed at Dalhousie University, the University of Victoria, McGill, and the National Theatre School of Canada. In 2007, Moore published her first novel with Vagrant Press of Halifax.
Moore will take up her duties at Mount Allison in September. She will supervise student projects, direct, and teach in the university’s Drama Studies Program. Director of Drama Mark Blagrave says he is thrilled to have a person of Linda Moore’s stature and experience joining the team, continuing the tremendous contribution made by previous Crake Fellows. Moore is looking forward to working with the students and is excited about the opportunity to pass on what she has learned to a new generation.
The Crake Fellowship in Drama is made possible through the generous support of the J.E.A. Crake Foundation, a philanthropic body that administers funds left by the late Dr. Ernest Crake, long-time Professor of Classics at Mount Allison University.
Source: Mount Allison University, New Brunswick
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June 3, 2008
NAIT's Media Relations Team Wins Grand Gold in CASE Circle of Excellence Awards Program
NAIT was awarded a Grand Gold in the Specific Media Relations Programs category for the 2008 CASE Circle of Excellence Awards program. The Grand Gold is the first to be awarded in this category in at least eight years.
This is the second major international award in the span of a few months for NAIT’s Media Relations team. Earlier this year, NAIT’s Media Relations Specialists Rayne Kuntz and Raquel Maurier won an IABC Gold Quill Award of Merit for their media relations program.
The international Circle of Excellence Awards program recognizes outstanding work in communications and marketing, alumni relations, advancement services and fundraising, as judged by peer professionals at schools, colleges and universities as well as by professionals from outside the education field.
In making their selections, the judges determined that NAIT’s entry was a text-book example of a well-prepared plan. They noted that the plan was strategic and comprehensive in nature and that it capitalized on a spectrum of events and PR opportunities. One judge said “If there’s an entry missing at the end of the day, it’s because I smuggled this one out for an example.”
Winners are selected based on a number of factors, including overall quality, innovation, use of resources and the impact on the institution or its external and internal communities such as alumni, parents, students, faculty and staff.
The Circle of Excellence Awards program is open to professionals working at member colleges, universities, independent schools and educational associates around the world.
While the total number of entries for 2008 has not yet been announced, CASE noted it received entries from a record number of member institutions. Last year, 701 institutes from around the world submitted more than 3,163 entries in the Circle of Excellence Awards program.
The Circle of Excellence Awards are presented annually by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). CASE is one of the largest international associations of education institutions, serving nearly 3,400 universities, colleges, schools and related organizations in 60 countries. It is the leading resource for professional development, information and standards in the fields of education fundraising, communications and alumni relations.
Source: NAIT, Alberta
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June 3, 2008
University of Ontario Institute of Technology Science Researchers Promote Development of Alternative Fuel Sources
A grant from the National Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) will allow Faculty of Science assistant professors Dr. Dario Bonetta and Dr. Janice Strap to pursue important work in the development of alternatives to petroleum-derived fuels.
The grant, valued at $485,644 over four years, will facilitate research into how the cell wall structure of inedible plants can be modified to facilitate the extraction of cellulose, which is then used in the production of biofuels such as ethanol.
Currently, corn and sugarcane are the most popular choices for ethanol production; however, in addition to taking food away from plates around the world, it also requires much more energy to produce biofuels than it does from the cellulose found in certain non-food plants such as hemp and certain native North American grasses.
As global food prices begin to reflect the demand for food crops in the production of ethanol and other biofuels, geneticist Dr. Bonetta and microbiologist Dr. Strap believe their collaborative research with industry partner Performance Plants, a leading Canadian biotech company, will provide important information about how non-food plants could become a valuable, renewable resource for the production of ethanol and other fuels of the future.
Developing an efficient way to extract cellulose from hemp and grasses such as switchgrass and miscanthus offers a triple advantage. Less energy is expended to facilitate the abundant production of cellulose-based ethanol, without the use of food crops such as corn, which is crucial to the world food supply, especially in less-advantaged countries.
Dr. Bonetta's background in genetics and his post-doctorate work on plant cell walls will combine with Dr. Strap's expertise in microbiology.
"In order to make the conversion to ethanol cost-effective in these kinds of plant biomass, we need to make the cell wall material more amenable to fuel conversion," said Dr. Bonetta. "We'll make better progress in that area when we know more about how those cell walls are built and how their structure influences the processing method. Our research will identify plant genes that, when modified, will lead to significant improvements in processing non-crop plants into ethanol."
"Various soil microbes have the ability to help convert plants into desirable end products such as ethanol," said Dr. Strap. "The success of our research program will position Canada as a strong player in this emerging market. Products derived from plant biomass such as alfalfa and grasses have the potential to improve the sustainability of Canada's natural resources and environmental quality. In particular, by offsetting fossil fuel use and their related emissions, these products will contribute to cleaner air and water."
"This research grant provides significant potential benefits to Canada and furthers the world's effort to efficiently produce biofuels, and also benefits students enrolled in UOIT's science programs," said UOIT's dean of science, Dr. William Smith. "This project adds to the array of opportunities to work with leading science researchers for students in our undergraduate Biological Sciences program and in our MSc graduate programs in Applied Bioscience, Materials Science, and Modelling and Computational Science."
The NSERC grant is another example of UOIT's strong national reputation for research excellence. UOIT researchers have earned millions of dollars in awards, grants and prestigious Canada Research Chairs.
Source: University of Ontario Institute of Technology
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May 30, 2008
Concordia University: John Molson School Of Business Wins National Research Excellence Award
Concordia University is proud to announce that the John Molson School of Business (JMSB) won the National Research Excellence Award at this week’s Administrative Sciences Association of Canada (ASAC) conference held in Halifax.
