The McMaster connection / Braley Health Sciences Centre opens / Family, friends and flyballs
Making Memories Sharing your greatest Mac memories in photos, letters and tweets
THE NEWSMAGAZINE FOR McMASTER UNIVERSITY ALUMNI
FA L L 2 0 1 5
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VOL. 30, NO. 2 - FALL 2015
contents
Features Making memories The McMaster connection Forging new partnerships Family, friends and flyballs
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New on-campus student residence Braley Health Sciences Centre opens Remembering Arthur Bourns Opening Fitzhenry Studios and Atrium
Regulars
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MEET McMASTER ALUMNI ALBUM
10 McMaster Times is published two times a year (spring and fall) by the Office of Public Relations in co-operation with the McMaster Alumni Association. It is sent free of charge to University alumni and friends. Non-alumni subscriptions are available at $15 (Canada and U.S.A.) and $20 (foreign). Please make cheques payable to McMaster University. Ideas and opinions published in the McMaster Times do not necessarily reflect those of the editor, the McMaster Alumni Association or the University. Letters and editorial contributions are welcomed. National and local advertisers are invited.
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Publisher Andrea Farquhar
Editorial Assistant Andrew Baulcomb ’08
Editor Gord Arbeau
Advertising Sales Office of Public Relations 905-525-9140, ext. 24073
Art Director JD Howell ’04
Editorial Communications 905-525-9140, ext. 23662 mactimes@mcmaster.ca
IN MEMORIAM ALUMNI DIRECTIONS
The McMaster connection / Braley Health Sciences Centre opens / Family, friends and flyballs
On the cover
We asked for your memories and you delivered! The McMaster Memory Making Memories Sharing your greatest Mac memories in photos, letters and tweets
Project collected hundreds of memories and we share a few with you beginning on page 13.
THE NEWSMAGAZINE FOR McMASTER UNIVERSITY ALUMNI
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Contributors Andrew Baulcomb ‘08, Patrick Deane ‘11 (honorary), Karen McQuigge ‘90, Allyson Rowley, Sandra Stephenson ‘78 .
Officers, McMaster Alumni Association 30%
Sandra Stephenson ‘78, president; Mark Stewart ‘06, ‘10, past-president; Don Bridgman ‘78, vice-president; Mario Frankovich ‘77, financial advisor; Elaine Kunda ‘95, member-at-large; Krishna Nadella ‘02, member-at-large; Jennifer Mitton ‘99, member-at-large; Norm Schleehahn ‘01, member-at-large; Chedo Sobot ‘85, member-at-large; Stephanie McLarty ‘03, member-atlarge; Tanya Walker ’02, member-at-large.
Cert no. SW-COC-2113
The wood in this product comes from well-managed forests, independently certified in accordance with the rules of the Forest Stewardship Council.
Representatives to the University Senate
Representatives to the University Board of Governors
Ian Cowan ‘71, ‘76; Moira Taylor ’84, ‘86,
Quentin Broad ’86, ‘88; David Feather ‘85, ‘89; Brad Merkel
Ken Clarke ’74; Peter Tice ‘72.
’85; David Lazzarato ’79; Mark Stewart ’06.
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THE NEWSMAGAZINE FOR McMASTER UNIVERSITY ALUMNI
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There is a lot of world out there to see, are you coming? Enjoy the worry-free convenience and value of exclusive group tours around the world, while sharing your dream vacation among like-minded travellers. Upcoming 2016 Featured Trips • ANTARCTICA • WONDERS OF THE GALAPAGOS • TREASURES OF SOUTH AMERICA • PACIFIC DREAMS • LEGENDS OF THE NILE • TREASURES OF SOUTH AFRICA • PERUVIAN AMAZON EXPEDITION • WATERWAYS OF HOLLAND & BELGIUM • EUROPEAN COASTAL CIVILIZATIONS • VOYAGE FROM ANCIENT SPAIN TO CLASSICAL ITALY • INLAND SEA OF JAPAN & SOUTH KOREA • CRUISE THE FACE OF EUROPE • IN THE WAKE OF THE VIKINGS • SORRENTO & THE AMALFI COAST • CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF ICELAND • PARIS IMMERSION • BALTIC & SCANDINAVIAN TREASURES • MEKONG RIVER DISCOVERY • ISLANDS & RIVIERAS OF FRANCE, SPAIN & ITALY • ISLAND LIFE IN GREECE & TURKEY • CROATIA’S ADRIATIC COAST • ELBE RIVER • ITALY’S MAGNIFICENT LAKE DISTRICT • CRUISE THE CARIBBEAN
For more information on any of our trips or to join our alumni travel mailing list, contact: 905.525.9140 ext. 24882, or 1.888.217.6003 | mactrav@mcmaster.ca | discoveryourmacadventure.ca
The meaning of memories 1
Patrick Deane ‘11 (honorary) President and Vice-Chancellor McMaster University
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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
957-1987: A Chance for Greatness, James Greenlee’s third volume of the History of McMaster University, appeared earlier this year. And now in this issue of the Times we read about the Alumni Memories Project to which alumni from across the decades have submitted photos, stories, letters and memories of their time on our campus. Two forms of recollection, one institutional and one personal: how do they relate to each other and what is their purpose? Distinguished minds can help answer the question. Cicero famously noted that when we write history we find meaning and value not only in the past but in the present as well: “…what is the worth of human life, unless it is woven into the life of our ancestors by the records of history?” Dr. Greenlee’s book does this, helping us better to understand McMaster today by unpacking, sorting and finding shape in our past. That is important for our future because, as Edmund Burke—that other great commentator—wrote, “those who don’t know history are doomed to repeat it.” For some contributors to the Alumni Memories Project, to be compelled to repeat the past might not be an unwelcome thing, so pleasurable were those days and so bracing the sense of opportunity opening up before them. At the same time, though, daily life for undergraduates has always, everywhere, been a complex mix of excitement and apprehension, enlightenment and obtuseness, clarity and confusion. Recollection finds shape and meaning in those experiences and is in that way the creation of something new. Marcel Proust, who literally wrote the book on memory, put it this way: “Remembrance of things past is not necessarily the remembrance of things as they were.” Our aspirations for the future infuse and transform the past every time we imagine it. Bound volumes, even as they run to four, five and six, will never tell more than a part of our university story. There is undoubtedly a need for authorized narratives about our institutional progress, but the name McMaster signifies a social and human history which is the sum of the stories of the people who have studied and worked here. More than a mere supplement to the official version, the memories Project uniquely can tell us who we are and where as a university we want to be.
University News David Braley Health Sciences Centre opens in downtown Hamilton
UNIVERSITY NEWS
Ontario invests up to $1 billion for light rail Ontario will provide up to $1 billion to build a new light rail transit (LRT) line in Hamilton as part of the largest infrastructure investment in Ontario’s history, premier Kathleen Wynne announced at McMaster in May. The province will cover 100 per cent of the capital costs of building the LRT, which will help grow the economy, reduce travel times and connect people to jobs and to other transit systems. New, modern light rail vehicles on tracks separated from regular traffic will offer speedy service from McMaster through downtown Hamilton to the Queenston Circle. The LRT will connect directly to the new West Harbour GO Station, which opened this summer and helps create a vital pedestrian connection to the Hamilton GO Station. The LRT will ultimately extend to Eastgate Square. Procurement for the LRT will start in 2017, with construction starting in 2019.
Multipurpose ‘Living Learning Centre’ to be built on campus The University has approved construction of a new multipurpose building that includes a student residence, new classrooms and much-needed student activity and lounge space. Construction will begin next year on the 12-storey, 359,000-square-foot Living Learning Centre, to be located at the site of buildings T-28 and T-29 across from the Commons Building. The University is financing the $118M project. It will provide residence accommodations for 500 first year and upper year students. Research shows that students who stay in residence develop stronger relationships and support networks, leading to a more positive overall student experience. The building will also be home to the Student Wellness Centre, Student Accessibility Services and the Children’s Centre daycare, which was temporarily relocated to the west side of campus after construction began on L.R. Wilson Hall.
NEWSLINE What has happened since the last issue...
APRIL 2015
RJ Mitte of the popular AMC program Breaking Bad visited McMaster and delivered the “Last Lecture” at Burridge Gym as part of the Light Up The Night year-end celebration. Mitte, like his character Walter White Jr., suffers from mild cerebral palsy and has spoken out about disabilities and bullying.
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McMaster has officially opened the $84.6M David Braley Health Sciences Centre at the downtown Hamilton McMaster Health Campus. The 192,000-squarefoot facility will be home to the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine’s Department of Family Medicine as well as the City of Hamilton’s Public Health Services. About 4,000 students will take part in events and attend some classes throughout the year, and the Family Health Centre will see more than 54,000 visits by more than 15,000 Hamiltonians currently without a family doctor. “The University has a strong commitment to deepen our relationship with our community,” said Patrick Deane ‘11 (honorary), McMaster’s president. “I know we will enhance the future of health care in Hamilton and far beyond by putting our roots down in the city’s centre.” John Kelton, dean and vice-president of the University’s Faculty of Health Sciences, added: “This is a beautiful landmark reflecting Hamilton’s growing importance in the provincial and national health sectors. We’re known for our excellence and innovation in health sciences education and research, and this building is designed to support those initiatives.” See full story on page 22
MAY 2015
A record 8,000-plus people visited campus May 9 for this year’s MayAtMac open house. MayAtMac is the University’s largest such event, and helps potential Marauders learn about specific faculties and departments, tour residences and athletics facilities and meet faculty members. The day was covered extensively on social media.
Campus arts community gets first look at Fitzhenry Studios and Atrium Just a year after ground was broken on the construction site, McMaster officially opened the Dr. Robert & Andrée Rhéaume Fitzhenry Studios and Atrium. The studios and atrium will increase existing classroom, studio and display areas by more than 1,700 square feet. They were made possible thanks to a $3M gift from Robert Fitzhenry ’54 & ’09 (honorary) in honour of his late wife Andrée, who was an accomplished painter specializing in landscapes. The gift is the largest ever donation to the Fine Arts program. Humanities Dean Ken Cruikshank describes it as “the single most powerful learning tool the School of the Arts has ever had.” The current studios were first built in the 1960s in Togo Salmon Hall and feature an on-site foundry, one of only a handful in the country available to fine arts students. Originally designed to accommodate 15 artists at a time, the program and demands for the space have grown considerably over time.
Former chancellor Melvin Hawkrigg ’52 & ’97 (honorary) was among the seven people chosen as Hamilton’s community torchbearers for the Pan Am Games Relay. Hawkrigg was a four-sport athlete during his time as a student at McMaster and later served three terms as chancellor. Science alumnus and competitive swimmer Alex Parent ’14 also carried the torch during the relay. Parent swam for McMaster, and has recently been competing with the Ancaster Masters Swim Club. He has continued swimming even after having his leg amputated at the knee. Phys Ed alumna Susan Palmer-Komar ’92 was also named a community torchbearer. Palmer-Komar won a silver medal in cycling at the 2002 Commonwealth Games and was on the Canadian team at the 1996 Olympics. Social Sciences alumna and Paralympic and Parapan Am multi-medalist in swimming Chelsey Gotell ’10 served as a Parapan Am torchbearer.
