May 31, 2000

Ontario firm invests $277,000 in new U of S Biosensor Technology

Posted May 31, 2000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ? Thursday, May 25, 2000 2000-05-21-OTHER

Ontario Firm Invests $277,000 in New U of S
Biosensor Technology

University of Saskatchewan scientists will receive $277,000 over two years
from a Toronto-based company to develop and commercialize a new biosensor
technology that could provide a new tool for genetic testing.

A three-party agreement launching the MEDNAPLEX project was signed May 23 by
U of S scientists Jeremy Lee and Heinz-Bernhard Kraatz, the U of S
technology transfer company UST Inc., and Toronto-based University Medical
Discoveries Inc. (UMDI), a technology development company focusing on
early-stage medical and life sciences research.

"Potentially this research could lead to a new screening tool for doctors to
pick up abnormalities in the DNA of blood samples from patients," said
Branko Peterman, president of University of Saskatchewan Technologies Inc.
which negotiated the deal.

"This new DNA probe might then be used to screen patients for genetic
diseases or to test for sensitivities to certain drugs. This whole area of
pharmacogenomics is where health care is headed in the next 10 to 15 years."


If the research goes as planned, it?s expected that a company will be spun
off in a year or two that will capitalize on the lucrative market for new
biosensors.

"For UMDI, this project represents an opportunity to become involved in the
early development of cutting-edge nanotechnology that is a potential
solution to the problem of finding highly sensitive DNA detectors," said
UMDI investment Analyst Nick Glover.

"There are other DNA probes but this one is potentially far more sensitive
than other detection systems, and it?s also cheap and reusable. The value of
an enabling technology in this sector is likely to be significant."

The new biosensor would be based on a new type of DNA molecule that can
conduct electricity called M-DNA. A U of S research team led by Prof. Lee is
the first in the world to create M-DNA.

Conducting metal ions such as zinc, cobalt or nickel are inserted into the
centre of the DNA helix to create a "molecular wire" that is only one
molecule thick. This discovery was recently published in the Journal of
Molecular Biology and is currently in the patent process.

M-DNA might also be used to screen for new anti-tumor drugs. Many anti-tumor
drugs work by binding to DNA. M-DNA could be an excellent way to detect
potential anti-cancer drugs because anything that binds to DNA will block
M-DNA?s electrical current.

There?s also the possibility M-DNA could also be used as the building block
for nanometer-scale bioelectric circuits (one billionth of a meter) that
mimic current electric circuitry. Potentially, these bioelectronic circuits
could even replace the smallest of silicon microchips that drive the world?s
information technology.

Lee, a biochemist, says the beauty of this discovery is not only the
relative ease with which the wire can be made, but also that it assembles
itself. This is a natural property of DNA which is also present in M-DNA.

Kraatz, an assistant professor in the chemistry department, has the
synthetic expertise to attach electrochemical sensor molecules to M-DNA and
the electrochemical expertise from his work with other biosensors to read
the signals that emanate from the M-DNA.

MEDNAPLEX is the first UMDI-funded project in Saskatchewan.

UMDI, a seed-stage venture capital firm, provides the capital required to
take a promising biomedical innovation to the point where the optimal
commercialization strategy can be determined and implemented. This may be by
forming a company or by licensing the technology.

UMDI applies judicious selection criteria to its investments, including the
potential size of the market, the credibility and efforts of the principal
investigators, the uniqueness of the discovery, and the intellectual
property position. UMDI has reviewed several hundred investment proposals
and has made 28 investments to date, many of which have progressed into
legitimate leading-edge biotechnology companies.

For further information:
Kathryn Warden
Research Communications Officer
Office of the Vice-President Research
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-2506
http://www.usask.ca/research

Dr. Nick Glover
Investment Analyst
University Medical Discoveries Inc.
100 International Blvd.
Toronto, Ontario M9W 6J6
Phone: (416) 213-4162
Fax: (416) 213-4232
E-mail: nglover@umdi.net
Web: http://www.umdi.net

May 24, 2000

GMOs and Biosafety: What are the Real Issues?

Posted May 24, 2000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 12, 2000 2000-05-05-AG

GMOs and Biosafety: What are the Real Issues?

An international conference dedicated to the discussion surrounding the
biosafety of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) will be held in
Saskatoon, July 8-13, 2000.

International experts from the scientific community, policy makers,
regulators, environmentalists and representatives involved in the commercial
release of GMOs will discuss crucial biosafety issues such as:

* Viral Sequences in GMOs
* Management of Bt with special attention to Bt and Monarch butterflies
* Marker Genes - Horizontal Transfer and Transgene Excision
* The Biosafety Risk of GM animals
* International Regulatory Issues for GM Commodities
* Environmental Issues with GMOs
* GM Food: Regulatory Issues

The conference features a free-admission public session on Sunday, July 9.