This award recognizes JMSB as a top research institution amongst Canadian business schools. "This is national recognition for the highest quality of research at the JMSB,” said JMSB Dean, Sanjay Sharma "It is a wonderful tribute to the hard work of our faculty members and graduate students."
The ASAC prize was given for a total of six best papers and honorable mentions from Concordia on subjects from corporate responsibility and how it affects a company’s reputation to how age differences affect job satisfaction. For a full list of the winning publications, please visit:
The Administrative Sciences Association of Canada (ASAC) is the national association of Canadian university management professors. There are 700 members based in business schools at Canadian universities.
Source: Concordia University, Quebec
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May 30, 2008
University of Winnipeg Welcomes New Dean of Science
The University of Winnipeg has named the distinguished researcher and scientist Dr. Rodney S. Hanley as Dean of the Faculty of Science at The University of Winnipeg, effective August 1, 2008.
Hanley currently serves as the Department Chair and Associate Professor of Earth System Science and Policy at the University of North Dakota (UND). He conceptualized and helped found the Earth System Science and Policy program, an advanced multidisciplinary approach that unites the humanities and applied sciences. Hanley’s focus on policy and the science of environmental sustainability mirrors the goals of UWinnipeg’s new Richardson College for the Environment.
“Dr. Hanley’s interests, experience and skills are a perfect fit with the goals of UWinnipeg to provide students with a comprehensive science education, equipping them to tackle the important sustainability issues we face collectively,” said Lloyd Axworthy, UWinnipeg President & Vice-Chancellor. “His visionary leadership will assist us in developing a graduate program for our Faculty of Science and his ideas will help shape the Richardson College for the Environment.”
Hanley is also a senior researcher in the Northern Great Plains Center for People and the Environment at UND. The Center is a national leader in providing societal benefits from Earth observations to a wide variety of stakeholders in agricultural, natural resource management and various educational communities.
“Dr. Hanley brings a record of accomplishment,” said Brian Stevenson, Vice-President (Academic), UWinnipeg. “His expertise in working within a multidisciplinary program, his high-level research and stellar instruction are ideal qualities in leading our Faculty of Science.”
“I am very excited to be coming to one of Canada’s leading post-secondary institutions and working in a dynamic, creative environment,” said Hanley, “I am especially excited about the new Science Complex at the University of Winnipeg, which I believe will help position the school at the forefront of science education throughout Canada and North America.”
Hanley has been at UND since 2001 and is the recipient of numerous teaching and research awards. He began his academic career studying insect diversity and evolution, then became interested in issues associated with environmental sustainability. Most recently, he has examined the impacts of climate change on insect pollinators and what impacts those changes will have on grassland systems in North America. Hanley has more than 90 peer-reviewed publications and professional presentations and has advised numerous graduate students.
Hanley is a graduate of Eastern Illinois University (B.S., 1991, and M.S., 1993, degrees Environmental Science) and received his Ph.D. from the University of Kansas (Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, 2001).
Source: University of Winnipeg, Manitoba
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May 23, 2008
Grande Prairie Regional College Credits Now Transferable to Griffith University, Australia
Exciting new options in advanced education have been opened for graduates of Grande Prairie Regional College (GPRC) by the signing today of an agreement with Griffith University (GU) in Queensland, Australia.
The Griffith vice-chancellor international, Mr. Christopher Madden, and the regional manager for Canada, Dr. Joe Relich, were both on campus at GPRC to sign a memorandum of agreement which will facilitate the block transfer of students from GPRC into related Griffiths degrees. By this agreement, applicants from GPRC who meet the established requirements will be eligible for admission to GU, provided all other entrance criteria are met and space remains available in the related program of study. Entrance to all GU programs is on a competitive basis.
Griffith is one of the largest universities in Queensland, Australia, with more than 37,000 students and 3,500 staff at five campuses in three cities across the Brisbane-Gold Coast corridor.
The Griffith community comprises students from more than 120 countries and academic staff who set a rigorous pace in the achievement of research and teaching excellence. International activities are an important aspect of Griffith's intention to be a leading Australian university with a significant international reputation.
“Grande Prairie Regional College is delighted to be among Griffith University’s international partners, and to bring to the students of northwestern Alberta all the opportunities this partnership affords,” says Susan Bansgrove, Vice-President Academic at GPRC who is a signator of the Memorandum of Understanding.
Source: Grande Prairie Regional College, Alberta
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May 22, 2008
Mount Allison University: Food Webs, Meteors, and Climate Change-MTA Researchers Receive over $1.6 M in NSERC Funding
Mount Allison University researchers and students were given 1.6 million reasons to smile with the announcement of the results of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Council of Canada’s (NSERC) 2008 Grants and Scholarships awards. Ten Mount Allison researchers, from a number of disciplines, were awarded Discovery Grants for their research projects (normally paid out over five years), while 28 Mount Allison students received scholarships and awards to pursue graduate studies and engage in summer research on campus through the Graduate Scholarship Program and the Undergraduate Student Research Awards. The announcement came as part of a national announcement made by the Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for NSERC, and Dr. Suzanne Fortier, President of NSERC, at the University of Victoria on May 21. “There are three challenges at the heart of science, technology and innovation today: attracting the best minds, funding the most cutting-edge research and commercializing the best ideas. By unveiling Canada’s new Science and Technology Strategy last year, our government is addressing each of these issues,” said Minister Prentice. “I’m proud to announce this research funding, which builds on our strategy. We’re directly addressing the first of these two challenges and laying the groundwork for the third.” Mount Allison University Vice President, Academic and Research Dr. Stephen McClatchie says, “The number and variety of projects to receive NSERC funding this year, as well as the number of graduate scholarships received by our students, is a true testament to the high calibre of research and scholarship happening at Mount Allison University. I’d like to congratulate all researchers and students on their success.”
