Enginuity Extra 2006 - The Schulich School of Engineering ...

enginuity extraSpecial EditionDean S.C. Wirasinghe1994 - 2006Farewell to aVisionary,Leader,& FriendAfter 12 1/2 YearsDean S.C. Wirasinghesteps down from thehelm of the SchulichSchool of EngineeringSchulich School of Engineering1

President’s MessageTable of Contents:President’s Message 2Around the SSE & Beyond 3Q&A with Dean Wirasinghe 4Chronology Under S.C. Wirasinghe 6A Period of Growth 8Expanding Research 13Women in Engineering 16Forging New Paths 17FIRST CHOICE 21The First To Be Named in Canada 22The measure of successful leaders is both their accomplishments today, and theimpact of those accomplishments in the future: the foundation on which theirsuccessors can build.Perhaps the best place to start recognizing the far-reaching impact of Chan’s work asDean is his leadership in developing the “First Choice” strategy. That initiative was acatalyst for what can only be described as a watershed for both the Faculty and theUniversity: Seymour Schulich’s choice to donate $25M and to lend his name to theUniversity of Calgary and the Faculty.This is only the most significant of a long series of successes, all of which strengthenedthe quality and the profile of the Faculty and the U of C. Chan has been aremarkably effective Dean, both on campus and in the community, leading theFaculty to a pre-eminent position.This effort required a very significant commitment of his time and energy. In his letter tome, Chan said that he believes that now is the right time to seek new leadership forthe Schulich School of Engineering and that, having served as Dean since January 1,1994, it is time for him to step aside.Chan will end his term July 1, 2006. I take this opportunity to personally thank him for hisyears of exceptional leadership, and to wish him well and continued success.Sincerely,Harvey P. WeingartenPresident & Vice-ChancellorUniversity of Calgary2Farewell Dean S.C. Wirasignhe 1994 - 2006

Around the SSE & Beyond‣ “In evaluating schools for our benefaction we recognized that Engineering at the University of Calgary had allthe attributes and hallmarks of a great Canadian educational and engineering research institution. This was inlarge part due to the focused efforts and initiatives of Dean Wirasinghe. As the Schulich School of Engineeringcarries its momentum forward I would like to take this opportunity to extend my thanks and congratulate DeanWirasinghe on a job well done.” - Seymour Schulich, Philanthropist‣“The first time I encountered the driving force that is known as Chan Wirasinghe was when he bravely hosted adinner for senior women engineers in the community. At that dinner, Chan advised that he was determined tosecure an NSERC Chair in Science and Engineering at Calgary and solicited our help. It was my first experiencewith Chan’s dogged determination to grow and enhance the work and reputation of the faculty - adetermination that characterized every subsequent initiative I witnessed. I salute the determination, passionand focus on excellence that Chan has brought to his role as Dean and wish him every success in all the newchallenges he takes on in the future.” - Kathy Sendall, Senior Vice-President - Petro-Canada‣ Over the years, some of us would joke about “the phone call” from Dr. Chan Wirasinghe’s office; but neverthelesswe were always keen to support his latest vision for the school. The Chan that I know – an unwavering leader,smart, tremendous spokesman, great dry wit, compassionate, and always the charmer. Most important of all, agood friend. Chan, congratulations to both you and Dhamitha; and thank you both for all you’ve done for theuniversity and our community!- Dave Elgie, President and CEO - Cordero Energy Inc.‣ Congratulations to the excellent deanship of Prof. SC Wirasinghe. I would like to convey my heartfelt thanks tohim for his contributions in promoting academic collaborations between the University of Calgary and the HongKong Polytechnic University in the past decade. These collaborations, including faculty exchanges, studentexchanges, collaborative research, co-supervision of graduate students, and advanced short courses etc., havebeen further strengthened under his pragmatic leadership. To extend the gratitude to Prof. Wirasinghe’scontributions, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University has recently appointed him as the Honorary Professor in theDepartment of Civil & Structural Engineering. - Dr.William Lam,Chair, Hong Kong Alumni Branch (MSC (Civil) ‘81)‣ It has been my pleasure to work with Dean Wirasinghe over the last 11 years. Under his leadership we were ableto establish the Engineering Alumni Chapter. He has been an active supporter of the fledgling scholarship/bursary by graduation year initiative which is active for a number of years including 1975 and 1972 - my year ofgraduation. Dean Wirasinghe has been very active in maintaining liaison with Calgary business and has providedtremendous leadership at the school including the recent naming and endowment from Seymour Schulich.- Ian Herring, VP International Projects, Nexen Inc. (B.Sc (Chemical) ‘72; M.Eng. ’79)‣ Chan - I’m sorry to hear that you will be stepping down! You have been Canada’s most successful Dean ofEngineering, and I think its longest standing Engineering Dean as well. A hearty congratulations, and we all oweyou a big thank you as well. - Michael Isaacson, Dean, Faculty of Applied Science, UBC‣ Over the close to ten years that I served as Head of the Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineeringunder Chan’s leadership, I could never figure out if he did not understand or did not want to understand what Isaid. What I clearly understood was the diligent and focused manner in which Chan worked with thedowntown community to enhance the image and resources of the Schulich School of Engineering. Theacquisition of the ICT and CCIT buildings, much need facilities, together with the naming of the Faculty as theSchulich School of Engineering are crowning achievements of his very productive term as Dean. Thanks Chan fora job very well done. - Dr. R.G. Moore, Chemical & Petroleum Engineering, Schulich School of Engineering‣ Over many years, in many countries, and in working with many organizations one gets the privilege of meeting agreat number of outstanding people. However, right here in our midst we have one of the most dynamic,brilliant, far-sighted and accomplished persons I have ever known — and of course I am referring to Dr. ChanWirasinghe. The University of Calgary, the province, and all of Canada are very fortunate to have had the benefitof his tremendous intellect and leadership.- Gerald Maier, Chairman, Granmar Investments Ltd.‣ Chan, your goals for Engineering at the University of Calgary seemed so impossible such a short time ago. Formany alums, it is almost unrecognizable with the evolution that has occurred under your care. Congratulationson your extraordinary achievements and best of luck with all future endeavors. Thank you for your stewardship,your mentorship and your friendship. - Teri Tsuji, VP Citigroup (B.Sc (Mechanical) ‘95)‣ Chan - All the best in a well deserved sabbatical to start your next adventure! You should be proud of the workthat you have done to raise the profile and achievements of the School of Engineering - we will see the results ofyour dedication for years to come! – Dr. Elizabeth Cannon, Geomatics Dept. Head, Schulich School of EngineeringSchulich School of Engineering3

