oct. 2009 insidelaurier

By Kevin Crowley

Laurier celebrated its growing presence in Toronto last month with the official opening of an office in the heart of the city’s financial district.

More than 200 alumni, prominent guests, students, faculty and staff were on hand for a reception in which guest speaker David Miller, mayor of Toronto, thanked Laurier for strengthening its educa-tional links with Canada’s biggest city.

Miller specifically mentioned Laurier’s weekend-format MBA program, which has operated in downtown Toronto for 11 years, and the 700 Laurier co-op students who work in the GTA each year.

The audience also heard from guest speaker Deborah Newman, deputy minister for Ontario’s Ministry of Training,

Colleges and Universities, who brought greetings from the province and who also praised Laurier for extending its ties with Toronto.

Laurier’s new 2,500-square-foot office occupies a prominent corner location at 130 King St. W., with a lobby looking out onto King and

York streets and an entrance off the main-floor lobby of the Exchange Tower building.

TORONTO OFFICE page 3

University celebrates its growing presence in Toronto

CAMPUS | COMMUNITY | CONNECTIONS VOL. 1 | NO. 1 | APRIL 7,2008

CAMPUS | CONNECTIONS | COMMUNITY VOL. 1 | NO. 1 | APRIL 7,2008







5 Laurier’s Financial Services Research Centre covers dollars and sense.

7 Meet Lise Pedersen, globetrotter, student and man-ager of programs and services at Laurier International.

8 Dr. Hind Al-Abadleh plays the roles of teacher and motivational speaker in her classroom.

$2.5-million gift honours Laurier professor

By Mallory O’Brien

Wilfrid Laurier University has received a $2.5-million donation to the university’s Faculty of Arts to establish a research chair in environmental geography. The gift is the largest donation ever to the university from a Laurier alumnus, who prefers to remain anonymous.

The donation will establish the Dr. John McMurry Research Chair in Environmental Geography, named in honour of one of Laurier’s most celebrated geography professors and former chair of the department, now retired, Dr. John McMurry. Laurier professor Dr. Scott Slocombe is the inaugural chairholder.

“This is the largest gift Laurier has ever received from one of its alumni,” said Rob Donelson, vice-president of university development and alumni

relations. “For the Laurier community, this gift is important, not only because the donation itself is a milestone, but also because the gift reminds us all of Laurier’s stellar educators and researchers, both past and present.”

McMurry was chair of the geography department from 1962 to 1973. Director of residential services Mike Belanger, a Laurier graduate and former student of McMurry’s, says he was a memorable teacher.

“McMurry was a fascinating professor and incredibly knowl-edgeable,” said Belanger. “He always came to class with a bundle of papers, no notes and spoke freely. For one class our textbook was newspaper. He found grading a ‘necessary evil’ and was more concerned about teaching and provoking thought and making students consider the impact they had on the environment.”

The donation and the new research chair were celebrated

at a recognition event last month.

Slocombe, a faculty member at Laurier since 1989, is one of Canada’s most prominent geographers. His research focuses on the challenge of managing

diverse human activities in large regions while fostering collaboration, and maintaining environmental integrity and sustainability.

“I have a particular interest in systems and complex approaches in resource and environmental management, which cuts across all of my specific projects,” said Slocombe, adding that the new position will allow him to devote more time to these topics and involve more students in his research program.

“The funds will benefit the geography department in a range of ways,” he says. “They will certainly facilitate greater involvement of undergraduate students in research, as well as providing some support for undergraduates to attend relevant conferences and my Yukon field course. It will also assist with attracting strong graduate students.”

Bright ideas

Donation represents largest gift ever from an alumnus

Chairholder Dr. Scott Slocombe and retired Laurier professor Dr. John McMurry.

Laurier opens new office in prestigious downtown location The President’s Innovation Seed Fund encourages budget innovation

By Stacey Morrison

Do you have an original idea that could generate revenue? Or are there initiatives you think the university could undertake that would reduce operating costs?

Laurier has launched the President’s Innovation Seed Fund to encourage projects that take an innovative approach to Laurier’s budget challenges.

The $200,000 fund has been established as a two-year pilot program. It will recognize members of the Laurier community who demonstrate leadership and innovation to further Laurier’s mission, and it will address the univer-sity’s financial challenges in a positive, forward-thinking way.

“The fund provides an excellent opportunity to initiate projects that will positively affect Laurier’s future,” said president Dr. Max Blouw. “I look forward to hearing all the ideas and proposals that are put forward.”

Faculty, staff, students and alumni — working individually or in groups — are encouraged to submit proposals, which will be reviewed by a steering committee. The fund has two guiding principles: revenue sharing and fund sustainability.

Projects that emerge from the fund may provide a platform for increased collabo-ration among campuses, faculties and departments. Each year, the top revenue-generating and cost-reducing projects will be recognized and shared with the Laurier community.

For more detailed information, including key dates and the application process, visit www.wlu.ca/innovationfund or email [email protected].