Source: Mount Allison University, New Brunswick
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May 14, 2008
Humber College: Skills Competition
Humber College’s School of Applied Technology won a total of 7 medals at the 19th Annual Provincial Technological Skills Competitions held at RIM Park in Waterloo from May 5th to May 7th 2008. Apprenticeship and Post Secondary Programs with medal winners this year were 3D Character Animation (Silver & Bronze), Landscape (Silver & Bronze), Mechatronics (Silver), Architecture (Silver) and Plumbing (Bronze).
Source: Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, School of Applied Technology, Ontario
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May 13, 2008
Mount Allison University Student Wins 2008 Atlantic Young Artist Competition
Mount Allison pianist Michael Thibodeau of Middleton, NS, has won the 2008 Atlantic Young Artist Competition, held this May at the Chocolate River Conservatory of Music in Dieppe, NB. The Atlantic Young Artist Competition is a project of the Canadian Federation of Music Teachers Association and its provincial counterparts in New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. The Competition is open to young Canadian pianists, singers, and instrumentalists who are residents of, or studying in, the Atlantic provinces. In addition, these performers are currently students of a registered music teacher. This year, nine gifted young musicians from across Atlantic Canada participated in the Competition, which took place at the Chocolate River Conservatory of Music on May 10. The competitors included one soprano, one violinist, one flautist and six pianists. Each performer presented a 45-minute recital of contrasting works. A native of Middleton, Nova Scotia, Michael is entering the fourth year of the Bachelor of Music program at Mount Allison University, where he currently studies with Dr. Stephen Runge. Michael holds a Bell scholarship — one of the university’s most prestigious entrance awards. He studied piano privately beginning at age seven, and completed the ARCT performer’s examination at 17. Michael is the winner of numerous competitions, awards, and scholarships for his piano abilities. In 2005, Michael was the winner of the 18-and-under piano category in the Nova Scotia Provincial Music Festival. In the summer of 2006, he participated in the 10th annual Morningside Music Bridge music festival held in Shanghai, China. Last summer, he was awarded a Summer Undergraduate Research Award for Studies on Franz Liszt’s Années de Pèlerinage. This summer, Michael will be spending nine weeks at the Aspen Music Festival and School — one of the world’s most prestigious retreats for classical musicians — where he will be studying piano in the studio of Gabriel Chodos of the New England Conservatory. As the Atlantic Young Artist for 2008, Michael will embark upon a short concert tour of the Atlantic region in the fall. Two well-known music professionals acted as adjudicators for the Atlantic Young Artist Competition. Dr. Janet Hammock holds an Artist Diploma from the University of Toronto and both Master and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees from Yale University. She taught piano and related topics at Whittier College in California and at Mount Allison University, where she was appointed Professor Emeritus of Music in 2003. Dr. Alasdair MacLean is one of Eastern Canada’s most accomplished composers. He has been Composer-in-Residence with Symphony Nova Scotia and Debut Atlantic. He holds degrees in composition from the Juilliard School in New York and a Doctorate in Composition from the University of Toronto.
Source: Mount Allison University, New Brunswick
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May 10, 2008
Thompson Rivers University Tourism Student Wins Dream Job Contest
The Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council announced that Thompson Rivers University student, Erin Pietrasik is the winner of the Discover Tourism Win a Dream Job contest. Pietrasik, will advance her tourism career experience at the Delta Sun Peaks Resort as a Banquet Server in the Food and Beverage Department. A student in the Resort and Hotel Management diploma program, she has worked a several hotels in Kamloops and is eager to build on that experience at the Delta, working the summer between her first and second years at TRU. “I feel truly honored for the opportunity to work for Delta Sun Peaks,” said Pietrasik, who received gas vouchers, instead of airfare, to offset travel cost to work, as part of the prize package. “I look forward to not only the experience and professionalism that comes from working with an industry leader, but also developing great memories with my future coworkers and guests alike.”
“Erin’s education, experience and attitude stood out among hundreds of applicants across the country,” Dr. David Twynam, TRU Tourism chair said. “It’s very prestigious that she was recognized by Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council, it’s the largest liaison council for our tourism industry.” With 300,000 new tourism-related jobs projected across Canada over the next five years, winning this contest provides Pietrasik with a position in a thriving and exciting sector, with an employer who is consistently named one of “The 50 Best Employers in Canada.” The Delta Sun Peaks will benefit from Pietrasik’s enthusiasm and experience in the hotel industry. Delta is the largest full-service hotel and conference centre at Sun Peaks, a four-season destination resort in the interior of British Columbia. The resort will offer Pietrasik learning and training opportunities, while gaining an employee who is passionate about tourism. “Sun Peaks Resort Corporation is very excited to have had the opportunity to participate in the Win a Dream Job competition,” says Jennifer Crawford, Personnel Coordinator for Sun Peaks Resort. “We are proud to have been able to showcase the job opportunities we have to offer.”
Source: Thompson Rivers University, British Columbia
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May 7, 2008
University of Windsor: New Microscope Provides Inside Look at Living Cells
Biology researchers at the University of Windsor, using a remarkable new microscope, will be able to get a much closer and more accurate picture of the complex process of live cell division, perhaps enabling a better understanding of how certain cancers spread, says Dr. Andrew Swan, an assistant professor in the department. Swan is one of at least six lead researchers who will be using the department’s new $523,000 acquisition, known as a confocal laser scanning microscope. “With this new microscope we can look at living embryos and take pictures of them every second so that we can watch cells dividing in real time,” says Swan, an Edmonton native who did his post-doctoral work at Princeton University. “In many cancers, certain genes behave in opposing ways. We need to understand what those genes are doing at the molecular level.” The new microscope – acquired with funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, the Canada Foundation for Innovation, the Ontario Research Foundation, the University of Windsor and an in-kind contribution from Olympus Canada, a Markham, Ontario firm that designs and delivers healthcare imaging systems – relies heavily on laser technology.