"Never before has the public shown so much interest in what they hear, see
and read of genetics," commented Conference Chair Alan McHughen who is also
a Professor and Senior Research Scientist with the University of
Saskatchewan. "The public is often concerned and sometimes afraid of what
they hear. As scientists, we not only have a duty to provide the facts, but
to provide a forum to deliver the facts and to initiate dialog in an
accessible manner."

Saskatoon is a world centre for research and development in biotechnology
employing over one-thousand biotechnologists at private companies, the
University of Saskatchewan, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Research Centre
and the National Research Council?s Plant Biotechnology Institute.

Additional program information is available at
http://www.usask.ca/agriculture/biosafety

Contact:
Lisa Jategaonkar
6th International Symposium on the Biosafety of Genetically Modified
Organisms
Organizing Committee
C/o Ag-West Biotech Inc.
101-111 Research Dr.
Saskatoon, SK
Canada S7N 3R2
Tel: (306) 975-1939
Fax: (306) 975-1966

Hayden Latest Recipient of Master Teacher Award

Posted May 24, 2000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 19, 2000 2000-05-14-OTHER
Hayden Latest Recipient of Master Teacher Award

The University of Saskatchewan is pleased to announce that the recipient of
the 2000 Master Teacher Award is Professor Michael Hayden of the Department
of History.

The Master Teacher award is distributed annually and carries a $1,000 prize.
The award was designed to emphasize the importance of good teaching at the
University of Saskatchewan and to recognize and honor those that exhibit the
faculty members who excel in teaching.

Dr. Hayden, received both a B.A. with Honors and a Masters from John Carroll
University in Ohio and attained a Ph.D. from Loyola University in 1963. He
began his career at the U of S in 1966 as an Assistant Professor before
being promoted to Professor of History in 1974. He has served as History
Department Head for three years and as Assistant Dean of Graduate Studies
and Research.

Dr. Hayden has been praised for his skills in innovative teaching methods,
as an effective graduate supervisor, as a mentor and role model, and as a
trailblazer in distance education programs.

A past student summed up his experience with Dr. Hayden stating, "I owe most
of what is good in intellectual life to Michael Hayden and (I) suspect that
many others do too. This award will be elevated by his possession of it."

Dr. Hayden has a great love of social history which he has dubbed "history
of the non-elite." He describes this as a new approach through which
students can discover the music, art and daily lives of the past and the
kings, queens, and parliaments of the times before ours.

Dedicated to improve teaching on campus, Dr. Hayden assists in helping
instructors to improve teaching skills through workshops for graduate
student teachers and through the Instructional Development Plan on campus.

Dr. Hayden in known for his knowledge of U of S history. More than 40
letters of support were written to nominate Dr. Hayden for this prestigious
award. Another student commented "Professor Hayden's designation as a
Master Teacher will simply be official recognition of a status he attained
long ago."

Professor Hayden will receive the Master Teacher Award at the 2:00 p.m
convocation ceremony on May 23, 2000.
- 30 -
For more information, contact:
Professor Michael Hayden
Department of History
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-5902

Dr. Glen Baker to Receive Earned Doctor of Science

Posted May 24, 2000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 19, 2000 2000-05-15-OTHER


Neuroscientist to Receive Earned Doctor of Science at
U of S Spring Convocation


The University of Saskatchewan will confer an earned Doctor of Science upon
Glen Baker, an award winning neuroscientist specializing in psychiatric
disorders, at the convocation ceremony on May 25 at 9:00 a.m..

Dr. Baker received a B.S.P. (Pharmacy) in 1970 from the University of
Saskatchewan followed by a M.Sc. (Pharmacy) and Ph.D. (Biological
Psychiatry). In 1974 he traveled to England to study neuropharmacology
after accepting a Medical Research Council (MRC) of Canada fellowship.

Currently, Dr. Baker is at the University of Alberta as a Professor and
Vice-Chair, Dept. of Psychiatry and Co-Director of the Neurochemical
Research Unit, Professor of Neuroscience, Adjunct Professor of Pharmacology
and Honorary Professor in Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Publishing over 200 peer-reviewed papers, Dr. Baker is also the Program
Co-Editor of the Neuromethods book series. He was awarded a McCalla
Research Professorship at the U of A in 1997 and is the 1999-2000 recipient
of a Killam Professorship.

A large portion of Dr. Baker's research has focused on the metabolism and
mechanisms of drugs to treat psychiatric disorders.

For more information, contact:

Dean Gary Kachanoski
Graduate Studies and Research
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-5759

President's Service Award to Merv Prysiazniuk

Posted May 24, 2000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 19, 2000 2000-05-16-OTHER

Merv Prysiazniuk Presented with President's Service Award at Spring Convocation

Merv Prysiazniuk, a Materials Handling Supervisor at the University of Saskatchewan, will receive the President's Service Award on May 24 at 2:00 p.m., during Spring Convocation ceremonies.

The President's Service Award was implemented to recognize exceptional contributions by non-academic staff, and it honors individuals who have enhanced the work environment by providing extraordinary service to the university community.

Prysiazniuk has worked at the University for twenty-six years. During this time, he has worked his way up from Labourer to Utility Labourer, Labour Assistant Supervisor, and finally to his current position of Labour Supervisor.

