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    'A great honour'

    • Queen's University Professor Emeritus Art McDonald receives the Nobel Prize in Physics in Stockholm, Thursday, Dec. 10. (Photo by Pi Frisk, Nobel Media)
      Queen's University Professor Emeritus Art McDonald receives the Nobel Prize in Physics in Stockholm, Thursday, Dec. 10. (Photo by Pi Frisk, Nobel Media)
    • Professor Emeritus Art McDonald receives the Nobel Prize in Physics from King Carl XVI Gustaf in Stockholm, Thursday, Dec. 10. (Photo by Pi Frisk, Nobel Media)
      Professor Emeritus Art McDonald receives the Nobel Prize in Physics from King Carl XVI Gustaf in Stockholm, Thursday, Dec. 10. (Photo by Pi Frisk, Nobel Media)
    • Professor Emeritus Art McDonald, second from left, stands with the other Nobel Laureates during the Nobel Prize ceremony in Stockholm, Thursday, Dec. 10. (Photo by Pi Frisk, Nobel Media)
      Professor Emeritus Art McDonald, second from left, stands with the other Nobel Laureates during the Nobel Prize ceremony in Stockholm, Thursday, Dec. 10. (Photo by Pi Frisk, Nobel Media)

    Queen’s University Professor Emeritus Art McDonald officially received the 2015 Nobel Prize in Physics Thursday at a ceremony in Stockholm, Sweden.

    Queen's in the World

    Dr. McDonald was named co-recipient of the Nobel in October for his research at the Sudbury Neutrino Observatory (SNO), which determined neutrinos, one of the fundamental particles that make up the universe, are capable of changing their type – an indicator that they have mass.

    “Dr. McDonald’s research on neutrinos has revolutionized the world of particle physics and our understanding of the innermost workings of matter,” says Daniel Woolf, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Queen’s University. “I offer my heartfelt congratulations to him on this tremendous achievement.”

    Dr. McDonald has already received a number of awards and recognition for his research at SNO, including the Killam Prize in the Natural Sciences, and the European Physics Society HEP Division Giuseppe and Vanna Cocconi Prize for Particle Astrophysics. In 2006, he was made and Officer of the Order of Canada.

    “It is a great honour to receive this prize,” says Dr. McDonald. “It is wonderful to share it with many of my SNO colleagues and their partners here in Stockholm and with hundreds more who contributed so much to our success, at Queen’s and our other Canadian and international institutions.”

    Earlier this week, Dr. McDonald delivered his Nobel Lecture – a customary public lecture on a subject related to the topic of their prize. Dr. McDonald’s lecture, titled “The Sudbury Neutrino Observatory: Observation of Flavour Change for Solar Neutrinos,” discussed the measurements he and his SNO colleagues used to show neutrinos from the sun changed their “flavour” or type - implying that neutrinos have a non-zero mass.

    “Dr. McDonald has made a remarkable contribution to our understanding of matter, and has done so through innovative and pioneering experiments at SNOLAB,” says Dr. Steven Liss, Vice-Principal (Research) at Queen’s University. “He is a shining example of the excellence in research at Queen’s, leadership and the importance of collaboration. We are very proud to share in this incredible achievement. It doesn’t get any better than this.”

    During the ceremony, the Nobel Laureates received the Nobel Medal, Nobel Diploma and a document confirming the Nobel Prize amount from King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden.  

    A live viewing of the ceremony was held at Queen's University.

    Read the Gazette's full coverage of Nobel Week events, or learn more about the 2015 Nobel Prize ceremony at www.nobelprize.org.

    Keep exam stress under control

    [Beth Blackett]
    When it comes to exam time it is better to study smarter rather than harder and a big piece of that is getting adequate sleep, says Beth Blackett, Health Promotion Coordinator with Student Wellness Services. (University Communications)

    It’s exam time at Queen’s University and that means increased levels of stress for students as well as others in the community.

    Fortunately, there is a network of resources to help prevent stress from spiraling out of control.  

    The first step is getting ahead of the game and being aware of what is available at the university, says Beth Blackett, Health Promotion Coordinator with Student Wellness Services. 

    Powering through your studies as exams draw near just isn't the way to go. 

    It's about staying healthy, managing your schedule and getting an adequate amount of sleep.