Phot

o: D

anie

lle D

e Pa

ulos

Laurier President Dr. Max Blouw, left, with Toronto Mayor David Miller.

CAMPUS COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS VOL. 1 NO. 1 APRIL 7,2008

CAMPUS CONNECTIONS COMMUNITY VOL. 1 NO. 1 APRIL 7,2008



2

The start of the fall term has included many events and new developments at Laurier. I would like to draw your attention to two in particular. At first glance, they may seem unrelated, but there is an important connection.

The first is the launch of The President’s Innovation Seed Fund. This two-year pilot project is intended to harness the leadership and creativity that our community shows on a regular basis. The fund contains $200,000 that will be used to encourage and support innovative proposals that have the potential to generate new revenue and/or reduce the university’s operating costs.

The purpose of the fund is to help Laurier address the financial challenges that continue to affect all universities across Canada. The intent is to be innovative and constructive, rather than to rely on traditional budget restraint measures. The economy is showing signs of improvement, but Laurier faces another very

tough round of budget-setting in the coming year. We will continue to vigorously lobby government for improvements to university funding policy. But we must also show government and the public that we are willing to search for innovative solutions ourselves.

The President’s Innovation Seed Fund is open to ideas from the entire Laurier community

— staff, faculty, students and alumni. Concept proposals will be evaluated by the Innovation Seed Fund committee, and promising ideas will be supported by assisted development of business plans (for more details, see: www.wlu.ca/innovationfund).

Two of the principles under-lying the Fund are sustainability and sharing. Net new revenues from successful projects will be shared among the innovator and his/her department, the university, and the fund itself to ensure its sustainability. Perpetuation of ever-increasing revenue and efficiency is our goal.

Which brings me to the second development I wish to highlight. Laurier recently opened an office in downtown Toronto. It is a relatively small space, but it occupies a high-visibility corner on the main floor of the Exchange Tower at King and York, one of the most prominent buildings in Toronto’s financial district.

The purpose of the office is twofold. First, it provides support to our growing presence in Toronto, including our weekend-format MBA program, our co-op program (which numbers 700 students and 230 employer partners in the GTA), our government relations work, fundraising, and the more than 12,100 Laurier alumni who live in the region. Second, the prominent location allows us to promote the university more effectively in Canada’s largest city.

This latter point is very important. As the Strategic Counsel polling research told us, awareness of Laurier outside

Waterloo Region and Brantford is limited. If Laurier is to remain relevant and competitive, we must raise the university’s profile. This will help us continue to attract the best students, faculty and staff. It will also help us build awareness within government and among other potential partners. This awareness is crucial when the university asks for support to strengthen existing programs and infrastructure, and when we seek to develop new ones.

To this end, I am pleased to report that the official opening of the Toronto office attracted nearly 200 prominent guests from business, government and our alumni ranks. It also garnered national and local media coverage. The feedback was resoundingly positive.

Some may wonder why we are spending money on a Toronto

office at a time when our budgets are so tight. The answer is that despite our financial challenges, we must continue to invest strate-gically so we are prepared to take advantage of opportunities that will strengthen all aspects of the university.

This is the link between The President’s Innovation Seed Fund and the Toronto office — the importance of making strategic and innovative investments now to secure a highly positive future for all members of the Laurier community.

Dr. Max BlouwPresident and Vice-Chancellor

Laurier must continue to be strategic and innovativePRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Send us your news, events & stories

Email: [email protected]

All submissions are appreciated, however not all submissions will be published. We reserve the right to edit all copy for accuracy, content and length.

InsideLaurier

Volume 2, Number 4, October 2009

Editor: Stacey Morrison

Assistant Editor: Lori Chalmers Morrison

Design: Erin Steed

Contributors: Tomasz Adamski, Kevin Crowley, Danielle De Paulos, Mallory O’Brien, Dean Palmer

InsideLaurier is published by The Department of Public Affairs

Wilfrid Laurier University 75 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3C5

InsideLaurier welcomes your comments and suggestions for stories.

Tel: (519) 884-0710 ext. 3341 | Fax: (519) 884-8848 Email: [email protected]

InsideLaurier (circ. 2,500) is published nine times a year by the Department of Public Affairs.

Opinions expressed in InsideLaurier do not necessarily reflect those of the editor or the university’s administration.

Printed on recycled paper.

Next issue of

November 2009





Deadline for submissions: October 16

A lawyer with a degree in business administration from Laurier has been appointed chair of the university’s board of governors.

John Ormston, who succeeds outgoing chair Beverly Harris, chaired his first board meeting last month.

“I am delighted to welcome John as the incoming chair of the university board of governors,” said Laurier president Dr. Max Blouw. “His leadership and expertise will help the university to contribute to the province’s pressing needs for university education and research as we transform our economy and as we move toward our centenary celebrations in 2011.”

Ormston is a founding partner at Toronto legal firm Ormston List Frawley LLP. He specializes in commercial litigation and has a wide range of trial experience in commercial issues.