In memory of Arthur Bourns Arthur Newcombe Bourns ’81 (honorary) died May 29, 2015. He taught at McMaster for 35 years and was an inspiring teacher and researcher. He was known internationally for his many contributions to physical organic chemistry as well as for providing leadership within the department that would develop into a top Canadian school. He was appointed full professor in 1953 and served as chairman of Chemistry. In 1964, Bourns was elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada. In 1972, the University turned once again to Bourns, asking him to succeed Harry Thode ’73 (honorary) as McMaster’s president, a role in which he was to demonstrate exceptional administrative capabilities, providing strong leadership during a time that was difficult for university presidents. He served as president from 1972-1980 and left an indelible imprint. He was known to be fair-minded and possessed a breadth of understanding and concern as the University grew and dealt with increasing demands. At the beginning of his presidency, the University was into its third year developing its now-renowned medical school, for which he was instrumental in fostering strong faculty appointments. In 2012, Bourns was honoured by the McMaster Alumni Association and awarded Honorary Membership. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Marion (Blakney), whom he married in 1943, and his daughter Susan Milne (Bill). He is survived by three children, Barbara Brown (Douglas), Robert (Myra), and Brian (Elizabeth), and 11 grandchildren.
JUNE 2015
A second rare corpse flower, widely known as the world’s smelliest plant, began to bloom at McMaster in June — one of only a handful in the world to do so this year. The massive plant, also called titan arum, unleashes a stench likened to that of rotting flesh or meat. It is both beautiful and vile, blooming for only a few days.
JULY 2015
The campus community welcomed some of the world’s best soccer players during the 2015 Pan Am Games. McMaster was selected as the satellite village for some 400 players and team officials. The University’s Hospitality Services team served more than 40,000 breakfasts, lunches and dinners to Pan Am athletes, coaches and officials. dailynews.mcmaster.ca
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UNIVERSITY NEWS
Chancellor emeritus, alumni served as community Pan Am torchbearers
AWARDS & HONOURS
Best Engineered Hybrid System Award and the IEEE Engineering the Future Award. The car also had the fastest lap time and the fastest average lap time. McMaster’s team finished third overall at the 2013 competition. The crew will next travel to Seattle, Washington for the EcoCAR3 Year 1 Final competition.
Philip A. Novikoff Memorial Award goes to McMaster’s Terry Flynn
UNIVERSITY NEWS
Award-winning instructors help students make a lasting impact in Hamilton Sarah Glen and Margaret Secord have spent the last seven years helping students make a lasting impact on the Hamilton community. Now they’re being recognized for their work as the first-ever recipients of the MSU Community Engagement Teaching Award. Since 2008, Glen and Secord, both instructors in the Faculty of Health Sciences, have taken a unique approach to community-engaged learning, matching fourth or fifth year students from all Faculties with community organizations in need of research expertise. “In many courses students say, ‘I want to do a thesis.’ Then they go to a community partner and say, ‘we want to research your population.’ So really that’s all about the student’s needs, but we do it the other way around,” says Secord. “We talk to community partners, or they come to us, tell us their needs, and then we say, ‘great, we know which students can assist you.’”
Communications assistant professor earns teaching award A McMaster assistant professor has been recognized with an Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance (OUSA) teaching award. Laurence Mussio earned the award that is presented annually to educators who excel at unlocking the potential of Ontario’s young people. Students nominated Mussio. OUSA represents the interests of more than 140,000 students at seven student associations across Ontario. The McMaster Students Union is one of seven student association members that comprise the alliance. “It is very much a twoway street. It cycles back to nurturing young people in innovative ways,” says Mussio. “We need to make students greater partners in their learning and in their future.”
McMaster hybrid electric race car finishes second at Formula Hybrid competition McMaster’s hybrid electric race car had its best ever finish earlier this year. The car — overseen and operated by a team of 50 students — finished second at this year’s Formula Hybrid competition, held at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. The team was awarded the GM
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Terry Flynn was honoured by the Canadian Public Relations Society with the 2015 Philip A. Novikoff Memorial Award. Established in 1989, the award is given to an accredited CPRS member who has furthered the standing of the public relations profession in Canada. The recipient contributes to the enhancement of the CPRS and the betterment of the community. Flynn, an assistant professor in McMaster’s Department of Communication Studies & Multimedia, was recognized by the CPRS for his countless, significant contributions to Canadian public relations. He received a certificate and cash award, and was feted at a luncheon during the CPRS National Conference in Montreal in June. “I am honoured and humbled by my nomination and the awarding of the Philip A. Novikoff Memorial Award,” said Flynn, who joined the University in 2004 as a faculty member in the DeGroote School of Business.
Niagara physician and McMaster alumna wins Sibley Award Amanda Bell ’98, an assistant clinical professor of the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine’s Niagara Regional Campus, is the 2015 recipient of the John C. Sibley Award for excellence in education by part-time faculty. Bell graduated from McMaster’s medical program in 1998, and has been praised for her leadership as a family physician in Port Colborne, Ont. She is being honoured for her clinical teaching. She was one of the first clinical supervisors at the Niagara family medicine residency site. As well, she played a pivotal role in developing and improving the tutor training program, and in introducing a peer observation program. Her models of faculty development have been adopted at the school’s other campuses in Hamilton and Waterloo.
RESEARCH NEWS Infectious disease and diagnostics projects receive nearly $15M from Ontario government Two significant projects aimed at battling superbugs are among those to receive nearly $15-million in research funding, one focused on solving the antibiotic resistance crisis, the other designed to provide instant diagnosis of infectious disease, deadly pathogens and environmental contaminants. Ted McMeekin ’74, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and MPP for Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale, announced the funding on campus in June, which is awarded under the Ontario Research Fund program. “McMaster University is doing important research that has a real impact on people’s lives not just in Hamilton, but around the world. I am proud of our government’s role supporting this great work. I want to congratulate all the well-deserving researchers receiving these competitive awards,” he said.
New facilities to develop hybrid car, harvest wasted energy A new lab promises to help McMaster researchers build a better hybrid electric car right here in Hamilton. Canada Excellence Research Chair Ali Emadi and his team at McMaster’s Institute for Automotive Research and Technology (MacAUTO) have been awarded $4.4M from the Ontario Research Fund for a Virtual Electric and Hybrid Electric Powertrain Integration Lab. The hightech lab will allow engineers and scientists to research and test the next generation of vehicles and electrified powertrains – the group of car parts that generate power and transfer it to the road. The team will use a sophisticated system known as a dynamometer to test vehicle force, torque and power. The MacAUTO team consists of 200 researchers working on everything from hybrid and electric powertrains and automotive computer software to lightweight materials design and manufacturing. Engineers Jim Cotton and John Preston were awarded $2M to develop new technologies to harvest wasted energy. The funding will go toward the Research Facility for Integrated Building Energy Harvesting Systems (ReFIBES), the only test facility of its kind in North America.
Antibiotic resistance means ‘everyone is at risk’ McMaster researchers Gerry Wright and Eric Brown say the world is finally waking up to the worst public health threat of our times. “The antibiotics that we have come to take for granted are quickly losing their power to stop deadly diseases and infections,” they wrote in
an op-ed published in the National Post. “The end of antibiotics is right on our doorstep, and everyone is at risk.” Wright and Brown go on to describe a world in which antibiotics don’t exist — and the infectious disease experts do not paint a pretty picture. “We’d return to a time when a skin infection had a one in ten chance of causing death. When tuberculosis would again rage. When the very idea of a kidney transplant, a knee replacement, or beating cancer with chemotherapy would be unthinkable.”
Ambassadors from three nations tour infectious disease lab
21st-century tools provide students with a window into life during the Great War What was it like to be in the midst of an artillery barrage, or to be a single woman living alone on the edge of a war zone? An innovative new course is helping students combine digital technology and archival materials to better understand and share the experiences of those who fought and lived through the First World War. Developed by a team of interdisciplinary instructors from McMaster University Library and the Lewis and Ruth Sherman Centre for Digital Scholarship, HUMAN 2DH3: Introduction to Digital Humanities teaches students to use modern research technologies, such as mapping and text analysis software, to study and present historical scholarship in a new way. “Digital humanities encourages people to think very actively about how to make research accessible in a visual sense, and make it available to a broad audience,” says Paige Morgan, a postdoctoral fellow at the Sherman Centre.
McMaster University, the Ottawa Hospital, the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) and the University of Ottawa (uOttawa) have formed Turnstone Biologics Inc., a biotechnology company focused on developing new treatments for cancer that harness the patient’s own immune system. The company’s creation was announced by the Fight Against Cancer Innovation Trust (FACIT), an independent business trust established by the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR). Turnstone combines breakthrough discoveries on cancer-fighting (oncolytic) viruses and vaccines from three Ontario researchers who have worked together for more than 15 years: Dr. Brian Lichty (from McMaster), Dr. John Bell (from the Ottawa Hospital and uOttawa), and Dr. David Stojdl (from CHEO and uOttawa). “This is a great example of basic laboratory research leading to a potential new therapy.
A weak handshake could mean an early death The firmness of your hand grip is better than your blood pressure at assessing your health, researchers have found, and reduced muscular strength, measured by your grip, is consistently linked with early death, disability and illness. The research by the Population Health Research Institute of McMaster and Hamilton Health Sciences was published in the journal The Lancet. “Grip strength could be an easy and inexpensive test to assess an individual’s risk of death and cardiovascular disease,” said principal investigator Dr. Darryl Leong, an assistant professor of medicine at the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine and cardiologist for the hospital.
Your future kitchen might keep you safe from deadly bacteria Bacteria-detecting paper. Germ-repelling countertops. Packaging that tells you when your food has gone bad. They might sound too good to be true, but if scientists at McMaster’s Biointerfaces Institute have their way, these things will be part of the everyday kitchen in the not-so-distant future. The Institute is Canada’s first facility for developing unique new surfaces, using high-speed robots and other leading-edge technology.
$5.3M from Public Health Agency for National Collaborating Centre for Methods and Tools The National Collaborating Centre for Methods and Tools (NCCMT), hosted by McMaster, has received $5.3M in ongoing funding through to March 2020 from the Public Health Agency of Canada. The NCCMT provides leadership and expertise in evidence-informed decision making to Canadian public health organizations. Maureen Dobbins ’89, professor in the School of Nursing, is scientific director of the NCCMT. “McMaster is a world leader in evidence-based practice and knowledge translation, and in developing knowledge-sharing platforms that support clinicians, health professionals and policy makers use the best available evidence in practice and policy,” says Dobbins.
Westmount student used McMaster lab to help earn national award Samna Aziz, a promising young student from Hamilton’s Westmount Secondary School, was recently named a Manning Young Canadian Innovator at the Canada Wide Science Fair in Fredericton, New Brunswick. The honour also came with a $7,500 prize. The Grade 11 student is striving to one day replace traditional bone cements — those that are often far too rigid and may contain toxic materials — with a new alternative that is biocompatible, non-toxic and has the tensile strength of human bone. Eager to help others with debilitating knee injuries, she’s been working closely with McMaster assistant professor Kathryn Grandfield to further her research in the field. “Samna is extremely motivated, and a very fast learner,” says Grandfield, an expert in biomaterials and bone interfacing in the Faculty of Engineering. “She keeps a busy schedule, but always manages to make the most of her time. She’s very mature for her age.”
