In Focus FALL/AUTOMNE 2006 AGRICULTURAL and ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES Edition

in Focus FALL/AUTOMNE 2006 AGRICULTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES edition

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LES SCIENCES DE THIS ISSUE / DANS CE NUMÉRO 2 From the Dean / Du doyen

3 Research Notes L’AGRICULTURE ET 4 The Macdonald Library - the first 100 years 5 Building for the Future

6 Celebrating 100 years DE L’ENVIRONNEMENT Célébrons nos 100 ans 8 In the News

9 Convocation 2006 Canada Post Corporation Publications Mail Agreement # 40613662 10 News from the Alumni Relations Office The Years of Green and Gold

11 Alumni News From the Dean’s Desk

FACULTY OF AGRICULTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES Dear Graduates and

FACULTÉ DES SCIENCES Friends, DE L’AGRICULTURE ET I recently met with the writer DE L’ENVIRONNEMENT hired to produce the Macdonald Centenary publication, and I had Fall / Automne 2006 cause to reflect on the day that I first arrived as an undergraduate student at Macdonald College in early September 1974. I had never Office of the Dean seen the campus prior to that day, Bureau du doyen nor did I know very much about Macdonald Campus Macdonald College. Having arrived at Mac, I knew immediately that I McGill University wanted to study here. I had that 21,111 Lakeshore CHANDRA A. MADRAMOOTOO IN ETHIOPIA. instinct and inner feeling that I Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue made the right decision and that Macdonald was for me. I felt at home, and immediately formed an attachment to Mac — a rich, rewarding and exciting student experi- Quebec, Canada H9X 3V9 ence that ultimately drew me to being a staff member and now dean of the Faculty. Tel.: 514-398-7707 I simply could not have imagined it any other way. Fax: 514-398-7766 Macdonald has remained within me for 32 years, and with each year, my passion and www.mcgill.ca/macdonald/ commitment for Macdonald grow deeper. It is a passion and commitment, which many of you share, and you each have very fond memories of your days at Mac, which you have mentioned to me on various occasions. It is evident that Mac is in the heart and Dean of the Faculty soul of each and everyone who has studied and worked at the College.

Doyen de la Faculté There is a common thread in all our stories: Macdonald formed our minds and shaped Chandra A. Madramootoo our lives, thereby providing us with the tools to make outstanding contributions in our various fields of endeavour, and also in our communities.

Contributors As we approach our Centenary celebrations, I have been reflecting not only on the Harold Blenkhorn greatness of Macdonald as an institution, but also on the vision and legacy of our Josée Bonneville founder, Sir William Macdonald. Our College has flourished and excelled over the past Erica Burnham Helen Cohen Rimmer 100 years because generations of students, staff, alumni, donors and friends have Janet Finlayson shared in Sir William’s vision. We have collectively followed Sir William’s words: Donald L. Smith Onward and Upward. Ron Henry I feel very privileged to be the dean, at this most exciting period in our history. The Editorial Board Centenary is about celebrating a glorious past, it is about sharing our memories, and it is about building an exciting future. I invite you to join us for the many Centenary Robert Bonnell, BSc(AgrEng)’83, events that have been planned over the next 12 months, and to support the work of MSc’85, PhD’93 Josée Bonneville, the College for the next 100 years! I extend my deepest appreciation for your contin- Development & Alumni Relations ued support through the Alma Mater Fund and other gift programs. Your support makes Erica Burnham, BA’94, MLIS’98 a difference. Helen Cohen Rimmer, BA’76, MSc’79 Ron Henry, I look forward to welcoming you to the campus during this year of celebration. Director of Development — Macdonald Marie-Anne Hudson, BSc(Agr)’03 Kathy MacLean, BSc(Agr)’81 Rodger Titman, BSc’65

Editorial Consultant Helen Dyer, Communications Officer, Development, Alumni and University Chandra A. Madramootoo, BSc(AgrEng)’77, MSc’81, PhD’85 Relations Dean, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Proofreading Pascal Zamprelli Coordination, Design and Layout Helen Cohen Rimmer, HCR Photo COVER PHOTO: In celebration of our 100th anniversary, we take a look at laboratory teaching, sports and research then and now — a milk grading lab in 1912, women’s hockey in the 1920’s, BioPhysics lab 1950’s, Professor Suha Jabaji teaching a mycology course in 2005, the McGill Martlets champion women’s rugby team, graduate students conducting research at the Institute of Parasitology.

AGRICULTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES 2 Research Notes New plant research network based at Macdonald

The realization that agriculture has a sig- researchers. In addition, there will be an nificant role to play in climate change and inter-university graduate course in plants as a source of renewable energy has greatly and climate change that will be directed by increased the demand for scientific insights Smith and colleague Bert Drake, of the and new crop development. Donald Smith, Smithsonian. professor of plant science, is now taking up “Never before have researchers asked: the challenge to develop or select crops ‘How can we, beyond the practices already which will reduce the negative environmen- available, re-configure plants and their man- tal impact of crop production. Smith leads a agement to augment existing opportunities? national network — the Green Crop And will these approaches work in a chang- Network — coordinating the work of 55 ing environment?’” says Smith. researchers from 13 universities. Funded by Finding new ways of reducing net green- a $6.6-million federal government invest- house gas emissions will have economic, ment, the network’s goal is to find ways to environmental and human health benefits. If reduce greenhouse gas emissions through more carbon can be captured by plants and agricultural activities. stored below ground, the soil may become Smith and his colleagues bring together more productive and for longer, thus expertise in plants (hence the network’s enhancing the sustainability of agriculture. main focus on plants and its location in the If nitrogen leakage is minimized, fertilizer Plant Science Department), soils and soil costs may be reduced and negative environ- microbes. mental impacts diminished. And not least, if Part of the Network’s focus will be the fundamental processes of C and N flow extensive research training of 40 graduate through the air-plant-soil continuum are bet- students in the various laboratories involved ter understood, solutions not yet envisioned and under the supervision of the may be discovered. OWEN EGAN

A visionary idea leads to a centre of expertise Valacta, a new centre of expertise in dairy production based on the Macdonald Campus, was launched in Quebec last month. The new centre integrates the resources of the Programme d'analyse des troupeaux laitiers du Québec (PATLQ) with those of its three shareholders — the ministère de l’Agriculture, des Pêcheries, et de l’Alimentation du Québec (MAPAQ), the Fédération des producteurs de lait du Québec (FPLQ) and McGill University. When John Moxley, BSc(Agr)’47, MSc’52, established the Dairy Herd Analysis Service (DHAS) in 1966, which later became PATLQ, little could he have foreseen the enormous success that this venture would achieve. Moxley, then a professor in Animal Science, was interested in livestock production traits and nutrition. While working on his PhD at Cornell, he had the opportunity to observe the set up of Gilbert Rioux, President of Valacta; Roger Cue, Department of Animal Science; MAPAQ Minister Yvon Vallières; Bertrand Farmer, a computer-oriented dairy herd improvement operation, and the fore- General Manager of Valacta; and Marcel Groleau, President of sight to see that a similar system would greatly benefit Quebec dairy FPLQ. PHOTO: Clément Allard, Canadian Press. farmers. With the support of Dean George Dion, DHAS was started. It is a success story that never looked back. It started with a staff of five, a computer and an infra-red milk analyzer. More than 100 farmers received individual records for each cow in their dairy herds and feeding recommendations to improve productivity. Within a year, more than 300 dairy farms were benefiting from this service and, within 10 years, the production of more than 200,000 cattle from Quebec, Ontario and the Maritimes

was being analyzed. When Dr. Moxley was awarded the Grindley Medal by the Agricultural Institute of Canada, the citation MACDONALD ARCHIVES stated that Moxley “… is a Canadian who has made one particular identifiable contribution to Canadian agriculture, the A young John Moxley working in impact of which has been far-reaching.” Valacta’s mission is to strengthen Quebec’s milk production sector by stimulating the Nutrition lab. the development of knowledge and technology transfer to Quebec’s milk producers, a mission started by Dr. Moxley, whose immeasurable contributions have laid the foundation for this new centre of expertise in which McGill is proud to remain a partner.

3 AGRICULTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES Library The Macdonald Library — the first 100 years

THE EARLY YEARS DIFFICULT YEARS basement, where conditions were far from How many of you remember the The 1970’s were difficult years, and the ideal. Macdonald College Library in the Main Macdonald Library was also affected. A third Eventually it was decided that Macdonald Building as it was in the early days? College would occupy a separate area Centrally located, it was an impressive on the campus, centred around the room with large oak study tables bear- newly constructed Macdonald-Stewart ing green-shaded lamps. The tall win- building. The library moved to the ren- dows had stained-glass coats of arms ovated horticulture barn — the Barton at the top, and portraits of various col- Building. When the library moved in lege notables hung on the walls. January 1979, the general interest part Books were arranged in alcoves on of the collection had to be kept in either side of the room, and the circu- boxed storage, as there was not enough lation desk occupied the far end. room for it. It was eventually either The library opened its doors with a transferred to the main McGill campus collection of 8 000 books. Today, that or sold. collection had grown to more than 100,000, and the library holds sub- THE ELECTRONIC AGE ARRIVES scriptions to more than 12,000 jour- In the early 1980s, the main McGill nals. Library started cataloguing materials Initially, there was little money for online, and took over Macdonald’s cat- the regular purchase of books so, start- aloguing in 1983. The computerization ing in 1927, Walter M. Stewart made of the libraries meant staff reductions, an annual donation of $1 000, and but ten new terminals were acquired sometimes more, for that purpose. that gave users access to recent hold- Books were to be of general interest ings in all McGill libraries. Gradually or sets too large to purchase with older items in the collections were also available funds. Library endowment added to the database, and a daily van funds have subsequently been estab- service was started between the two lished by the Brunt, Estey, campuses so users could get materials McCutcheon and Ritchie families. from other McGill libraries more quickly. Much of this trend continued RAPID GROWTH throughout the 1990s. More and better Early histories of the college say computers were added to the library, very little about the library. It appears giving students and staff access to an to have grown steadily, expanding its MACDONALD ARCHIVES ever-expanding range of materials and original facilities in 1927 and again in information. 1947. By the 1960’s, the increasing number of of the collection was transferred to the new students, particularly in Education, prompted a Education Library when Education moved to LOOKING TO THE FUTURE third expansion. Early in 1962, a large exten- the downtown campus. A year later John By 2000, the library was looking to better sion with big picture windows at the back was Abbott College opened on the Macdonald days ahead. Plans were underway for major added to the library. During this time funds Campus and, for the next nine years, both col- improvements, which would bring the library became available for the purchase of materials leges shared the library. Although collections back into the centre of campus life. and, consequently, the number of staff mem- and staff were separate, the John Abbott library bers grew quickly. By 1969, there were 39 occupied most of the main floor and the people on staff. Macdonald collection was confined to the We acknowledge the contributions of for- mer Head Librarian Janet Finalyson, WHEN THE LIBRARY OPENED IN 1907 ... BSc(HEc)’59, BLS’65, and current Head Librarian Erica Burnham, BA’94, MLIS’98, • There were 215 students enrolled: 115 in the School for Teachers, 62 in to this article. The Library would not be what Household Science and 38 in Agriculture. • All but 4 students were living in resi- it was and is today without their dedication dence and board and lodging cost $3.25/week. • Tuition in the School for Teachers to Macdonald students and their common and the School for Agriculture was free to Canadian residents; otherwise $50 per goal to make the Library an accessible place session. • Tuition in the School of Household Science was $25. for gathering and learning.

AGRICULTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES 4 Library

BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE

The Library was once a place for quiet, individual study and its resources were exclusively paper-based. Today, group study, electronic resources and hands-on library instruction are the fundamental features in academic libraries. The Macdonald Campus Library had done its best over the years to accommodate and keep up with technological changes, but it remained a library designed to provide traditional services. The students preferred to gather elsewhere to study and THE COST OF REBUILDING work together. The redesign of the library space will reintegrate it into the life of the campus, and ensure that students are given the opportunity to develop the research skills needed for productive scientific careers. The library and its staff play different roles MACDONALD ARCHIVES today and students have different expectations for the use of library space. A variety of study settings, from group study to individual study; The Travelling Library an electronic classroom for library instruction, a reading room with easy access to materials and A feature of Macdonald College from 1943 computers, and quiet study zones are essential Total cost $4,250,000 to 1968 was the McLennan Travelling Library, today. The distinctive history of the Macdonald Total raised $3,908,000 the first of its kind in Canada. Established in Campus means that the library also plays the 1901 by Hugh McLennan and administered by Still required $ 342,000 role of conservator as books of historical value McGill, the Travelling Library supplied books to need to be maintained carefully and in a con- areas in rural Quebec and other parts of Canada trolled environment. where no libraries existed. Initially, books were The renovations will create an environment that will bring together all the services, packaged and shipped by rail or by post. resources, and facilities that are crucial to the academic process. It is not enough to develop sub- In 1950, Macdonald’s Adult Education stantive and excellent digital collections in the library; students must have access to these collec- Service assumed the oversight of the Travelling tions and be provided with knowledge and skills necessary to use digital resources effectively. Library; a bookmobile was acquired and toured Computers, once a luxury, have become intrinsic to the educational process for all. The grow- areas in rural Quebec where there were no ing number of digital resources and their increasing complexity and importance to the academic library services. The Travelling Library finally curriculum make it imperative to create an information technology learning environment for stu- ceased its activities in the early 1970s when its dents at McGill University. As such, the library offers many sophisticated databases, journal provincial financial support came to an end; it indices, and electronic journals through many was then absorbed by the Bibliothèque centrale different licensing agreements. Also, we recog- WHAT IMPACT WILL THE de l’Estrie. nize that instructing students how to navigate, RENOVATED LIBRARY HAVE Much of the success of this service is attrib- locate, evaluate and use the information avail- utable to the support that it received from local able from these sources is crucial toward devel- ON STUDENTS? chapters of the Quebec Women’s Institute oping lifelong research and learning skills. The (QWI). QWI members were permitted to follow Macdonald Campus Library seeks to educate courses usually reserved for librarians, so that students on the process of research and publica- More integrated space fostering both they might assume the regional responsibilities individual and group study; tion, the costs and benefits of acquiring infor- of distributing the books brought by the mation, how to evaluate information, and how Wireless networking and printing; Travelling Library. Many local rural libraries to use it effectively. Over 50 computers with specialized found their origins in this practice. The Macdonald Library and Learning scientific software available for students; Centre Project broke ground in March 2006 24-hour study space; and continued through the summer months. The Virtual reference service offering library staff, with the enormous help of 30 stu- online live help to students at home and in IN 1943 ... dents, packed over 5000 boxes of books, jour- the laboratory; nals and microfiches and placed them in stor- Two new interactive whiteboard plas- $4.00 plus transportation gave an organi- age for the duration of the move. The staff is in ma screens for library teaching and learning zation 40 books for four months. Books temporary quarters where they deliver refer- in small groups; were related, as far as supply allowed, ence services and interlibrary loan assistance to Compact storage for an ever-growing to topics under study in the community. staff and students, and look forward to continu- collection. (Macdonald Journal, March 1943). ing their important work in the new facilities New air flow system providing fresh by early October. clean air.