Ormston, who graduated from Laurier with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree

in 1989, has served on Laurier’s board of governors since 2001. His roles have included vice chair, treasurer, chair of the finance and physical resources committee, as well as membership on a number

of board committees. He is also a past member of the Wilfrid Laurier University Alumni Association board of directors.

“I assume the role of chair at a time of unprecedented challenge for post-secondary institutions,” said Ormston. “My goal is to ensure that Laurier overcomes these challenges and emerges

stronger and better able to compete in a very competitive environment.”

Ormston was called to the Ontario Bar in 1995 after completing his LL.B. at the University of Western Ontario in 1993. He was a litigation partner at the Toronto office of Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP before establishing Ormston List Frawley LLP in 2006. He is a member of the Canadian Bar Association and the Advocates’ Society.

Ormston and his wife Samantha Cohen have two children.

Outgoing chair Beverly Harris led the board of governors through four successful terms beginning in October 2005. Harris will remain on the board as immediate past-chair.

“I wish to thank Bev for her outstanding leadership and dedication to Laurier, and I look forward to her continued contri-bution in her role as past-chair,” said Blouw.

New board of governors chair appointed

John Ormston

(l-r): Laurier chancellor John Pollock, board of governor’s chair John Ormston and Dr. Max Blouw at the Toronto office grand opening.

This month in history: Oct. 4, 1957: The Soviet Union inaugurates the “Space Age” with its launch of Sputnik, the world’s first artificial satellite.

Oct. 7, 2003: Arnold Schwarzenegger is elected governor of California.

Oct. 12, 2007: Laurier opens an office at Chongqing University in southwest China, making it the first Canadian university to establish an office in the region.

Oct. 24, 1901: Annie Edson Taylor, a 63-year-old schoolteacher, becomes the first person to go over Niagara Falls in a barrel.

Oct. 25, 1881: Pablo Picasso, one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, is born in Spain.

Phot

o: T

omas

z Ada

msk

i





3

TORONTO OFFICE continued

Laurier president Dr. Max Blouw said the office will serve a practical function, supportingLaurier’s co-op students and partners, assisting the weekend-format MBA program, and providing a base of support for alumni relations, student recruitment and government relations. But he also said the office’s highly visible location will help raise Laurier’s profile.

“Laurier already has a significant presence in Toronto through our many alumni who work and live in the city, through the many Laurier students who come from the GTA, and through our successful weekend MBA

program,” he said. “The new office will raise the profile of the university in Canada’s largest city and provide a base of support for our many initia-tives there.”

Other services the Toronto office will support include career services — between 40 and 45 per cent of Laurier’s graduating class each year are employed in the GTA, the highest number in any geographical area in the country — and university development and fundraising activities.

Laurier staff and faculty are welcome to visit the office when they are in Toronto. For a map and more infor-mation, visit www.wlu.ca/lauriertoronto.

Laurier Brantford hosting Relay for LifeLaurier Brantford will hold its third annual Relay for Life in support of cancer research Oct. 16.

The 12-hour, overnight walk will bring together staff, faculty, students and friends in the mission to find a cure for cancer.

To date, the event has raised over $55,000, and this year organizers hope to surpass the $100,000 mark.

For event details, or to make a donation or volunteer, visit brantford.mylaurier.ca/athletics.

Laurier will host national business competition in 2011The School of Business & Economics has been awarded the opportunity to host the prestigious Jeux du Commerce (JDC) Central in 2011, a multi-faceted competition consisting of academic case analysis, social challenges and sporting excellence.

The JDC event, which will

take place Jan. 28-30, 2011, is a unique weekend-long compe-tition that awards points to teams based on performance, overall school spirit, teamwork and sportsmanship.

Laurier’s JDC planning team will spend more than a year and a half organizing the event, even though the event itself only lasts a weekend. The effort will be worthwhile since 2011 also marks Laurier’s centennial as a post-secondary educational institution.

Sun Life donates $250,000 to MDRCFor hundreds of patients suffering from the degeneration caused by Parkinson’s disease, Laurier’s Movement Disorders Research & Rehabilitation Centre is a haven of hope. The first of its kind in Canada, the centre has quickly become a leading authority on recom-mendations related to exercise rehabilitation for those affected by movement disorders in Canada.

To help champion this important research, Sun Life Financial has donated $250,000 to the newly named Sun Life Financial Movement Disorders Research & Rehabilitation Centre (MDRC).

“The work being done within the MDRC has already helped hundreds of individuals fighting to regain their mobility,

dignity and hope,” said Dr. Max Blouw, president and vice-chancellor of Wilfrid Laurier University. “Sun Life Finan-cial’s generosity and support will ensure that the centre can continue to make a real difference in the lives of those who are struggling with the cruel realities of Parkinson’s disease.”

Focused on finding ways to slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease — along with conducting vital research relating to other movement disorders — the MDRC’s team examines top exercise recom-mendations and determines which ones prove to benefit a patient’s balance, gait and coordination.