A laser penetrates substances on the slide and focuses with pin-point accuracy on the exact location that the researcher wants to study. The information is sent to a computer and assembled on a screen in a single image where it can be manipulated, enabling scientists to see the entire interior of a cell. Swan’s studies focus largely on the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, one of the most well-characterized models for studying biology at the sub-cellular level. He said he fully expects the new microscope to be booked solidly by other researchers on campus. “Understanding the behaviour of cells is crucial for science to make the kinds of progress we so desperately need in health and medicine,” says Dr. Richard Caron, UWindsor’s Dean of Science. “Our new confocal microscope will support researchers so that they can continue to make fundamental discoveries for the benefit of all Canadians.”
Source: University of Windsor, Ontario
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May 7, 2008
Cape Breton University Acquires New High Tech Research Tool
Cape Breton University (CBU), with assistance from the Government of Canada, is furthering its research capacity with the installation of a new high-field Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectrometer. Led by assistant professor of chemistry and researcher, Dr. Matthias Bierenstiel, the spectrometer is an essential analytical instrument for chemistry research, particularly for organic and inorganic chemistry. “Our government’s contribution of almost $130,000 to this project is a strategic investment in the development of the Island’s economy,” said the Honorable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. “Not only will this equipment assist in the recruitment of new students, it will enhance research at Cape Breton University, which will benefit various industries.” “In simple terms, an NMR spectrometer takes pictures of molecules,” says Dr. Bierenstiel, the university’s first inorganic chemist. “The physical principle of nuclear magnetic resonance is the same principle used in MRI technology in hospitals. The difference is that the magnet of the NMR spectrometer is more compact and has a much higher field, resulting in better analysis of compounds.” With a better determination of the structures of chemical compounds, the spectrometer will enhance research, leading to the identification of new chemical molecules and give an enhanced understanding of biological systems. Dean of Research at CBU, Dr. Harvey Johnstone, said, “This tool will not only be used by chemistry researchers but also by B.Sc. undergraduate students in biology, chemistry and engineering. The students will have hands-on access to state-of-the-art research equipment.” With the arrival of the spectrometer, Dr. Bierenstiel and his students will continue important collaborations with the NMR facility at the Atlantic Regional Magnetic Resonance Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Industries that could potentially benefit from the NMR at CBU include chemical and pharmaceutical companies, biotech companies and industries requiring qualified personnel for quality control and analysis. The total cost of acquiring this equipment is $259,000. Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation is providing a contribution of $129,500. CBU recognizes research and innovation as essential components of advanced education and community development. Increased research productivity and commercial applications will maximize economic benefits both locally and globally. Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation offers programs in support of economic development initiatives and is responsible for delivering ACOA’s programs on Cape Breton Island and in the Mulgrave area.
Source: Cape Breton University, Nova Scotia
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May 2, 2008
University of Winnipeg: Ray McFeetors, Great West Life Commit $2.67 Million for New UWinnipeg Student Residence
UWinnipeg Alumnus Dr. Raymond L. McFeetors, a Collegiate and University of Winnipeg graduate and Chairman of the Board of Great-West Lifeco Inc., has embraced the University’s vision of a greater downtown campus for the community, making a personal gift of $1.67-million that will launch development of an innovative student residence for The University of Winnipeg. Great-West Life has committed a further $1-million to the project, for a combined gift of $2.67-million to help make the student residence come alive. The new student facility, to be named McFeetors Hall: Great-West Life Student Residence, will be built on the north-east side of UWinnipeg’s future Richardson College for the Environment & Science Complex on Langside Street. “There are times when our alumni and corporate partners make gifts that are truly transformational, not only for our University and Collegiate communities, but for our City and Province. This is such a gift,” said University President and Vice-Chancellor Lloyd Axworthy. “Ray McFeetors and Great-West Life are helping to create an expansion that will fundamentally change student life and revitalize UWinnipeg’s campus and surrounding neighbourhoods. This important new facility will offer excellent and affordable housing right on campus so that our students and people in the community have a real opportunity and proper support to achieve their goals and dreams.” This lead gift to the new student residence is one of the largest campaign gifts to date, bringing the University’s A World of Opportunity campaign achievements to more than $58-million toward a goal of $70-million. McFeetors is a member of The University of Winnipeg Collegiate Class of 1965, and completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1968. He was named a Distinguished Alumnus in 2006, and was awarded a University of Winnipeg Honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD) in 2007 in recognition of lifetime achievements. “I am honoured, as an alumnus of both The Collegiate and University, to make a gift today that gives back to this community in a way that will help others benefit, as I have, from higher education at this important institution. As a rural student living in residence on campus in the 1960s, I benefited from my Collegiate experience. I then received an invaluable university education that set me on my life path,” said McFeetors. “At Great-West Life, we are committed to taking an active leadership role in the communities we serve,” added McFeetors, “We take pride in knowing that our support to Winnipeg’s downtown University campus and surrounding community will help bring new vitality to the inner city. We are pleased that future students, whether fresh out of high school or returning to school as mature students, will benefit from affordable, quality housing to help them achieve their dreams and goals in life.” McFeetors Hall: Great-West Life Student Residence will feature housing for rural and out-of-province students, mature students and their families, and international students, attending The University of Winnipeg as well as other educational institutions. Plans call for townhouse-style units – an initiative also supported by $500,000 in funding from the Government of Manitoba’s Housing Development and Rehabilitation Fund – featuring street level entrances. Also in the plans are dormitory-style units on the upper floors to accommodate more than 175 students in single rooms and multi-bedroom suites, with facilities for private and shared bathrooms and cooking units. Student common rooms, lounges and ancillary space will provide opportunities for students to experience University campus housing at its best. Adjoining the facility will be The University of Winnipeg Students’ Association (UWSA) child care centre for approximately 120 children from both the University community and surrounding neighbourhood. The day care will include outdoor play areas in an enclosed green space. “The University is pleased to have the confidence of Dr. Raymond McFeetors and Great-West Life. Their outstanding gifts will bring a whole new meaning to life on campus for The University of Winnipeg,” said Campaign Chair R.M. (Bob) Kozminski, a member of The University of Winnipeg Foundation’s Board of Directors. “This support continues a tradition of important philanthropic contributions by Great-West Life and its leadership to our University.”