5 AGRICULTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES Celebrating 100 years

1907 2007

A Message from the 16 and again for the FMT/Dip Reunion on Centenary Committee November 25. November’s Centenary Chair Symposium will focus on our academic excellence and the sessions will be open to the pub- Linda Jacobs-Starkey, lic. Again, please let us know if you plan to MSc’75, PhD’99 participate. And enjoy travelling through campus during the December holidays. Our green Did you see the summer & gold and our red & white colours will be 2006 edition of the beautiful against the snow. Please check the Canada Post magazine web site for the complete list of activities which showcases new releases? It’s official: of the Centenary quilt; visit the student book- (www.mcgill.ca/macdonald/centenary), and the Macdonald Centenary stamp is in produc- store for Centenary logo items, from golf shirts don’t forget to contact your local post office tion and the release will be celebrated on cam- and note paper to giftware and decorative now to see how to order your own First Cover pus, in the Centennial Centre, on September 26 pieces; and do consider staying over for the or a book of Macdonald stamps (see details below). As you receive this Sunday breakfast and the residences tour, newsletter, many of you will also be reviewing where you’ll see a re-created residence room the Homecoming 2006 event and registration and evocative photos from residence life over WANT TO GET INVOLVED? package. The weekend of class reunions and the century. This display will remain available PLEASE CONTACT US... homecoming activities will have an added through to late November, with a Celebration [email protected] Centenary flair. Be sure to catch the unveiling of Residences reception and tour on November

Mark Your Calendars for Centenary

Although Centenary officially kicks off at Homecoming 2006, we are planning a number of events to celebrate, beginning with the Macdonald Centenary Stamp unveiling in September 2006.

Please check the centenary web site (www.mcgill.ca/macdonald/centenary) regularly, and try to include one or more of our events in your itinerary, if you expect to be in the Montreal area at any time during the year. We look forward to having you join our celebrations and show your Macdonald pride!

SEPTEMBER 19, 2006 SEPTEMBER 26, 2006 OCTOBER 3, 2006 Food for Thought Lecture Series Issue and launch of the Food for Thought Lecture Series From Mendel to the Genome Macdonald College From Steam Engines to Robotics 100 years of Genetics Postage Stamp 100 years of Engineering Speaker: Marc Fortin, Agriculture and Speaker: Ning Wang, McGill University Agrifood Canada TIME: 10h30 TIME: 19h00 TIME: 19h00 PLACE: Ceilidh, Centennial Centre PLACE: Raymond Building R2-045 PLACE: Raymond Building R2-045 RSVP: [email protected] OCTOBER 17, 2006 The opening of the 5th season of the public Celebrating 100 years of giving students a Food for Thought Lecture Series lecture series “Food For Thought”; in honour world-class education in the fields of natural From Colonialism to Free Trade of Macdonald College’s Centenary, this year’s sciences, environment, agriculture, food, nutri- 100 years of the Food Trade theme is “100 years of ...”. Lectures will run tion, applied economics, and engineering, Speaker: Desmond Morton, McGill University from September 19 to December 5 inclusive. Canada Post will issue a single stamp for the TIME: 19h00 This lecture series is free and open to all. College's Centenary. PLACE: Raymond Building R2-045

AGRICULTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES 6 Célébrons nos 100 ans