Q&A with Dean S.C. Wirasinghe1. It’s 1994, your first official year as the Dean of Engineering, what is your first order of business?What is needed most?In 1994 it was actually a matter of survival because I had to take over a 20% cut in the school budgetbecause the Province had mandated that. My thought was, “I didn’t take this job to sit around cuttingthe school by 20%”; so I tried to figure out how to get the school to move ahead while I finessed thebudget cuts as much as possible.One of the very first things I realized was that women were very underrepresented in the school. Wehad two in all. I also felt that enrollment at all levels was low among women. In my first month I askedDr. Irvine-Halliday, known as a champion for women, to setup a ‘Women in Engineering’ committeeunder his chairmanship. That was the first such committee in the country and the rest is history.2. What are some of your highlights as Dean?There are visible and invisible highlights and I think the invisible highlights are possibly more importantbecause they will have a lasting effect. They are cultural changes, which are much harder toaccomplish. Key invisible highlights include the entrenchment of a continual planning process, thedesign engineering initiatives, the women in engineering initiative, the increase in tenure/promotionstandards, and also emphasis an on clear communication with stakeholders, among others.As Dean, the largest amount of time has gone into fueling the continual planning process. It is a bigmistake for Deans to think they are actually running the school. If that is their plan, they won’t havetime for school development. There are lots of good people running the school. The Deans job is to setsome broad directions and to make sure those are followed, not to get involved in day to dayoperations.With regard to visible highlights, we have 3 new buildings – we built 2 [CCIT, ICT] and we got Petro-Canada to donate the other.Other highlights would include the Engineering Internship Program and the Engineering AssociatesProgram, both of which are national award-winning programs. You have to give credit to Dean Rhodesfor having started those two programs and initiating the close relationship between downtown andthe faculty.Similarly the Chairs Program is a crucial. We now have the most research chairs in Western Canada andfor that we have to give some credit to Dean Bruton. When he appointed me as the founding AssociateDean Research, my marching orders was to set up some research chairs. I don’t think he ever dreamtthat we would go from ½ a chair to well over 30 chairs.3. Is there one accomplishment in particular that stands out above the others?Once the School accepted that we actually can be ‘First Choice’ the naming was a natural followthrough. I think that the cultural change where our school, our alumni, our supporters, our professors, andeven our students began to actually believe that we could be ‘First Choice’ was critical. I think that thenaming of the Schulich School of Engineering has to be the highlight because that proved that a veryhard-nosed business man from outside of Alberta could check through due diligence come to the sameconclusion: that we could be ‘First Choice’.4. Last December you were named to a 3 rd term as Dean. That term was scheduled to end June 30 th ,2007 so why step down now?I think that there are optimal times to do important things. Important decisions need to be made atexactly the right time. For me, it was really important to find a time when the decision I made would bebest for the school, best for the university and best for me personally. There was that opportunity somemonths after the naming when we had the most chairs in western Canada, we had the most researchFarewell Dean S.C. Wirasignhe 1994 - 20064