Melana Soroka, a nominator from the office of the Vice-President (Academic) said, "No task is too big or too small for Merv to handle."

Prysiazniuk takes great pride in his work and says he enjoys working with the people on campus. "He is a person of impeccable integrity who is ever seeking new challenges," commented Stuart Dawson, a nominator from the Division of Facilities Management.

He has worked on the President's First and Best campaign and "is a genuine University of Saskatchewan person. He treats everyone as if they were family," said another letter of support. Prysiazniuk is unfailing in his commitment to professional service and is known as a person who puts others ahead of himself.

Prysiazniuk is the first nominee in the history of this award to be nominated by two different campus groups in one year.

For more information, contact:

Bev Dickinson
Chair of the President's Service Award Selection Committee
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-6282

Ehman, Thiesson, Farrell to Receive Honorary Degrees

Posted May 24, 2000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 19, 2000 2000-05-17-OTHER

Ehman, Thiesson, Farrell to Receive Honorary Degrees at Spring Convocation

Richard Ehman, Stuart Thiesson, and Glen Michael Farrell are this year's
recipients of Honorary Degrees at the Spring Convocation.

Dr. Ehman graduated from the University of Saskatchewan in 1974 with a
degree in Physics (High Honors), followed by a degree with Great Distinction
in Medicine in 1979. He completed his residency and internship in the
Foothills Hospital in Calgary.

Dr. Ehman's accomplishments are many. He won the Governor General's Medal
in 1970, the Horner Pediatrics Medal in 1979, the Alberta Heritage
Foundation Research Fellowship in 1983, the Editor's Recognition Award,
Radiology in both 1986 and 1987, the RSNA Scholar Award from 1989-91, and a
Gold Medal Award, Society of Magnetic Resonance in 1995. Dr. Ehman was
named a Fellow of the Society of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in 1993.

He also acts as a consultant for the S-W Imaging Research Institute, Canada.

One of Dr. Ehman's most important industrial contributions came in the form
of a "spatial presaturation" sequence which is licensed for usage on all MRI
instruments around the world.

Dr. Ehman and his wife, Dr. Margaret Houston, have three children.

Stuart Thiesson has a varied background. He started teaching elementary
school in Moose Jaw in 1946. He later went on to be one of the founding
members of the National Farmers Union (NFU) in 1969.

As Executive Secretary of the NFU, Thiesson prepared several hundred policy
papers on topics including Tax Reform, Child Care, and Canada - U.S. Free
Trade. Thiesson went before both the Senate and the House of Commons to
speak on several bills. He retired from the NFU in 1992.

Thiesson was also the Founding Director of the Saskatoon Community Clinic
and was also a founding member of the Saskatchewan Agricultural Hall of
Fame. He has also served as a Board Member of the Saskatoon Community
Health Foundation since 1990.

In 1992, Thiesson received the Canada 125 Medal and prior to that in 1982 he
received the Century Saskatoon Agriculture Certificate.

Aside from his agricultural accomplishments, Thiesson is an active member of
the Saskatoon Silver Strings Fiddle Club and the Saskatoon Chimo Chordsmen.
He and his wife Marie have five children and sixteen grandchildren.

Glen Michael Farrell attained his B.Sc. in Agriculture from the University
of Saskatchewan in 1959 at which time he served as President of the Student
Body. In 1964 and 1969 respectively, he received his M.Sc. and Ph.D. in
adult education from the University of Wisconsin.

Dr. Farrell has worked as an Extension Specialist and Educator for the
University of Saskatchewan Extension Division from 1959 until 1975. He then
moved to Victoria where he became the Associate Director of Extension in
1978. In 1985 he was appointed President of the Knowledge Network and in
1988 he became the founding President of the Open Learning Center where he
resided until the end of his term in 1998.

As President, Dr. Farrell merged the Open Learning Institute and the
Knowledge Network creating the Open Learning Agency (OLA) which is a leader
in global distance education, today. In 1997, OLA offered one of the only
master's degrees in music therapy in Canada.

Glen Michael Farrell and his wife Leone (Robinson) have two children and two
grandchildren.

Dr. Richard Ehman will receive an Honorary Doctor or Science on May 24 at
9:00 a.m. and Stuart Thiesson and Glen Michael Farrell will receive Honorary
Doctors of Law at the ceremonies on May 24 at 2:00 p.m. and May 25 at 9:00
a.m. respectively. All three will present the Convocation Address.


For more information, contact:

Iain MacLean
University Secretary
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-4633

Distinguished Researcher Award to Robert Kerrich

Posted May 24, 2000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ? May 19, 2000 2000-05-18-OTHER

Renowned Geochemist To Receive U of S Distinguished Researcher Award

U of S geochemist Robert Kerrich, a world expert on the geochemistry of gold
deposits, will be presented with the university?s Distinguished Researcher
Award at convocation on May 23rd.

The award, which carries a $1,000 prize, recognizes a U of S faculty member
who has made a major contribution to knowledge through research and
publication.