OCTOBER 2006 OCTOBER 31, 2006 NOVEMBER 14, 2006 MACDONALD HOMECOMING Food for Thought Lecture Series Food for Thought Lecture Series From Runaway to Balance From Calories to Nutraceuticals Centenary celebrations officially kick off with 100 years of Environment 100 years of Health and Nutrition Homecoming 2006 and come to a grand close Speakers: Elena Bennett & Jim Fyles, Speaker: Selim Kermasha, McGill University with Homecoming 2007. We hope you will be McGill University TIME: 19h00 able to join our alumni in some of the celebra- TIME: 19h00 PLACE: Raymond Building R2-045 tions. PLACE: Raymond Building R2-045 NOVEMBER 16, 2006 Note: * indicates registration required. For NOVEMBER 2, 2006 A Celebration of Residences information or to register for an event, please Crampton Award and Lecture TIME: TBA visit: www.mcgill.ca/homecoming/06schedule TIME: 10h00 PLACE: Laird Hall PLACE: Raymond Building R2-045 OCTOBER 20, 2006 Join residence staff in celebrating residence Macdonald Homecoming Meet and Greet The Earle W. Crampton Award is given in life at Macdonald. Visit the memorabilia dis- TIME: 18h30 recognition of Distinguished Service in fields plays and a recreated residence room from yes- PLACE: Tadja Hall dealing with Nutrition and Food. This year’s teryear. For more information, please contact recipient, Dr. Errol Marliss, Director of the Ginette Legault at 514-398-7717 or by email at OCTOBER 21, 2006 McGill Nutrition and Food Science Centre, [email protected] Dean’s Memorabilia Breakfast* will deliver the Crampton Award Lecture titled TIME: 8h30 The 21st Century Over-nutrition Epidemic, NOVEMBER 25, 2006 PLACE: Ceilidh, Centennial Centre which looks at the relationships between obesi- DIP/FMT Reunion and Banquet ty, diabetes, aging, and insulin resistance. The 14h00 Meet & Greet Official Opening of the Macdonald Library lecture is open to the public. For more on the 19h30 Banquet and Link E.W. Crampton Award, please visit: PLACE: Centennial Centre Ballroom TIME: 10h00 www.mcgill.ca/macdonald/awards PLACE: Macdonald Library An all-year DIP/FMT reunion and banquet will NOVEMBER 3, 2006 be held in the Centennial Centre Ballroom. For Unveiling of the Centenary Quilt Centenary Symposium more details, please contact Caroline Begg at With the Library Opening. A Biorevolution in the Next 100 years 514-398-8749 or [email protected] TIME: 9h00 - 17h00 Sir William Macdonald Luncheon * PLACE: Raymond Building R2-045 NOVEMBER 25, 2006 TIME: 12h00 Sainte-Anne’s Christmas Parade PLACE: Centennial Centre Ballroom Speakers include: Wes Warren, Assistant TIME: 16h00 Director, Genome Sequencing Centre, Green and Gold Review — “Songs of the Washington University Medical School; The Macdonald Community is planning extra- Century” Rickey Yada, Scientific Director, Advanced special participation in the Ste. Anne de TIME: 15h00 Food & Materials Research Network, Guelph Bellevue Christmas parade, to celebrate the PLACE: Centennial Centre Ballroom University; Peter Schantz, Epidemiologist, 100 year partnership between the Town of Ste. US Centers for Disease Control and Anne and Macdonald. Quebec Student Sports Federation (QSSF) Prevention; Gordon Young, Coordinator, Championship Semi-final Rugby Game World Water Assessment Programme, NOVEMBER 28, 2006 TIME: TBA UNESCO; Bert Drake, Senior Scientist, Food for Thought Lecture Series PLACE: McEwen Field Smithsonian Environmental Research Centre, From Cell Theory to Biosafety Maryland; and Art Ragauskas, Associate 100 years of Microbiology Cheer on the medal-winning McGill Martlets Professor, Georgia Institute of Technology, Speaker: Lyle Whyte, McGill University Women's Rugby team as they show us why School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, TIME: 19h00 they are the champions. Institute of Paper Science and Technology. PLACE: Raymond Building R2-045 Pre-registration required. Macdonald Woodsmen Demonstration For more information, please visit: DECEMBER 2006 TIME: TBA www.mcgill.ca/macdonald/centenary/ Macdonald Campus Festival of Lights PLACE: Watson Field events The Campus will light up in winter splendor, Gathering of the Clan BBQ* NOVEMBER 9, 2006 celebrating Macdonald’s green and gold and TIME: 18h00 Remembrance Day War Memorial McGill’s red and white. PLACE: Centennial Centre Installation Ceremony DECEMBER 5, 2006 OCTOBER 22, 2006 Macdonald is joining John Abbott College, Food for Thought Lecture Series Homecoming Breakfast* Canadian Veterans and friends in a special cer- From Food to Bioproducts and Biofuels Walking tour of the Macdonald Campus* emony to commemorate Canadian veterans 100 years of Plants with Guide Bob Parkinson with the installation of a war memorial and Speaker: Don Smith, McGill University A Celebration of Residence Life (Laird Hall) renewal of the memorial oak trees surrounding TIME: 19h00 TIME: morning the football field. PLACE: Raymond Building R2-045