moneyper faculty member in western Canada, Mr. Schulich has shown full confidence in naming us andupon his return was very happy with our progress, we have the best scholarships in the country, we arehiring the best young professors. So to complete the 10 Year Plan you need to also have the bestpossible new Dean. I am not going to be here forever, at some point I have to step down. I thought thisis a great time with so much good publicity for the school since there will be lots of good people whowill want the job.It is important to give the President enough time to appoint somebody and to give him an opportunitywhen things are really moving. As I’ve said before, to win the relay you have to pass the baton at fullspeed. I think we’ve probably completed the third lap now but that final lap is crucial.5. Where do you think success lays for the future of the Schulich School of Engineering?I think we have to continue actively to implement our ‘First Choice: 10 Year Plan’. The worst thing wecan do is to sit and wait for the new Dean to come. It’s better to say “we have a plan, we areactively pursuing it, and we have significant successes”. I think we need now to look to be among thebest in the world; and look to double our school for critical mass.6. Under your leadership, the Schulich School of Engineering became the first engineering school tobe named in Canada – what impact do you think that has had for the University of Calgary?If you look at the evolution of great universities you’ll see that they didn’t become great because alltheir faculties became great. By luck, or circumstance, or design certain faculties became prominentand that light shines on the whole university. If you look at Harvard, their engineering school is verysmall. Law, medicine, business, economics, that’s what Harvard is famous for, and even though MIT isjust across town, some people still go to Harvard for engineering. I think U of C has to understand that inCalgary, which is a city of professionals, we have a tremendous opportunity for greatness inengineering, law, business, medicine and if we develop in such areas then it’s obvious that the otherfaculties will also develop. We have no special call to say we will be first choice in humanities, but wehave a special call to say we will be first choice in geology and geophysics; so if we can choose somewinners and really support them everybody else will be supported automatically. If the reputation of aschool goes up, then the universities reputation also goes up and good people will come to theuniversity for all programs.7. Much of the growth that has occurred in the SSEhas much to do with the tremendous connectionsyou have made with industry. Why have youplaced such a strong emphasis on theEngineering’s connection to industry?I think we need to have a connection to thecommunity as a whole. This includes industry, theprofession, alumni, and other groups. The community inCalgary has shown tremendous support and, ofcourse, we couldn’t have been winners without that.I think that the only way U of C is going to get ahead isto seek the support of its community and in return giveit back too. Again, if you look at great universitiesthey have often developed with their communities.8. What do you hope your legacy will be whenpeople look back at your work in the SSE?I think that’s for others to decide. I don’t know whatmy legacy is going to be but what I’m most proud of isthe fact that I helped the school to gain theconfidence to know that it can be First Choice. Thatgives me a lot of personal satisfaction. As for thelegacy, time will tell.Schulich School of Engineering5

SSE Chronology Under S.C. Wirasinghe’s Deanship1994Dr. S.C. Wirasinghe appointed Dean, January 1 stDr. Robert Day appointed Associate Dean (Academic), July 1 stDr. Francis Hartman appointed to Chair of Project ManagementWomen in Engineering committee set up to foster the role of women in engineering“Engineering for the Environment (EfE)” specialization introduced for the MEng degreeDr. Laurence Turner appointed Associate Dean (Academic and Planning), July 1 st1995Dr. Ludo Zanzotto appointed to NSERC Industrial Chair in Bituminous Materials, January 1 stDr. O.P. Malik appointed Associate Dean (Student Affairs), July 1 stDr. Gérard Lachapelle appointed Head of Geomatics Engineering, July 1 stBSc program in Manufacturing Engineering started, fall semester1996The Faculty joins the “Program for North American Mobility in Higher Education”“Engineering for the Environment (EfE)” specialization extended to MSc and PhD degrees1997Ms. Margaret (Peggy) Simons appointed Executive Director of Engineering Internship ProgramDr. M.Elizabeth Cannon appointed to NSERC Chair for Women in Science and Engineering (Prairie Region)Dr. Peihua Gu appointed Associate Dean (Research), July 1 stDr. Ron Johnston Appointed Head of Electrical and Computer Engineering, July 1 st1998BSc in Oil and Gas Engineering approved by Ministry of Advanced EducationDr. Tom Brown appointed Head of Civil EngineeringS.C. Wirasinghe recieves Gold President’s Award for engineering alumni relations programming1999Dr. Michael Sideris appointed Associate Dean (Research and International), July 1 stDr. Robert Day appointed Associate Dean (Academic and Planning), July 1 stDr. Peihua Gu appointed Head of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, July 1 stCollaborative Post-Graduate Program with the Petroleum University of Technology, Iran initiated2000Dr. Piehua Gu awarded NSERC/Industry Life Cycle Design Engineering Chair, DecemberResearchers, S.C. Wirasinghe and Alex DeBarros, at the University of Calgary are among only a handful ofscientists worldwide and are the only ones in Canada looking for solutions to the challenges posed by theintroduction of Airbus Industries’ 555-seat commercial super jet.2001Dr. Michael Collins appointed Associate Dean (Undergraduate Studies), January 1 stInformation and Communications Technology (ICT) Building completedS.C. Wirasinghe elected Fellow of the Canadian Society for Civil Engineering (FCSCE) in MayFarewell Dean S.C. Wirasignhe 1994 - 20066

