News Release Communique
Order of Canada Appointments from the U of S
Two distinguished Canadians closely associated with the University of Saskatchewan have been named Officers of the Order of Canada.
Gordon Thiessen, Chair of the University's Board of Governors, is being recognized for his vision and leadership as Governor of the Bank of Canada from 1994 to 2001. During his tenure, Thiessen played a crucial role in the development and evolution of the Canadian monetary system and was instrumental in lowering inflation and interest rates, as well as promoting economic growth.
Michael Bancroft, U of S adjunct professor of chemistry and Acting Director of Research for the Canadian Light Source (CLS) (www.lightsource.ca) on the U of S campus, was one of the first Canadian chemists to promote the use of synchrotron radiation in research. He has been a key player in the development of the CLS, Canada's first synchrotron, scheduled to be operational in 2004.
"We're delighted that these two prominent Canadians who have provided outstanding service to the University have been selected for our country's highest honour for lifetime achievement," said U of S President Peter MacKinnon.
The Order of Canada honours Canadians who have demonstrated merit, achievement, and service to their communities. Created in 1967, the Order of Canada has three levels of achievement - Companions, Officers and Members.
Born in Ontario, Thiessen grew up in a number of Saskatchewan towns. He studied economics at the U of S and received a Bachelor of Arts degree with Honours in 1960 and a Master of Arts degree in 1961. He was awarded a Ph.D. in Economics from the London School of Economics in 1972. In 1997, the U of S awarded him an honorary Doctor of Laws.
He is a member of numerous boards and is campaign chair for the Neuromuscular Research Partnership.
Michael Bancroft, who led a University of Western Ontario initiative that enabled Canadian researchers to purchase synchrotron beamlines at a Madison, Wisc. facility, has been a leading proponent of building a synchrotron in Canada for leading-edge science and innovation.
"Thanks to his sustained efforts, this new technology offers the potential for significant breakthroughs in medical science and engineering and increased economic benefits for our country," his citation states.
Recently, Bancroft was selected as one of 33 Canadian innovation pioneers showcased in a new essay collection launched by the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI). http://www.innovation.ca/publications/
A million times brighter than the sun, synchrotron light is used to probe the structure of matter. Using light from infrared to X-rays, scientists can examine biochemical and geochemical samples with greater accuracy and precision than has previously been possible in Canada.
The $174-million national facility, wholly owned by the U of S, is one of the largest scientific projects in the country. Close to 2,000 users are anticipated annually, with up to 100 scientists from almost every discipline working on experiments at any given time.
In his synchrotron research, Bancroft works with companies such as ESSO and Chevron to help develop better anti-wear coatings for engine oil additives.
For more information, contact:
Tina Merrifield
Senior Communications Officer
Tel: (306) 966-2213
Kathryn Warden
CLS/U of S Research Communications Officer
Tel: (306) 966-2506
Last modified: 2012-01-19 17:01:02