Order of Canada Appointments from the U of S
Posted January 20, 2003
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - January 20, 2003 2003-01-07-OTHER
Order of Canada Appointments from the U of S
Two distinguished Canadians closely associated with the University of
Saskatchewan have been named Officers of the Order of Canada.
Gordon Thiessen, Chair of the University's Board of Governors, is being
recognized for his vision and leadership as Governor of the Bank of Canada
from 1994 to 2001. During his tenure, Thiessen played a crucial role in the
development and evolution of the Canadian monetary system and was
instrumental in lowering inflation and interest rates, as well as promoting
economic growth.
Michael Bancroft, U of S adjunct professor of chemistry and Acting Director
of Research for the Canadian Light Source (CLS) (www.lightsource.ca) on the
U of S campus, was one of the first Canadian chemists to promote the use of
synchrotron radiation in research. He has been a key player in the
development of the CLS, Canada's first synchrotron, scheduled to be
operational in 2004.
"We're delighted that these two prominent Canadians who have provided
outstanding service to the university have been selected for our country's
highest honour for lifetime achievement," said U of S President Peter
MacKinnon.
The Order of Canada honours Canadians who have demonstrated merit,
achievement and service to their communities. Created in 1967, the Order of
Canada has three levels of achievement - Companions, Officers and Members.
Born in Ontario, Thiessen grew up in a number of Saskatchewan towns. He
studied economics at the U of S and received a Bachelor of Arts degree with
Honours in 1960 and a Master of Arts degree in 1961. He was awarded a Ph.D.
in Economics from the London School of Economics in 1972. In 1997, the U of
S awarded him an honorary Doctor of Laws.
He is a member of numerous boards and is campaign chair for the
Neuromuscular Research Partnership.
Michael Bancroft, who led a University of Western Ontario initiative that
enabled Canadian researchers to purchase synchrotron beamlines at a Madison,
Wisc. facility, has been a leading proponent of building a synchrotron in
Canada for leading-edge
science and innovation.
"Thanks to his sustained efforts, this new technology offers the potential
for significant breakthroughs in medical science and engineering and
increased economic benefits for our country," his citation states.
Recently, Bancroft was selected as one of 33 Canadian innovation pioneers
showcased in a new essay collection launched by the Canada Foundation for
Innovation (CFI). http://www.innovation.ca/publications/index.cfm
A million times brighter than the sun, synchrotron light is used to probe
the structure of matter. Using light from infrared to X-rays, scientists can
examine biochemical and geochemical samples with greater accuracy and
precision than has previously been possible in Canada.
The $174-million national facility, wholly owned by the U of S, is one of
the largest scientific projects in the country. Close to 2,000 users are
anticipated annually, with up to 100 scientists from almost every discipline
working on experiments at any given time.
In his synchrotron research, Bancroft works with companies such as ESSO and
Chevron to help develop better anti-wear coatings for engine oil additives.
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For more information, contact:
Tina Merrifield
Senior Communications Officer
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-2213
Kathryn Warden
CLS/U of S Research Communications Officer
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-2506