2002S.C. Wirasinghe inducted into the Canadian Academy of Engineering in MayCentre for Environmental Engineering Research and Education (CEERE) established, Director Dr. Anil MehrotraDr. Josh Leon appointed Head of Electrical and Computer Engineering, July 1 stMechatronics minor started in Mechanical and Manufacturing EngineeringCalgary Centre for Innovative Technology (CCIT) Building opened October 8 th , Director Mr. Darrel DanylukSoftware Engineering Program received full accreditation from the Canadian Engineering AccreditationBoard2003S.C. Wirasinghe wins the APEGGA Centenial Leadership Award for his role in establishing ICT and CCITDr. Michael Sideris appointed Associate Dean of Graduate Studies for the Faculty of Engineering, AprilDr. Ayo Jeje appointed Associate Dean (Teaching and Learning), April 1 stDr. Laurence Turner appointed Associate Dean (Academic), July 1 stMs. Susan Delaney appointed as Engineering’s 1st Director of Advancement“First Choice: 10 Year Strategic Plan – Excellence & Managed Growth” launchedBiomedical Engineering specialization introducedReseach Centres in Pipeline, Microsystems, and Biomedical Engineering established2004Dr. Tom Harding appointed Head of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, January 1 stPetro-Canada Building donated to the Faculty ($6.9 Million)The Stuttgart exchange program in Civil Engineering celebrates its 25 th yearStudent exchanges with three Technical Universities in Saxony finalizedThe Department of Geomatics Engineering celebrates its 25 th year2005The Faculty of Engineering celebrates its 40 th AnniversaryDean S.C. Wirasinghe spearheads the International Institute for Infrastructure Renewal and Reconstruction(I3R2) outreach initiative. The first order of business for the group is to help rebuild the Sri Lankan coastlineafter the December 26 th tsunami.On June 22 nd a benefaction of $25 million is received from philantropist Seymour Schulich, with matchingmonies from the Government of Alberta – for a total of $50 million. The Faculty is renamed the Schulich Schoolof Engineering.SSE students build the university’s first ever Solar Car (Soleon) and host the 2005 Finish Line for the NorthAmerican Solar Car Challenge in July.In September Soleon finishes 1 st in class and 10 th overall at the 2005 World Solar Challenge in Australia.The Engineering Alumni Chapter opens it’s first ever branch office in Hong Kong in December.2006In January the Dean begins a series of Engineering Associates Program breakfasts that celebrates SSE flagshipinitiatives during his tenure.S.C. Wirasinghe steps down as Dean of the Schulich School of Engineering, after 12 ½ years. He is the longestserving Dean in SSE history and the second longest serving Dean ever at the University of Calgary.Schulich School of Engineering7

A lot has happened in twelve and a half years. Let us take a closer lookat all that has been achieved under the Deanship of S.C. Wirasinghe.A PERIOD OF GROWTHIn the twelve and a half years under S.C. Wirasinghe’s leadershipEngineering at the University has seenStudent & Faculty Growthunprecedented growth in a number ofareas including our student and facultybodies, academic horizons, and facilityexpansion.Since 1994, student enrollment in theSchulich School of Engineering has growntwo-fold. From a total of 1769 full-timeundergraduate and graduate studentsin 1995 to 3271 in 2005.Student, Erin Spate1994-95 2004-05 (+/-) % +/-Undergraduate 1480 2567 +1087 73.45%Graduate 289 704 +415 143.60%TOTAL 1769 3271 +1502 84.91%The virtual doubling in enrollmentbetween 1995 and 2005 marks an 85%overall increase. Undergraduateenrollment has risen74%, while graduate enrollmentincreased by 144%!Full-Time Undergraduate Enrollment3000# of Students200010001480256701994-95 2004-05Full-Time Graduate Enrollment800# of Students60040020028970401994-95 2004-05Student,Colin Tsui8Farewell Dean S.C. Wirasignhe 1994 - 2006

The Schulich School of Engineeringhas seen very strong growth infaculty members.From its establishment as a Facultyin 1965 with a very moderateprofessoriate of only seven, theSchool has seen tremendousgrowth. In 1994-95 Engineering held120 full-time faculty members. By2004-05 that number had grown to182 - an increase of over 50%.1994-95 2004-05 (+/-) % +/-Full-Time Faculty 120 182 +62 51.67%Professor Mike KallosFull-Time Faculty200# of F.T. FacultyMembers1501005012018201994-95 2004-05Professor Arin SenSchulich School of Engineering9

Academic GrowthThe Schulich School of Engineeringexperienced explosive growth inacademic offerings under DeanWirasinghe’s leadership with academicdegree programs expanding two-foldand the emergence of environmentalengineering initiatives.Drs. Gordon Moore & Raj MehtaBiomedical engineering wereestablished.These new programs have had atremendous impact for the SchulichSchool and continue to grow stronger.While taking direction from localindustry, Oil & Gas Engineering alsoTo meet industry demands for highlyqualified individuals new programofferings in Oil & Gas, Software,Computer, and Manufacturingengineering were added. Additionally,specializations in Environmental andDr. Karan KalerDr. Peihua Guhas educational relationships withover 19 countries internationally.The addition of the software andcomputer programs doubledstudent intake in ElectricalEngineering. In 2003, theManufacturing Engineeringprogram recieved the CASA/SMEUniversity LEAD Award, recognizingit as an outstanding program in thefield.10Farewell Dean S.C. Wirasignhe 1994 - 2006