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UNIVERSITY NEWS
Ambassadors from Portugal, Slovakia and the Philippines joined MP David Sweet for tours of two campus facilities. Jose Fernando Moreira da Cunha of Portugal, Andrej Droba of Slovakia and Petronila Garcia of the Philippines toured McMaster’s Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research. Lori Burrows, professor of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, led the tour of the lab, in which researchers are working to combat antimicrobial resistance. Earlier in the day, Mo Elbestawi ’76 & ’80, vice-president, Research and International Affairs and Peter Mascher, associate vice-president, International Affairs, met with Sweet and the ambassadors to discuss McMaster’s areas of research expertise and the University’s interest in creating and expanding international research partnerships. Both Europe and South-East Asia are key areas of interest for such initiatives.
McMaster helps form company to develop cancer-fighting viruses
A Chance for History In Conversation with James Greenlee By Allyson Rowley
M
MEET McMASTER
cMaster University 1957-1987: A Chance for Greatness is the third volume in the series of McMaster’s official history books. Published in 2015 by McGill-Queen’s University Press, it focuses on the pivotal, three-decade period that began as McMaster became a non-denominational institution and culminated with the University’s centennial.
Author James Greenlee was a student at Mac during the time frame of the book – he earned his honours BA in history in 1968, his MA in 1969, and his PhD in 1975. The author of three other books, Greenlee taught history at Memorial University’s Grenfell Campus for 30 years until his retirement in 2007. Every summer since 1977, he has returned to his home town of Hamilton to take part in the Graduate Students Association Softball League. In between speaking engagements and playing ball, Greenlee spoke with the Times. When did you know you wanted to be a historian? I’ve been a sucker for all things historical since I read Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea at the age of 10. I would read any book that came my way and watch any movie that had historical content. I didn’t know there was a career at the end of that. It was just a passion – along with baseball, football and pool. Any memories from your time as a student at Mac? My clearest memory is of my first day at Mac, walking into Gilmour Hall to register. This gaggle of professors, all in black gowns, walked by. I thought, oh my lord, what have I got myself into? This is really big league and intimidating. I have to survive this Darwinian cull. The idea that I’d be writing the history of the institution at that time would have flabbergasted me. What’s the best advice you received as a student? The best advice came from my finest teacher, my doctoral thesis supervisor, the co-author of one of my books, and my lifelong friend and mentor, Charles Johnston ‘49. He said a good writer writes with his or her ear first, and then checks it with the mind and the heart. And if the heart, mind and ear are in sync, then it’s probably worth putting down on the page.
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You have a very strong voice as a writer, which makes the book so enjoyable. I even laughed out loud at a few points. I think of it very much like composing a symphony. I didn’t want someone to make the comment given to Mozart [in Amadeus]: “Too many notes!” I wanted the book to be of manageable length for the reader, but as comprehensive as necessary to convey the essence of the University’s personality during that period. You began work on the book in 2009? Yes. Peter George approached me soon after I retired in 2007. Initially, I thought: “No way, not if you put a gun to my head!” I had a good idea of what I would be getting into. He asked if I would mull it over. The more I thought about it, I kept saying to myself: “Could you ever have imagined when you walked into Gilmour Hall that you of all those kids would be the person to write the history of that period?” The answer, of course, was no. What a privilege, and wouldn’t I regret it if I didn’t do it? Are there any parallels between baseball and history? The parallel between playing ball and writing history – especially this book – is teamwork. This book couldn’t have been written without an enormous amount of support from the special advisory committee, my terrific research assistants and many others, including all the incredibly helpful people in the Library, the University Secretariat and the Alumni Association. What’s the biggest misconception about historians? Oh, that we deal strictly with facts and dates to be memorized and regurgitated at examinations. It’s not that at all. History is interpretative. That’s part of its attraction for those who practise it. It’s always open to re-interpretation.
If you could have a super power, what would it be? The superpower I’d like to see is the one who could effectively referee amongst people who quarrel, often-times most bitterly with those who are most like themselves. What does the future hold for higher education? At least three years of post-secondary education is now the minimum requirement for any kind of meaningful and fulfilling job. People should come to university for itself, recognizing it’s only the entry point to the next stage, and not ask: “What can I do with it?” Often-times, people miss out on their real abilities and what their heart inclines them to do, by saying to themselves: “I’d really like to do this, but I’ll get a job if I do that.” What are the challenges for the 21st-century historian? It’s the age of the Twitterverse, the email, the instantly deleted idea. In the records after 1980, I began to see the impact of computers. It was harder to follow the university-wide conversation in all its cacophony. Recently, I noticed the Alumni Association called on people to write down their memories. That’s a good thing. That will be useful for a fourth or fifth volume. I tried to develop a culture amongst long-servers on campus – for example, in the year they’re going to retire, write 50 pages and deposit those in the library. If you want to be remembered as a generation, that’s the only way it’s going to happen. See page 28 for our story on the GSA Softball League To learn more about A Chance for Greatness, go to http://volume3.mcmaster.ca/ To purchase your copy, go to https://campusstore.mcmaster.ca/
“McMaster has a very distinct personality. That’s why I refer to it as Canada’s Little Big U. There’s always been this drive to excel.” MEET McMASTER JD Howell
Three-time Mac alumnus James Greenlee is the author of Volume 3, McMaster University 1957-1987: A Chance for Greatness dailynews.mcmaster.ca
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1 Redeem AIR MILES reward miles in the Cash balance of your AIR MILES Collector Account in-store in increments of ninety-five (95) reward miles for $10 off your purchases at participating AIR MILES Sponsor locations to a maximum of $750 per day and online at airmiles.ca/cash in increments of ninety-five (95) reward miles for every $10 value from participating AIR MILES eVoucher Partners to a maximum of $750 per day. eVouchers can be used at participating eVoucher Partners’ locations in Canada only. See specific eVoucher reward page for details and any restrictions. Visit airmiles.ca/cash to learn more. You must have accumulated sufficient reward miles in the Cash balance of your Collector Account to redeem reward miles towards in-store purchases and eVouchers. All rewards offered are subject to the Terms and Conditions of the AIR MILES Reward Program, are subject to change and may be withdrawn without notice. For complete details, visit airmiles.ca. 2 Bonus offer is limited to new accounts and will be applied to your Collector Account within forty-five (45) days after your first purchase, in accordance with your set balance preference (between AIR MILES Cash and AIR MILES dream balances) at the time of posting. Applications must be received before October 31, 2015. Limit of one Bonus offer per Collector Account. If you cancel your card within thirty (30) days of opening your account, the Bonus reward miles will be cancelled. Existing BMO AIR MILES MasterCard cardholders or those who cancel their card before October 31, 2015, are not eligible. This offer is time-limited and may be changed, extended or withdrawn at any time without notice. 3 Award of AIR MILES reward miles is made for purchases charged to your account (less refunds and excluding cash advances, cash-like transactions, interest charges, fees, payments, credit or debit adjustments) and is subject to the Terms and Conditions of your BMO MasterCard Cardholder Agreement and AIR MILES Terms and Conditions. The number of reward miles will be rounded down to the nearest whole number. Fractions of reward miles will not be awarded. 4 Ongoing interest rates, payment grace days and annual fees are subject to change. See your branch, visit bmo.com or contact the Customer Contact Centre at 1 800 263-2263 for current rates and fees. ®† Trademarks of Bank of Montreal. ®* Registered trademarks of MasterCard International Incorporated. ®TM Trademarks of AIR MILES International Trading B.V. Used under license by LoyaltyOne, Co. and Bank of Montreal.
Making Memories By Allyson Rowley
MAKING MEMORIES
Thanks, Mac. We asked for your memories and you didn’t disappoint.
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his spring, we invited you to post your favourite memories on the McMaster Memory website. More than 250 stories poured in from 74 cities across Canada and around the world. From Hamilton to Malaysia, from Victoria, BC to Victoria, Australia, grads from 1940 to 2015 joined the conversation. There were memories of finding your true love and finding your calling. Memories of great professors, of even better practical jokes, and of somehow finding your way home. There were memories of the perfect Willy dog. No matter what came to mind when thinking of your time on campus, it’s clear everyone was pushed, pulled, challenged, delighted and ultimately inspired by McMaster’s distinctively student-centred learning experience. What follows are only a few of the many wonderful memories we received. And since we didn’t want to kill too many trees, most of these are only excerpts. If you’d like to read the full memories, do have a look at the site at mcmastermemory.ca – it’s quite something. And be sure to check out the Twitter feed at #McMasterMemory.
A peaceful, loving place to be successful I had the honour of spending all four years in Moulton Hall, culminating in being president. My strongest memories: “Willy”, the most amazing desk lady ever! – the EMR – 90210 and Melrose Place evenings – Frosh Week 1990 – Quad parties – RAT breakfasts, RAT lunches, RAT parties – a peaceful, loving place to study and be successful. This is me on the right and my beautiful best friend who is forever in my life, with our roots going deep. 25 years and counting! – Rochelle Coleman ’94 (right) with Christine Murtha ’95
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The best of days (and nights) My most abiding memories are of my time as a DJ on the old CKMR. The absolute highlight will always be that first night we went citywide on 13th January 1978. Everyone was in and out of the Phoenix all evening, but I was pretty much a permanent fixture as I wasn’t expecting to do a show. It therefore came as something of a surprise when station manager Mike Nestler ’77 casually mentioned at 11:30 pm that I should get ready for my shift from midnight to 2 am. Somewhat shell-shocked, I staggered over to the record library and pulled out a bunch of albums. It might not have been the most professional couple of hours on the airwaves, but what it did have was that spontaneity and realism, combined with cutting-edge contemporary music, that has always been the hallmark of CFMU-FM and remains so today. I did not have a car and would frequently walk all the way back home to Locke Street in the snow after my shows concluded at 2 am. Just the best of days. –Michael Pearson-Smith ’73, ’79
Presidential professors
MAKING MEMORIES
As an honours chemistry undergraduate, I was able to take courses presented by three McMaster presidents. How was this possible? In my second year, I took an elective from George Gilmour, president at the time. During my third and fourth years, I had courses from Harry Thode and Arthur Bourns, members of the Chemistry Department prior to each becoming president later on. Each of these gentlemen was a distinguished scholar, a superb educator and an administrator of the first rank. What a privilege it was for me to attend McMaster. –David Wiles ’54, ’55
The poetry of Mac Sunshine streaming through the window under Con Hall, browsing through the Upanishad after looking up the Bhagavad Gita. Quieted by Oppenheimer on witnessing the atomic test. (Gift of the interests of the Divinity School). Flapping black gowns after daily chapel in Con Hall. Crossing meadow to “Bills” on Main Street for a fresh turkey sandwich. –Margaret Lyons ’49 & ’96 (hon)
My favourite #McMasterMemory is all the visits from young scholars sitting beside me on my new campus bench! @SenatorMcMaster 14
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When dinosaurs used email In the early days when email was introduced (before Blackberrys and iPhones), standing in line to check email messages at the KTH email lab, which only held about 20 students. How times have changed! –Anonymous ’99
@karenmcquigge: @DrEricHoskins @SamanthaNutt What would your favourite Mac memory be? @SamanthaNutt: @karenmcquigge @DrEricHoskins meeting each other. Thx Mac! –Samantha Nutt, ’91, ’94, ’05 (hon) –Eric Hoskins, ’82, ’85, ’05 (hon)
Following their bliss Among my most vivid and lasting memories of Mac are the annual Arts Festivals, complete with famous authors, critics, concerts, plays and great works of art. In particular, I recall seeing Alex Colville’s “Horse and Train” on display at Wentworth House, and hearing Ian and Sylvia perform in the old Drill Hall (aka The Barn). – Ron Getz ’66
The Gilbert and Sullivan operettas performed each year, especially The Yeomen of the Guard and The Mikado. –Dorothy Jefferies ’40
That’s gotta hurt
MAKING MEMORIES
2012-2013 Mitchell Bowl: While shooting for the Silhouette, a Calgary player runs into me on the sidelines. I still managed to shoot the rest of the game and go back to the office to post the story online with a photo! –Yousif Haddad ’15
The story of Storey
Understanding love & the gamma motor neuron reflex The most treasured memory of my time at Mac is meeting and falling in love with the man who would become my husband. It was in my third year – I was studying for a 3F6 exam and Keith helped me understand the gamma motor neuron reflex. I remember him serenading me with his electric guitar at the Psychology building in Harvey Weingarten’s lab. Our eldest will be starting her first year at Mac this fall. We look forward to sharing the McMaster experience all over again through her eyes. –Kathy Sdao-Jarvie ’83
McMaster undergraduate Bob Storey ’49 was popular, brilliant – and blind. He was also a regular patron at Paddy Green’s, “the favourite drinking emporium” of students at the time. One evening, the conversation turned into a heated debate. The topic: whether or not Storey could drive a car back to Edwards Hall. Bets were placed. The group took off with Bob at the wheel, navigated by his four comrades. A phone call alerted the folks at Edwards Hall. As the car pulled in front of the residence, “the occupants were greeted with wild cheers.” The story has become the stuff of McMaster legend. Many have claimed to have been in the car with Storey. Les Prince ’78, ’90 (hon), a McMaster legend in his own right, says in his book Over the Ivy Wall, “I have kept a careful record of the numbers claiming to have been members of this crew.” His count reached 78 – enough to fill two Greyhound buses.
