April 30, 1999
Dr. Beth Bilson appointed first woman Dean of Law at U of S
Posted April 30, 1999
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 29, 1999
99-04-09-LA
University of Saskatchewan appoints
first woman dean of law
The University of Saskatchewan has appointed a new
dean of the College of Law.
Professor Beth Bilson, currently a professor of the
College of Law, University of Saskatchewan, will begin a
five-year term as dean of Law on July 1. She will
succeed Dean Kent Roach, who is resigning citing family
reasons. Dr. Bilson, is the first female appointed dean of
law, since the inception of the College of Law in 1914.
Dr. Bilson was selected after a thorough investigation
for qualified candidates by a search committee chaired
by Vice President (Academic), Michael Atkinson. The 10-
member committee advertised the position in several
publications. Nominations were gathered from across
Canada. The Western Management Consultants
organization assisted in the search for candidates.
Four candidates were chosen from a strong pool of
applicants to be interviewed and make presentations to
the faculty, staff and students of the college.
Dr. Bilson is currently Professor of the College of Law.
She is widely recognized for her work in Labour Law,
publishing extensively in that field. She recently
stepped down as Chair of the Saskatchewan Labour
Relations Board, a position she held from 1992-1997. Dr.
Bilson served as Assistant Vice-President
(Administration) from 1986-1988 and as Assistant Dean
of the College of Law from 1988-1990, and again in
1991-92.
Dr. Bilson is a longstanding member of the College of
Law, having been first appointed to its faculty in 1979.
She was granted tenure and promoted to Associate
Professor in 1983 and promoted to Full Professor in
1993. She holds three academic degrees from the
University of Saskatchewan, a B.A. (Honors) in History, an
M.A. in History, and an LL.B. She earned a Ph.D. from the
Faculty of Laws at the University of London in 1982.
Outgoing dean, Kent Roach, plans to return to Toronto
following his term at the University of Saskatchewan.
For more information, please contact:
Dr. Beth Bilson or Dr. Michael Atkinson
Incoming dean Vice President (Academic)
College of Law Administration Building
University of University of
Saskatchewan Saskatchewan
(306) 966- 5895 (306) 966-8484
April 26, 1999
Diploma in Agriculture Graduates
Posted April 26, 1999
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 23, 1999
99-04-07-AG
Diploma in Agriculture Graduates
Largest Number Since 1989
The University of Saskatchewan will confer the Diploma in Agriculture on 50
individuals on Friday, April 23, 1999. The Diploma in Agriculture program
educates individuals to become knowledgeable and skilled managers of
agricultural operations and prepares them for both careers in the
agribusiness and value-added sectors, and also to become effective community
leaders.
The graduation of the 50 Diploma in Agriculture students represents the
largest group since 1989. Career prospects for these graduates are
excellent due to the strong Agri-Business section of Saskatchewan's economy,
which continues to provide optimism for Diploma graduates that are returning
to manage the family farm and for those Diploma graduates that are seeking
employment in the agricultural service industry.
The 50 Diploma in Agriculture graduates are the second graduating class that
are eligible to join a professional organization, the Saskatchewan Institute
of Agrologists, as Agricultural Technologists.
There has been an increase in enrollment in the Diploma in Agriculture
program in the past three years, which suggests that individuals look for
programs such as the Diploma in Agriculture program to enhance their career
prospects in Agri-Business.
For more information, please call:
Dr. Mike Grevers
Coordinator, Diploma in Agriculture Program
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-7876
or
visit the College of Agriculture Website at:
http://www.ag.usask.ca/cofa/overview/about
Raccoons Infected with Distemper found South of Saskatoon
Posted April 26, 1999
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 23, 1999
99-04-08-VM
Raccoons Infected With Distemper
Found South of Saskatoon
Hikers along the Meewasin Trail, south of the city, have
reported several raccoons exhibiting unusual behaviour.