    “Sleeping is our big push and it comes down to that idea that you want to study smarter not harder,” Ms. Blackett says. “Your brain needs sleep to consolidate the information you are trying to learn and then recall it for the actual exam. You’re not meant to pull all-nighters. You’re not all that great at recalling information or problem solving. Those skills go down quite substantially when you are really sleep deprived.” 

    Getting out and doing some regular physical activity also will help, she points out, and it's a good idea to change up where you study from time to time. Breaks are important as well to help you recharge before getting back to the books, while eating properly is vital to be able to get the most out of your activities. 

    It's also about staying in touch. 

    “It’s really quite common for students to think they need to study 24/7 and they can isolate themselves, where they stop responding to phone calls, texts, to family and friends,” Ms. Blackett points out. “I think people underestimate how important those relationships are during times of high levels of stress. So the occasional check-in is really helpful for mental health.” 

    These are all simple steps, but, of course, are easier said than done.  

    That's where the support network comes in. 

    Student Wellness Services will be running the fifth annual 15 Days of Exams Health Challenge starting Dec. 9. Each year, there are more students taking part, Ms. Blackett says, taking on the daily challenges that are posted through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, covering a range of health areas. 

    It's not revolutionary, Ms. Blackett explains, but helps students set daily goals and taking a bit of time for their health.

    Stress during the exam period will never be eliminated and no one should expect it to be. A certain amount of stress is normal and helps with motivation.

    The problem is when stress builds up and tumbles out of control. But there is help at Queen's, including from Student Academic Success Services (SASS), which offers special pre-exam workshops in Stauffer Library as well as advice from Learning Strategists. 

    One of the key tools offered is the Exam Study Schedule, which is available online at sass.queensu.ca/learningstrategies/decemberapril-exam-study-schedule. 

    The strength of the schedule is its simplicity. In a high-tech world, sometimes the best way to get organized is by writing it all down on paper, and that includes time for breaks and eating properly. 

    “At some point if you have too much stress your performance is going to decline,” Ms. Blackett says. “So that’s where Learning Strategies will help you create a study schedule where you can have some deadlines in there to just get that extra bit of motivation without leaving everything to the last minute.”

    She adds that there isn’t a one-fits-all model for everyone. Each person is different and needs different help at different times.  

    If you are a student and are feeling stressed about academics, you can book a Learning Strategies advising appointment by calling 613-533-6315.

    Students who wish to make an appointment with Counselling Services can do so by calling 613-533-6000, ext. 78264. Embedded counsellors are located in various faculty and university buildings across campus: Faculty of Engineering & Applied Science (613-533-3447), Faculty of Education (613-533-2334), School of Graduate Studies (613-533-2136), School of Business (via Commerce Portal), Residence Counsellors (613-533-6000, ext. 78330 or 78034), the School of Medicine (613-533-6000, ext. 78264), and the Outreach Counsellor/Student Advisor in the JDUC (613-533-6000, ext. 78441).

    Another resource available for students is Good 2 Talk, a 24/7/365 post-secondary student helpline which offers free, professional and anonymous support. They can be reached at 1-866-925-5454 to talk about any stressful issues students might be experiencing.  

    All the IT news that's fit to post

    ITS has resumed publishing its newsletter to help keep the Queen’s community up to date on what’s happening in the department.

    ITS News, which will be published four times a year, is a source for easily accessible information and updates relating to new software and system upgrades, IT-related news and notifications within the IT department.

    “We’re very excited about the re-introduction of the ITS newsletter; the thing I hear most frequently is ‘we didn't know ITS did that,’” says Bo Wandschneider, Chief Information Officer and Associate Vice-Principal (Information Technology Services). “This is just another way of reaching out to the community and making them aware of our services.”

    IT News is aimed at the campus community as a whole; there’s material and items of interest for students, faculty and staff. Each newsletter will contain information on such things as new Microsoft releases, additional offerings from Lynda.com, and emerging trends in higher education IT.

    ITS published the first edition in November. The newsletter will also appear in February, April and August. Subscribe to the newsletter by email or visit the ITS website to read it.

    You can also follow ITS on Twitter for service notifications and other news.