Faculty of Social Work wins award for contribution to immigrant training programLaurier’s Faculty of Social Work has been recognized by the Waterloo Region Immigrant Employment Network (WRIEN) for leadership in the development and delivery of bridge training for the social work sector.

Laurier won the award along with The Working Centre, Extend-A-Family, Renison University College, Conestoga College, Centre for Community Based Research and Waterloo Region Immigrant Employment Network, which collaborate

on the Social Work in Waterloo Region program.

The program offers a unique model of bridge training that suits a community the size of Waterloo Region. By drawing together new Canadians from a broad range of backgrounds that do not meet Canadian qualifications, participants are able to apply their experience and training either directly into employment or through further education.

The program is run through continuing education at the Laurier Faculty of Social Work.

Homecoming 2009 breaks recordsMore than 13,000 staff, faculty, students, and alumni attended Homecoming 2009 on Laurier’s Waterloo campus Oct. 2-4 — the best turnout ever.

Despite rainy and windy weather, more than 7,600 fans packed the stands at University Stadium as the Laurier Golden Hawks took on the Ottawa Gee Gees, losing a hard-fought match 25-27. Later that evening, comedian Russell Peters entertained more than 6,000 people at the Kitchener Auditorium.

The following day 497 participants took part in the Laurier Loop charity run, raising $6,000 for the Sun Life Financial Movement Disorders Research & Rehabilitation Centre (MDRC). Laurier alumnus Ian McLean gener-ously matched that amount, raising the total donation to $12,000.

To view Homecoming photos, visit www.lauriera-lumni.ca.

NEWS What’s new and notable at Laurier

Despite the rainy and windy weather, more than 7,600 fans filled University Stadium to cheer on the Golden Hawks football team during Homecoming.

Two Laurier scientists have been awarded prestigious Canada Research Chairs.

Dr. Mark Eys, who is cross-appointed in kinesi-ology and physical education and psychology, is the new Canada Research Chair in Group Dynamics and Physical Activity. Dr. Ashley Ward, who is currently a senior research fellow at the University of Sydney, will become the Canada Research Chair in Animal Behaviour when he joins Laurier’s biology department next summer.

Both appointments are at the Tier 2 level “for exceptional emerging researchers, acknowl-edged by their peers as having the potential to lead in their field.”

The chairs are tenable for five years with the potential to be renewed once. For each chair, the university receives $100,000 annually.

Dr. Mark Eys’ research involves the dynamics of groups involved in physical activity.

“The majority of Canadians do not meet reasonable physical activity guidelines,” he said. “Consequently, many

individuals from across the age spectrum miss out on the benefits derived from physical activity.”

An active lifestyle frequently involves participation in group activities at both the recreational and competitive levels, Eys said.

In his research, he looks at the dynamics of groups involved in either sports or exercise activities.

“Specifically, I am interested in the roles that cohesion — the unity of the group — and other group perceptions play in adherence to physical activity, interventions promoting active living, and group performance.”

Eys also received $74,683 from the Canada Foundation for Innovation towards equipping a laboratory.

Dr. Ashley Ward researches fish, specifically how contami-nants disrupt the chemical cues

that are vital to fish communi-cation.

Largely because of human activity, the world’s fisheries are declining at an alarming rate.

In addition to harvesting fish, humans may also be contrib-uting to their decline by inter-fering with their breeding.

“Fish rely on communication as they organize their social

groups and choose mates,” said Ward. “They use a combination of sensory cues in the process of social recognition, combining visual cues and chemical olfactory cues.

“Human contaminants that enter water systems can seriously disrupt the

chemical cues vital to fish communication.”

The first stage of Ward’s research tests how fish detect chemical cues and how they respond to them. His research then looks closely at fish communication in the context of forming shoals, territoriality, and mating.

One result of Ward’s research will be to help policymakers and other stakeholders determine appropriate limits for aquatic contaminants.

Laurier awarded two Canada Research Chairs

Laurier scientists Dr. Mark Eys, left, and Dr. Ashley Ward.

Laurier’s new Toronto Office at King and York streets.Photo: Tomasz Adamski





4

Dr. Paul Freston, professor of religion and culture, has been appointed CIGI Chair of Religion

and Politics in Global Context at the Balsillie School of Interna-tional Affairs.

New appointments:

Michelle Adams, interme-diate administrative assistant, Athletics and Recreation.

Corrianne Arnold, adminis-trative assistant, Office of VPA.

Jon Boyd, MSW practicum field advisor, Faculty of Social Work.

Nicole Brandt, external co-op coordinator.

Breanna Brooks, intermediate administrative assistant, Student Recruitment.

Richard Casey, counsellor, Laurier Brantford.

Samantha Clarke, MSW practicum field advisor, Faculty of Social Work.

Larissa Dunstall, payroll admin-istrator.

Helen Exley, manager: graphic services, Public Affairs.

Amanda Hansford, OneCard systems assistant.