Source: University of Winnipeg, Manitoba
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April 30, 2008
McGill University Launches “Best in the West” Student Award Program
Calgary residents and McGill University alumni Dr. Richard and Carolina J. Walls have pledged $1 million to launch a new award program – The Best in the West – aimed at helping qualified undergraduate students from Western Canada attend McGill. The funds will be used to endow the Dr. Richard and Carolina J. Walls Best in the West Scholarships in Science. Dr. Walls (PhD'78) is Chairman of Fairborne Energy Ltd. He and his wife, Carolina (BSc'85), are encouraging other Canadians to contribute to The Best in the West, an awards program with a $5-million goal to provide support to students from Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan.“Approximately 2,000 students from Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan - the best in the West - are currently enrolled in undergraduate, graduate and professional programs at McGill,” McGill Principal and Vice-Chancellor Heather Munroe-Blum told a group of McGill alumni in Calgary, where the new scholarships were announced April 30. “[But] access and enrolment to post-secondary education remain critical issues.” The success of the “Best in the West” program will make it possible for more outstanding students to obtain a McGill education, she said. McGill, Canada’s leading university, announced earlier this week that its Campaign McGill fundraising effort has just exceeded $400 million. The goal of the five-year campaign, launched last fall, is to raise $750 million toward the University’s top academic priorities.
Source: McGill University, Quebec
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April 28, 2008
Emily Carr Institute: B.C. to Establish Emily Carr University of Art and Design
The Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design will become a university, to be called the Emily Carr University of Art and Design (ECUAD), Premier Gordon Campbell and Advanced Education Minister Murray Coell announced today. “The kind of leading-edge education programs offered at Emily Carr are an important part of building the highly skilled workforce we need here in B.C.,” said Premier Campbell. “In the throne speech, we committed to expanding B.C.’s public university system and creating new opportunities for higher learning. Emily Carr is already known as a leading institution in Canada for programs such as visual arts, design and media arts, and becoming a university will help to expand on that reputation.” Pending amendments to B.C.’s University Act, the new Emily Carr University of Art and Design (ECUAD) will focus on providing students with exceptional programs in visual arts, including drawing, painting, photography and digital arts; media arts, including animation, gaming, filmmaking and video and television; and design, which focuses on sustainability and new forms of product and process design. “The consultations conducted as part of the Campus 2020 process clearly identified that British Columbians want access to more university degree programs,” said Coell. “The Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design is the only public post-secondary institution in the province solely dedicated to the visual arts, media arts and design. As a university, it will be able to do even more.”
“We are extremely proud to see that our innovative institution will become a university,” said Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design president Ron Burnett. “This new status means we can increase opportunities for students to participate in professional degree programs leading to bachelor’s and master’s degrees in visual art, design and media studies.” The Emily Carr Institute began in 1925 as the Vancouver School of Decorative and Applied Arts. It went through several name changes before becoming the Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design in 1995. The Emily Carr Institute has an enrolment of 4,040 students, including 214 international students. Since 2001, the Province has increased operating funding for Emily Carr by $2.7 million and invested $2.3 million in capital projects, including construction of the interdisciplinary digital studio of art, media and design.
Ministry of Advanced Education, British Columbia
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April 28, 2008
SAIT and Grant MacEwan College Ink New Agreement
SAIT Polytechnic and Grant MacEwan College see mutual benefits in working together. That’s why the presidents of the two institutions signed a Collaboration Agreement in Edmonton on April 22 that commits their organizations to exploring opportunities for shared initiatives. Academic projects, student services and instructional technology are among the areas they’ll be looking at. SAIT and MacEwan have a history of cooperation that includes jointly developing and offering an online Business diploma program through eCampusAlberta. “We can achieve the best and the most for Alberta’s post-secondary system through cooperation,” said Irene Lewis, SAIT President and CEO. “We each bring different sets of expertise to the table, and putting these together will ultimately benefit students and strengthen our post-secondary system.” "Collaboration can benefit students at both institutions in so many ways, from information management to achieving administrative efficiencies," said MacEwan President and CEO Paul Byrne. "This agreement between our two institutions commits us to explore new, better and more creative approaches to common priorities and challenges." Students’ association presidents from both institutions also attended the signing ceremony.