Fixing systems @msu_unionmarket. @RENTOffBroadway comes on. Staff does impromptu sing/act along. Customers join in. #awesome @ptaggart
Sitting in Mills doing readings/ studying/research at this window. @marinitweet
–Pauline Taggart, McMaster Students Union staff member
–Mike Marini, ’01, ’02
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More than just a number
THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES
As a young boy growing up in West Hamilton, it would be an understatement to say that McMaster was a part of my life. My father worked there, and my mother, sister and I all attained our degrees from McMaster. My father, Dr. Venkata Rama Rao Nadella, worked in the Department of Chemical Engineering for over a quarter-century. I remember spending time in his office (pretending I understood his research papers!), his laboratory (pretending I understood what he was researching!), at Thode library (pretending I was studying!) and just hanging out on campus (pretending I was a student!). There was always a sense during my time as a student that I wasn’t just a number, but instead someone who was at the start of a journey, both personally and professionally. Ultimately, that’s what I’d like current and prospective students to know. You’ll learn a lot more than what’s in a textbook at Mac, you’ll learn a lot about yourself and what you want in life. –Krishna Nadella ’02
A dream come true Entering McMaster full-time was a dream come true for me. I was a single mother in 1970 with six children, aged five to 14. I knew I would have to support my family. McMaster gave me that chance. Graduation was very special with my children there. They have followed my lead and are all educated, successful citizens. Thank you, McMaster, for making it possible! –Ann Steylen ’71
Watching our women’s rugby team win OUA for the first time! @LIBEROSEYAR –Seyar Karimi, Mac student & fitness captain
A happy home Memories of a snow queen So many wonderful things were experienced at Mac. I loved walking through Cootes Paradise, especially in the fall. Being chosen as one of three McMaster representatives at the Canadian Pavilion of Expo ’67 made that summer one of the most thrilling of my life. It was also an honour to be a McMaster Snow Queen – when they still had them. To top it off, little did I know that a frosh in PJs sporting a buzz cut that I met during the Pyjama Parade would become my husband of 45 years. One of our sons also got his undergrad degree at Mac. Such a pleasure to return to the place that was so important in our lives. –Margie Woodgate (née McInnes) ’68, ‘69
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My most cherished memory of McMaster is the welcome care and reception accorded me. Barely three years in Canada, learning the language and adjusting to new surroundings and culture, was a very lonely time. My classmates treated me as if they knew me all their lives, and Dean Armstrong and Professors Warren and Haddow made sure I could cope with the curriculum while still mastering English. Gradually, the atrocities and difficulties of the war years in Europe faded into a bad dream. McMaster gave me the foundation for my happy 67+ years in my home, Canada. Thank you. –Michael Madesker ’51, ‘64
That championship season My favourite memory would have to be winning the Vanier Cup in 2011. The support from the McMaster community leading up to and after the game was amazing, and to see it carry over to the next year and culminate in 25,000 people wearing maroon at the Rogers Centre is something I will never forget. –Chris Pickard ’13
Dude, where’s my bed? When dancing was forbidden
Standing shoulder to shoulder Playing field hockey for Mac was one of my strongest and most compelling memories. Standing shoulder to shoulder with my team mates still makes me smile with pride. When I return to Mac, I always go out to look at the field. I was privileged to meet Rose Hill, a great name in McMaster’s past, who had a huge impact on my life. I am grateful for the opportunity I had to meet and share intense, positive experiences with my team mates over the four years. I felt confident that Mac prepared me well for my years ahead. –Bev Bayus ’75 dailynews.mcmaster.ca
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THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES
When I arrived as a freshman in September 1941, dancing was still forbidden on the campus as stipulated in the Senator’s will. George Gilmour used the wartime emergency to have the ban lifted. The major consideration was gasoline. There were lots of dances but they were all held off campus. I remember, in particular, getting to one event at a converted barn in the rumble-seat of a friend’s car. That was high living indeed and the closest I ever came to the Andy Hardy/Joe College model, either before or since. –Bernard Trotter ’45
I vividly recall the great bed push in the spring of 1961. Relay teams pushed a bed from north of Orillia to Hamilton. Along the way it was hijacked by students from the University of Guelph. Our bed push was covered by Life magazine and a number of us had our pictures in the magazine. –Earl Cochrane ’64
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McMaster University President Patrick Deane wearing the McMaster Signature Blazer by Coppley. The McMaster Signature Blazer is designed and manufactured in Hamilton by Coppley, exclusively for McMaster University. The Signature Blazer features maroon striped lining, custom McMaster University shield buttons, and an inside pocket label with the official University crest. All McMaster Signature Collection Accessories and Men’s blazers are available at the Campus Store. Women’s blazers and custom fitted Men’s blazers are available by special order, or contact us for the next custom fitting date.
campusstore.mcmaster.ca
Across the generations:
Watching history unfold T
“ here’s a very different feel at McMaster,” says Rotimi Fadiya, a fourth-year electrical and biomedical engineering student. “It’s very tight-knit, very friendly. I chose Mac because I knew it would be a place where I could succeed both academically and personally.” As he entered his second year, Rotimi learned he had been awarded the Brash Academic Grant. “My first thought was, wow, someone took the initiative to support students. I’m very grateful,” says Rotimi, who has also been recognized as a Scotiabank Scholar by Toronto’s Black Business and Professional Association. “There are a lot of talented black individuals in situations that make it difficult to pursue a post-secondary education,” he says. “Just knowing there are people who want you to succeed – that has a tremendous impact. It changes lives in a very meaningful way.” Ron Brash (1932-2006) graduated from McMaster with his BEng in 1964. As part of his estate planning, he established the Gordon and Agnes (Twambley) Brash Academic Grant in memory of his parents. “If I could have met Mr. Brash, first of all I would have said thank you!” says Rotimi. “I applaud him for looking out for students and for knowing the value of higher education.” The award has given Rotimi a greater appreciation for the importance of giving back to future generations. For the immediate future, though, he’s focused on his studies in the Faculty of Engineering. “The Faculty is building a reputation as the premier engineering school in Canada,” says Rotimi. “I feel as though I’m really part of something – like I’m watching history unfold.”
Ron Brash (1932-2006) graduated from McMaster in 1964. His bequest established an academic grant that will help generations of students like Rotimi.
To learn more about leaving a gift in your will, please contact: Kelly Trickett Project Team Leader University Advancement McMaster University Tel: 905-525-9140, ext. 21990 Email: tricket@mcmaster.ca
The
McMaster
connection McMaster has a long tradition of developing leaders in higher education. Four of Canada’s university leaders share their reflection on how they found their footing at McMaster.
THE McMASTER CONNECTION
By Andrew Baulcomb ’08 When Mamdouh Shoukri ’74, ’77, ‘14 (honorary) left Egypt in the early 1970s to begin his graduate studies in the Faculty of Engineering, he figured it would be a two-or three-year visit, tops. What he didn’t expect was McMaster becoming a second home. “It shaped who I am today. There’s no question about that,” says Shoukri, who was named president and vicechancellor of York University in 2007. “McMaster always encouraged young people to take leadership roles and break new ground, as both students and university leaders.” At McMaster, Shoukri worked hand-in-hand with Engineering professor Ross Judd, while the former completed his PhD research involving boiling heat transfer. Prior to defending his doctoral thesis, Shoukri was already being scouted by headhunters in Canada’s burgeoning nuclear research sector. The secret was out that McMaster alumni were industry-ready. Following a successful seven-year run as a researcher with Ontario Hydro, Shoukri returned to McMaster in 1984 — first as a faculty member, and later as dean of Engineering from 1994 to 2001. He was then appointed vice-president Research & International Affairs, spearheading an ambitious plan to develop the McMaster Innovation Park. “There’s a willingness to be progressive and take chances at McMaster, and I took that spirit with me when I left for York,” says Shoukri. “It’s infectious.” McMaster has long been an academic pillar for the entire Shoukri family. Mamdouh’s wife Susan Shoukri ’79 earned an MBA from the University, while son Kareem Shoukri ’02, ’04 & ’07 and daughter Dina Shoukri ’03 & ’06 are also proud McMaster alumni.
“There’s a willingness to be progressive and take chances at McMaster, and I took that spirit with me when I left for York.” When Meric Gertler ’77 thinks back to his time as a geography student at McMaster, he’s reminded of a world-class research institution that just so happened to be situated next to one of Canada’s largest natural wetlands. “McMaster had the breadth of a comprehensive university, but it was a mid-sized campus in a mid-sized city,” says Gertler, president of Canada’s largest postsecondary institution, the University of Toronto, and one of the world’s leading urban theorists and policy practitioners. “That was a big selling point. I liked the fact that I could walk down to Cootes Paradise after class, and there was a real pastoral nature to the campus.”
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Gertler, who completed his graduate and PhD research at UC Berkeley and Harvard University, says McMaster’s comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach prepared him for the rigours of the Ivy League. He credits faculty members such as Martin Taylor and Michael Dear with shaping his outlook on the nature of postsecondary education. Oxford professor Gordon Clark ’78, who supervised Gertler’s PhD research at Harvard, was also a major inspiration. “Geography is inherently diverse, and I always enjoyed sampling liberally from other departments. McMaster was always at the cutting edge of the discipline. There was a really strong research culture in the department, and undergraduates were always embedded in high-level projects.” Now tasked with overseeing some 13,239 faculty and 84,556 students at UofT, Gertler says he still relies on those core tenets he valued as an undergraduate student. “At McMaster, I learned the value of nurturing intellectual communities. I was always involved in conversations with students of all levels, and that’s something I’ve valued ever since.”