"As one of Canada?s most distinguished geochemists, Professor Kerrich has
established an internationally recognized reputation for research
excellence, bringing credit to his department and the University," said
Michael Corcoran, Vice-President of Research.

Prof. Kerrich as contributed significantly to the understanding of how the
Earth?s crust evolved, work which has been important to the mining industry.
He has applied his understanding of earth processes to environmental
science, investigating problems in fields as diverse as the agricultural and
health sciences.

He was instrumental in establishing at U of S one of Canada's finest
geochemical analytical facilities. Hundreds of scientific papers have been
generated by faculty, graduate students and other members of his research
team.

Prof. Kerrich earned his Master's (1972) and Ph.D. (1975) degrees at
Imperial College, London, UK. He joined the U of S in 1987. In 1996, he was
awarded an Earned Doctor of Science from the U of S.

His international profile and prolific research record led his department to
seek his appointment to the George J. McLeod Chair in 1987. His subsequent
award of a prestigious NSERC Steacie Fellowship confirmed his status within
the Canadian scientific community.

He is a leading advocate of "earth systems science" which brings together
earth sciences and life sciences to address both scientific and social
questions. For example, he has collaborated with toxicologists and
epidemiologists on environmental geochemistry issues. He was a key player in
the $1.9-M Tri-Council Prairie Ecosystem study known as PECOS.

He has authored 156 refereed publications in major international geoscience
journals. In addition, he has authored invited articles in a host of edited
volumes on geochemistry, gold mineralization, global tectonics and other
topics. Last year, he was invited by the influential international journal
Science to write about recent Australian breakthroughs in understanding how
gold deposits form.

Prof. Kerrich's expertise has been sought by various national and
international research organizations. He has served on NSERC grant
selection committees and on the Scientific Review Group of the Federal
Environmental Assessment Review Office (FEARO) that reviewed Canada?s plans
for nuclear waste management.

Other notable honors bestowed on Prof. Kerrich include:
* Willett G. Miller Medal of the Royal Society of Canada (1999), awarded
once every two years for outstanding research in the earth sciences
* Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada (1992 -- Kerrich was the youngest
individual ever to receive the honor)
* W.H. Gross Medal of the Geological Association of Canada (1988), awarded
annually to a young geologist who has made outstanding contributions to the
field of economic geology in Canada

During his 13 years at U of S, Kerrich has graduated more than a dozen
doctoral and numerous masters? students, many of whom are now university
professors, corporate leaders or research scientists in government or the
private sector.


For more information contact:

Kathryn Warden
Research Communications Officer
Office of the Vice-President Research
(306) 966-2506

Professor Robert Kerrich
Department of Geological Sciences
(306) 966-5719

U of S Honours Outstanding Graduates

Posted May 24, 2000

2000-05-19-OTHER


U Of S Honours Outstanding Graduates

During Spring Convocation, the University's most outstanding graduates are
recognized with numerous awards and prizes. The most prestigious of these
are the Governor General's Gold and Silver Medals.

The Governor General's Gold Medal, which will be awarded to Robert Lorne
Hopfner of Hudson Bay, is given to the graduate student with the highest
cumulative percentage average. He received the highest marks ever awarded
to a graduate student in the Department of Pharmacology.

The Governor General's Silver Medal, which will be awarded to Blake Paul
Winslow of Regina, is given to the undergraduate student with the highest
cumulative percentage average. He will earn his Bachelor of Commerce degree
with Great Distinction and High Honours in Finance. Winslow will also
receive The Goodspeed Award.

Several other outstanding graduates will also be recognized for their
academic achievements. They are, in order of presentation:


David Oswald Tracey Mitchell of Moose Jaw (B.A.) Copland Prize in
Humanities;

Lynn Elizabeth Jean Blake of Saskatoon (B.A.) Copland Prize in Social
Science;

Darla Ruth MacDiarmid of Saskatoon (B.F.A.) University of Saskatchewan Film
Society Prize;

Kevin Andrew Snyder of Manitoba (B.Sc.) Earl of Bessborough Prize in Science
and Haslam Medal;

Michael Alexander Lypka of Balcarres (D.M.D.) College of Dentistry Gold
Medal;

Meghan Heather McDonough of Saskatoon (B.S.Kin.) The Dr. Gordon Garvie
Prize;

Robert Coleson Beavis of Saskatoon (M.D.) Lindsay Gold Medal in Medicine;

Stacey Marie Skinner of Indian Head (B.S.N.) Lindsay Gold Medal in Nursing;

Shanda Raylene Lingelbach of Regina (B.Sci.Nutr.) The Rutter Medal in
Nutrition;

Christine Renae Watson of Biggar (B.S.P.) Robert Martin Prize for Pharmacy;

Wendy Ellen Grzybowski of Saskatoon (B.SC.P.T.) Talmage E. Hunt Award for
Physical Therapy;

Erin Elizabeth Fierheller of Beaumont, Alberta (D.V.M.) Western College of
Veterinary Medicine Gold Medal;

Vanessa Louise Nyeste of Saskatoon (B.S.A.) Saskatchewan Institute of
Agrologists Gold Medal;

Keith Vincent Dyck of Osler (B.E.) Association of Professional Engineers and
Geoscientists of Saskatchewan Gold Medal;

Eileen Velma Erasmus of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories (B.Ed.)
Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation Prize;

Jerome Arnold Tholl of Windthorst (LL.B.) Law Society of Saskatchewan Gold
Medal.