Facility ExpansionDuring Dean Wirasinghe’s tenure the Schulich School of Engineering hasacquired three additional buildings providing space to house itsadditional staff and students. The total assignable area in the Schoolprior to the addition of these buildings was 12,467 m 2 . As was the casewith the student enrollment, faculty appointments, and programofferings, Dean Wirasinghe also ensured that the School gained thecritical physical space required to accomodate the growth ofengineering at the University of Calgary. Under the tutelage of DeanWirasinghe the Schulich School of Engineering more than doubled itsphysical capacity.The Mechanical Engineering Building donated by Petro-Canada to theFaculty in 2004, (3114 m 2 ), the Information and CommunicationsTechnology (ICT) Building , (9055 m 2 ), and the Calgary Centre forInnovative Technology (CCIT) (3161 m 2 ), have added much neededresearch/teaching space and value to the School.• Petro-Canada BuildingIn February of 2004, Petro-Canadadonated the Petro-CanadaBuilding to the University of Calgary.Valued at $6.9 million, it is the thirdlargest donation in the university’shistory.Constructed in 1978, the 60,000 squarefoot building has been leased to theUniversity of Calgary since 1991. The building houses the Schulich Schoolof Engineering’s Department of Mechanical and ManufacturingEngineering and is located in the University Research Park. Over theyears, research conducted in the building has furthered thedevelopment of spinal testing instruments, sour gas pipelines, submarinestealth engines, and wing design for Spaceship One.• Information and Communications Technology (ICT)The Information and Communications Technology (ICT) opened onOctober 1, 2001. Construction of the facility began in February 2000.Support for the $37.8 million facility included $18.5 million in provincialACCESS funding, $4.5 million in provincial Infrastructure RenewalSchulich School of Engineering11

Envelope funding, and a $15.7 million contribution fromthe university and community. The building cost $32.5million to construct, with an additional $6.2 million inequipment and start-up costs.Strategically located between the university’s scienceand engineering complexes, the building serves as botha physical and symbolic link between the two faculties.In addition to providing much-needed undergraduateteaching space, the ICT Building opens new opportunities forcollaboration between researchers in computer science and electricaland computer engineering.• Calgary Centre for Innovative Technology (CCIT)The Calgary Centre for Innovative Technology (CCIT)opened on October 8, 2002. Funding for the $35million building came from Alberta Innovation andScience ($14 million), the Federal Canada Foundationfor Innovation ($1.5 million), and the private sectorwhich contributed a total of $19.5 million. Thisresearch and teaching facility includes state of the artequipment and lab space in a 6,690 m2 space, housingacademics from many research fields.CCIT is a facility dedicated to collaborative researchwithin the Schulich School of Engineering at the University of Calgary.CCIT’s culture of flexible, multidisciplinary teams advances the School’sworld-class research capability while furthering external collaborationswith experts in the fields of medicine, kinesiology, geology, geophysics,environmental design,industrial design and thesciences. Researchers fromindustry as well as otherfaculties, universities andinstitutes combine theirexpertise to develop timelyand innovative solutions,products, and technologiesthat improve the quality of lifeChris Goulard, Heather Herring, Dean S.C. for Albertans and Canadians.Wirasinghe, Lynn Webster, Jim GoodwinFarewell Dean S.C. Wirasignhe 1994 - 200612

Schulich School of EngineeringEXPANDING RESEARCHAs the founding Associate Dean of Research, Dr. Wirasinghe made it apersonal mission to build the School’s research endeavors. In thedecade and a half since its silver anniversary, the Schulich School ofEngineering has seen tremendous growth in a number of areas includingour student and faculty bodies, academic horizons, and facilityexpansion.Research Chairs and ProfessorshipsChairs and Professorships are a means of selectively developing,promoting, and recognizing excellence in research and scholarship atthe University. The annual budget associated with a Chair can be usedto recruit a candidate of international stature to lead a researchprogram, or to strengthen a research program in a specific area.Former Engineering Dean, Len Bruton,mandated a Chairs program in 1988and named Dr. Wirasinghe as theschool’s first Associate Dean(Research). At the time the school hadone semi endowed chair. Through thecontinued growth and strength of thisprogram the Schulich School ofEngineering today boasts more than 30chairs.By helping Canadian universities andtheir affiliated research institutes andhospitals become world-class centresof research and research training, theDean Wirasinghe, Husky EnergyPresident & CEO, John Lau, andBituminous Material Research Chair,Dr. Ludo ZanzottoChairs Program contributes to enhancing Canada’s competitiveness inthe global, knowledge-based economy, improving Canadians’ health,and enriching our social and cultural life.The Government of Alberta is funding the University Professorshipsprogram, which was introduced in 2002. The program is designed tohelp the U of C retain its top professors in response to a competitiveinternational job market. The Professorships program also complementsthe federally funded Canada Research Chairs program. Five Engineeringfaculty members currently hold University Professorships.13