“At McMaster, I learned the value of nurturing intellectual communities.” Annette Trimbee ’84 had a lot of time to reflect during her long, slow train ride from Winnipeg to Hamilton. Am I ready to leave Manitoba? Did I choose the right program? Will I enjoy life at McMaster? It was the dying weeks of summer when Trimbee boarded a cramped passenger coach for a 2,000-kilometre journey that would take her from the edge of the Prairies, loop around Lake Superior and Lake Huron and charge through the Canadian Shield toward her new home in southern Ontario. At the end of the line, Trimbee would begin her PhD studies in ecology at McMaster, working under the tutelage of renowned biologist Graham Harris. More than three decades after boarding that train, Trimbee considers it one of the best decisions of her life. “I immediately loved the diversity in Hamilton,” says Trimbee, who was named president and vice-chancellor of the University of Winnipeg in August 2014. “My research supervisor picked me up at the train station, and took me on a long car tour of the entire city. It was big and vibrant, yet small and nurturing. So too was McMaster.” “There was a real community spirit at McMaster, on a variety of levels,” she says. “I was working in the Department of Biology, but we were collaborating with students from all over campus — civil engineers, social scientists, political scientists. We didn’t just partner with others in our field. Trimbee now oversees a bustling inner-city campus with more than 10,000 students and 360 faculty. McMaster, she says, gave her the confidence to tackle any task. “At McMaster, I learned how to be bold, ask difficult questions and push boundaries.”
“At McMaster, I learned how to be bold, ask difficult questions and push boundaries.”
For Daniel Woolf, principal and vice-chancellor at Queen’s University, his three years at McMaster were invaluable. Born in England, raised in Winnipeg and educated at Queen’s, Woolf came to Hamilton in 1999 following more than a decade in various academic capacities at Dalhousie University. At McMaster, he served as dean of the Faculty of Humanities. Like Trimbee, he was initially lured to campus by its outstanding reputation and proclivity for innovation. “I had a few friends in Hamilton who raved about how progressive the University was. I was excited about coming to a major research institution, and I was impressed with the degree of experimentation and innovation in all faculties.”
McMaster was known in academic circles for its out-of-the-box thinking. “There was also a strong, collegial group at McMaster, which was enormously beneficial for a new dean such as myself,” adds Woolf. “I learned a valuable lesson at McMaster, which I still apply to this day: transmission should never exceed reception. A leader should always be welcoming new ideas.” Woolf briefly served alongside future McMaster president Patrick Deane ’11 (honorary) at Queen’s. “Patrick is a fellow humanist, and he often sees the world through that lens,” says Woolf. “He’s a very thoughtful, careful administrator, who has a very well-thought-out vision of what an academy can be. McMaster made an excellent choice in appointing Patrick to a second term as president.”
“There was also a strong, collegial group at McMaster, which was enormously beneficial for a new dean such as myself,”
THE McMASTER CONNECTION
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FORGING NEW PARTNERSHIPS IN HAMILTON’S DOWNTOWN CORE
JD Howell
Forging new partnerships in Hamilton’s downtown core With the opening of the new David Braley Health Sciences Centre downtown, McMaster launches a year-long series of public events highlighting the deep connections between the University’s research and the community it serves.
I
n order for McMaster researchers to be truly effective, they need strong community input. That’s the message from University president Patrick Deane ’11 (honorary), who declared 2015 “the year of research” ahead of the opening of the $84.6 million David Braley Health Sciences Centre in May. Located at the corner of Main Street West and Bay Street South in the heart of the downtown core, the 192,000-square-foot facility is home to the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine’s Department of Family Medicine, as well as the City of Hamilton’s Public Health Services. That unique arrangement is a Canadian first. Never before have public health services and academic primary care been united under one roof. It was designed to deal with the next SARS or Swine Flu outbreak, for example. It’s a one-stop clinic and command centre. The innovative facility is a service hub for Hamilton’s downtown population, with a focus on treating at-risk mothers and caring for those without a permanent home. Each year, practitioners at the Family Health Centre can expect to see more than 54,000 patient visits from more than 15,000 Hamiltonians currently without a family doctor. The Centre was also designed as a teaching and learning hub. Roughly 4,000 McMaster students will take part in events and attend select classes on site throughout the year. The six-storey edifice will also function as a free community space, with a café, public meeting spaces and
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comfortable lounges open to the general public. David Price, professor and chair of McMaster’s Department of Family Medicine and chief of the Department of Family Medicine, Hamilton Health Sciences, was “delighted and gratified” by the turnout at the opening of the David Braley Health Sciences Centre. “We have to work in a team-based environment, and we have to work collectively,” said Price, addressing the capacity crowd at the grand opening. “We also know that it’s not just about health care and family medicine. We know that it’s about our community. It’s about social services. ” Rona Ambrose, Minister of Health for the Government of Canada, was on hand for the unveiling. She spoke passionately about the University’s position as a leader in community-driven health care. “This is an incredible opportunity for me, as Minister of Health, to say ‘thank you’ for the excellence that you are delivering to the city of Hamilton, and in fact to all of Canada,” said Ambrose. “McMaster University has been, undoubtedly, a leader in supporting health care across Canada. It’s preparing the next generation of doctors and nurses to meet the needs of our changing population.” Of the $84.6 million earmarked for the project, $20 million was contributed by the City of Hamilton. “We are going to be very, very proud of this facility,” said Hamilton
YOU’RE INVITED
McMaster Research Showcase – At a glance –
Parminder Raina
FORGING NEW PARTNERSHIPS IN HAMILTON’S DOWNTOWN CORE
mayor Fred Eisenberger. “It’s within eyeshot of our City Hall, and that kind of critical mass is helpful not only for our downtown, but our entire community.” Health care won’t be the sole focus of the new David Braley Health Sciences Centre. Beginning in September, McMaster experts from a wide range of departments and disciplines will join forces at the new building to host a series of free research showcases. Four main topics will anchor the series — aging; big data; healthy neighbourhoods; transportation and sustainability — and each will be explored in-depth during a number of public and private events. Several dozen researchers have already signed on to participate, including experts from the Offord Centre for Child Studies, Population Health Research Institute, McMaster Institute for Music & the Mind, Biointerfaces Institute, Digital Music Lab and MacDATA, among several others. Most of the sessions will take place at the new David Braley Health Sciences Centre, while others will be held various sites in the core and on McMaster’s main campus. The overall goal of the showcase is to help introduce the greater Hamilton community to some of the cutting-edge research being conducted at McMaster, while also encouraging an open dialogue between campus and community partners when it comes to addressing some of the most pressing concerns of our time. The event will also feature a weeklong “Health Crawl” in February, to highlight some of the University’s community health care resources that are helping to shape the future of our city. “What were trying to do is bring together some of our best researchers and community members to answer that very question,” says Susan Searls Giroux, McMaster’s associate vice-president, Faculty, and a driving force behind the research showcase program. “The partnership is fifty-fifty. What we hope to achieve by going out into the community is use these opportunities to engage in public dialogue. We’re looking at various ways in which we can solicit feedback, so we can hear about the needs of community partners.” McMaster experts have the potential to transform our everyday lives — whether that transformation involves health care, public transportation, the delivery of social services, water security, optimal aging or the wideranging impacts of climate change. All that’s required to take the next step is significant, sustained community involvement. And that’s already happening at the corner of Main and Bay. More information on McMaster’s research showcase can be found at dailynews.mcmaster.ca
Margaret Trudeau
Sept. 29 – Oct.1 Optimal Aging and a Healthy City
Nov. 3-4 Big Data and a Growing City
Feb. 5-12, 2016 Healthy Neighbourhoods
April 18-22, 2016 Climate Change and the Environment
Events will be based at the David Braley Health Sciences Centre in Downtown Hamilton.
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Alumni Album 1960s
1970s Dennis Souder ’70 was recently elected to the board of PROBUS Centre Canada, the umbrella organization for the nation’s 236 PROBUS clubs. James R. Coggins ’73 & ’74 has had an extensive career as an editor and writer. In 2012, he established a small publishing imprint, Mill Lake Books, based in Abbotsford, BC. The imprint recently released its fifth book: Visiting Mrs. Morgan: A Handbook for Visiting Aging, Homebound and Hospitalized People. The book was written by Julia Quiring Emblen, former founding director of the Nursing program at Trinity Western University in Langley, BC.
Alan Smith ’74 has been researching the history of Pte. James Franklin for more than seven years. Franklin, a native of Hamilton, Ont., is widely regarded as the first black soldier from Canada and North America to die in the First World War. The Canadian Encyclopedia recently featured Franklin’s story in an online entry written by Smith’s son, Thomas Toliver Smith ’10. Kenneth G. Hood ’77 was appointed a judge of the Ontario Superior Court (Toronto Region) on May 5, 2015. Toasting Hood at his swearing-in dinner was his former Woodstock roommate, Meric Gertler ’77, president of the University of Toronto. William Kosar ’79 has built a reputation as a world-leading advisor and academic in public law and international relations. He has wide-reaching experience supporting governments and private companies across a broad range of geographies, including Afghanistan and the Middle East. He currently advises Somalia’s Ministry of Finance, through the African Development Bank’s African Legal Support Facility. He previously worked on policy development at Rwanda’s
Moving forward one step at a time By Nicole Clarkson
June 26, 2014 started out as a routine day for Ontario Provincial Police Constable Pete Tucker ’94. But by day’s end, the life of the 20-year police veteran would be forever changed. Tucker, a member of the OPP’s Golden Helmets Motorcycle Precision Team, was taking part in a training exercise in preparation for the Pan Am Games. As he rode his 350 kg Harley Davidson motorcycle in formation along the highway just outside Barrie, Ontario, he was struck by a Canada goose in mid-flight. The high speed impact knocked him unconscious. He was sent hurtling into the guardrail with crushing force. Tucker would lose his left leg just above the knee, while badly injuring his other leg. These are considerable injuries for anyone to endure, but for a motorcycle cop, they are catastrophic. Yet despite the extensive injuries, the months of ongoing physical therapy and rehab, Tucker, his wife, Michelle (McMaster class of 1995), and their four children are optimistic. Tucker remembers the randomness of the collision but instead of wondering “Why me?” takes comfort in what went right, beginning with the specific highway location of the collision. “You could have walked me from the crash site to the Barrie Hospital, it was that close” said Tucker. After being thrown off his bike, he came to rest on the only piece of grass within 100 meters. That small patch had been softened by the previous evening’s rainfall, cushioning his fall. An air ambulance happened to be sitting on the hospital’s helicopter pad after a previous call had been cancelled. This saved precious time as Tucker was immediately airlifted to Toronto’s Sunnybrook Health Science Centre. “It is miraculous,” said Michelle. Tucker always wanted to be a police officer. After graduating from McMaster, it was straight to Police College and then onto the force. His job has allowed him to meet the Queen, Prince Charles, former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney and the band U2. In October 2014, only four months after the accident, Tucker was taking first steps with his new prosthetic leg. This February, he returned to work part-time. He has a definite plan for the immediate future. “I want to hit my retirement just like I would have before, I don’t want this injury to change things. Do meaningful work and get back in the game.” It was fitting that Tucker, injured in the line of duty in preparation for the Pan Am Games, was selected by Games organizers to take part in the torch relay this spring. On June 9, he carried the torch. A fitting tribute for a man who continues to inspire his family and friends.