Michelle Hayes, MSW practicum field advisor, Faculty of Social Work.

James Innes, custodial/mainte-nance person.

Helena Keirstead, internal auditor.

Paige Lancaster, administrative assistant II, English and Film Studies.

Andrea Lister, research coordi-nator, Biology.

Maria Locacciato, manager, administration and marketing, Laurier Toronto office.

Fengshan Ma, lab coordinator, Biology.

Rachel Mahrer, counsellor, Laurier Brantford.

Louis Mastorakos, technical assistant, Mathematics.

Clayton McCourt, residence life area coordinator.

Gail Selley, MSW practicum field advisor, Faculty of Social Work.

Kelly Shannon, lab technician, Biology.

Mitchell Snip, MSW practicum field advisor, Faculty of Social Work.

Lauren Stephen, writing consultant, Learning Services.

Elayne Tanner, MSW practicum field advisor, Faculty of Social Work.

Peter Thomson, project coordinator (renovations and construction), Physical Resources.

Bruce Voogd, coordinator, ISARC, Seminary.

Tracey Watson, MSW practicum field advisor, Faculty of Social Work.

Michael Welk, project coordinator (renovations and construction), Physical Resources.

Adrienne Wilker, disability consultant, Learning Services.

Changes in staff appointments:

Melody Barfoot, admissions assistant.

Megan Dinning, administrative assistant, President’s Office.

Maggie Duncan, mail/file clerk, Office of the Registrar.

James Emary, area manager, grounds, Physical Plant and Planning.

Anna Gibbons, academic recep-tionist, Dean’s Office, Brantford.

Tao Gong, residential services assistant.

Melissa Huszczo, residential services coordinator.

Carol Kego, coordinator: interior design and renovation.

George Kennedy, HOPE project coordinator, VP Academic.

Sherrene Kevan, lab coordinator, Biology.

Deanne Larsen, alumni relations officer.

Kelly Lee, administrative assistant, WLUSU.

Debbie Lutz, administrative assistant, Dean of Arts.

Caitlin MacKenzie, development assistant.

Dawn Matthew, customer service: transcript/document specialist, Registrarial Services.

Sheila McKee- Protopapas, executive director, WLUFA.

Lisa Neziol, student awards and examinations specialist, Registrarial Services.

Shannon Pennington, community partnerships and communication coordinator, Community Service-Learning.

Deborah Russell, academic advisor, Faculty of Arts.

Shara Spencer, board gover-nance officer, University Secretariat.

Tracy Swierenga, admissions officer, Faculty of Arts and Laurier Brantford.

Deborah Thayer, administrative manager, Faculty of Science.

Janice Vilaca, executive assistant, Vice-President/Principal’s Office, Laurier Brantford.

Elaine Wetherup, field experience officer, Faculty of Education.

Bruce Wolff, lab technician, Biology/Microbiology.

Kendra Young, administrative manager, Faculty Relations.

Retirements:

Judy Gruber, accounts payable administrator. (Effective Nov. 1)

Kathy Lantz, disability consultant, Learning Services.

Don Latendresse, mechanic/tradesperson, Physical Plant and Planning.

Gerry Pollard, learning strategist, Learning Services.

Carol Reiner, administrative assistant in Food Services, retired Oct. 1 after 40 years of service at Laurier.

PEOPLE AT LAURIER For a complete list of appointments visit www.wlu.ca/hr

What are you reading?

What are you listening to?

Name: Lisa Favaro Job Title: Manager: Strategic Initiatives Book Title: The Book of Negroes Author: Lawrence Hill

I found this book completely engrossing. The story chronicles the life of Aminata from the time she’s snatched from a West African village to begin life as a slave in America, through to her resettlement in Canada, and eventually back to Africa. There are many “edge of your seat” moments as Hill takes you to the brink and then masterfully replaces the tension he has created with hope. This push and pull kept me riveted.

What are you reading?

What are you listening to?

Name: Ray Darling Job Title: University Registrar CD Title: Lily Swings Artist: Lily Frost

I highly recommend this collection of Billie Holiday cov-ers lent to me by a friend. It is impossible to copy Billie, so Lily Frost doesn’t try — she brings her own fresh, contemporary jazz stylings to these classic tunes. I fell for her the first time I listened to it. Great cocktail party CD or a work day pick-me-up.

By Mallory O’Brien

Starting this semester, Laurier’s Food Services has introduced a new, reusable plastic food container to reduce the amount of waste produced from cardboard takeout containers.

The reusable “eco-takeout” containers cost $5. Regular, disposable takeout containers will still be available for a cost of 25¢, an “eco-tax” that will fully recover the cost of the disposable container.

“This program has been led in a big way by the students,” says Dan Dawson, director: student services. “They are very committed to environ-mental initiatives and this program is a relatively easy way for students to reduce their carbon footprint.”

To ensure the reusable containers remain hygienic, students are able to drop off their eco-takeout container at any Food Services outlet on campus to be washed. In exchange they will receive a properly washed eco-takeout

container or a card that will allow them to take an eco-takeout container the next time they need one.

