Program to boost STEM enrolment for women

On Friday, March 8, Hydro One announced a new $1.4 million partnership with the University of Waterloo, Western University, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, and Ryerson University to increase both enrolment and career opportunities for female students pursuing studies in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

The announcement was made at the George Vari Engineering and Computer Science Centre at Ryerson University.

“On behalf of the four partner institutions, we are thrilled to be part of the Hydro One Women in Engineering University Partnership program,” said Pearl Sullivan, dean of the University of Waterloo’s Faculty of Engineering (pictured above with students, faculty and staff at the University of Waterloo on hand for the announcement.). “For the past decade, there has been a slight decline in the number of women interested in studying engineering. Through this new initiative, we’ll be able to reverse this trend by drawing on the strengths and experiences of all the partners to promote exciting and diverse opportunities in engineering.”

The Hydro One Women in Engineering University Partnership program will target and support young females by developing new outreach activities for elementary and high school girls to increase awareness and understanding of engineering as a preferred career option, by enhancing the success of women undergraduate students by providing support through mentoring and other networking opportunities with female engineers, and by creating supportive networks and support for female engineering graduates as they transition into the workforce, through co-op and internship opportunities and workforce preparation development.

Hydro One reports that currently, just over 10 per cent of all electrical engineers in Ontario are women. The goal of the program is to increase the number of female engineering students and graduates over the next four years by leveraging the expertise and leadership of each of the partner universities and Hydro One. Each partnering institution will receive $350,000 over four years.

“Businesses thrive on a diversity of thought and perspective, and that’s why Hydro One is committed to investing in educating and training our future workforce,”” says Carmine Marcello, President and CEO of Hydro One. “We are proud that 20 per cent of our engineers are women, more than double the national average for companies our size, but we want to see that number increase.”

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Doors open for March Break Open House

The University of Waterloo will welcome more than 6,000 visitors when it hosts its March Break Open House today and tomorrow. The event is geared towards high school students who have applied to Waterloo and those who will be applying to university next year, with information sessions and activities related to undergraduate studies as part of the agenda.

The event for students interested in the Faculty of Mathematics and the Faculty of Engineering will take place between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. today. The School of Architecture in Cambridge will also hold an open house on Tuesday, March 12.

Students wanting more information on the faculties of Applied Health Sciences, Arts, Environment and Science will attend the event at the same time on Wednesday, March 13.

To learn about the academic opportunities at Waterloo, students and parents are encouraged to attend presentations focused on individual programs and faculties. Visitors can also attend information sessions relating to co-operative education, residence life, and financing an education. Booths focused on academics, housing and athletics will be set up in the Student Life Centre, where campus tours will also start.

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'Tis better to give, but getting an award is nice

The University of Waterloo’s United Way team accepted the United Way KW Leadership Giving Award at the recent Community Spirit Awards ceremony, held February 28. The annual event recognizes Kitchener, Waterloo and area individuals and organizations that have made a difference in the community through their involvement with United Way KW.

Accepting on behalf of the team were (l-r): Elle Crevits – 2012 United Way co-op student, Bonnie Oberle – leadership giving,  Richard Wells – United Way co-chair, Alexandra Lippert – United Way co-chair, Melissa McNown Smith – volunteer management,  Alison Boyd – incoming office manager. Also  at the ceremony but not pictured  was  Tim Jackson – leadership giving chair.

“We feel so lucky to have such a generous group of donors in the leadership category; their ongoing support helped us surpass our goal this year,” said Alexandra Lippert, United Way co-chair. “The entire university community can be proud of this award,” noted Richard Wells, United Way co-chair. “We want to thank everyone who contributed to our successful campaign, every little bit helps.”

One small note: a recent Daily Bulletin story noted the campaign raised $280,000 in 2012 – the campaign actually raised $238,000 in 2012.  But hey...it’s never too late to donate!

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Student leadership awards and other notes

Nominations for the Federation of Students’ Leadership Awards are being accepted until 10:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 13.

"If you know a hard-working student who has made a difference at the University of Waterloo, submit a nomination form for them," writes the federation's Jacqueline Martinz. "The winners will receive a cash prize and a certificate of distinction at the Feds Leadership Awards Banquet at the end of the term."

The nomination form is available online.

De-ionized water services will be unavailable until about 3:30 p.m. today in the Centre for Environmental and Information Technology as workers install glassware washers in rooms 1008 and 5007.

Human Resources is reporting that the following retired faculty members have died:

• Alan McLachlin, the second principal of St. Paul's United College (now St. Paul's University College), died on January 29. McLachlin was named Principal in 1965 and in September 1977 left St. Paul's to work in the university's new English Language Proficiency Program. He retired April 1, 1991.
• Retired political science professor John Kersell died February 23. Kersell was hired in July 1967 and worked in the Political Science department until his retirement on September 1, 1996 under the Special Early Retirement Program. He is survived by his spouse, Marjorie.
  

Additionally, Human Resources has reported that Carmen Mohl, who worked as a housekeeper in Village 1 from November 1988 until her retirement in April 1997, died on February 9. She is survived by her spouse, Manfred.

Here's the latest nutrition "myth vs. fact" from Health Services dietician Sandra Ace:

"Myth:" Only people with high blood pressure need to limit how much sodium they eat.

"Fact:"  Most Canadians can benefit from eating less sodium. In addition to contributing to the risk of high blood pressure, eating too much sodium may increase the risk of strokes, heart disease, kidney disease and stomach cancer. Canadians eat about 3400 mg of sodium every day - more than double the 1500 mg your body needs for good health. Sodium can show up in surprising places and in foods that don’t even taste salty, like bread. In fact, as a group, bread products are the largest contributor to sodium in the Canadian diet. Even though bread is not that salty, we consume large amounts of it so the sodium adds up. When you buy a packaged or processed food, check the Nutrition Facts and choose products that are lower in sodium.  Also, try to limit restaurant meals and substitute more fresh foods for processed foods.

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