These raccoons are less reclusive in daylight hours and
tend to have ruffled or dirty fur and crusting around the
eyes. The Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre,
Department of Veterinary Pathology, U of S, has
conducted diagnostic testing concluding that the
examined animals are infected with Canine Distemper
virus.
Canine Distemper is a disease that can infect all canids
(dogs, foxes, coyotes), and mustelids (skunks, weasels,
badgers), as well as raccoons. Animals infected with
Canine Distemper sometimes have unusual or strange
behavior, which can not be differentiated from that of
animals infected with Rabies.
Individuals who find sick raccoons should not attempt to
handle the animals because of the possibility that the
animal might have Rabies. Domestic dogs that are taken
into areas where they might encounter raccoons or
other wild animals should be immunized for both Canine
Distemper and Rabies.
For more information, please call:
Gary Wobeser
Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-5099
April 20, 1999
Ivany Family to present farewell gift to U of S
Posted April 20, 1999
April 19, 1999
99-04-04-OTHER
U of S to be presented with farewell gift from
Ivany Family
You are cordially invited to attend the unveiling of a Joe Fafard
sculpture, presented to the University of Saskatchewan as a farewell
gift from outgoing President George Ivany and his family, Marsha,
Jessica, and Sarah.
The unveiling will take place on Saturday, April 24, 1999, 3:00 p.m.
outdoors between the Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine
buildings. A reception will follow in the upper atrium of the
Agriculture Building.
For more information, please contact:
Heather Magotiaux
Director of Communications
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-6614
Graduation for Prairie Horticulture Certificate Program
Posted April 20, 1999
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 20, 1999
99-04-05-AG
Prairie Horticulture Certificate Program
Graduation
The Prairie Horticulture Certificate Program (PHC), which can be
completed at home by those interested in the horticulture industry,
will be presenting six graduates of the program at the annual
Diploma and Certificates Convocation. The ceremonies will be held on
April 23, 1999 in Place Riel Theatre.
PHC has been developed and is delivered by a consortium including
the University of Manitoba, Assiniboine Community College, Olds
College and the University of Saskatchewan.
Since beginning delivery in the fall of 1994, this distance delivered
program now has around 200 active participants in various stages of
completion. The program was developed to be specific for the prairie
climate and to be adapted to the growing horticulture industry across
the prairie provinces.
It's anticipated that demand for the program from gardeners and
industry will continue to be strong well into the next century. The
next few years will see higher numbers of graduates from the
program.
Modeled after the award winning Certificates in Agriculture Program,
the PHC program is meeting a demand from prairie residents for
post-secondary education in horticultural science. Students are
appreciative of the opportunity to study at a distance and continue
with their farm, business and family responsibilities at the same
time.
This program is offered cooperatively by the College of Agriculture
and the Extension Division at the U of S.
For further information, contact:
Corey Loessin, P. Ag. or Dr. Graham Jones
PHC Coordinator Associate Dean
Extension Division College of Agriculture
(306) 966-4049 (306) 966-4063
Agriculture Certificate Program Graduation
Posted April 20, 1999
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 20, 1999
99-04-06-AG
Agriculture Certificate Program to Graduate 21
Certificates in Agriculture will be presented to 21 individuals who
have completed the requirements of this program. This includes 13
Crop Production and 8 Farm Management Certificates. Certificates in
Agriculture Program (CAP) is offered co-operatively by the
University of Saskatchewan's College of Agriculture and Extension
Division.
The ceremonies will be held on April 23, 1999 as part of the College
of Agriculture?s annual Diploma and Certificate graduation. Awards
sponsored by the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool and Farm Credit
Corporation will be made to the student with the highest academic
standing in each certificate stream.
The CAP graduates of 1999 are the seventh group to complete the
requirements of this successful new program. In total, there will
now be 209 graduates since the program began in the fall of 1990.
In the past, The Certificates in Agriculture Program has received the
Distinguished Credit Program Award from the Association for
Continuing Higher Education. The program has also received the
Outstanding Program Award from the Canadian Association for
University Continuing Higher Education. Receiving these awards is
a tribute to the success and high completion rate of students in this
program.
