Daily Bulletin

Paul Guild will be VP (research) . . .

A memo from president David Johnston said the appointment had been unanimously recommended by a nominating committee, under Policy 68, and approved by the senate (Monday evening) and the executive committee of the board of governors (yesterday morning).

Said the memo: "Paul Guild was appointed to the Department of Management Sciences, Faculty of Engineering, in 1990. He holds the CIBC/Nortel/NSERC-SSHRC Chair in Management of Technology Change (MOT), is Director of the Institute for Innovation Research, and Director, Management of Technology Distance Masters Option. His background is in psychology and management science, with experience in industry. He holds cross-appointments to the UW departments of Psychology and Systems Design Engineering.

"Professor Guild has distinguished himself as a scholar, has an exemplary record of producing excellent students in large numbers, was the UW organizer for the Mentortech program aimed at entrepreneurial developments by graduate students, and pursued the initiative for the very successful (academically and fiscally) distance learning Master's program. His professional interests and expertise consist of managing technology for product differentiation in global markets; exploring new products, services and applications that future users will want, value and accept; converting customer information into product specifications; and developing entrepreneurial skills toward interdisciplinary collaboration and objective assessment of opportunities.

"Paul Guild began his career at Bell Northern Research (now Nortel Networks), where he had extensive senior management experience in his role as group manager. His subsequent ten years at UW have involved him in a broad range of University activities, from teaching and extensive graduate supervision to committee work (both department and University), and activities with the research granting councils. His selection as a chairholder at the launch of the MOT program demonstrates his stature and reputation, both in academic terms and as someone who can transcend the traditional bounds of social sciences and the natural sciences and engineering."

. . . and Dixon will be dean of science

That appointment also was unanimously recommended by the nominating committee (the rules for selecting deans are in Policy 45) and approved by the senate and board.

Said the president's memo:

"George Dixon joined the Department of Biology in 1981. He is an accomplished scholar and an excellent collaborator, showing adaptability, teamwork and an ability to see both the larger picture and the role that individuals can play in it. He has published widely on a variety of topics related to toxicology and biological effects of pollution. As a researcher, his credentials are superb, and he is held in high regard as one of Canada's leading environmental scientists. He combines excellence with relevance and, as a result, enjoys a well-deserved international reputation for creative contributions to the advancement of knowledge in his chosen field.

"This year, Professor Dixon was one of the first recipients of the UW Research Excellence Award. He is part of numerous interdisciplinary research programs with scientists from universities, governments, and industries and contributes a keen awareness of issues of concern to each sector. He interacts well with scientists and managers alike, and is experienced and successful in securing research funds from government agencies and industry. His international standing is manifested in his consistent record of publications in high-impact refereed journals, invitations to address international fora, and memberships on prestigious national and international panels. His excellence as a teacher was recognized at an early state in his career; he received the Distinguished Teacher Award in 1989.

"Professor Dixon has provided leadership and opportunities for independent research needed by graduate students. He has been an effective undergraduate officer, Department Chair (1989-1996) and, currently, is Associate Dean for Graduate Studies & Research in the Faculty of Science."

The memo added this note: "I wish to add my strong personal support for these appointments. Both individuals are highly committed to the University. I believe that they will do outstanding jobs, and am confident that each member of the UW community will extend full co-operation to Professors Guild and Dixon as they assume their appointments.

"There were several very strong candidates for these positions. I would like to thank them for their willingness to be considered and for their time and effort in participating in the interview process."

Trellis upgrade, and other notes

In other matters this wet day. . . .

A pair of UW graduates are featured in the National Post this morning: "Anil Sabharwal graduated from the University of Waterloo last weekend with a degree in computer science and the class valedictorian has job offers coming out of his ears. You might say Mr. Sabharwal could afford to relax and take it easy for awhile and sift through the offers to find the best fit, but he's not. Instead, he and fellow graduate John Baker have launched their own Internet education company, Desire2Learn.com Inc. They have already nailed down contracts across North America, including a deal to develop the University of Guelph's online MBA program. . . ."

Things could be a little soggy on the golf course -- the Conestoga Country Club, in particular -- where the Graduate Student Association is holding this term's golf tournament starting at 2:00. A barbecue at the Grad House will follow the game.

The next in a series of intellectual property lunchtime forums will be held at 12 noon in Needles Hall room 3001, as Jerry Gray of the technology transfer and licensing office will speak on "Research Do's/Don'ts When Seeking Sponsors' Research Funds".

LT3 -- the Centre for Learning and Teaching Through Technology -- is holding almost too many events these days for them all to be listed. Among them is the monthly "Idea Workshop", today at 12:15 in Dana Porter Library room 407, "discussing interesting articles and books that are relevant to both the theory and practice of learning and teaching through technology". Then tomorrow there's a presentation on "Data-driven Design" by Janet McCracken of Lancaster University (10 a.m., Library room 329), and Friday there's "Designs for Telelearning in the Workplace", a talk by Mike Dobson, also of Lancaster, and also at 10 a.m. in Library room 329.

The plant operations department sends word that hot water will be shut off tomorrow from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in five buildings: Earth Sciences and Chemistry, Biology I, Biology II, Needles Hall and the Dana Porter Library.

"Perhaps nothing is as fascinating -- or as frightening -- as fire," says a glossy leaflet from UW's development office. And why are they telling us this? Because Beth Weckman, a fire expert in the mechanical engineering department, will be the star speaker next Wednesday, June 28, at a breakfast session for "members of the UW President's Circle and friends", that is, high-end givers to UW's fund-raising campaigns. Wendy Rose in the development office (phone ext. 5069) can provide more information.

Finally, a note from the Volunteer Action Centre: "Go global by hosting an international exchange student. Youth for Understanding is looking for volunteer host families for high school students from 13 countries. They will be arriving in August and staying until July 2001. Becoming a host family provides both the student and the family with new cultural experiences and friendships that last a lifetime. Call 653-0550."

CAR

Editor of the Daily Bulletin: Chris Redmond
Information and Public Affairs, University of Waterloo
credmond@uwaterloo.ca | (519) 888-4567 ext. 3004
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