Research FundingFrom its beginnings, the Schulich School of Engineering has emphasizedthe importance of research. This endeavour has accelerated as a resultof increased funding that hasprovided the support needed forResearch Funding since 1999the purchase of equipment and$40salaries for staff and students.$35Over the past 10 years externalresearch funding has increased at$30a rate of 10% per year to 34.2million dollars in 2004. Several$25endowment funds have been$20established to contribute toongoing research and$15development initiatives within$10the Schulich SchoolofEngineering.$5The Schulich School ofEngineering has the expertise andfacilities to undertake world-classresearch and does so in a timely, efficient and cost-effective manner.The Post Graduate Studies Research Funding level of the School ispresently exceeding $10 million per year. By the end of 2004 the overallGraduate Student Support (millions)$10$9$8$7$6$5$4$3$2$1$0Graduate Student Support and Numbers Since 19994.005 4.21 4.872 5.729 7.326 8.9651998-99 1999-00 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04Fiscal YearTotal Research Funding (millions)funding available tosupport graduate studentshad risen 124% comparedto 1999. This correspondsto an average annualsupport per student ofapproximately $14,000;supplemented by otherfunding and awards, thetypical annual graduatestudent support exceedsthe level of $18,000. As aresult of these focusedefforts to increase research funding, under Dean Wirasinghe’s leadership,it is now the Schulich School of Engineering’s policy to provide aminimum annual support of $18,000 to all full-time students in thesisbasedgraduate programs.$01998-99 1999-00 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04Fiscal Year14Farewell Dean S.C. Wirasignhe 1994 - 20067006005004003002001000Full-time Graduate Students

Research CentresRecognizing the neccesity to better meet industry needs S.C. Wirasingheguided the Schulich School of Engineering in the establishment of fourmultidisciplinary and collaborative research centres and a state-of-theartfacility to support these endeavors. These centres provide betterofferings to our students, while meeting the needs of industry. They havestrengthened research in the Schulich School of Engineeringencouraging innovative solutions through cooperative thinking.• Calgary Centre for Innovative Technology (CCIT)The CCIT, established in 2002, is a philosophy of collaboration andmultidisciplinary research to solve strategic research problems. Thisapproach is aided by a world-class facility of high-tech equipment andresources. CCIT’s culture of flexible, multidisciplinary teams advances theSchool’s world-class research capability while furthering externalcollaborations with experts in the fields of medicine, kinesiology,geology, geophysics, environmental design, industrial design and thesciences. Researchers from industry as well as other faculties, universitiesand institutes combine their expertise to develop timely and innovativesolutions, products, and technologies.• Centre for Bioengineering Research and Education (CBRE)Bioengineering is rapidly expanding and growing inimportance provincially, nationally andinternationally. The CBRE, established in 2003, is aunique multidisciplinary collaboration between thefaculties of Engineering, Medicine, and Kinesiology.This field is playing an increasingly important role inthe delivery and assessment of healthcare and isessential to a vibrant and efficient healthcare system. Dr. Janet Ronsky• Centre for Environmental Engineering Research and Education (CEERE)With the increasing demand for engineering solutions that wereenvironmental sensitive, an industry advisory council was established in1993, to provide guidance to the Schulich Schoolof Engineering on the educational and researchneeds in the area of environmental engineering.From this the Centre for Environmental EngineeringResearch and Education was born in 2002 -providing top quality research and post-graduateDrs. Anil Mehrotra &Patrick HettiaratchiSchulich School of Engineeringeducation.15

• Centre for Microsystems Engineering (CME)The CME is advancing the research fields of Microsystems Technologies,Ultra Precision Engineering, and Nanotechnology, through variousresearch initiatives. The CME provides leadership in the training of highlyqualifiedpersonnel through advanced courses and research in thebroad, multi-disciplinary field of microsystems.• Pipeline Engineering Centre (PEC)Established in 2003 at the Schulich School of Engineering, PEC providesboth educational and research-centered support and direction to thepipeline engineering industry. PEC is developing graduate classes,establishing industry short courses and training in Pipeline Engineering,and hosting seminars and workshops. PEC research is leading the way inthe generation of new knowledge in pipeline engineering. Through thepursuit of leading edge knowledge and the development ofinformation for application in pipeline engineering, PEC researchers andgraduate students are able to stay on top of research in this area ofcritical importance to our city, region and beyond.WOMEN IN ENGINEERINGUpon taking his office Dean Wirasinghe quickly recognized that womenwere largely underrepresented in the Schulich School of Engineering.With only one tenured professor, one tenure-track professor and overalllow enrollment among women, Dr. Wirasinghe acted quickly chargingDr. Irvine-Halliday, known as a champion for women, with the task ofsetting up a ‘Women in Engineering’ committee. This was the firstcommittee of itskind in the country.Within a couple ofyears Dr. ElizabethCannon’s NSERCresearch chair inWomen in Scienceand Engineeringwas announced.Upon completionof the NSERC chaira Women inEngineeringCoordinator wasDean Wirasinghe discusses Engineering options with firstyear female students at ‘Meet the Dean Night’16Farewell Dean S.C. Wirasignhe 1994 - 2006