In addition, anyone who brings their own reusable mug for coffee or tea will get 10¢ off the cost of their drink.

The eco-takeout container program was the result of collaboration between the Wilfrid Laurier University Students’ Union and the university’s Food Services department.

Laurier introduces new eco-takeout containers





5

By Lori Chalmers Morrison

If the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) had hired Laurier finance professor Dr. Phelim Boyle to investigate Bernie Madoff, he may have figured out Madoff’s Ponzi scheme more quickly. “The math just did not add up,” says Boyle. “His results were impos-sible.”

Boyle is one of the key members of the research team behind Laurier’s Financial Services Research Centre. In the fall 2009 edition of the

Boyle and Dr. Carole Bernard (University of Waterloo) explore Madoff’s claims that his incredible performance was accomplished using a “split-strike conversion” option strategy.

“As this article shows, on both empirical and theoretical grounds, the assertion that following a split-strike conversion strategy could produce such returns has as much validity as Madoff ’s account statements,” writes journal editor Stephen Figlewski.

Academic articles such as this show how the SSHRC-funded research coming out of Laurier’s Financial Services Research Centre is not only academically acclaimed, but also relevant to current issues in the financial industry.

“Our work, by its very nature, is applied,” says professor and finance area coordinator Dr. Brian Smith, who founded the centre in 1994 with Dr. Ben Amoako-Adu, the Economical Insurance Group professor of finance. “There isn’t a big gulf between academic research and industry.”

To Smith’s point, Boyle just returned from doing some “high-level consulting” with the U.S. government, and industry regulators and investment banks regularly seek out Amoako-Adu and Smith’s research on dual-class shares. Associate professor Dr. Madhu Kalimipalli spent his sabbatical year in research and development at Bloomberg on Wall Street, and Smith and Dr. William McNally have developed a database for researching the “fair amount” of insider trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX), which will help develop regulations to increase investor confidence.

In addition, Dr. Mary Kelly, Chair of Insurance, is researching regulation in the Canadian property/casualty insurance industry and Dr. Andriy Shkilko’s research on short-selling and market micro-

structure has won best paper awards and been published in top-tier finance journals.

Kalimipalli, who has been director of the centre since 2007, works to make sure the centre’s academic research is accessible by conducting seminars and organizing annual conferences catering to practitioners and the academic community. He lined up leading researchers for last year’s conference on the global financial crisis.

“William and Madhu evolved the annual conference into a speaker series and brought in outside academics,” says Smith. “The Bank of Canada is

a co-sponsor, which indicates the quality of the conference.”

It’s no wonder that Boyle is so impressed with his colleagues. “They represent the best in Canada,” he says, crediting Smith and Amoako-Adu with setting high standards when they founded the centre. “They set a tone, an ethos that gives a spirit and perception that high level financial research is valued, and it’s helping us hire smart young researchers from places like Yale and Duke.”

Boyle, whom Smith calls a “living legend,” brings his own recognition to the centre. Known as a “pioneer

of quantitative finance,” Boyle initiated the use of Monte Carlo methods in option pricing in the late 1970s and received, along with three Nobel Laureates, the prestigious 2005 Sungard/American Institute of Forensic Education Financial Engineer of the Year Award.

Over the past 15 years, with continued support from Laurier’s School of Business & Economics, the centre has grown to 15 faculty members from six, tripled its research output, and in 2006 started a PhD program in Management-Financial Economics — the first of its kind within a school

of business and economics in Ontario. A joint under-graduate program combining financial math and financial management is in the works for next year, and a master of finance program was launched last fall.

“Our master’s program is popular because of the calibre of courses offered and the co-op option,” says Amoako-Adu. “Students work on Bay Street (in Toronto) for two of the five terms they’re here.”

“In any one term we can have about 60 undergraduate co-op students on Bay Street,” adds Smith. “We had little presence there 20 years ago.”

According to Laurie Lahn, marketing manager for co-operative education, up to 65 per cent of the students working on Bay Street have received a full-time offer from a previous co-op employer.

“The co-op experience is making a difference,” she says.

“Many Laurier co-op students land the most sought-after full-time analyst rotations in Toronto, Boston and New York.”

Beyond Bay Street and Wall Street, graduates are working as far away as Japan.

It’s a presence, combined with leading research in corporate finance, options pricing, fixed-income securities, market microstructure and insurance, that hasn’t gone unnoticed.

Laurier’s finance department receives consistently high rankings from academic journals. In its most recent ranking, the -

ranked Laurier as No. 5 in Canada and among the top 100 business schools worldwide in terms of research productivity based on publications in the top 21 finance journals.

Given their academic perspective on financial services, where do the professors in Laurier’s Financial Research Centre stand on personal investing?

“Well, we’re not paid $1-million bonuses like traders,” laughs Amoako-Adu. “What I always tell my students is it takes courage to be a contrarian.