The Certificates in Agriculture Program is meeting a demand from
Saskatchewan residents for post-secondary education in applied
agricultural science. Students are appreciative of the opportunity to
study at a distance and continue with their farm, business and family
responsibilities at the same time.
The program continues to attract new students and had over 460
course registrations from across the prairie provinces this year. The
program is gaining recognition within the agriculture industry as a
credible post-secondary source of agricultural education.
For further information, contact:
Corey Loessin, P. Ag. or Dr. Graham Jones
CAP Coordinator Associate Dean
Extension Division College of Agriculture
(306) 966-4049 (306) 966-4063
April 19, 1999
ADF Funding for U of S Research Projects
Posted April 19, 1999
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 16, 1999
99-04-02-AG
University of Saskatchewan
research projects receive ADF
funding
Saskatoon-Sutherland MLA Mark Koenker today
announced on behalf of Agriculture and Food Minister
Eric Upshall that the University of Saskatchewan has
received $379,819 from the Saskatchewan Agriculture
Development Fund (ADF) for two research projects in
the College of Medicine and the College of Engineering.
The College of Medicine project, led by Dr. Bernhard
Juurlink, will examine the nutraceutical potential of
brassica spout extracts to prevent cardiovascular
problems. ADF funding for this project is $194,219.
The College of Engineering project, led by Dr. Ernie
Barber of the Department of Agriculture and
Bioresource Engineering, will collect baseline
environmental data about the site of a new hog
research and production facility to be constructed by
Prairie Swine Centre, Inc. ADF has provided $185,600
for the project.
"The University of Saskatchewan plays a vital role in
the development of the agriculture and food industry in
this province," Koenker said. "It is particularly
interesting to note that research endeavors by various
colleges on the campus have an impact on the agri-food
industry. Research into the medicinal value of specific
plants and research into the environmental impact of
hog operations make a valuable contribution to our
society as a whole and may have the potential to
create economic activity in the province."
Juurlink said his project will determine if a particular
anti-inflammatory compound found in extracts from
broccoli and certain other crucifers - the mustard
family of plants -- can inhibit the formation of
atherosclerosis, which can lead to heart attack and
stroke.
"Southern Europeans have fewer problems with
atherosclerosis than Northern Europeans or North
Americans," Juurlink said. "Many reasons for this have
been suggested, but we think that this difference may
be due to higher dietary intakes by Southern Europeans
of anti-inflammatory compounds known as phase II
enzyme inducers. Our project will determine whether a
phase II enzyme inducer found in broccoli and other
crucifers can prevent the changes in blood vessels that
lead to atherosclerosis. We will also determine which
crucifers readily grown in Saskatchewan have high
levels of this anti-inflammatory compound."
Barber said his project will monitor and test the impact
of hog operations on the environment surrounding the
facilities.
"Pork production is expected to expand in the Province
of Saskatchewan in recognition of the natural
advantages we have for feed grain production, our
considerable expertise in pig buildings, management,
and breeding, and the availability of cropland to receive
manure from the facilities," Barber said.
"The industry is anxious to ensure that new and
existing production units do not create adverse
environmental impacts," Barber said. "Monitoring the
air, soil, surface and groundwater prior to construction,
during construction, and immediately after start-up of
two new pork production facilities will establish a data
base upon which to evaluate the environmental
impacts. The results of the project will increase
industry and public confidence in the sustainability of
current building and manure storage practices."
Barber said the project will be conducted at the new
Prairie Swine Centre site and also at one other new
facility in the province.