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ALUMNI ALBUM
Martyn Burke ’64 returned to campus to celebrate the launch of his latest novel, Music For Love Or War. The respected filmmaker, journalist and author was honoured earlier this year with the prestigious Auteur Award from the International Press Academy in recognition of his creative vision, unique artistry and the lasting impact of his overall body of work.
Konrad Eisenbichler ’73 & ’74 was recently elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada. The citation pronounced at the induction ceremony last November in Quebec City read: “Konrad Eisenbichler’s ground-breaking research on early modern European culture, history, and sexuality has led to the establishment of Confraternity Studies as a brand new field of interdisciplinary inquiry worldwide and to pioneering work in both sex/ gender studies and women studies.
Ministry of Justice, where he also developed its legal support unit. He drafted more than 40 laws for South Sudan’s Ministry of Legal Affairs and Constitutional Development. Kosar’s particular specialties include international business law and public private partnerships. He has authored two textbooks and numerous articles. Corporate Counsel 100: Africa recently named Kosar one of the Top 100 lawyers in Africa.
Meeting. She is a graduate from the Faculty of Humanities, with a degree in English. She resides in Oshawa, Ont.
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Ron Noble ’84 recently received the 2015 Canadian College of Health Leaders (CCHL) Mentorship Award at the National Healthcare Leaders Conference in Charlottetown, PEI on June 13, 2015. Noble created a scholarship fund at McMaster’s DeGroote School of Business in the MBA program in Health Services Management. An annual award of $1000 will be presented to a second-year student of the program who has demonstrated continuous learning, leadership and academic achievement within the health services management field. The name of the scholarship, “A Noble Pursuit,” is to encourage business graduates to pursue a calling our profession has embraced. Linda Francis ’86 is in her second year as Faculty Head Business Applications at triOS College in Ontario. Francis has served as an instructor with the College since February 2009, and has worked tirelessly in her concurrent positions as Faculty Head – Business Applications and Business Applications Instructor. In June 2015 she received the Faculty Head of the Year award at the College’s Annual General
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Eme Onuoha ’93 has been promoted to chief innovation officer at Xerox Corporation in the Industrial, Retail and Hospitality division of Xerox Services. In his new global role, Onuoha is responsible for identifying innovationdriven growth opportunities and accelerating the commercialization of marketconnected, research, development and engineering outcomes in close collaboration with the Xerox Innovation Group, capability groups, industry business group teams, clients, and external communities of practice. Prior to joining Xerox, he held several senior positions within the Government of Canada, including: director of operations at the Privy Council Office; vice president of the Canadian Commercial Corporation; chief of staff to the Minister of National Defence; and policy adviser to the Minister of International Trade. Robert K. Perrons ’95 was recently appointed as a member of the Australian Government’s “Expert Network,” in addition to his job as an associate professor at the Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane, Australia. Perrons’ duties in his new role include providing advice about the energy industry and emerging innovations in that sector, with the overarching objective of accelerating the
Music magnate Arthur Fogel inducted into Alumni Gallery By Andrew Baulcomb ’08 Arthur Fogel ’75 is, as Bono famously described him, “the most important person in live music.” Fogel, who currently serves as chairman, Global Music and president, Global Touring at Live Nation Entertainment, entered McMaster’s Alumni Gallery on June 3. For more than 25 years, he’s been quietly orchestrating some of the largest and most successful global concert tours of all time. His list of clients, past and present, includes the likes of U2, Madonna, The Rolling Stones, Lady Gaga, The Police, David Bowie and Rush. “The greatest lesson I’ve learned over the years is to never get too high, and never get too low,” said Fogel. He was joined by five other esteemed inductees: Suzanne Labarge ’67 & ’11 (honorary), McMaster’s chancellor, former RBC executive and a noted philanthropist; Dr. Michael Evans ’93, founder of Health Design Lab at Toronto’s Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute; Andreas Souvaliotis ’89, a social entrepreneur, author and public speaker; Colin Glassco ’67, founder of the Colin B. Glassco Charitable Foundation for Children; and Margaret Houghton ’74 & ’75, longtime archivist at the Hamilton Public Library. Read the full story at dailynews.mcmaster.ca
commercialization of promising new energy technologies. Perrons graduated from the Faculty of Engineering. Chris Kaposy ’97 was given tenure and promoted to associate professor in the Faculty of Medicine at Memorial University in St. John’s, NL. Kaposy started out with a degree in philosophy and ended up doing research and teaching in a medicalschool. After graduating from McMaster,
he went on to do a PhD and postgraduate work in bioethics. At Memorial, Kaposy is also program director of the new master’s program in Health Ethics.
Student, alumni artists re-define ‘archive’ with Ontario Science Centre exhibition
Teresa Cascioli ’83 has written a new book series for children entitled M is for Money, a kid’s guide to financial literacy. This all-Canadian series follows the financial adventures of twins Tessa and Benji as they learn basic money concepts involving loonies, toonies, piggy banks, wallets, loans and budgeting. The books are available in hardcover, paperback and eBook format at www.misformoney.ca. Fun merchandise and a catchy “Nickels & Dimes” song are also available to reinforce the concepts. A useful M is for Money Teaching Guide is also available to download for free, and the books are available at all major book retailers across Canada.
McMaster Centre for Continuing education Discover. Possible.
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A group of McMaster artists proved that an “archive” could be much more than a dust-covered box found in the basement of a museum. The Archive and Everyday Life, curated by English and Cultural Studies professor Mary O’Connor, opened at the Ontario Science Centre in Toronto earlier this year. The exhibition stemmed from student work produced over five years in a graduate studies course of the same name. Students were asked to create an archive using objects and experiences in their everyday lives, and then to critically reflect on the process. Their works were meant to be experiments that expose aspects of everyday life that may go unnoticed. Adrienne Batke ’09 created installation maps during a two-year period of mourning following her mother’s death. Her work included photographs of the mundane items she left behind, including a yoga mat, makeup and nail polish. “Through them I reclaim melancholia as part of mourning — a necessarily endless process of ‘living with’ grief through our encounter with everyday objects,” says Batke. The exhibition ran in the Ontario Science Centre’s !dea Gallery, a space for young and emerging artists and researchers to display innovative projects that blur traditional boundaries between art, science, design and technology.
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2000s Steven Ko ’00 recently founded Starvine Capital, an emerging investment manager set up to help individuals grow their capital for the long term by utilizing a value approach. The decision to start-up Starvine was made after spending several years as a buy side analyst, most recently with Burgundy Asset Management and UBS Global Asset Management prior to that. Ko represented McMaster on the varsity wrestling team for four seasons.
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Kathleen Kinch ’01 recently opened a litigation firm in Campbellford, Ont., representing clients in nearby Cobourg, Peterborough and Belleville in addition to practising administrative law at area boards and tribunals. Kinch was previously called to the Bar in British Columbia, where she practiced for several years, and is a graduate from the Arts & Science Program. Her husband Aaron Eddie ’01 has a geography degree from McMaster, and the couple has two children.
From left to right: Pam Bruder ’92, her teenage son Matthew Bruder and Pam’s sister Debbie Ditner cover the infield for Semper Fly.
Dennis Neville ’05 and Rebecca Ross ’05 & ’06 became engaged in August 2014. Dennis and Rebecca met at McMaster in 2002 when they took the same Comparative Literature class. Subsequently, Neville earned an MBA and Ross completed her JD and was called to the Ontario Bar. They currently live and work in Toronto, and their wedding will take place in October 2015 in Niagara-onthe-Lake.
James Greenlee ’68, ’69 & ’75, the oldest player in the GSA Softball League, still takes the field at age 70. Greenlee began playing in the league back in 1968.
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F
AMILY, FRIENDS AND FLY BALLS By Andrew Baulcomb ’08
GSA Softball League: Five decades of forging friendships
“This league embodies something special... Even after all these years, I still enjoy going back to The Phoenix after a game, slapping each other on the back and pretending we’re really good.” Heckaman has been playing since 1978, spending the last 15 years as cocommissioner alongside Andy Duncan ’74, a longtime lab technician in Physics & Astronomy. He’s seen the league shrink and expand, watched players come and go. He’s witnessed husbands meet wives for the first time, and watched their kids trot onto the field a few years later.
Heckaman’s team, Semper Fly, is a microcosm for what makes GSA Softball so unique. The league’s oldest player, Memorial University professor emeritus James Greenlee ’68, ’69 & ’75, still competes at age 70. He’s been suiting up since 1968 — longer than many of his teammates have been alive. Each spring, Greenlee departs his Corner Brook, Newfoundland, home just to play softball at McMaster. “I fell in love with this as a grad student. There’s a competitive friendliness about it that keeps bringing me back.” At 19, Matthew Bruder is one of the youngest players. He plays third base, while his mother, Pam Bruder ’92, covers second and her sister, Debbie Ditner, plays first. It may be softball’s first mother-son-aunt infield. “These people are wonderful,” says Pam, who earned a Phys Ed. degree before embarking on a teaching career in Halton. “They all have beautiful hearts.” The League stretches back to the late1950s, when games were played on the Burke Science Building lawn. John Harvey ’60 & ’65 organized the first proper season in 1959. Games were played across campus — some on the Mayfair oval, others behind what is now the David Braley Athletic Centre. During the early 1980s, players scrounged together $40,000 (a figure matched by the University) to build three permanent fields across Cootes Drive. Lights were installed by an anonymous benefactor and players have chipped in over the years to make numerous improvements. This season 38 teams with 650 players make up four divisions. “This league embodies something special,” says Heckaman. “Even after all these years, I still enjoy going back to The Phoenix after a game, slapping each other on the back and pretending we’re really good.”
Joseph Parete ’06 & ’08 and Danielle Spinosa ’07 were married May 3, 2014. It was a beautiful spring day! The happy couple celebrated the big day with family and close friends at the picturesque Burlington Golf and Country Club.
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he pitch comes in low and lazy. It hangs over the plate, teasing the batter. He squints and drops his elbows. His grip tightens. He drives his hands forward. The bat swings wildly across home plate, whoosh. Strike one. Players from both benches begin to chuckle. The batter grins and shakes his head. Outside of the umpires, nobody really keeps track of strikes and balls in the GSA (Graduate Students Association)Softball League. “Winning is rarely acknowledged during the regular season, and it’s certainly never celebrated,” says league co-commissioner Curt Heckaman ’80.
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Anna Palmieri ’05 graduated from Athabasca University in June 2014 with a master’s degree in Nursing (Teaching Focus). Over the past decade of her nursing career she has held various positions, including bedside registered nurse (RN) and education and development clinician — both at a neonatal intensive care unit in Ontario. In the near future, Palmieri plans to seek employment opportunities to formally teach nursing education.