placed to continue these efforts.The initiative and activity in the attraction and retention of women inengineering has continued to grow and evolve and the Dean is activein such annual events as Meet the Dean Night and Women inEngineering Day. These efforts are providing significant benefits todaywith respect to the participation of women in these programs. TheSchool has been able to attract talented female faculty members andnow boasts the highest percentage in Canada.FORGING NEW PATHS WITH WITH THEENGINEERING COMMUNITYAmong the Dean’s best leadership qualities is his strong connection tothe engineering community as a whole, including industry, theprofession, alumni, and various other groups. Always striving to expandupon the Schulich School of Engineering’s community connections,Dean Wirasinghe expanded and strengthened existing programs such asthe Engineering Associates and the Engineering Internship Program; hecreated new international paths for both academic growth andoutreach; and he never forgot to take time to thank those who havehelped the Schulich School of Engineering.Engineering Associates Program (EAP)Building upon its close associations with the engineering communityand industries in the Province of Alberta and throughout Canada, theEAP was established in 1991- providing an opportunity for industry toadvise the Schulich School of Engineering on all aspects of its activities.The EAP forms the School’s senior industrial advisory body. Advisorycouncils that operate under the EAP umbrella support manydepartments, chairs and programs in the School. These councils guideand influence the School in meeting the needs of both industry and theprofession of engineering.Over the past decade, the EAP has been in part or solelyresponsible for the establishment of many programs and advisorycouncils including a new BSc program in Oil & Gas Engineering in 1998;new BSc degrees in Computer Engineering and Software Engineering aswell as funding for the ICT building in 1999; a new graduate program inSchulich School of Engineering17

Geomatics Engineering also approved in 1999; and in 2000, $35 millionwas funded for the creation of the Calgary Center for InnovativeEngineering Internship Program (EIP)Since its inception in 1993, the EIP has grown at an average rate of 20%per year with support from students, faculty, and employers to becomethe largest program of its kind in Canada. In 2006, EIP students will havecollectively earned an astounding $100 million in salary over the lifespanof the program. Over ten percent of the students are placed overseasincluding Switzerland, Japan, and Germany.Internship students spend eight to sixteen months in paid full-timeemployment relevant to their degree program between year three andfour of academic study. Students gain practical experience, developindustry contacts and networks, as well as a broad range of skills andknowledge that can only be learned outside of the classroom.The Engineering Internship Program’s success was recognized nationallyby the Ontario based Yves Landry Foundation in the “OutstandingTechnical Co-operative Education Program” (University category) for2002.Engineering Alumni ChapterThe Schulich School of Engineering has over 11,000 graduates working inevery aspect of engineering around the world. The School is proud of itsgraduates and works to maintain a relationship with them once theyhave completed their studies through the Engineering Alumni Chapter.The Engineering Alumni Chapter facilitates interaction betweengraduates of the Schulich School of Engineering and enhances thereputation of the School. Providing support to the Schulich School ofEngineering and its students, the Chapter additionally offers significantsocial events, financial contribution, and a responsive link betweengraduates, the School, students and the University Alumni Association.With an ever-growing alumni base, the Engineering Alumni Chapter hasa branch chapter in Hong Kong and continues to evolve as alumninumbers rise.18Farewell Dean S.C. Wirasignhe 1994 - 2006

International Institute for Infrastructure Renewal & Reconstruction (IIIRR)Founded by Dean Wirasinghe one week after the devistating December26, 2004 tsunami, the IIIRR is a multi-university international consortiumwhich provides overall leadership in research, education, planning,design and implementation for infrastructure renewal and rebuildingprojects in tsunami affected or underdeveloped regions.The core of IIIRR consists of a group of interdisciplinary experts who serveas the facilitators for social development, industrial and economicgrowth as well as environmental preservation through infrastructuredevelopment. Innovative and socially responsible projects inspired viainternal synergies of the IIIRR will lead to rapid development andimproved quality of life. In addition, by providing stewardship ininfrastructural rebuilding efforts, the IIIRR creates a common platform fordiscussion and collaboration among diverse entities such asgovernment, the corporate sector, NGOs and universities, each havingspecific but diverse goals and priorities. The IIIRR provides leadership andfacilitates discussion and planning activities among relevant bodies,while operating on an outcomes-based strategy for rapid sustainableinfrastructure development.Alberta-Saxony Exchange ProgramIn early 2003, Premier Ralph Klein signed an agreement proclaiming asister relationship between Alberta and the Free State of Saxony inGermany. At the request of Premier Klein and then Minister of Learning,Lyle Oberg, the Schulich School of Engineering initiated a relationshipwith the technical universities of Dresden, Freiberg and Chemnitz thatsupports the exchange of ideas and people.Both Saxony and Alberta share common interests in certain keyeconomic areas. These include microelectronics, bioengineering,energy and the environment, and urban transportation. The Universityof Calgary has significant strengths in these areas and will initiate jointresearch workshops in biotechnology and urban transportation with theDresden University of Technology, in microelectronics with the ChemnitzUniversity of Technology, and in energy and the environment with theFreiberg University of Mining and Technology.Schulich School of Engineering19