7 AGRICULTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES In the News

KUDOS TO... MACDONALD STUDENTS WIN FCC AWARDS Bioresource Engineering professor Suzelle Barrington, BSc(AgrEng)’73, PhD’85, received the title of Honorary Macdonald FMT students Marc- Professor from the Shenyang Institute of Chemical Technology André Isabelle, FMT’06, of in Shenyang, China. Coteau-du-lac, Quebec and Kevin Wilson, FMT’06, of Vankleek Hill, Gordon Bingham of the Institute of Parasitology Ontario, were recently honoured by received the Principal’s Award for Administrative Farm Credit Canada for the excep- and Support Staff. Gordon is a long standing mem- tional quality of their final year farm ber of the Macdonald Clan and has been a part of management project. Marc-André the Institute of Parasitology for 47 years; he is (L-R) Serge Lussier, BSC(Agr)’74, and Kevin received awards of responsible for providing technical support to the Assistant-Director FMT, Kevin Wilson, $2,500 and $1,500 respectively, researchers in the Institute, and well as to the Pascal Thériault, Faculty Lecturer along with copies of farm manage- Faculty for animal care services. (Agricultural Economics), Marc-André ment software produced and distrib- Isabelle, Manon Vallières and Rosalie Carpentier, FCC and Peter Enright, uted by FCC. Both are returning to Robert Bonnell, BSc(AgrEng)’83, MSc’85, PhD’93, professor BSc(AgrEng)’86, MSc’89, Director FMT. their home farm. in Bioresource Engineering, has been awarded the 2006 CSBE/SCGAB Jim Beamish Award for his significant contributions in soil and water engineering over the past 20 years as a teacher, researcher and consulting engineer. FMT STUDENT RECEIVES LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR AWARD Lyman Museum Curator Stéphanie Boucher, BSC(Agr)’96, MSc’99, is the author of a book titled Les insectes dans nos FMT student Billy Beaudry was jardins, a pictorial guide to the quick identification of insects awarded the Prix du Lieutenant-gou- found in our gardens. The book is available in bookstores and verneur du Québec. This award rec- garden centres. For more information, visit www.insectes- ognizes not only the recipient's acad- jardins.com. emic achievement, but their personal and social commitment and commu- Emeritus Professor William nity involvement. Billy served as F. Grant and Principal class president and showed himself to be an excellent organizer, Heather Munroe-Blum facilitator and spokesman. were inducted into the “Wall of Distinction” at their alma mater, Westdale Secondary School, Hamilton, Ontario, in a ceremony that took place on May 19, 2006 The college was deeply saddened by the passing of two longtime Faculty members — both will be greatly Dean Chandra Madramootoo was made a Fellow of the missed by the Macdonald Community. American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, for his “outstanding contributions to soil and water engineering James P. Smith joined the Department of Food Science and worldwide as a teacher, researcher and consulting engineer.” Agricultural Chemistry in 1984. He did everything with humour and panache, and a strong Scottish brogue. He was deeply com- Parasitology professor Roger Prichard was elected an mitted to his research, his teaching and his students. He forged Honorary Fellow of the European Veterinary Parasitology long-lasting links with industry and government. He was mentor College, in recognition of his service in the advancement of and friend to his graduate students and often “adopted” them Veterinary Parasitology. into his family. In 1995, Dr. Smith was the recipient the Macdonald Award for Teaching Excellence. Institute of Parasitology professors Marilyn Scott, PhD’80, and Armando Jardim were both recipients of awards from the Howard A. Steppler’s association with Macdonald started in Canadian Society of Zoologists. Professor Scott received the 1948 when he returned after serving in World War II to follow Robert Wardle Award, given in recognition of outstanding con- postgraduate studies. In 1949 he began a distinguished scientific tributions to Canadian parasitology and/or outstanding contri- and administrative career that was to span more than 50 years. butions by a Canadian to parasitology and Professor Jardim He served as department chair, as Associate Dean (Research), received the Bob Boutillier New Investigator Award, given to and chaired the committee responsible for the construction of the young investigators who have made significant contributions to Macdonald-Stewart Building. He was very active in international zoology within five years of their first academic appointment. agriculture, and work extensively with many international agen- cies. In 1984, upon his retirement, Dr. Steppler was named Animal Science professor Xin Zhao is the winner of the 2006 Emeritus Professor in Agronomy. Award for Technical Innovation in Enhancing Production of Safe Affordable Food.

AGRICULTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES 8 Convocation 2006 A perfect day to celebrate

“A spectacular setting for a graduation ceremony” said Principal Heather Munroe-Blum as she welcomed new graduates into McGill’s worldwide family. “Today, in celebrating you, the Class of 2006, we celebrate the Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. Macdonald College at McGill has been synonymous with significant and sustained, indeed groundbreaking, advances in agriculture and nutrition, environmental and bio-sciences rooted in its first programs which began back in 1907.” The day honoured not only graduates but guests as well. This year’s honourary degree recipient (Doctor of Science, honoris causa) was Sir George Alleyne, OCC, FRCP, FACP, chancellor of the University of the West Indies, special envoy to United Nations Secretary- General Kofi Annan for HIV/AIDS in the Caribbean Region and Director Emeritus of the Pan-American Health Organization. A Barbadian national and internal medicine specialist, he has published more than 150 articles in scientific journals on nutrition, renal biochemistry, clinical medicine, and public health. Dr. Alleyne has dedicated the greater part of his career in medicine and health care to raising the standard of public health for the benefit of Caribbean and Latin American citizens. Dr. Alleyne has received numerous awards in recognition of his work, including presti- gious decorations and national honors from many countries. In recognition of his outstanding services to medicine, Dr. Alleyne was made a Knight Bachelor by Queen Elizabeth II in 1990. In 2001 he was awarded the Order of the Caribbean Community (OCC), the highest

honour that can be conferred on a Caribbean national. In July MARASPORT INC 2003, the Caribbean Community (Caricom) appointed Dr. Alleyne as the head of a new commission to examine health issues confronting the region, including HIV/AIDS, and their impact on national economies. Later that same year, he was appointed Chancellor of the University of the West Indies. In his convocation address, Dr. Alleyne said that he believes that “... the greatness of universities depends on the behaviour, achievement and contribution of their alumni. It is the extent to which alumni wear their university openly and with pride that are its most open advo- cates.” He urged the graduands to actively “go out and effect such changes as to make the world a better place, by improving the quality of human life while living within the capacity of supporting ecosystems.”