Keith Vincent Dyck of Osler (B.A.) Spring Convocation Three-Year Medal

For more information, contact

Jacquie Fraser
Director, Registration, Examinations and Convocation
University of Saskatchewan
Office of the Registrar
(306) 966-6728

U of S Board Announces New Dean of Dentistry

Posted May 24, 2000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ? May 15, 2000 2000-05-06-DE

U of S Board announces new Dean of
the College of Dentistry

The Board of Governors at the University of Saskatchewan approved the
appointment of Dr. Charles G. Baker as Dean of Dentistry for a five-year,
renewable term, effective July 1, 2000. This appointment was the result of
an extensive, open search for candidates both nationally and
internationally. Dr. Mark Evered, Acting Associate Vice-President Academic
and Chair of the Search Committee, said: "Dr. Baker brings a broad range of
skills and experience that will benefit the College of Dentistry and the
University of Saskatchewan."

Dr. Baker received his dental degree in 1968 from the University of Manitoba
and practiced general dentistry for several years before specializing in
radiology at the University of Toronto. He has held academic teaching
positions at both the University of Manitoba and the University of Alberta.
He has also held a number of administrative positions, including Assistant
Dean for Clinical Affairs and Assistant Dean for Admissions and Academic
Standing in the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry at the University of
Alberta.

He is past President and founding member of the Canadian Academy of Oral
Radiology and past President of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada. He
spent two years as a Visiting Research Scientist at the Cross Cancer
Institute in Edmonton and was recently awarded $690,000 as a co-investigator
of a study in medical oncology.

Dr, Baker also holds a private pilot license and is a Captain in the Reserve
Dental Corps of the Canadian Armed Forces Air Command.

Dr. Baker will replace Dr. Ken Sutherland who has served as Acting Dean of
Dentistry for the past two years. On behalf of the University, Dr. Michael
Atkinson, Vice-President Academic, expressed his appreciation of Dr.
Sutherland's tireless efforts in managing the College of Dentistry during a
period of great change.


Dr. Michael Atkinson
Vice-President (Academic)
University of Saskatchewan
PH: (306) 966-8484

U of S Board Approves Funds for Student's Union Expansion Project

Posted May 24, 2000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Friday May 12, 2000 2000-05-07-OTHER

U of S Board Agrees Funds For Students' Union
Expansion Project

The U of S Board of Governors agreed to support capital and operating costs
of $1.35 million annually to occupy a portion of the Student's Union Place
Riel expansion project.

The total cost of the project is estimated to be around $31 million.
Construction is expected to begin during the fall of 2001 and ready for
occupants in October 2003. However, before construction can begin, the
students must secure $14 million in sponsorship funding.

The Board also agreed to release a balance of $5.1 million from the
Students' Union Building Trust Fund, approximately $400,000 from the Campus
Centre Trust Fund and a $1 million donation from Nova Corp for Aboriginal
student facilities.

Dr. Tony Whitworth, Vice-President of Finance and Resources said, "I have
only praise for the student leaders, who approached this expansion project
with due diligence, creativity and who have worked cooperatively with the
University. I believe that the result will enhance the experience of
generations of students to come."

Plans for the new three-storey 17,000 square foot building include,
relocation of the campus pub, Student Employment Center, Interfaith Chapel,
Aboriginal meeting area, counseling services, health centre and registrar's
office.

This will free up space in the existing Place Riel center, in which two new
retail units will be built. The Memorial Union Building, currently housing
Louis' pub, will also get a face lift. The pub will be replaced with an
upscale restaurant.

"This is an exciting time for the Students' Union," said Aaron Dougan,
President of the University of Saskatchewan Students' Union. "We are very
pleased that the Board has committed to the space the University will occupy
and the associated costs. In the coming year, we will solicit sponsorship
and we fully intend to report to the Board of Governors within a year," he
concluded.


For more information, contact:

Dr. Tony Whitworth
Vice President of Finance and Resources
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-6631

$2 Million Synchrotron Magnet Contract Awarded

Posted May 24, 2000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ? Monday, May 15, 2000 2000-05-07-OTHER

$2-MILLION SYNCHROTRON MAGNET CONTRACT AWARDED TO UK FIRM

The University of Saskatchewan has awarded a $2-million contract to
England-based Tesla Engineering Limited for huge magnets that will help
focus the light produced by the stadium-sized synchrotron now being
constructed on campus.

Six bids were received and all were from outside Canada.

The contract was approved on Friday by the university?s board of governors.