Source: SAIT, Alberta
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April 28, 2008
Trinity Western University Announces Biotechnology Major
Are the foods you eat safe? Will dinosaurs roam the earth once again as in Jurassic Park? Are we moving towards a superhuman race as in Gattaca? Biotechnology can help to answer these and other compelling questions but while it is the furthest reaching and fastest growing area of science it remains largely unknown. Trinity Western University hopes to change that and is pleased to announce that it is offering a new biotechnology major. Led by Program Director and Assistant Professor of Biology Dr. Julia Mills, the biotechnology major offers students superior knowledge in the areas of science and business. With more laboratory components and smaller class sizes, biotech majors can count on one-on-one time with their professors, while meeting the entry requirements for medical school and other professional schools. Mills says, "Our program offers biotech majors the opportunity to not only study intense science and business courses in the classroom but also take part in paid internships and co-op programs where they can work alongside biotechnology experts conducting critical and important research. This program allows students to wear the hat and explore career options that they may not have even considered. It allows our students to be job-ready." Simply stated, biotechnology is really the combination of science and technology, using living organisms to produce goods and services. Applications of biotechnology are far reaching and include food production, forestry, agriculture, medicine and the environment. Things like genetically altering food such as potatoes and corn to make them resistant to certain insects - commonly known in some circles as "Frankenfoods," the creation of environmentally friendly fuels, DNA fingerprinting in forensic sciences and in extreme cases genetically modifying animals to produce "glow in the dark kittens" and "super salmon." Biotechnology also underlies the "omics" revolution (genomics, pharmacogenomics, transcriptomics) and has greatly improved our ability to diagnose and treat human disease. With this new ability to harvest genomic information and mutate creation, questions and concerns on ethics abound. Mills says, "At TWU we address the ethics involved with biotechnology, asking tough questions. Just because something is viable is it always acceptable to do? Being able to address these ethical issues in the context of a Christian world view makes for very open and thought provoking dialogue. Our graduates are not only able to excel in the Health Sciences but will also be aware of the risks as we progress in this industry. It is important that we keep ahead of the sciences where ethics is concerned." Mills own research interests lie within adult stem cell and Alzheimer's disease research. With numerous refereed publications in prestigious journals such as the Journal of Neuroscience and Molecular Biology of the Cell, Mills comes to TWU with a wealth of professional and academic success. As well as possessing a breadth of teaching and research experience from UBC, Queen's University and University of Toronto, Mills was coordinator of the Careers in BioMedical Science Seminar Series at the University of Toronto and worked as a consultant for a biotech company and pharmaceutical recruiting organization. Dean of Natural and Applied Sciences, Dr. Jack VanDyke says, "One of the greatest strengths of our faculty is the level of integration that occurs between the faculty in various programs throughout the natural sciences. This is a tremendous asset for a multi-disciplined program such as Biotechnology. One example of the potential benefit is that we plan to strengthen the partnership between Biotechnology and Environmental studies to create a greener campus." One of the studies that Mills is hoping to pursue with biotechnology students is examining how different types of compostable cutlery break down and the rate in which they do. It is hoped that TWU will have a 0% cafeteria waste by 2009. This type of integration and connection within disciplines is what makes graduates from Canada's foremost Christian university so successful. Mills strongly believes in the mission of TWU and in the quality of students it produces saying, "We as instructors have the chance not just to aid in the intellectual instruction of students but also to speak to the entire person as a whole. Within biotechnology, a highly dynamic field, I feel that it is important to develop transferable skills in the students such as communication skills, teamwork, flexibility and initiative. The liberal arts education and the campus life that TWU offers help fulfill these qualities in our students."
Source: Trinity Western University, British Columbia
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April 23, 2008
Memorial University of Newfoundland: Physics Professor Wins 2008 Petro-Canada Young Innovator Award
Dr. Luc Beaulieu, assistant professor in the department of Physics and Physical Oceanography, is the recipient of the 2008 Petro-Canada Young Innovator Award at Memorial University; a prize valued at $25,000. His innovative research involves the development of a unique method of detecting and measuring airborne viruses. In particular, Dr. Beaulieu, with collaborator Dr. Ken Hirasawa from the Faculty of Medicine, proposes to use cantilever sensors to detect the influenza virus. Cantilever sensors are micrometre sized beams supported at one end, which are about the same width as a human hair. To detect influenza, Dr. Beaulieu will attach specific antibodies to the surface of the cantilever which are receptive to a single strain of the virus. In theory, when the virus binds with the antibodies on the cantilever, a surface stress will be generated which, in turn, will cause the cantilever to bend. The amount of bending is then used to infer the concentration levels of the virus. “To my knowledge there are no other groups attempting to use cantilever sensors for detecting the influenza virus,” said Dr. Beaulieu. “However, I am confident that one day cantilever sensors can be implemented into continuous air monitoring systems and have a significant impact on our health care system by reducing the current economical burden caused by the influenza virus.” "The calibre of submissions for this year's Young Innovator Award demonstrates the outstanding educational and scientific capabilities within our province," said Alan Brown, regional manager, East Coast Canada with Petro-Canada. "We're delighted to be supporting the work of Dr. Beaulieu and to be supporting research, development and the applied sciences at Memorial University." “Mr. Beaulieu’s work is indicative of the kind of high quality and innovative research being carried out at Memorial University. We are very proud of him, and congratulate him for working to improve the health and well-being of our people and people everywhere,” said Dr. Eddy Campbell, acting president of Memorial University. “We also want to thank Petro-Canada for their ongoing contribution to fostering excellence in research at Memorial.” Petro-Canada is a strong supporter of Memorial University. The Petro-Canada Young Innovator Award Program was started in 1998 as part of a $500,000 contribution to the university’s Opportunity Fund campaign. The award recognizes and fosters the work of outstanding and innovative young researchers at Canadian universities, colleges and major research institutes. An event honouring Dr. Beaulieu will be held at a later date.
