President named honorary member of Engineering Institute of Canada
February 22, 2005
OSHAWA, Ont. - Dr. Gary Polonsky, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) has been named an honorary member of the Engineering Institute of Canada (EIC). This honour is bestowed upon individuals who have achieved outstanding distinction by service to the profession of engineering. Honorary members are selected from non-members of the EIC, and may or may not be professional engineers.
The nomination was made by Dr. Marc Rosen, founding dean of UOIT's Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science and supported by other faculty members in engineering as well as individuals outside the university. According to Dr. Rosen, who is also a past member of the National Council of EIC, "Dr. Polonsky was selected primarily for his leadership role in creating UOIT, an institute of technology with engineering as one of its core pillars."
"From the time I began thinking about this new university, I knew that engineering would be one of the strong core concepts," said Polonsky. "To me, it's about the kind of Canada we all want. Unless we build and make value added products embraced by the world, our disposable income, social services and civility will tumble. Our outstanding faculty has demonstrated that by taking some of the current concepts and adding innovative advances, our engineering programs can create some very advanced program areas. Some are even unique to the Canadian market."
The list of honorary members includes politicians, business leaders, and distinguished Canadian engineers and scientists. Some notable examples include former prime minister John Diefenbaker (1972), astronaut Roberta Bondar (1992), and Canada Foundation for Innovation president David Strangway (2004).
"This honour is very significant for UOIT since EIC is a leading proponent of technical education and professional development in the Canadian engineering community and thus has objectives similar to those of UOIT," said Dr. Rosen. "Since EIC is a federation of technical societies, including those representing the fields of mechanical, electrical, computer, nuclear and management engineering, the scope of EIC relates directly to all engineering programs at UOIT."
The awards ceremony will be held at EIC's annual awards gala in Ottawa on March 5. That event coincides with, and helps to mark, Canada's Engineering Week. Polonsky's award is one of seven senior EIC awards, which will be presented in recognition of outstanding achievement or service to the engineering profession.
A reception to honour Polonsky will be held on Tuesday, March 1 from 4 to 5 p.m. in the East Atrium of the Science building.
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About the University of Ontario Institute of Technology
As the province's newest university, the University of Ontario Institute of Technology provides a unique combination of academic knowledge, vibrant student life, leading-edge research, and hands-on skills. The university offers career-focused undergraduate degree programs in the fields of business and information technology, sciences, engineering, nursing, social science, and education. It is also developing leading-edge research and graduate programs, and is Ontario's first laptop-based university. Sharing facilities and selected services with Durham College, UOIT has attracted over 1,800 students since its inception in 2003. To find out more, visit www.uoit.ca or call 905.721.8668.
About Ontario Tech University
A modern, forwarding-thinking university, Ontario Tech advances the discovery and application of knowledge to accelerate economic growth, regional development and social innovation. We inspire and equip our students and our graduates to make a positive impact in a tech-focused world. For us, it’s not only about developing the next tech breakthrough. Understanding and integrating the social and ethical implications of technology differentiates us as university. Learn more at ontariotechu.ca.
Media contact
Tania Henvey
Communications and Marketing
Ontario Tech University
905.721.3111 ext. 2513
tania.henvey@dc-uoit.ca