The Tesla Engineering contract includes the design, fabrication, testing and
supply of the 25 dipole magnets that will be used in the Canadian Light
Source (CLS) synchrotron project.

The contract includes $34,000 in spare parts that will be needed in the
future.

A synchrotron is a high-tech machine that accelerates a stream of electrons
and manipulates them to create an extremely bright light. The light can then
be used by industrial and university scientists as a revolutionary new tool
to observe structures and chemical reactions at the molecular level.

Tesla Engineering is one of the largest international dipole magnet
suppliers for major synchrotrons in the world.

Dipole magnets work as a lens to focus the electron beam. The magnets are
used to keep the electrons travelling in a circle, emitting synchrotron
light and keeping the beam absolutely true. Each dipole magnet weighs 6,000
kilograms.

CLS project construction contracts to date total about $40 million, of which
$26 million has gone to Saskatchewan-based companies.

Construction of the $173.5-million national facility is on time and on
budget.

For more information contact:

Barry Hawkins or Kathryn Warden
CLS Project Manager Communications Officer
University of Saskatchewan Office of the Vice President Research
(306) 966-6065 (306) 966-2506 Phone
(306) 966-2411 Fax
kathryn.warden@usask.ca

Teaching and Learning Centre Names Director

Posted May 24, 2000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 15, 2000 200-05-08-EXT

Teaching And Learning Center Names Director

SASKATOON - Dr. Ronald Marken has been named as the Director of the new
Teaching and Learning Center on campus. His appointment begins officially on
July 1, 2000. Dr. Marken will replace Gwenna Moss, Professor of Extension
who has coordinated the Instructional Development Program since 1993.

The Teaching and Learning Center was approved by the University of
Saskatchewan Council in September 1999 to promote excellent teaching on
campus. The Center will run educational programs for all university
instructors to support a wide variety of teaching approaches and methods.

The Center will build on the Instructional Development Program (IDP) which
has run information and instructional programs since 1977. It will also
provide opportunities to facilitate research in teaching, an inventory of
campus expertise in instructional development and the opportunity to network
and collaborate with the various College Teaching Committees across campus.

"The Center has the potential to host orientations, symposia, conferences as
well as instruction on how to develop teaching portfolios and how to
energize oneself in the classroom," said Dr. Marken.

"One of the goals of the Center is to devote as much attention as possible
to the next generation. So, graduate students, young sessional lecturers,
and new faculty will be our primary clientele" added Dr. Marken.

Dr. Marken received his B.A. from Concordia College in Minnesota with a
major in English. He went on to receive his M.A. in English from the
University of Alberta where he later completed his Ph.D. in English. He has
spent 34 years in the Department of English at the U of S, three of those
years were as Department Head. As well, he has served as the Acting Head of
the Native Studies Department for two years.

Several of his many accolades include: Master Teacher Award from the U of S,
3M National Teaching Fellow, teaching the first live satellite TV class at
the U of S, extension instructor in eight different Saskatchewan locations
and Teaching Fellow at the University of Alberta.

Dr. Marken is also involved in the community through Gateway Players,
Saskatchewan Literacy, Saskatchewan Arts Board and with The Silver Quills
writing group.

-30-

For more information, contact:
Ron Marken
Director of the Teaching and Learning Center
(306) 966-5639

Re-appointment of Three Deans at U of S

Posted May 24, 2000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 15, 2000 2000-05-10-OTHER

Re-appointment Of Three Deans

The University of Saskatchewan announces the re-appointment of three deans.
The Colleges of Commerce, Education, and Graduate Studies and Research will
continue under the leadership of the existing deans for another 5 years.


R. Gary Kachanoski will continue as the Dean of Graduate Studies and
Research. Kachanoski received his B.Sc. (honors) in Biology and his M.Sc.
in Soil Science from the U of S. He attained his Ph.D. in Soil Physics from
the University of California Davis. In 1999, Kachanoski was named Fellow of
the Canadian Society of Soil Science. He is also the President - Elect of
the Canadian Society of Soil Science. He has a nationally funded research
program with significant graduate student participation. A letter of
support for re-appointment read "He is a leader, an unceasing advocate of
the graduate school, and a staunch supporter of the University of
Saskatchewan." Dean Kachanoski is delighted to return to the department.


V. Lynne Pearson will continue as the Dean of Commerce. Pearson received
her B.A. in English from the U of S and then went on to receive a B.
Journalism from Carleton University. She also has an M.A. from the
University of Alberta. Pearson has served as CEO of the Canada
Communications Group and Queen's Printer for Canada as well as CEO of
Consulting and Audit Canada. She has also been the CEO of Training and
Development Canada and has held several senior government positions. A
letter of support for Dean Pearson's re-appointment read, "Her diverse
experience, her dynamic nature, and her flexibility are highly needed to
successfully lead the College of Commerce in the evolving environment in
which we operate."

Dean Pearson adds "I am very proud of the accomplishments of our students
and faculty and of our continuing support from the business community. I
appreciate the opportunity to continue to lead the College."