Recognizing Supporters of the Schulich School of EngineeringDean Wirasinghe recognized the importance of building and maintainingrelationships with the engineering community and in proper form, heset into motion a number of awards/acknowledgements to ensure thatthe School’s supporters are properly recognized for their contributions toengineering at the University of Calgary.The following awards were established under the Deanship of ChanWirasinghe.• Dean’s Award for Corporate LeadershipEstablished in 1999, this annual award acknowledges corporations fortheir significant leadership in supporting research and educationalactivities within the Schulich School of Engineering.• Canadian Engineering Leader Award (CELA)Initiated in 2003 the CELA recognizes entrepreneurs and pioneers ofprogress in the engineering world for their outstanding achievements,determined leadership, generosity in sharing their experiences and theirrole-model qualities in the engineering community.• Alumni Excellence AwardsInaugurated in 2005 to commemorate the 40 th Anniversary of theSchulich School of Engineering and to acknowledge the outstandingsuccess of alumni from the Schulich School of Engineering. The awardrecognizes and honors personal achievement and extraordinary serviceto the School and to the community.• Donna Geekie Service AwardEach year, the award will recognize one or two support and researchstaff members or contractors for their outstanding support over a periodof at least five years.• Matthiesen-Howes AwardNamed after the first female graduate of the Schulich School of Engineering,the Matthiesen-Howes Award recognizes an organizationwhose efforts and initiatives result in an exceptional impact on therepresentation of women at an undergraduate level at the SchulichSchool of Engineering.20Farewell Dean S.C. Wirasignhe 1994 - 2006

‘FIRST CHOICE’: 10 YEAR STRATEGIC PLANDean Wirasinghe’s aspirations for the School have always come withhigh aims and expectations. In 2003, under the Dean’s tutelage, theSchool set its sights on becoming theFIRST CHOICE School of Engineering inCanada and among the very bestworldwide releasing ‘FIRST CHOICE’ – adetailed 10 year strategic plan. The plan- guided by the four pillars ofeducation, research, community, andwork environment - provided focus andstructure to the school’s activities.Among the plan’s goals were calling for managed growth to a first-yearundergraduate enrolment of 1,000 students; the addition of new andenhanced degree programs; to be one of the top three EngineeringSchool’s forresearch inCanada, withinternationalleadership inselected areas; toDean Wirasinghe with newly recognized researchchairs in November 2005Schulich School of Engineeringbe internationallycompetitive inattracting andretaining top researchers and graduate students; to support andfacilitate the excellent academic achievements of faculty members andstudents; enhancing financial support to undergraduates to enrichstudents educational experiences; maintain an international outlook inall School activities including collaborations and exchanges; enhancedinvolvement with the engineering community through the AssociatesProgram, Alumni Chapter and Advisory Councils; to produce wellqualifiedengineering graduates who are FIRST CHOICE of engineeringemployers; and to provide a supportive environment to professors,students and staff.With an ambitious goal to be the FIRST CHOICE in Canada and amongthe best worldwide for multidisciplinary, accredited engineeringeducation and internationally acclaimed research by 2013, the Schoolset the wheels in motion and Dean Wirasinghe’s vision laid thegroundwork for bigger things to come.21

THE FIRST ENGINEERING SCHOOLTO BE NAMED IN CANADAIn June of 2005 much of Dean Wirasinghe’s focused efforts culminatedwith a $50 million donation (a $25 million benefaction fromphilanthropist SeymourSchulich with matching fundsfrom the Government ofAlberta.The donation included morethan 100 new scholarships,increased funding for fieldtrips and engineering clubs,three new research chairsand money to enhancelearning. In recognition ofthe impact the donation willhave on future generationsof engineers the Faculty wasnamed the Schulich SchoolSeymour Schulch & Dean Wirasinghe at theSchulich School naming and benefactionannouncement - June 22, 2005of Engineering marking the 1 st engineering school in Canada to benamed.The $50-million endowment isthe fourth-largest charitabledonation to a university inCanadian history and thelargest donation in the historyof the University of Calgary.Schulich, 65, is co-founder ofFranco-Nevada MiningCorporation, chairman ofNewmont Capital LimitedDean Wirasinghe & Mr. Seymour Schlichand director of NewmontMining Corp., the world’s largest gold mining company. He is known asone of Canada’s top individual philanthropists, and has donated morethan $100 million to various charitable organizations in the last decade.22Farewell Dean S.C. Wirasignhe 1994 - 2006

Congratualtions on all that you haveachieved Dean Wirasinghe.Thank-you for your tireless efforts,disciplined vision, and fruitful guidance.YOU ARE A TRUE LEADER!Schulich School of Engineering23

S.C. WirasingheDean 1994 - 200624Farewell Dean S.C. Wirasignhe 1994 - 2006