If you are able to sell, that means there’s someone out there who has to buy, and that person buying is a contrarian.”

For Smith, his personal investing often follows his line of research.

As for the recent financial crisis?

“We didn’t predict it,” says Boyle. “But we’re continuing to learn from it.”

RESEARCH FILE

Real-world use of financial math research adds upThe work of Laurier’s Financial Services Research Centre is valued worldwide

From left: Dr. Phelim Boyle, Dr. Brian Smith, Dr. Ben Amoako-Adu and Dr. Madhu Kalimipalli are members of Laurier’s Financial Services Research Centre.

“

Current projects in progress by Laurier finance faculty (all SSHRC sponsored):

Dr. Mary Kelly and Dr. Si Li: The impact of regulatory oversight on market structure, pricing models and capital levels in the Canadian property/casualty insurance industry.

Dr. Madhu Kalimipalli, Dr. Subhankar Nayak, Dr. Fabricio Perz and Dr. Andriy Shkilko: Pricing in Corporate bond markets.

Dr. William McNally and Dr. Brian Smith: Liquidity of Canadian open market stock research and The quality of insider trading disclosure in Canada.

Dr. Ning Tang, Dr. Brian Smith and Dr. Andriy Shkilko: The curious role of short selling in IPOs.

Our work by its very nature is applied. There isn’t a big gulf between academic research and industry. ’’

Phot

o: L

ori C

halm

ers

Mor

rison

6

Campus construction: then and nowLaurier’s Waterloo campus underwent a major facelift over the summer to improve accessibility. Highlights include the complete reconstruction of the walkway linking Mid-Campus Drive to the Fred Nichols Campus centre to eliminate stairways, and the construction of a new public amphitheatre and open space in the Dining Hall quad. The amphitheatre has seating for about 225 chairs and features an external power panel that can be used for sound equipment and lighting.

New landscaping across campus included 48 new trees, 496 shrubs and more than 500 perennial flowers.

September 2009

Photos: Tomasz Adamski (right), Mallory O’Brien (below).

Students enjoy a warm September day in the new outdoor space and amphitheatre above left. Stairs were eliminated to improve accessibility, above right.

June 2009

Photos: Erin Steed





7

How long have you worked at Laurier?

Ten years. I started in co-op as an arts and science co-op coordinator, and then worked in student recruitment (first domestic, then international) before joining Laurier Inter-national in February. I love working here — there’s such a great vibe on campus!

Have you always had a passion for international work?

I fell into it through recruitment. We went on a recruitment trip through the Middle East, and I

eventually ended up focusing on international recruitment.

Tell us about your work at Laurier International.

Moving into the student service side is really great. I’ve been lucky that all my jobs have involved students. Now I’m welcoming and getting to know international and exchange students on campus. I oversee student services for incoming students, including international orientation week. We also look after student abroad programs — it’s about letting students know how they can internationalize their Laurier experience to gain

intercultural competencies and become good global citizens. We also work closely with Laurier’s office in China and just finished hosting a three-week higher education training program for 30 senior university administrators from China.

What are some travel highlights?

Visiting the Taj Mahal, the Great Wall of China, floating in the Dead Sea (it tastes awful, but you float) and Machu Picchu in Peru. I’ve seen incredible things. Once I lost my wallet in Oman. A bus and cab driver helped me track it down at McDon-

ald’s. When I walked into the restaurant, everything stopped. The people gathered around and said, “Oh, it’s you!” and presented me with my wallet. They’d been trying to find me by calling different numbers they found in my wallet. You’d be hard pressed to have that happen here. I believe part of the responsibility of travelling is coming back with stories to challenge people’s perceptions.

How do you keep busy outside of work?

I’m taking my master’s in education in global and adult learning. It’s an intercontinental

program offered through UBC and universities in South Africa, Sweden and Australia, so I’m also an international student! My husband and I bought a boat — he likes to fish and I like to read.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I think I wanted to be a teacher or a translator.

So, are you fluent in other languages?

No, so the translator thing wasn’t going to work out!

COFFEE WITH A CO-WORKER A look at staff and faculty across campus

Name: Lise Pedersen

Job: Manager of programs and services, Laurier International.

Where you can find her: The Laurier International office, first floor of the DAWB.

How she takes her coffee: I drink soy chai tea lattés. I order tins of Tiger Spice Chai from Victoria, BC, and make it at the office.

OktoberfestWhen: Oct. 9 – 17Where: Various locations in Kitchener-Waterloo

Get out your lederhosen and join in K-W’s Oktoberfest, the largest Bavarian festival in North America. Visit www.oktoberfest.ca for details.

WLU OrchestraWhen: Oct. 17 & 188 p.m. & 3 p.m.Where: Maureen Forrester Recital HallCost: $10/adults, $5/student, seniors

Brantford HomecomingWhen: Oct. 17Where: Brantford campus

Laurier Brantford celebrates its inaugural Homecoming. Visit the campus for a barbecue lunch and open house, and then take in a Golden Hawks hockey game. For a complete schedule of events visit www.laurieralumni.ca/brantford-homecoming.