For more information, contact:
Dr. Ernest Barber
Department of Agricultural and Bioresource Engineering
College of Engineering
University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon
(306) 966-5301
Dr. Bernhard Juurlink
Department of Anatomy Cell Biology, College of
Medicine
University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon
(306) 966-4083
April 14, 1999
Pharmacy Professor receives Bristol-Myers Squibb Outstanding Teacher Award
Posted April 14, 1999
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 14, 1999
99-04-01-PH
Pharmacy prof receives outstanding teacher
award
Professor Jeffrey Taylor, College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, has
received the Bristol-Myers Squibb Outstanding Teacher Award for
1998-99. The award, which consists of $1,000 professional
allowance and plaque, is awarded to a Pharmacy professor in the
College of Pharmacy and Nutrition who has exhibited excellence in
teaching. The recipient is selected by the fourth-year Pharmacy
class on the established criteria.
Professor Taylor is a member of the Division of Pharmacy Practice
and teaches in the area of therapeutics with an emphasis on non-
prescription drugs.
For more information, please contact:
Jeffrey Taylor
College of Pharmacy and Nutrition
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966- 5328
April 01, 1999
Canada Foundation for Innovation approves funding for Canadian Light Source Project
Posted April 01, 1999
FOR RELEASE
MARCH 31, 1999
CANADA FOUNDATION FOR INNOVATION APPROVES FUNDING
FOR CANADIAN LIGHT SOURCE PROJECT
SASKATOON, Saskatchewan ? The Canada Foundation for
Innovation (CFI) has approved a $56.4 million contribution
to build the Canadian Light Source (CLS) synchrotron project
at the University of Saskatchewan. The decision gives the
green light to the $173.5 million national facility, the
largest scientific project ever to be built in Canada.
Today CFI President David Strangway announced the
critical funding component for the CLS at a joint news
conference on campus with Saskatchewan Premier Roy
Romanow, Natural Resources Canada Minister Ralph Goodale,
Industry Canada Minister John Manley, Saskatchewan
Economic and Co-operative Development Minister Janice
MacKinnon, Saskatoon Mayor Henry Dayday and U of S
President George Ivany.
The CLS represents an unprecedented level of
collaboration among governments, universities and industry
in Canada. The project marks the first federal-provincial-
civic partnership with a university to build a major
research project in Canada. Eighteen universities, in
addition to the U of S, have endorsed the project.
The CLS will be built around the existing
Saskatchewan Accelerator Laboratory (SAL) on the U of S
campus. The state-of-the-art facility is expected to begin
operation in 2003.
Construction of the project is expected to create 500
jobs per year over four years. About 200 scientists,
technicians and operations staff, including 60 SAL staff
members, are expected to be employed at the facility when
it is fully operational in 2008. An independent study has
estimated the CLS could attract $35 million annually in
commercial research and development spending.
CFI President David Strangway:
"The Canada Foundation for Innovation is pleased to be
a major funding partner in this project," President
Strangway said. "By announcing our contribution of $56.4
million, we are marking a new era for scientific research in
Canada. The success of this project can only be made
possible thanks to an extraordinary level of commitment
and co-operation between the University of Saskatchewan
and its partners from the public and private sectors. As a
result, researchers will be able to undertake projects that
will have a profound impact on many aspects in the lives of
Canadians."
Premier Roy Romanow:
"It was clear from the outset that a project of this
magnitude could only be realized through a partnership of
universities, industry, the scientific community, various
levels of government and many other groups," said Premier
Romanow. "Because of their co-operation, hard work and
dedication, Saskatchewan will have a wonderful new
facility to enhance our province's reputation for innovation."
Natural Resources Canada Minister Ralph Goodale:
?Western Economic Diversification?s contributions of
both financial and human resources to further the CLS
application process demonstrates its commitment to
diversifying the western Canadian economy through
innovation and technology,?said Minister Goodale. ?This is
one of its most significant projects in terms of providing
highly-skilled employment opportunities, building a pool of
talented young researchers, strengthening our knowledge
base and adding millions into the provincial economy.?
Industry Canada Minister John Manley:
?I want to thank all of the members of the Canadian
Light Source Collaborative Committee, and especially its
chair, Bernard Michel, for their hard work, cooperation and
dedication in overseeing the successful application and
design process,?said Minister Manley. ?This project, which
enables Canadian scientists to conduct world-class
research at home, clearly illustrates how various levels of
government, government agencies and the private sector can
put aside differences to work together on a major project
that benefits our scientific community, many of our
industrial and economic sectors and Canadian residents.?
