Dean of Engineering recruited by UWO

Posted February 04, 2000


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - February 3, 2000 2000-02-02-ENG

Dean of Engineering recruited by UWO

Saskatoon, SK -- University of Saskatchewan dean of engineering Franco Berruti was today approved by the Board of Governors at the University of Western Ontario to lead their engineering faculty.

Engineering schools and departments of computer science in the eastern part of the country are currently undergoing immense growth and that trend is expected to continue over the next decade as the Ontario government dedicates increasing funds to these priority areas.

"The opportunity to be a part of this transformation is an exciting one," said Berruti. "My time in Saskatchewan has been rewarding, but I am ready for the new challenges created by Ontario's commitment to information technology, particularly software development."

Berruti was recruited to the University of Saskatchewan from Alberta in 1996. One of his priorities was to increase interaction between the academic world and industry. His efforts to build partnerships with the business community resulted in a variety of new opportunities for the college including the Innovative Teaching and Learning Centre (ITLC), the Cameco Access Program for Engineering and Science (CAPES), and a donation of $1.25 million to create an endowed chair in information technology.

Berruti also worked to reach groups that are traditionally under-represented in engineering schools and in the profession, launching programs to draw more women and Aboriginal students to the program.

"Franco has brought enormous energy and vision to the College during his tenure as dean," said University of Saskatchewan president Peter MacKinnon. "His tireless efforts on behalf of the college have conferred tremendous benefit not only on the College of Engineering, but on the university and the province, as well."

Recruitment of students has also been a priority for Berruti and he organized several events to inform students at both the elementary and high school levels about the profession of engineering and the careers it offers. Most recently Berruti organized an event at the University of Saskatchewan to bring the ACTAL Caswell Elementary school students onto campus to participate in activities in seven different colleges and departments.

Franco's enterprise and enthusiasm will be sorely missed," said Michael Atkinson, vice-president (academic). "He has been a vigorous participant in Deans' Council both on behalf of his College and on behalf of the university.

The search process for a new dean will begin immediately.

For more information, please contact:

Franco Berruti
Dean of Engineering
University of Saskatchewan
Phone: (306) 966-5273
Cell: (306) 221-4717

Michael Atkinson
Vice-President (Academic)
University of Saskatchewan
Phone: (306) 966-8484