Samantha Blackburn ’12 and Alex Armstrong are now engaged. Before asking, Armstrong said he probably knew what her answer would be. She had no idea what he meant by that, until he started to explain that earlier in the day, he had introduced her as his “girlfriend” and it just didn’t sound right. So he asked if he could start calling Blackburn his “fiancee,” and of course she said yes! Blair Bigham ’15 began saving lives in high school, when he took a job as a lifeguard and soon after rescued a drowning swimmer. Bigham then became an ambulance paramedic in 2006, serving as a flight paramedic on helicopters. He’s been saving people by getting them to the surgery as fast as possible. He has kept that job on a part-time basis while obtaining a master’s degree in resuscitation and, most recently, a medical degree. Bigham was one of 193 new physicians who graduated from the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine in May.
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In Memoriam
IN MEMORIAM
Faculty Dr. David Sackett, widely known as the father of evidence-based medicine, died May 13, 2015. “Dr. David Sackett was a wonderful man who propelled McMaster into the international spotlight, a reputation we still enjoy today,” said Dr. John Kelton, dean and vice-president of McMaster’s Faculty of Health Sciences. Gord Guyatt ’77 & ’83, a distinguished university professor of clinical epidemiology and biostatistics, said: “Dave Sackett was an inspiration to all who knew him. His generosity, kindness, brilliance, innovation and deep commitment to science and to improving patient care provided a role model for more than one generation of clinical researchers and students.” Sackett was just 32 years old when he came to Hamilton as the founding chair of Canada’s first Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics in 1968. He was instrumental in developing evidence-based medicine, a medical approach based on scientific evidence and critical appraisal rather than conventional wisdom. Sackett left McMaster in 1994 to found the International Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine at the University of Oxford in England, before retiring from academic and clinical practice in 1999. He leaves his wife, Barbara, and sons, David, Charlie, Andy and Bob.
1930s James H. Shaw ’39 died in April 2015 at the age of 97, following a brief illness. His degree from McMaster provided a strong foundation for his subsequent PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Wisconsin. Upon completion of his PhD, Shaw accepted a position at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine, where he played a major role in proving that what you eat plays a big part
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in tooth decay, with sugar being a major contributor. He also played a major role in showing that low dose fluoride reduces tooth decay and was passionately involved in promoting community water fluoridation as a public health strategy to reduce tooth decay.
1940s Lynn R. Williams ’44 & ’78 (honorary) died May 5, 2015 in Toronto, Known as the “steelworker’s giant,” Williams’ passing was reported in The New York Times, The Globe and Mail and The Hamilton Spectator. The son of a minister and named for another minister, he came of age during the height of the Great Depression and later become one of the most respected and influential labour leaders in North America. Williams was named head of the United Steel Workers in 1983, and assumed control of a union that was in dire straits but still 600,000 members strong. By the time he retired in 1994, he had added 100,000 new members to the union’s ranks and pioneered strategies for creating lasting benefits for workers from the sputtering industrial heart of the American economy. Edwin Hunt ’48 died Jan. 18, 2015. Hunt is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Iris Lilly Potter. Sidney was born in Niagara Falls, Canada, and lived there until joining the Canadian Navy in 1943 where he served in the South Pacific until 1945. When he returned home, he attended McMaster where he studied Economics and graduated in 1948.
1950s Joan Clarke (Pye) ’50 died May 23, 2015. She was the beloved wife of Ken Clarke ’51 for 63 years, loving mother of Susan, Paul, and Ian; generous motherin-law to Steve, Heather, Darlene,
Cathy, Sharon. Lovingly remembered by her grandchildren. Raymond Neill ’50 died May 11, 2015. Neill was born in Port Arthur, Ont. on September 24, 1928. Neill earned a science degree from McMaster in 1950, and then studied medicine at the University of Toronto, graduating in 1954. While at McMaster, he met and fell in love with his only girlfriend and true love, Beverly Butler ’51. His wife Beverly, his sons Todd and Christopher, his daughter Michelle, and his two nieces, Jan and Judy Fair, survive him. Robert “Bob” Crofoot ’51 died Nov. 11, 2014 in Waterloo, Ont. of Alzheimer’s. His wife of 62 years, Lois Crofoot (Pond) ’52, and three children Bruce (Alice), Kenneth (Jan), and Linda Crofoot ’83 (Chris) and six grandchildren survive him. Paul Duff ’51 died Oct. 5, 2014 in his 87th year. Duff was the beloved husband of Leila, dear father of Ian and his wife, Marisol, and their children Sabrina and Sophia, of Virginia and Melissa and her husband, Luiz and their daughter, Bianca of Rio de Janeiro. Carl Mihoff ’52 died Oct. 17, 2014. Mihoff served in the Air Force and the Army during the Second World War. As part of his decommissioning he was able to attend McMaster University. After graduating, Mihoff and his wife, Shirley, moved to Nova Scotia where Carl worked at DREA, in the mathematics section, until he retired. Edward Smith ’53 died May 16, 2015 in his 86th year. He was a loving husband to Marjorie, his wife of 57 years, and cherished father of Susan. Predeceased by his brother Bruce in 2010. Sadly missed by his sisters-in-law Alison
and Anna, and brother-in-law Bill (Judy). Fondly remembered by his nephew John (Laura) and niece Margaret. Jean Shilcock (McClatchey) ’55 died Feb. 15, 2014 from Alzheimer’s. She taught French at schools in Stoney Creek, Toronto and Oakville and later became a sales person in her husband’s importing business and sang in his church choirs. Keith A. Rielly ’56 died Apr. 19, 2015 in Hamilton, peacefully, in the arms of his wife, Marlene, and with his little dog Ziggy curled beside him. His beloved children, Linda and John and his cherished granddaughters, Alana and Erica Nicholson, all in British Columbia, will mourn him. Carl Gladysz ’59 died Apr. 22, 2015, peacefully at home with his family by his side after a short illness. Gladysz was a beloved husband and best friend to Joan for 55 years, and a cherished father to Mike (Diane), Kathy (Don), Dave (Marta) and Debbie (Ian) and grandfather to his seven grandchildren, Brendan, Alison, Kayla, Zac, Eli, Simon and Toby.
1960s Gordon A. Passmore ’61 died Apr. 23, 2015 at the age of 76. Born and raised in Hamilton, he was predeceased by his parents, Gordon and Hazel. Passmore is survived by his wife, Roberta, son Matthew (Amanda), daughter Alyssa (Ian) and four grandsons: Quinn and Xavier Passmore, and Oscar and Michael Sheridan. Donna Sergeant ’61 & ’89 died June 12, 2015. She was born in Hamilton and married for 34 years, predeceased by her soulmate, Mervyn Sergeant ‘59 & ‘62 (d. 1995). She was a tender and devoted mother to Stephen (d. 1962), Laura, Myles (Sonia
Anand) and Matthew. She was also the loving and proud grandmother of Anjali, Anand and Sachin. Much loved by her adopted grandchildren Elaheh and Shahab Mirzad, her sisters [in law] Ruth Hess and Gwen O’Neill. Dawn Vail ’61 died May 15, 2015. A retired school teacher, sister, aunt, great aunt, adopted grandmother and friend to many. Survived by sisters, Sheila Huxley and Barbara Ford, predeceased by brother Robert Vail and parents Allan Douglas (Bill) Vail and Beatrice (Nellie) Vail.
Kathleen Kenifick ’63 died Feb. 19, 2015. She dedicated her life to education as an elementary school teacher, a consultant to principals and teachers with the Hamilton-Wentworth Separate School System and as superintendent of education. Bruce Jennings ’65 died Jan. 22, 2015. After graduating from McMaster, he taught for many years at John G. Althouse Public School in Etobicoke. Brother of Jill James (Tom). Treasured “Uncle Fuzzy” to Bill Towsley (Karen), John Towsley (Kelly), Ann Lyttle (Yale) and Susan McQuattie (Colin). “Gruncle Fuzzy” to Melanie (Trevor), Jessica (Kent), Scott (Madeline), Laura, Christi (Andre), Dustin (Jessica), Kieran and Devin. Jennings was also great-great uncle to Kensi, Madi and Evelyn. Glenn Bannerman ’66 died June 10, 2015 in his 74th year. Predeceased by his parents Gordon and Edna (Lougheed) Bannerman, brother Donald Bannerman (Deborah) and nephew Jeffrey Walker. Will be missed by Helen, his daughter
Margaret Rice ’66 died May 15, 2015 in her 84th year. She was the loving wife and best friend of husband Malcolm for 60 years, and dedicated mother of Peter (Linda), Teresa (Dan), Vernon (Darlene), David, Lyn (Meryle), and Carol (Darwin). She was nana of eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Predeceased by Baby Danny in 1959.
and his wife, Mila, of Ottawa, Carol Antoine-Ronson and her husband, Jim Ronson, of Port Hope and Laurie Antoine and her husband, Ed Leblanc, of Nepean. Predeceased by her parents, Alexander and Rita Antoine.
behind her husband of 24 years, Scott Balinson ’86, and two children Kate and Max, as well as two brothers, three sisters and her mother and father.
Anastasia Young ’75 died May 1, 2015. Sister Anastasia, a Sister of Social Service, will be lovingly remembered by her religious community and her family; Doreen, Richard (Linda), Clarence (Evelyn), Ken (Nancy), Geri (Bruce) and Phyllis (Mike) as well as her aunts and uncles, numerous nieces and nephews, friends and colleagues.
Melvin F. Clarke ’96 died May 14, 2015. His parents, Marjorie and Frederick Clarke, Dartmouth and one granddaughter predeceased him. Clarke is survived by his wife, Joan; son, Scott (Roberta), Sydney River; daughters Krista (Devon), Dartmouth, Katherine (Iain), Centreville and stepdaughters, Crystal (Steven), Ajax, Ont. and Cheryl (Ryan), Calgary; his brother, Darrell (Joann), Halifax and sister, Cheryl, Fletcher’s Lake. Five grandchildren also survived Clarke.
Donna Nash ’68 died June 10, 2015. Predeceased by her husband, Gerald A. Nash, and survived by her younger brother, Lloyd Sammons.
Terence Smart ’78 died May 8, 2015. Smart was the treasured husband of Dorothy (Oatt) and beloved step dad to James, Katie (Christoph) and Denise Harrison. He was the cherished brother of Edgar, Patricia Smart Leard (John) and Barb Barrow (Brad), son of Frederika and the late John Smart, and son-in-law of Barbara Oatt. Predeceased by first wife Sheila (Henderson).
1970s
1980s
Thomas Soul ’73 died Nov. 14, 2013. Soul was the beloved husband of Jean Bryant, and loving father of Danielle (Michael), Lauren and their mother Shelley. Dear brother of Jim (Norma), Helen (late Bill) and Elizabeth (Bryan).
Indra R. Pulcins ’80 died May 1, 2015, suddenly, while vacationing in Venice, Italy. Indra will be greatly missed by her husband Eriks, her parents Nora and Edmund, her brother Andrew (Linda), her sister-in-law Sarma, the Eglite in-laws, her niece and nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and godchildren.
Beverley Pesoton ’67 died May 29, 2015 in her 70th year. She was the beloved wife of Tamur Pesoton.
