April 13, 2005

University president prepares for a 'Spirit-ed' roast

Peter George, president and vice-chancellor of McMaster University, will receive the Spirit of the Community Award in a gala roast on Wednesday, April 27. The award will be presented by Hamilton Mayor Larry DiIanni, and by Peter Kells, the founder of Safe Communities Coalition.

Hamilton, ON - Peter George, president and vice-chancellor of McMaster University, will receive the Spirit of the Community Award in a gala roast on Wednesday, April 27 at Carmen’s Banquet and Convention Centre beginning at 5:30 pm. The award will be presented by Hamilton Mayor Larry DiIanni, and by Peter Kells, the founder of Safe Communities Coalition.

The award is given to someone who has used their profile to enhance and promote the quality of life in this Hamilton community through volunteer and community giving, and who has previously not received extensive recognition for their involvement in the community.

In the tradition of Spirit of the Community Award winners, George will endure a ceremonial “roasting” by colleagues and family that include Terry Cooke, president and COO of Fox 40 International Inc.; Ed Minich, past president of Otis Canada; Ed Buffett, president of Buffett Taylor & Associates Ltd., and chair of McMaster University’s Board of Governors; John Kelton, dean of McMaster University’s Faculty of Health Sciences; George’s children, Michael and Jane; and his wife, the Reverend Allison Barrett.

The evening includes a dinner and silent auction, with proceeds going to the many programs offered by Hamilton Safe Communities, including Cyclemania, which teaches road safety to 5-10-year-olds; Bikes, Blades and Boards, which instructs youngsters on helmet safety; and Safe Communities Incentive Program, which provides the tools for small businesses to gain workplace safety compliance.

McMaster University, named Canada’s Research University of the Year by Research InfoSource, has world-renowned faculty, and state-of-the-art research facilities. McMaster's culture of innovation fosters a commitment to discovery and learning in teaching, research and scholarship. Based in Hamilton, the University has a student population of more than 23,000, and more than 112,000 alumni in 128 countries.