“Best course, best labs, best teacher ... WOW!” was one description of Natural Resource Sciences professor Professor Murray Humphries, PhD’01, Murray Humphries, this year’s recipient of the receives his award from Principal Heather Macdonald Award for Teaching Excellence. His teach- Munroe-Blum. PHOTO: Marasport Inc. ing methods are based on accessibility — ease of understanding concepts and the source of those concepts. He stimulates students to participate actively in the learning process, thereby gaining deeper understanding of the subject. In the vein of Sir George Alleyne, valedictorian Ali Husain (pictured with his parents in upper right photo) also urged his fellow students to go out and make a difference. “The choices we make,” said Ali, “will define who we are, will determine our happiness and will put us on a path to success. The education that we have received at this fine university has exposed us to the challenges our planet faces and the solutions HCR PHOTO that can make a real difference. Issues in global hunger and nutrition, water scarcity Top: Sir George Alleyne (right) and McGill Chancellor Richard Pound, and environmental degradation are only a few of the many areas of concern.” OC, OC, QC. We can all take pride in the fact that Macdonald will undoubtedly continue to Centre: Valedictorian Ali Husain, with his parents Zahra and Azhar, leave its mark on the world. displays his new degree.

Bottom: New PhD Sarah Dalle, BSc’94, MSc’00, with Professor Timothy Johns (Dietetics and Human Nutrition and CINE), new MSc Marie-Hélène Fraser and MSc Applied Roselyne Nyaboke Ochego.

39 AGRICULTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES News from the Alumni Relations Office THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT The Macdonald Development Office is pleased to welcome Mr. Ron Henry as new Director of Development, Macdonald Campus. Ron comes to Macdonald form McGill’s Faculty of Science, where he spent two years as a successful and dedicated Development and Alumni relations officer. Ron graduated from Donations to the Macdonald Alma Mater Concordia with a BA in Economics Fund and Gift Programs have a pro- and Minor in Marketing and he has found impact on life at Macdonald and completed the Canadian Securities cannot be overstated. They are vital to course. He has been a volunteer the faculty’s ability to provide an out- fundraiser for the Heart and Stroke standing education, student support L-R: Lisa Allsopp, Josée Bonneville, Ron Henry Foundation, the SPCA, and the through scholarships, enriched pro- Canadian Cancer Society. Prior to joining McGill, Ron had focused his career on building a grams, cutting-edge research, and, business in high-end furniture manufacturing and restorations, which he sold recently so that most of all, attract the best and bright- he could venture into a new area. His marketing and entrepreneurial skills will be extremely est to the faculty and student body. valuable in this position. For more information or online giving, How to reach us: Ron Henry, 514-398-7695, [email protected] please visit our website at: Josée Bonneville, 514-398-7709, [email protected] www.mcgill.ca/macdonald/develop- Lisa Allsopp, 514-398-7984, [email protected] ment/yourgifts www.mcgill.ca/macdonald/development

THE YEARS OF THE GREEN AND GOLD Harold Blenkhorn, BSc(Agr)’50

The first Green and Gold Revue was held in 1949. Thereafter, year in, year out, through the ‘50s and into the ’60s there was a Green and Gold Revue …. a continuity of talent that was passed on from year to year. The Green and Gold was a presentation of songs and skits, usually held together by a theme that ran through the show — in 1950 we followed the adventures of two famous detec- tives — Shomes and Hemlock, but who they were pursuing and what his crime was I have for- gotten. We sang currently popular songs about campus life — the food in the dining hall, the curfews imposed by Mrs. Strang, etc. Songs were sung as solos or in small groups, or by quite a large chorus — an essential part of all Green and Golds. Often various songs or acts were built around students with special talents. An example was the West Indies contingent with their lilting accents, their calypsos, and their limbo stick. It took a lot of people to put on a Green and Gold — a producer, a director, musicians, script writers, carpenters, stage hands, make-up artists, tall girls and small girls to make up the chorus line. But in those days we had a lot of people to draw on: Ag and Home Ec from fresh- men to seniors, DIPS and Homemakers, and a big pool of talent from the School for Teachers, who usually accounted for the largest segment of the student body. We would usually start planning the Green and Gold early in the year. Before mid-term exams we would have a pretty good idea of what we were going to do. After mid-term exams we would get down to serious business. There was no problem in getting people out for rehearsals because we didn’t have far to go. We all lived on campus and never strayed any far- ther than “Joes” in downtown Ste. Anne’s. Looking through the old Year Books, it appears that the last Green and Gold was held in 1967. It is to be noted that in the succeeding years, the Faculty of Education moved to the McGill campus downtown. And with the changing times, the Green and Gold Revue became a thing of the past. So the Green and Gold passed into history, and indeed, it was very much a part of the history of Macdonald College as it existed in the era of the ’50s and ’60s, leaving indelible memories on the hundreds of students who were a part of it. Top: The chorus line of 1949. Perhaps it should be mentioned that the Songs of the Century presentation scheduled for Bottom: The Melody Macs — Fern Dilabio, George the Centenary Celebrations this fall will include a glimpse of the 1950 Green and Golds. It will Hobson, Russel Duckworth, Harold Blenkhorn, Ross feature some songs rendered by the same people who performed them over 50 years ago!. Hennigar, and Bobby Moreland.

AGRICULTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES 10 Alumni News

DOES IT REALLY GO? MAA AWARDS Mr Arthur Lau, CM, BArch’62, Mrs Crystal Lau, BSc’62, MSc’64, Mr Douglas Pashleigh, BSc(Agr)’52, and Mrs Shirley Pashleigh, BSc(HEc)’53 watch as Bioresource Engineering undergraduates Nicolas Francoeur-Leblond and Samuel Price, BEng(Bioresource)’06, explain the principles behind their miniature version of a working field robot. The Bioresource Engineering students were demonstrating their skills as part of the Annual Donor Reception held in April.

Richard J. Huggard, BSc(Agr)’58 and Dr. Murray F. McLaughlin, BSc(Agr)’68 were both awarded Honourary Doctorates by Nova Scotia Agricultural College and Dalhousie University during the May 5 Convocation at NSAC. MAA Award recipients G. Stewart Brown (centre back) and Harold Blenkhorn (right) with Dean Chandra Madramootoo and Mrs. Anne Myles Brown.

G. Melvin Barclay, BSc(Agr)’64, of Upper Kintore, NB, as presented The Queen’s Golden The McGill Alumni Association (MAA) hon- Jubilee Medal to recognize his leadership in 4-H. It was noted that “Melvin has been an oured Mr. Stewart Brown, longtime Macdonald outstanding 4-H leader in the Western District and has contributed greatly to the develop- friend and benefactor, with a Lifetime ment of our young people. The citation also said that “Melvin’s contribution to the potato Membership award for his continued support of and beef industries in our area cannot be measured.” the Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. Mr. Brown said that Macdonald “is well positioned to address key issues in agriculture, Patrick Lecavalier, DipAgr’85, was recently appointed President for DeLaval Inc. USA food, dietetics, nutrition, health and the environ- Sales Organization, based in Kansas City, Missouri.Patrick brings to his new position a ment.” He added that because he has been so for- wealth of milk harvesting experience and knowledge including the passionate drive to gen- tunate in his own life, he will continue to do what erate significant sales growth, implementation of new milking system brands and his strong he can to enhance the Macdonald experience for ability to develop and build a solid sales force. others.

A Distinguished Service Award was also pre- Pascale Tremblay, BSc(Agr)’85, sera l’animatrice d’un nouveau magazine vert qui sera sented to Harold Blenkhorn, BSc(Agr)’50, for diffusé en automne 2006 sur le réseau Télé-Québec. Pascale est bien connue des téléspecta- his unwavering ties to Macdonald over the years. teurs, ayant animé pendant six saisons, l’émission Cultivé et bien élevé. Elle avait d’abord Mr. Blenkhorn has been the organizer of reunions animé de magazine agricole de Radio-Canada, La semaine verte, ainsi que Jardins d’au- of the Classes of ’50 and ’51, as well as bringing jourd’hui. back the “Green and Gold Revue” to Macdonald Homecomings.

Dr. Ephraim Mukisira, PhD’94, has been appointed Director of Kenya Agriculture (KARI). His appointment caps 26 years of an illustrious research career in KARI. Dr. Mukisira has received meritorious awards from the Canadian Society of Animal Science and the European Poultry Conference, as well as several scientific awards locally, for his research work.

Ann Louise Carson, BSc(Agr)’81, has been appointed General Manager of Eastern Breeders Inc. Until her appointment, Ann Louise had been Business Development Director for PATLQ for 15 years.

REUNION IN BARBADOS One of the Macdonald tables at the MAA Awards Banquet. Standing (L-R): Donald Brady, BSc(Agr)’48; Hugh Proverbs, Standing (L-R): Mika Hauser, BSc(NutrSci)’94, Ron Henry, BSc(Agr)’48, MSc’50; Michael Clarke, BSc(Agr)’49; Dean Chandra Madramootoo, Josée Bonneville, Eby Noroozi, Jim Woods, BSc(Agr)’48, MSc’50; Gwen Woods. MSc’78, Nora Christie, BSc(HEc)’49.

Seated (L-R): Seated (L-R): Roland Greenbank, BSc(Agr)’47, DipEd’56, Kay Brady; Maurice Proverbs, BSc(Agr)’44, MSc’46, George Eades, BSc(AgrEng)’73, Kelly McNamara, Ruth PhD’52; Muriel Proverbs (Peart), MSc (HEc)’47. Greenbank, BEd’86, and Judy Hodhod, BSc(FSci)’73.

11 AGRICULTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES From the ground up ...

Architectural drawing of the new link.

Site of new link prior to construction. March 28. Ground-breaking day. April 6.

May 9. May 10. May 30.

June 6. July 14. July 31.

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