Jurate Foran (Jurgutis) ’75 died May 2, 2015. Beloved wife and best friend of Tom ’75 and devoted mother of Jessica ‘06 and McMaster PhD candidate Michael Young and Stefanie Foran. Joan Wyatt (Antoine) ’75 died Sept. 1, 2014, peacefully and surrounded by family at her home in Owen Sound, Ont. Dearly loved wife of Rodney Wyatt ’75. Loving mother of Geoffrey Wyatt and his wife, Vanessa, Graham Wyatt and his wife, Tara, Samantha Wyatt (Mitch Fillion) and Daniel Wyatt (Meagan Hughes). Proud grandmother of Emma and Sophie. Dear sister of Claire Antoine and her partner, Wayne Desrosiers of Cornwall, Ronald Antoine
Aubrey Carrington ’84 died Dec. 27, 2014 in Toronto, Ont. with his wife, Marilyn, by his side. He retired in 1993 from teaching math in Toronto and electronics in Hamilton and York Region. He was a dedicated member of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation, District 15. He was the loving husband of Marilyn (Jones) for 48 years, father of Emile (Denise Highgate) André (Krissy Mishra) and Rebecca (Gary Krempl), and a loving grandfather to many grandchildren. Carmen V. Balinson (Jaeckle) ’89 died Jan. 30, 2015. She leaves
1990s
2000s Yurij Petlura ’09 & ’11 died Apr. 21, 2015. Petlura was a beloved and cherished son of Vladimir and Luba (Maksym). He was a loving brother of Oleksander and Christina, treasured grandson of Pelagia Maksym, loved nephew of Orest Maksym (Cynthia) and dear cousin of John and Natalie. Many close family members, colleagues Mykola Maskulka and Mary Procyszyn and numerous friends will sadly miss Petlura. Courtney Anderson ’12 died Feb. 15, 2014. Her loving parents, Karen and Lonny Anderson, sister Ashley Anderson, brothers Bryan and Jordan Anderson, grandmothers Ann Hennessy and Brenda Vejprava, aunts, uncles, and cousins survive her. Paul Settimi ’13 died Feb. 19, 2015. Settimi is the much-loved son of Arnie and Sally (Mattina) and stepmother, Nancy, and special brother of Sarah and stepbrother, Justin. He will be greatly missed by family and friends. Kelsey Sonnenburg ’13 died May 3, 2015 in Hamilton, Ont. Sonnenburg, originally from the Ottawa area, was a nurse at McMaster Children’s Hospital and a graduate from the Faculty of Health Sciences.
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IN MEMORIAM
Ronald Schaub ’62 & ’63 died Aug. 17, 2014 in Honeymoon Bay, BC. Dr. Schaub earned two degrees from McMaster’s Department of Psychology. He moved to Victoria in the 1980s with his wife, Diane Perry ’60, also a McMaster graduate, and family. His daughters, Laura and Sandra and his son David, as well as 12 grandchildren survive him. His son Mark died in 1988.
Laura (Joe), son David and sister Bonnie Walker (Dan), nephew Chris Walker (Christine), niece Diane Wingenroth (Hendrick) and great-nieces Eve and Jessie. Also Peryn (Rick), Kalan (Lia), Sara, Molly, Amy, Maggie, Lindsey, Matthew, Beth and many great-nieces and nephews.
THEN & NOW Health Sciences alumna Katrina Radassao ’15 (left) chats with former Refectory headwaiter John Hansuld ’54, one of the country’s most renowned geochemists. Radassao, a part-time server at The Phoenix, will begin a master’s degree in physiotherapy at McMaster this fall.
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JD HOWELL
THEN&NOW
‘Then & Now’ profiles two students from different eras and highlights how their experiences differed. For this issue, meet John Hansuld ‘54, a renowned geochemist; and recent Health Sciences graduate Katrina Radassao ’15. Both have worked as servers in The Refectory, a building that remains one of McMaster’s social hubs.
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THEN & NOW
“At my best, I could carry six cups of coffee using one hand,” begins John Hansuld ’54, former headwaiter at The Refectory during a time when McMaster was still a Baptist institution, still reeling from the Second World War and not yet familiar with rock and roll music. “One evening, serving dinner, I was passing a cup of coffee to a very attractive girl on the far side of the dining hall. I took my eyes off the cups, leaned over and poured coffee down the back of the woman directly in front of me. Everyone started banging their spoons on the tables.” Hansuld chuckles and lets out a big sigh. He remembers the calamity like it happened yesterday. At 84 years old, one of Canada’s premier geochemists is still every bit as witty, jovial and mischievous as he was when George Gilmour was president of the University. And Hansuld still feels bad about the spill. Born and raised in the nearby community of Galt (now part of Cambridge), Hansuld came to McMaster at the behest of a fellow student Norm Glendenning ’54 to study geology. The pair roomed together in Edwards Hall during their first year on campus. Hansuld spent the remainder of his time in residence with lifelong friend Doug Coleman ’54 & ’06 (honorary). “Doug and I picked the room with the largest closet three years in a row, because we could store more cases of beer in there,” says Hansuld, laughing again. During the early 1950s, six months in a McMaster residence building cost roughly $350 per student — an arrangement that included fullservice breakfast, lunch and dinner at The Refectory. Eager to earn a little spending money and enjoy open access to the kitchen, Hansuld wasted no time joining the wait staff at the Refectory. Handsome and charming, it wasn’t long before he earned the admiration of his peers. He was named headwaiter during his fourth year on campus. “As headwaiter, I knew almost everyone in residence,” says Hansuld. “I was very popular with the male students once the school year started. I knew all the girls’ names and what they were studying, and I would arrange introductions if someone wanted to make a date.” There were no menus or personalized orders in those days, and nowhere else to dine on campus. If a student missed a pre-paid meal, he or she would have to venture into Westdale Village or Ainslie Wood to find sustenance. Dinner typically involved soup or juice, a meat dish (chicken, beef or pork), seasonal vegetables or mashed potatoes, bread, milk, coffee and dessert. Alcohol was never permitted in the dining hall. Six decades later, Hansuld is seated beside Katrina Radassao ’15 at the end of a glistening wooden bar inside The Refectory. The upper level was recently modernized and reopened as The Phoenix — a bright and spacious restaurant with an expansive outdoor patio facing the neighbouring ravine — while a vegan café known as Bridges occupies the building’s lower level. These days, students and faculty can order whatever they please from the menu. Gazing at the polished counters, flat screen televisions and glossy
menus, Hansuld can hardly believe this is the same cramped dining hall he once tap-danced around in a necktie and starched white dress shirt. Radassao, a native of Hamilton and recent Health Sciences graduate, has been working as a part-time server at The Phoenix for the past several years. She’s already well-versed in the building’s rich history. “I’ve always loved historical buildings, an appreciation I’ve developed by travelling through Europe as well as living and studying in England,” says the 22-year-old. “Working in a beautiful heritage building is wonderful. Some of the fixtures and walls date from when the building was built and they are absolutely stunning. We always get compliments from customers who are coming for the first time.” Like Hansuld, her time at The Phoenix has been full of laughter and entertainment. Whether setting up for a wedding reception, learning how to knit or do sign language, going out for frozen yogurt after a long shift or just sitting around a campfire with fellow servers during a weekend getaway, her memories are all fond. She’s also heard plenty of stories from former patrons and McMaster alumni, including those who frequented The Refectory and the old Rathskeller student pub when it was still in operation. “Customers always tell me stories of the times they spent in this building,” says Radassao, who will begin a master’s degree in physiotherapy at McMaster this fall. “Stories of food fights, where each residence sat, where the heads of each residence sat and how important that position was as they watched over the other students.” As for the young woman Hansuld doused in coffee all those years ago, there was a silver lining. The two became good friends. So close, in fact, that the female student, Beverly Benallick ’54, wound up marrying Hansuld’s best friend and roommate Doug Coleman. “I was so embarrassed when that happened, I disappeared out the back door as fast as I could,” says Hansuld. “But it turned out to be one of the best mistakes I ever made.”
Alumni Directions Awesome in one place for the last 85 years KAREN MCQUIGGE ‘90, Director, Alumni Advancement
ALUMNI DIRECTIONS
B
ack in the old days, important institutions moved all the time. There have been nine different capital cities of the United States and before Confederation, four different cities got to be Canada’s capital. More recently, however, great institutions have tended to stay put. The Montréal Canadiens don’t relocate to Phoenix, the University of Oxford appears to be staying in Oxford, and the Cunningham family never left Milwaukee. (Yes, that’s a Happy Days reference.) But McMaster University, as it does so often, proved it was the exception when it relocated from its founding location on Bloor Street in Toronto to a brand-new campus. McMaster found a perfect partner in the city and citizens of Hamilton and on October 1, 1930 the University opened its new campus with 500 students and 25 professors. This fall, we celebrate the 85th anniversary of the move that unlocked McMaster’s potential and helped us become one of the world’s truly great universities. Mac has changed a lot in those 85 years. The 1930 version of Mac had 500 students. Today, that number is 43 times larger. In 1930, it was relatively easy for students to know almost everyone on campus,
but hard to keep in touch once they graduated. Today, it’s the other way around. As the University has grown, so has the power of technology. It may be easier to reach tens of thousands of people now than it was to connect a few hundred then. The McMaster Alumni Association uses technology in many ways to build the Mac family. One of my favourite recent examples is the Flat Mac program. Flat Mac is a cardboard version of our University’s fierce-yet-friendly mascot. We sent him to this year’s incoming students and asked them to include Mac in their social media experiences. You can follow Flat Mac’s exploits at flatmac.ca or #FlatMac. As I’m writing this, Flat Mac has already travelled the world with dozens of posting in Canada and appearances in Europe, Asia and Australia. We are also preparing to launch an online mentoring program through our partners at Evisors.com. It’s a way to access guidance from people who have been in the professional environments that are important to you … or that you hope will be important to you as your career develops. Watch for details soon on how to tap into the wisdom of more mentors than there were students at McMaster 85 years ago. The only downside is that Howard Cunningham, proprietor of Cunningham’s Hardware in Milwaukee, isn’t one of the mentors. (More Happy Days.)
And the survey says… SANDRA STEPHENSON ‘78, President, Alumni Association Last spring we set out to take stock of our alumni program and ask you what you thought about our programming and communications and your relationship with McMaster. The comprehensive alumni engagement survey asked you to commit some time to sharing your thoughts and so, to the approximately 5000 of you who took the time to share your thoughts – thank you! Your feedback is invaluable as we aim to serve our diverse and dynamic alumni family with enriching and meaningful experiences. Here are just a few things we learned about our alumni family: • Almost a third of McMaster grads have a spouse or other family member who attended McMaster! • You’re most likely to be engaged with us if you are a recent grad and live in Hamilton area.
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• Grads 11 to 20 years out are the least engaged group… • McMaster grads are proud of their association with their alma mater and readily promote McMaster to potential qualified students. …and much more! As we continue to analyse the wealth of data we received, the MAA Board of Directors will be using the rich learnings from the survey in the development of the MAA’s next three-year strategic plan. If you didn’t get a chance to share your thoughts during the survey process, I encourage you to share them at any time through alumni@mcmaster.ca. Your feedback is vital to ensure we help to keep your connection to McMaster relevant and valuable, wherever you are. Not sure what we do currently? Check the MAA Annual report, June 2014- May 2015 found at alumni.mcmaster.ca/annualreport for highlights of the year’s activity. I look forward to another exciting year meeting more McMaster grads and students and working with the MAA Board to create an even better Association going forward!
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