The following awards and recognitions will be given during the 2009 Fall Convocation:

Distinguished Professors

The title, Distinguished Professor, is conferred by the University of Manitoba on academic staff members who have demonstrated outstanding distinction in research, scholarship, creative endeavour, professional service and teaching. Up to three people may receive this honour each year, and not more than 20 professors may hold the title at one time.

Ani Gole, electrical and computer engineering
As a researcher and practicing engineer, Gole is recognized as the foremost international authority on the modeling of electrical power systems. His work is credited for forming the basis of the international standard for the design of high voltage electrical power systems. Software Gole developed, either alone or cooperatively with graduate students or industrial colleagues, is used worldwide to design power systems. Every time Manitobans plug in an electrical cable or flick a switch, they are using Gole’s research. He is in constant demand as an instructor and travels extensively to educate and train engineers around the globe. Over the last 25 years, Gole has authored over 140 journal publications, conference papers and lectures. He has supervised over 60 graduate students and has been responsible for several millions of dollars in research grants. He is a respected educator and mentor who had a significant impact on the lives of students.

Jan Oleszkiewicz, civil engineering
Recognized around the world as an expert in environmental engineering, Oleszkiewicz is also an outstanding researcher and educator. Oleszkiewicz conducted pioneering research on advanced anaerobic digestion which led to Manitoba’s first full-scale anaerobic digester for industrial waste and Canada’s first demonstration of dry anaerobic digestion of municipal solid wastes. Oleszkiewicz is a leading researcher in the field of examining ways to remove nitrogen from waste water, and phosphorous from Lake Winnipeg. His research has contributed to a more profound understanding of the basic science behind waste water treatment as well as to improved technologies that have been implemented in water pollution control plants in Canada and around the world. During his 25 years at the University of Manitoba, Oleszkiewicz has authored over 130 scientific journal articles and presented at over 270 conferences in the area of environmental engineering. Oleszkiewicz initiated the University of Manitoba Student Chapter of Water Environment Federation which has become the largest and most active in Canada. He has also received several teaching and industry awards for his work.

Raymond Perry, psychology
Perry is recognized for his contribution to understanding human motivation, his dedication to research and his commitment to sharing his knowledge with students. A faculty member at the University of Manitoba since 1971, Perry has studied the psychological foundations of emotional well-being, physical health, quality of life and mortality. His work has led to innovations in classroom-based motivation tools designed to assist failure-prone students to overcome learning disabilities. His research has also contributed to new insights into effective teaching practices in university classrooms and into the adjustment of faculty members into new institutions. Perry’s research has been published in countless leading psychology journals. He has authored more than 27 books and chapters, 130 journal articles and over 300 presentations. His accomplishments have been recognized by professional organizations and international awards. He has established numerous international research collaborations and created the Centre for Higher Education Research and Development at the University of Manitoba. He is an outstanding educator and mentor of young researchers and provides exceptional opportunities in his laboratory for career development.
Distinguished Alumni Award

The Distinguished Alumni Award is an honour presented annually to a graduate who demonstrates outstanding professional achievement and community service, and who also maintains links with the University of Manitoba.

Nestor Burtnyk
A pioneer in computer animation, Burtnyk is recognized for revolutionizing three-dimensional graphics and laying the groundwork for sophisticated animation techniques seen in blockbuster films like Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings. Burtnyk began Canada’s first major computer graphics research project in 1968 at the National Research Council when computers were still in early development. In 1969, Burtnyk attended a conference in California where Disney Studio animators presented an overview of the process of creating Disney-style hand-drawn animation. Although he claimed to lack an artistic bent, Burtnyk returned to Ottawa and, with physicist Marceli Wein, developed “key-frame animation” which used hand-drawn computer images and was patterned on the Disney Studio’s process. Based on its demonstrated potential, Burtnyk and Wein encouraged experimentation by animators from the National Film Board. This technology, designed originally to make computers easier to use, is considered classic in the animated film industry, and inspired many to pursue careers in animation. The technology was used to create Peter Foldes’s 11-minute film Hunger for the National Film Board, which in 1974 won the jury prize at the Cannes Film Festival and became the first computer-animated movie to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Short. In 1997, Burtnyk and Wein finally earned an Academy Award for technical achievement in computer animation. During his 45-year career at the NRC, Burtnyk also studied intelligent robotics and image processing directed primarily in support of applications of the Canadarm and its related technologies. He retired from active research in 1995. In 2000, Burtnyk was elected a Member of the Order of Canada for his pioneering work in computer animation.
Distinguished Service Award