Worries of a Technological KindWhen: Oct. 1911 a.m. – 12 p.m.Where: Kitchener Public Library AuditoriumCost: Free

Laurier’s Dr. Don Morgenson is the guest lecturer at the library’s popular noon-hour

lecture series, which focuses on current affairs and topics from the world of political and social science, history and the arts.

Innovation & Entrepreneurship Speaker Series: Mark MosesWhen: Oct. 2310 a.m.Where: TBDCost: Free

Alumnus Mark Moses (BBA ‘87), founder of Student Painters, co-founder of Platinum Capital Group and entrepreneur coach will speak about his experiences.

Further Education FairWhen: Oct. 2711 a.m. – 2 p.m.Where: Wilkes House Gym, Laurier BrantfordCost: Free

Do you have a degree and thinking of continuing your education? Over 35 admission and recruitment officers repre-senting education, graduate and post-degree programs will be on hand with information about their programs.

NATO AWACS in Peace and War: From the Fulda Gap to AfghanistanWhen: Oct. 287 p.m. – 9 p.m.Where: Laurier Centre for Military Strategic and Disar-mament StudiesCost: FreeThis lecture is part of the

LCMSDS military history fall speaker series. For more information, visit www.wlu.ca/lcmsds.

Jeff Thomas: VERSOWhen: Oct. 28 – Dec. 5Where: Robert Langen Art GalleryCost: Free

This photography exhibit features “cultural landscapes” inspired by Thomas’ Iroquois/Onondaga heritage.

WLU ChoirsWhen: Nov. 78 p.m.Where: Maureen Forrester Recital HallCost: Free

Cultural Images and Reflections on the First World WarWhen: Nov. 212 p.m – 1 p.m.Where: Kitchener Public Library AuditoriumCost: Free

Laurier’s Dr. Andrew Thomson is the guest lecturer at the library’s popular noon-hour lecture series, which focuses on current affairs and topics from the world of political and social science, history and the arts.

COMING EVENTS For a complete list of events visit www.wlu.ca/events

Alert yourself to fatigueFatigue can be caused by many factors, from insufficient sleep, prolonged physical or mental work or extended periods of stress. Here are some tips for good sleep hygiene:

Go to bed and get up at the same time every day.

Exercise regularly.

Avoid caffeine, tobacco or alcohol, especially before bed.

Use your bed primarily for sleeping — do not read or do office work in bed.

If you are not sleepy, don’t go to bed. Get up, go to another room and read or do something quiet.

Going to bed with an empty stomach or directly after a heavy meal can interfere with sleep. A light snack, such as cereal or fruit, can help with a restful sleep.

If you suspect you may have a medi-cal condition that interferes with your sleep, see your doctor.

A global workplace

Lise Pedersen visits Machu Picchu in Peru, which she cites as one of her travel highlights.





8

IN THE CLASSROOM A look inside the lecture hall

Professor: Dr. Hind Al-Abadleh

Class: CH223, Environmental Atmospheric Chemistry

Description: This course deals with a wide range of atmospher-ic chemistry topics, including the nature and composition of the atmosphere, the chemistry of air pollutants, gaseous inorganic oxide pollutants and acid rain.

“When I teach, I play the roles of teacher and motivational speaker,” says chemistry professor Dr. Hind Al-Abadleh.

“I emphasize that any effort made by students to learn the concepts taught in class will not only result in getting a good grade, but also will help them under-stand how chemists think, and hence get an appreciation of how chemistry explains physical and natural phenomena.”

Al-Abadleh also likes to keep her students up to date on the research that occurs both in her lab and in the field of atmospheric and geochemistry, and how fundamental concepts explain results from the experiments.

“The main goal is to introduce students to the laws that govern the universe and explain the relationship between what we see and experience from the behaviour of atoms and molecules and how they interact.”

Chemistry is in the air

Photo: Dean PalmerDr. Hind Al-Abadleh likes to keep her students up to date on the research occurring in her lab and in the field of atmospheric and geochemistry.

Laurier Brantford Orientation week sets records

Laurier Brantford kicked-off the school year with a record-setting Orientation Week in September.

Student participation was at an all-time high, with 68 senior student volunteers and 467 first-year students, and partici-pants raised more than $12,500 for Shinerama.

“From my perspective this year was the best organized, smoothest and incident-free

week we have ever had at Laurier Brantford,” said David Prang, director of student services. “The last night’s closing ceremonies in Harmony Square set a new standard for the university, with over 600 balloons, finger foods, mocktails, live enter-tainment, and additional accent lighting.

“In short: the best Orientation Week yet!”

Fun and festivities receive best turnout in campus’ 10-year history

Photos: Tomasz Adamski

oct. 2009 insidelaurier

Documents

laurier community

campus connections community

laurier graduate

laurier international

thanked laurier

laurier alumnus

largest gift laurier

laurier coop students