Source: Memorial University of Newfoundland, Newfoundland & Labrador
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April 23, 2008
Thompson Rivers University Instructor Named as One of BC’s Most Influential in Residential Construction
Thompson Rivers University Construction Trades Instructor Hank Bangma has been recognized by BC Homes Magazine as one of BC’s Most Influential People in Residential Construction. Bangma is featured on the cover of the April/May issue along with Premier Gordon Campbell and three others from the group of 20 deemed most influential by the magazine published for the Canadian Home Builders’ Association of BC. “I have a lot of respect for the other people that were recognized,” Bangma said. “The premier obviously, but also Jim Thomson (owner of Plainsman Construction and chair of the Southern Interior Development Trust) and M.J. Whitemarsh (chair of the Residential Construction Industry Training Organization). To be placed among this group is really humbling.” Tim Kasten, first vice president, Canadian Home Builders Association BC, nominated Bangma for the honour, having worked with Bangma and TRU Trades Students on the training house for the past eight years. It’s an award-winning collaboration that gives TRU’s Residential Construction Foundations students an opportunity to build a real home as part of their first year of studies and a key fundraising initiative for the Kamloops YMCA.“He goes above and beyond what is required to train young people in the trade. Hank sets a high standard and he demands a lot from his students, instilling in them a real pride for doing a quality job,” said Kasten, who has hired several TRU students for his company Hillside Contracting. Besides his full-time responsibilities as instructor Bangma sits on the Provincial Carpentry Articulation Committee (9 years: 4 years as chair) and is currently reviewing 80 plus chapters of content for the first Canadian revision of the textbook Carpentry.
Source: Thompson Rivers University, British Columbia
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April 22, 2008
Concordia University: Concordian Wins NanoQuebec’s First Nano-Academia Award
Concordia University is pleased to announce that Dr. Suong Van Hoa has been awarded the inaugural Nano-Academia Award by NanoQuebec. The award ceremony was held last night at the Palais des Congrès during the NanoQuebec-Nano 2008 summit, which is taking place as part of the INNO.08 conference. This prize recognizes a Quebec academic who has been directly involved in a nanotechnological development as a direct result of his research. "Dr. Hoa is one of the most recognized names in composites and materials research in Canada, and is well-known internationally in his field. His abilities as a world class researcher are matched by his enthusiasm, imagination and entrepreneurship” said the university’s Vice-President, Research and Graduate Studies, Dr. Louise Dandurand. “We’re very proud that he is the first person to be awarded this prize,” The highly specialized work done by Dr. Hoa over the past 29 years has important real-world applications that go far beyond the laboratory. As director of the Concordia Centre for Composites (CONCOM), Dr. Hoa and his team have long worked with companies such as Bell Helicopter Textron, Pratt & Whitney Canada and Bombardier in the Montreal area, and collaborated with Japanese, French, Italian and American groups. His work with Bell Helicopter resulted in a prestigious NSERC Synergy Award in October 2006. One of his most recent creations is a helicopter landing gear cross-piece he is developing at Concordia — a world first in load-bearing composites. Once in production, it will improve performance and lower long-term costs for manufacturer and users. His collaboration with SMEs such as TANKCON FRP, MPB Communications Technologies, Epoxy Tech and Delastek has helped them move up the value chain and become major suppliers of sophisticated elements in the aerospace and transport industries.
Source: Concordia University, Quebec
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April 21, 2008
Four Bishop's University Students Honoured at the Townships Leaders of Tomorrow Awards
Four Bishop's University students received certificates of recognition at the Townships Leader of Tomorrow Awards held at the Lennoxville community centre last April 13th. Hosted by Bishop's Political Science Professor William Hogg, the recipients are: Kate Adams: President of the Bishop’s Big Buddies, member of the Young Liberals of Canada, and a volunteer for Advancing Canadian Entrepreneurship (ACE Bishop’s); Lisa Wagner: Involved in Big Buddies program, the Bishop’s University Student Alumni Association and responsible for this year’s BU Run for ALS;
Emma Stainton: Organization of numerous speaking engagements and workshops, implication in the “Trick or Eat” project, the “Gait 2 Jobs” Job Fair, the charity fashion show for Multiple Sclerosis and the Food for Thought run; Jocelyn Molyneux: President of the 2007-2008 Students’ Representative Council.
Acknowledged for their implication through leadership initiatives that has had positive impact on the local community, a total of 14 awards of recognition were handed out and four $1000 awards were presented during the ceremony.
Source: Bishop's University, Quebec
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April 18, 2008
Thompson Rivers University: New Research and Development Opportunities for Kamloops
The Government of Canada is helping to strengthen Thompson Rivers University’s (TRU) research and development innovation and technology commercialization capabilities through federal funding toward research infrastructure. Federal funding of $954,000 was announced for two projects at TRU today by Betty Hinton, Member of Parliament for Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo, on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification. “Thompson Rivers University is an important centre of learning and applied research. This funding will help TRU students, faculty and industry access the essential infrastructure needed to research, develop and commercialize sophisticated new technologies,” said MP Hinton. “These projects will benefit the University, and support knowledge creation and innovation in Kamloops and across British Columbia.” The first project will see a federal investment of $621,000 toward the purchase of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) equipment that will be used to train students and carry out applied research with industry. The new equipment will also provide analytical chemistry support to firms in various industry sectors in B.C. including mining, forestry, agriculture, nutraceuticals, and industrial biotechnology. The second project involves a federal investment of $333,000 to purchase equipment for the University’s creation of a new Centre for Innovation in Ranching, Range and Meat Production. The equipment will be used to facilitate research and development to help ranchers, producers and suppliers adopt new technologies that support sustainable ranching practices. “Western Economic Diversification’s significant support of these two projects will enhance TRU’s ability to support industry in the Interior of BC, fostering innovation leading to new products and enhancing business productivity and competitiveness through improved processes and relevant training. TRU is pursing the sustainability of the cattle industry as a strategic research direction to help working ranches maintain profitability, and the NMR will have important applications for businesses across the spectrum,” said TRU President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Roger Barnsley. TRU has demonstrated strength in maintaining linkages between trades, technology and academic programs. TRU serves a broad geographic region with two campuses, one in Kamloops and the other in Williams Lake, and includes a strong distance and open learning capacity. Research is an important and growing component of the university's priorities, with a strong focus on community-based applied research and knowledge transfer. “We are encouraged by this generous investment by Western Economic Diversification because it honours the excellence of our faculty and students in conducting ground-breaking research. The new facilities and analytical tools enabled by WED greatly expand the capacity and potential of TRU and our region for discovery, innovation and invention in predictable ways, and ways we cannot even imagine,” said TRU Associate Vice-President Dr. Nancy Van Wagoner. Western Economic Diversification Canada is a department of the Government of Canada that works in partnership with various provinces, industry associations and communities to encourage diversification of the western economy, as well as to represent the interests of the West in national decision-making.