Ken G. Jacknicke has been re-appointed the Dean of Education. He received
his B.Ed. and M.Ed. from the U of A and his Ph.D. in Science Education from
the University of Colorado. Jacknicke has held various academic
appointments for more than 30 years and has consulted and served on
education programs in Tanzania, Korea and Thailand. He has also served as
an Education Consultant for NASA Skylab experiments and as an editor for
several scholarly journals. "He has the skills, knowledge and leadership
capability to guide the College of Education into the complexities of the
21st century" read a letter of support to re-appoint Jacknicke as Dean.

Dean Jacknicke says "I am looking forward to the challenges and
opportunities for the College as it continues to serve the needs of the
Academic and Professional Community" here on campus.


For more information, contact:

Dean Gary Kachanoski Dean Ken Jacknicke
Grad. Studies & Research College of Education
University of Saskatchewan University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-5759 (306) 966-7647

Dean Lynne Pearson
College of Commerce
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-4786

Labour Studies Graduation Program

Posted May 24, 2000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Wednesday, May 17, 2000 2000-05-11-CO

Labour Studies Graduation Program

SASKATOON - Graduation ceremonies for the Labour Studies Program will be
held on May 18 at 7:30 p.m. in the Exeter Room in Marquis Hall on the
University of Saskatchewan Campus. The media are welcome to attend.

The Labour Studies Program is unique. It is the only trade union education
program to be associated with a College of Commerce in Canada. This type of
program is model of distance delivery classes which link students in
Saskatoon and Regina.

The program has also experimented for the past two years with distance
education. Labour Studies Program Assistant Director Larry Haiven says "this
will be the first time that the ceremonies will include graduates who have
taken classes via the video-link between Regina and Saskatoon." The
video-link allows an instructor to teach a class, to students in two
locations (Saskatoon and Regina) simultaneously. The students can interact
with each other and the instructor at this time.

The program was offered for the first time, via the video-link in studios in
both Saskatoon and Regina in September 1998. The Labour Studies program is
designed to provide members of the labour community with the necessary
knowledge, abilities, and skills to help them understand and cope
effectively with the current and future challenges facing the labour
community.

Funding for the pilot project was provided by the Provincial Government
Joint Initiatives Fund.

The guest speaker will be Debora De Angelis, Youth Coordinator of the
Ontario Federation of Labour and an organizer from the Union of Needle
Trades, Industrial and Textile Employees (UNITE). At the young age of 19,
De Angelis organized a union at the Toronto retail store she worked in. It
was the first retail chain store in Ontario to be unionized and to have a
collective agreement. She will speak about "the opportunities and
difficulties in organizing young workers in the retail and service sectors.
Young people have always presented a great prospect and a great challenge to
the trade union movement. And the services sector is one of the hardest to
recognize. Debora is one of their best hopes." commented Haiven.


For more information, contact:

Larry Haiven
Assistant Director of the Labour Studies Program
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-8451

U of S Confers 2,902 degrees at Spring Convocation

Posted May 24, 2000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 19, 2000 2000-05-12-OTHER


U of S Confers 2,902 degrees at Spring Convocation

The University of Saskatchewan expects to confer over 2,900 degrees,
diplomas and certificates upon students at its annual Spring Convocation May
23-25, 2000. Last Spring, 2,666 degrees, diplomas and certificates were
awarded.

The Convocation ceremonies will be held in the Centennial Auditorium, the
first at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 23. At this time the undergraduate
degrees and certificates totaling 849 will be awarded for the College of
Arts and Science.

During the ceremony, the J.W. George Ivany Internationalization Award will
be conferred upon Dr. R. Williamson and the Master Teacher Award upon
Michael Hayden. The Convocation Address will be delivered by the President
Peter MacKinnon.

On Wednesday, May 24 at 9:00 a.m. 487 undergraduates will receive degrees
for Dentistry, Kinesiology, Medicine (including Physical Therapy), Nursing,
Pharmacy and Nutrition, and Veterinary Medicine. In the afternoon 784
Agriculture, Commerce and Engineering degrees will be conferred.

An Honorary Doctor of Science Degree will be awarded to Dr. Richard L. Ehman
who will give the Convocation address on the morning of May 24. In the
afternoon, Stuart Thiesson will receive an Honorary Doctor of Law before
giving the Convocation Address. In addition, the President's Service Award
will be presented to Merv Prysiazniuk.

On Thursday, May 25, at 9:00 a.m. 782 Undergraduate and Graduate degrees and
diplomas will be awarded to students in Education and Law as well as
Graduate Studies and Research. An Honorary Doctor of Law will be conferred
upon Glen Michael Farrell who will give the Convocation Address. The Earned
Doctor of Science Award will go to Glen Bryan Baker and the Distinguished
Researcher Award will be conferred upon Robert Kerrich.