Allen M. Snyder
An accomplished engineer and dedicated philanthropist, Snyder is recognized for his commitment to his profession and to his community. After receiving a degree in civil engineering and his MBA, both from the University of Manitoba, Snyder began his career at Manitoba Hydro. Over the last 30 years, Snyder rose through the ranks at Manitoba Hydro to the position of vice-president (transmission and distribution). Throughout his career, Snyder has been active within various professional organizations including the Canadian Electricity Association, the Canadian Hydropower Association and the Energy Council of Canada. He is also very active as a fundraiser in Winnipeg and has dedicated his time and efforts to supporting fundraising campaigns for the Manitoba Theatre Centre, the Health Sciences Centre Foundation, Juvenile Diabetes, CancerCare Manitoba and Rotary International. Snyder was also co-chair of the successful Engineering and Information Technology Complex fundraising campaign.

Professor Emeritus

The title Professor Emeritus is an honour that is conferred by the Board of Governors after retirement on individuals who have rendered distinguished service to the university and who have significant records in teaching, research, and scholarship.

James Thliveris, human anatomy and cell science
A faculty member at the University of Manitoba since 1971, Thliveris is recognized as a skilled educator and for his work in the area of head and neck cancer research. Between 1993 and 2003, Thliveris served as head of the department of human anatomy and cell science. He focused his research on the role of toxic agents in lung structure and function and on the exploration of novel minimally invasive imaging techniques in head and neck cancers. His successful team-based approach to research reaches across interdisciplinary boundaries to include clinical and cutting-edge imaging technologies. During his tenure, Thliveris was also active in helping design and implement the medical admissions program and the pre-clinical curriculum. He is known for his skill as an educator and mentor to students from a variety of disciplines. He received the “Outstanding Teacher Award” in 2000, an award he was nominated for a total of five times. Thliveris continues to exhibit exemplary leadership in the design of new courses and the restructuring of existing courses to ensure students are being equipped with the knowledge and tools they require to meet the needs of modern medicine.
Dr. and Mrs. H. H. Saunderson Award for Teaching Excellence

Theresa Sullivan, occupational therapy
Sullivan is an influential professor with a passion for learning which motivates and inspires her students and encourages their success. According to one student, Sullivan stands apart as a result of her dedication to her students - inside and outside of the classroom: “Ms. Sullivan does more than instruct her students. She goes above and beyond to help them become better people and better professionals in their chosen endeavours.” Another student praised Sullivan for the support she offers students in their fieldwork placements: “She continually went out of her way and put all of her effort into finding her students fieldwork experiences. She deserves this award because of her love for her job. It really shows.” Students also appreciate Sullivan’s nurturing manner: “She is famous for making delicious treats and bringing them for us in the midst of our cramming for exams,” noted one student. Sullivan is an instructor in the School of Medical Rehabilitation in the area of occupational therapy. Her research focus includes collaborative client-centred practice and professional reasoning. Her teaching areas include communication skills, professional development and ethics and legal issues.
Graduate Teaching Excellence

Dana Medoro, English, film and theatre
An accomplished researcher and academic, Medoro is recognized by her students as a role model and mentor. One student recalls Medoro set a positive tone for the academic year right from the start. “(She) cultivated the idea that it is perfectly acceptable for students to struggle through their ideas orally and that the class should help develop the speaker’s understanding of the subject matter through a fruitful exchange of ideas and information.” Students in Medoro’s class are encouraged to work collaboratively which results in a classroom dynamic that is interactive, supportive and constructive. Her willingness to work beyond the traditional seminar structure encourages student participation and involvement in their own learning. Medoro is also recognized for ensuring her students have opportunities to work alongside professionals in their field to further their awareness and experience. In addition to her dedication to teaching and research, Medoro is also active in the community, working as an advocate for animal rights for many years. Her work both within and outside of the university setting inspires her students and offers them a positive role model for being an engaged and contributing member of the community.
The 42nd Fall Convocation will take place on Wednesday, October 21 and Thursday, October 22, 2009.

For further information, please go to:
www.umanitoba.ca/student/records/convocation/fall09/index.shtml