Source: Thompson Rivers University, British Columbia
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April 17, 2008
Grande Prairie Regional College: New On Campus Day Care Building Officially Opened
The official opening of the new Building Blocks Day Care building on campus at Grande Prairie Regional College is a long-anticipated moment, and celebrated by parents, children, Building Blocks staff and Board of Directors, the College and the community. The GPRC Board of Governors decided early in 2006 to erect a permanent modular building to house the on-campus day care, replacing the old portable which had been used for the past several years. Since moving into this new building in December 2007, the 56 children and 14 staff have been enjoying the four main level classrooms, large outdoor decks, and common spaces on both levels. In January 2008, Building Blocks became an accredited day care. The ribbon-cutting ceremonies recognized the energetic support of Board of Governors member Vi Sunohara, whose lobbying efforts at the government level got the project started. Recognition was also extended to John Webster, Director of Campus Operations at GPRC, whose long-term dedication to the project helped overcome many obstacles along the way. The 6,000 sq. ft. modular building is on a full basement which can be developed to provide 12,000 sq. ft. of usable space. In the near future, Building Blocks plans to develop two new classrooms on the lower level which will accommodate some of the more than 200 children now on the waiting list. The large fenced-in playground is a feature which the College hopes to develop as a natural playscape, featuring low-level maintenance plantings and contoured landscaping with poured-in-place pathways made of recycled tires. The playground design would be one of the first of its kind in Canada, furthering the establishment of Building Blocks as a model day care facility in the system. In the immediate future, Building Blocks director Gayle Nock is planning a Summer Program for children 6 years to 11 years, which will run eight weeks beginning July 7. “The staff that I am hiring for this program will be Bachelor of Education students currently enrolled in the degree completion program,” she explains. The collaboration between the College and the On-Campus Day Care Society extends far beyond the child care needs of students and staff, offering learning opportunities and other cooperative possibilities for several instructional areas. “We are very pleased to have made this investment in quality child care for our community,” says President Don Gnatiuk. “This is a facility we can all be very proud of, and an occasion which we are happy to celebrate.”
Source: Grande Prairie Regional College, Alberta
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April 14, 2008
Memorial University of Newfoundland: Business Students Capture Second Place Finish in International Competition
Four Memorial business students have finished in second place in the Network of International Business Schools (NIBS) case competition in Coventry, United Kingdom. Team members Samantha Attwood, Erin Gullage, MaryBeth Hanrigan and Adam Power are all accounting students in Memorial’s bachelor of commerce (co-op) program. Prior to attending the competition the four business students had spent the winter semester studying at Memorial’s Harlow Campus in England. Professor and competition coach Peggy Coady believes that this international experience benefited the students during the competition. “Throughout the competition the students referred to material they had studied in Harlow such as international business law with Professor George Cummins and business ethics with Dr. Bob Sexty,” Prof. Coady said. “This coupled with a strong presentation style led to excellent feedback from the judges.” In round robin play the Memorial team competed against teams from around the world, such as the International Business Academy (Denmark), Leuven School of Business and Economics (Belgium) and the host school, Coventry University. Memorial emerged as victors in the semi-final round against the University of Missouri and faced Helsinki School of Economics in the finals. “I am very proud of our students and their accomplishments. Reaching second place in a competition of NIBS calibre is a testament to their hard work and the quality of the programming we offer in the Faculty of Business,” said Dr. Gary Gorman, dean of the Faculty of Business Administration. The NIBS Case Competition is the oldest undergraduate case competition in the world. Teams are given a business case to analyze, on topics such as banking to low income populations in South Africa or the business model for Airbus, and present their results to a panel of judges. NIBS was established in 1993 to bring together business schools that believe that economic globalization is essential in the evolution of managerial practices. Member institutions work together to promote student and faculty exchanges and interactions, exchange ideas, and set up joint teaching and research programs while sharing mutual recognition of qualifications.
Source: Memorial University of Newfoundland, Newfoundland and Labrador
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April 11, 2008
Ontario Government Supports York University Campus Renewal
A grant of more than $18.5 million from the Government of Ontario will help ensure York University’s facilities are better equipped for cutting-edge research and today’s teaching needs. “This funding is vital to York’s future as we work with the government on a long-term plan for renewal that addresses both projected enrolment growth as well as critical teaching and research needs,” said Mamdouh Shoukri, president and vice-chancellor of York University. “The Ontario government’s support of campus renewal projects will benefit York students with more modern classrooms, labs and other learning spaces.” York University will also receive a grant of $500,000 to support Ontario EcoSchools programming. This environmental education program aims to influence young people during a formative period of life, and encourage students to take a culture of conservation home with them. The funds will be used to revise curriculum-linked teaching resources, provide outreach activities and offer EcoSchools certification for those teaching ecological literacy. It w |
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