For more information, contact:

Jacquie Fraser
Director of Registration, Examinations and Convocation
University of Saskatchewan
Office of the Registrar
(306) 966-6728

J.W. George Ivany Internationalization Award to Dr. Robert G. Williamson

Posted May 24, 2000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 19, 2000 2000-05-13-OTHER

J.W. George Ivany Internationalization Award Presented at Spring Convocation

On May 23 at 2:00 p.m. ceremony, the J.W. George Ivany Internationalization
award will be conferred upon Dr. Robert G. Williamson.

The J.W. George Ivany Internationalization Award was established to
recognize the extraordinary contribution towards the internationalization of
the university by a member of the faculty or administration.

Dr. Williamson, Professor Emeritus of Anthropology and Archaeology has been
noted for his lifelong commitment to the Arctic and circumpolar communities
in all northern countries. His continued commitment to internationalization
is reflected in his support for the University of Saskatchewan
International, which he helped to plan in his many years as chairman of the
University International Committee.

"For years, he has provided a unique and powerful vision of what he
profoundly believes internationalization must mean at this university, and
has thereby sparked many others to become committed to
internationalization," said colleague Professor Louise Forsyth.

Dr. Williamson has continued the process of internationalization among the
student body through his on-going involvement with the academic exchange
program with the University of Umea, Sweden and enriched the education in
some cases to graduate levels of both Swedish and Canadian students for more
than 12 years.

He is a professor of cultural anthropology, advanced theory, applied
anthropology, Inuit Arctic, methodology, myth and symbolism at the U of S.

Several of his many honors include the Order of Canada and several public
and celebratory medals.

For more information, contact:

Dr. R. Williamson
Department of Anthropology and Archaeology
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-4183

May 19, 2000

More dangerous variant of ILOVEYOU virus out

Posted May 19, 2000

VIRUS WARNING: New variant of ILOVEYOU virus targets MS-Windows Computers

There is a new virus released that is similar to the ILOVEYOU virus of last week. However, this virus deletes ALL files on your computer. It also disguises itself by using different names for the attachments and subject lines of the messages.

As of 9:30 today, the Department of Computing Services has updated the "sophos" virus checking software that checks for and removes this virus from all incoming mail that goes through the Sask, Duke, and Mail, computers. This should reduce the danger to the campus.

Computing Services recommends that you NEVER open ANY e-mail attachments unless you are ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN the attachment is safe. DO NOT TRUST e-mail from your friends, as these viruses automatically send e-mail to everyone in the victim's MS-Outlook address book. Your friend most likely doesn't even know the message was sent.

This is especially important for any attachment that ends ".vbs" (Visual Basic Script).

For more information on this new virus, please see the following sources:

If you think your computer has been infected by this virus, please shut down your computer and contact the Computing Services help desk immediately at 966-4817.

May 04, 2000

ILOVEYOU Virus/Worm Warning

Posted May 04, 2000

This virus warning applies mainly to people using the MS-Windows operating system.

If you receive any e-mail entitled "ILOVEYOU", DO NOT OPEN THE ATTACHMENT IN THE MESSAGE. This attachment contains a new web worm that has just been released, and isn't in the popular virus checking programs yet.

This virus has already appeared on several computers on campus. It's also been wreaking havoc in Asia and Europe.

We recommend that if you receive e-mail entitled "ILOVEYOU", you should delete it immediately.

DCS has installed software on mail.usask.ca, duke.usask.ca, skyway.usask.ca (sask.usask.ca) and abyss.usask.ca to detect this virus and prevent it from being delivered. However, some people may have had it already delivered before the software update was installed, so be wary.

For more information refer to the following web sites or contact the Computing Services help desk at help.desk@usask.ca, 966-4817, room 70 Arts.

McAfee Virus Information Database:
http://vil.mcafee.com/dsipVirus.asp?virus_k=98617
http://duke.usask.ca/~ramsayj/mcafee.txt (our local copy)

Sophos Virus Info Article
http://www.sophos.com/virusinfo/analyses/vbsloveleta.html

BBC News Article:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/sci/tech/newsid_736000/736208.stm

Washington Post Article:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A5137-2000May4.html

London Guardian Article:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/international/story/0,3604,217315,00.html

Yahoo Finance Article
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/000504/ca_f_secur_1.html

May 03, 2000

University Standards for Promotion and Tenure

Posted May 03, 2000

Over the course of the past several years, the University Review Committee has become increasingly concerned that the University Standards in use since 1989 require revision to bring them up to the standards used for promotion and tenure in other major universities in Canada.

The Committee has completed its proposed revisions to the University Standards for Promotion and Tenure and is now inviting comments from members of the university community. (see http://www.usask.ca/vpacademic/policies/promotion_tenure/)

If you wish to provide written comments or suggestions to the committee, please ensure that they reach Pauline Melis, Committee Secretary, by mail to E221 Administration Building; by e-mail to Pauline.Melis@usask.ca; or by fax to 975-1026 no later than Thursday, June 15, 2000.

The Committee is in the process of arranging a series of meetings with College Review committees to discuss the proposed standards. The Committee has also arranged a special meeting for all members of faculty on Thursday, May 18, at 10:00 a.m. to noon in Room 105 Thorvaldson Building.