Economic and Co-operative Development Minister Janice
MacKinnon:
?The Canadian Light Source project will make
Saskatoon and Saskatchewan major players in the
international research arena,?Minister MacKinnon said.
?This national facility will attract research projects from
across the country and around the world. The CLS will build
on the strength of the University of Saskatchewan, attract
and train bright researchers and ultimately result in a
broadening of our economic base and industry jobs through
the application of the research done here.?
Saskatoon Mayor Henry Dayday:
"The city's $2.4-million investment will help create
hundreds of jobs and millions of dollars in economic
activity for Saskatoon," Mayor Henry Dayday said. "With this
announcement, Saskatoon's reputation as a national leader
in research and development in high-tech and bio-tech
industries will continue well into the next millennium."
U of S President George Ivany:
"The CLS is an enormous boost to the research capability of
Canada, with incredible possibilities for this and other
universities across the country," said President Ivany.
"We'll be able to train students in many areas of cutting-
edge research, retain the expertise of SAL researchers, and
attract top scientists and students from around the world.
The co-operation we've had from 18 universities across
Canada and the hard work from all levels of government
makes this a community effort in the broadest sense."
The CLS will be owned and operated by the U of S for
the various stakeholders. With an advisory board having
representation from various funding partners, the
management structure will emphasize the facility's unique
national character and its focus on serving users. The
National Research Council (NRC) will work with the U of S
in managing the CLS as a national facility.
Total value of the CLS project is $173.5 million -- a
$140.9-million cash portion and $32.6 million in 'in-kind'
contributions which includes the SAL and three University
of Western Ontario beamlines (scientific work stations)
which are to be moved from a facility in Madison,
Wisconsin.
The Canada Foundation for Innovation, funded by the
Government of Canada, is providing 40 per cent of the
$140.9 million in capital costs; other federal departments
are contributing another 20 per cent, or $28.3 million. The
Government of Saskatchewan will contribute $25 million,
the U of S $7.3 million, the City of Saskatoon $2.4 million,
SaskPower Corp. $2 million and the Universities of Alberta
and Western Ontario $300,000 each. As well, $19 million
will flow from other provinces, universities and industry to
build beamlines.
The Government of Canada is committed to providing a
significant portion of the $13.9 million (or about 55 per
cent) in annual operating costs (1998 dollars) through
agencies such as the Natural Sciences and Engineering
Research Council (NSERC), the NRC, and the Medical
Research Council. Remaining operating costs will be covered
by user fees, the U of S and other sources as required.
Preparatory design work by the SAL staff is almost
complete. Tenders will be sent out for construction work in
the coming weeks.
The nation?s scientific community and industry sector
will now be able to compete on an international level at
home. Canada will receive the benefits of both the
commercial applications of the research and the economic
spin-offs.
Synchrotron light is generated by using strong
magnets to accelerate electrons which are travelling near
the speed of light. Millions of times brighter than medical
X-rays, synchrotron light has a well-defined, pulsed beam
that can be used in basic and industrial research.
Applications include research in materials science,
environmental science, engineering, pharmaceuticals,
medical diagnosis and treatment, and biotechnology.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Joanne Mysak, Manager,
Consultations, Marketing and Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Saskatoon, SK
(306) 975-5942
WD Toll-Free No.:
1-888-338-WEST (9378)
WD World Wide Web
site:
English -http://www.wd.gc.ca
French- http://www.deo.gc.ca
Kathryn Warden
Research Communications Officer
Office of the Vice-President Research
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-2506
U of S Research
Web Site
http://www.usask.ca/research
Greg Leake
Director, Marketing and Corporate Affairs
Saskatchewan Economic and Co-operative Development
Regina, Saskatchewan
(306) 787-1691
Chris Dekker
Communications Manager
City of Saskatoon
(306) 975-3207
