Suncor celebrates award winners

The 2014-2015 recipients of the Suncor Energy Emerging Leaders Award were honoured on Thursday November 20 at a University Club banquet hosted by Suncor Energy.

The annual event brought together both new and renewed award recipients from the Faculties of Science and Engineering, along with their deans Terry McMahon and Pearl Sullivan.  Howard McIntyre, Suncor Energy’s Vice President, Lubricants was also in attendance and served as Master of Ceremonies. This year, there were 23 recipients in total, including 3 new entrance scholarship winners and 20 returning or renewed awardees.

Pictured above are Professor Pearl Sullivan, dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Emily Ostapovich, 1A mechanical engineering and New award recipient, Howard McIntyre, Suncor Energy's Vice-President, Lubricants.

“Suncor is a big supporter of Waterloo’s talented students, we are partners in progress,” said Howard McIntyre in an interview following the event. “In the early days when we created this award, our target was to recognize talent to build the future leaders in the energy and gas industry, not only for Suncor but for the nation.  Relieving the financial burden for student tuition was a major step in that direction….Waterloo is a top tier school and our relationship is also helping tackle social issues making our relationship a ‘fit for purpose investment verses a functional investment’ ”.

Over the last decade, Suncor Energy has contributed over $1M to establish the Suncor Emerging Leaders Awards with an endowment that ensures the awards can be given to deserving students in perpetuity. To date, 67 students in chemical, civil & environmental engineering, science and business as well as earth & environmental sciences have received the award.

“This award has helped me financially and gave me a reason to push my academic standards by keeping me motivated”, said Andrew Assatory, Chemical Engineering student and renewed recipient. “Because of Suncor’s help, we’re one step closer to achieving our goals, this makes a big impact in our journey.”  said Simran Wasu, Mechanical Engineering student and renewed recipient, on Suncor Energy’s generosity.

Suncor Energy and the University of Waterloo have also collaborated on initiatives including Social Prosperity Wood Buffalo, a five-year social innovation project located in Fort McMurray, Alberta, and the 10^th Annual Fusion Conference, held by the Faculty of Science.

Back to top

Tickets on sale for Fusion Conference

Early-bird tickets are now on sale for the 2015 Fusion Conference.

Students in the Science and Business program organize and produce the annual conference, currently in its 11th year. The conference "aims to bring together the intellectual minds of the future, with current experts from the fields of Science, Business and Technology."

The theme for the 2015 conference, scheduled for March 20 and 21, is "From Dreams to Drive."

At the conference, delegates have the opportunity to network with industry professionals, renowned sponsors, and potential employers. The conference features interactive breakout sessions, workshops, a case study competition, and an employer exposition.

Confirmed speakers for 2015 include Professor Larry Smith, Tony LaMantia, assistant deputy minister, investment and industry division at Ontario's Ministry of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure, entrepreneur Louis Anagnostakos, and Dr. Yatika Kohli, vice president of regulatory affairs at Medicago, Inc.

Tickets can be purchased on the Fusion Conference website.

Back to top

Stewart elected to research park board

Carol Stewart, manager of the manager of the David Johnston Research + Technology Park, was elected to sit on the International Association of University Research Parks (AURP) Board of Directors during the Annual General Meeting at the AURP International Conference. Her three-term began on Thursday, December 4.

Stewart is the founder and immediate past-president of the Canadian chapter of the AURP. AURP Canada is partnered with Startup Canada, CANARIE, and the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (DFATD).

The AURP is the world's largest association of research and science parks. AURP fosters innovation, commercialization and economic growth in a global economy through university, industry and government partnerships.

Back to top

Tuesday's notes

Human Resources has reported that retiree Grietje Maaike (Margret) Kruger died on November 26. Kruger began working at the University in June 1963, and held the position of Chemical Preparations Technicians in the Chemistry Department before her retirement in April 1989. She was predeceased by her husband Henk in 2007.

Athletics has announced that the PAC and CIF's hours have been changed to 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Monday to Friday, and 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday for the month of December. The facilities will be closed from December 24 to January 4 inclusive.

Human Resources will be offering a Lunch and Learn Pension session on Tuesday, December 16 in DC 1302 from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. This session is entitled “Various Pension Considerations”. The information session will cover such topics as RRSP limits, pension adjustments, terminations, disability, divorce and death. There is no need to register. Contact the Pension team with any questions.

Here are today's "5 Days of Christmas Re-Gifting" clues:

• Faculty have a voice here
• Tomes are found in this place

Don't forget your passport! Check this document for more details on how to participate.

Back to top