    University celebrates outstanding staff

    • Caroline Davis, Vice-Principal (Finance and Administration), centre, presented the Special Recognition for Staff Awards to, from left: Françoise Sauriol; Kathy Reed; Tice Post; Carol Noel; Andy Hooper; Agathe Nicholson; Kimberley Bell; and Kathy Baer.
      Caroline Davis, Vice-Principal (Finance and Administration), centre, presented the Special Recognition for Staff Awards to, from left: Françoise Sauriol; Kathy Reed; Tice Post; Carol Noel; Andy Hooper; Agathe Nicholson; Kimberley Bell; and Kathy Baer.
    • Staff at Queen's University were treated to some delectable delights on Staff Appreciation Day with the Principal’s Holiday Reception.
      Staff at Queen's University were treated to some delectable delights on Staff Appreciation Day with the Principal’s Holiday Reception.
    • Queen's University staff members take their time choosing from among an array of food items offered at the Principal’s Holiday Reception.
      Queen's University staff members take their time choosing from among an array of food items offered at the Principal’s Holiday Reception.
    • Caroline Davis, Vice-Principal (Finance and Administration), presents the Special Recognition for Staff Awards as part of Staff Appreciation Day.
      Caroline Davis, Vice-Principal (Finance and Administration), presents the Special Recognition for Staff Awards as part of Staff Appreciation Day.
    • Music students Samantha Harrison, Rachel Walls and Jason Fung (left to right) perform during the annual Principal’s Holiday Reception on Tuesday, Dec. 8 at the Athletics and Recreation Centre.
      Music students Samantha Harrison, Rachel Walls and Jason Fung (left to right) perform during the annual Principal’s Holiday Reception on Tuesday, Dec. 8 at the Athletics and Recreation Centre.

    The Queen’s community gathered together at the Principal’s Holiday Reception on Dec. 8 to recognize and celebrate staff contributions over the past year.

    Caroline Davis, Vice-Principal (Finance and Administration), offered remarks on behalf of Principal Daniel Woolf, who is in Sweden for the presentation of the Nobel medal to Professor Emeritus Art McDonald. She also presented Queen’s Special Recognition for Staff Awards to eight deserving individuals. This year’s winners are:

    Kathy Baer, undergraduate assistant and departmental secretary in the Department of Gender Studies. She is first point of contact for most faculty, teaching fellows, assistants and students. She has played an integral role in planning and managing the growth of the undergraduate program through tracking and analysis of course enrolments. As a friend and mentor, she regularly goes beyond what is expected. She balances the nitty-gritty detail of administrative work with compassionate care for countless current and prospective students, as well as supporting the instructors who teach them.

    Principal’s Holiday Reception round-up
    Attendees of the Principal’s Holiday Reception donated a large bin of food and nearly $140 for the AMS Food Bank.

    Retiree Eleanor Beach (Dean of Women Studies) won the draw for the gingerbread house that was donated by Sodexo.

    Kimberley Bell, services coordinator in the W.D. Jordan Special Collections and Music Library. She has served in a number of different positions since joining Queen’s Library in 1988, embracing every new role along the way by enrolling in additional courses and expanding her knowledge. Her commitment to public service in general and individual patrons in particular is unmatched. She always goes the extra distance to learn about and locate information. She also likes to make the workplace fun. She is the key organizer of the Library’s longstanding spelling bee.

    Andy Hooper, manager of technology development in ITS. He has worked at Queen’s for 34 years, playing a central role in the introduction of new information technology and other core services to the Queen’s community. His modest, quiet and unassuming nature belies his accomplishments in leading the design and engineering of the Queen’s campus network. His deep institutional knowledge and sage advice is valued both inside and outside the university. His dedication to the university, along with his innovative and analytical approach to problem solving, have made him a go-to source across the institution.

    Agathe Nicholson, administrative assistant in the Department of French Studies. Ms. Nicholson brings the same discipline, drive and dedication to the workplace as she does to her passion for running. The speed at which she accepts increasingly challenging responsibilities has helped to make her the most knowledgeable, approachable and resourceful person in the department. She played a key role in the department’s transition to the new budget model. Ms. Nicholson is generous with her time outside the office – finding warm clothing, food and other winter items for international students.

    Carol Noel, departmental assistant in the Department of Biology.  Over the past 30 years, she has developed a deserving reputation as the go-to person in the department. Her attitude and cheerful energy makes her stand apart.  As financial administrator, her approach centres on the importance of people. Without her care, many faculty members would not be able to negotiate the minefield of operational budgets and the complexities of hiring staff. Ms. Noel remains optimistic and friendly in the face of different challenges, and is always willing to accept new challenges and last-minute requests.

    Tice Post, departmental technician in the Department of Biology. His title does not do justice to the exceptional and creative contributions he has made to the department since his arrival in 1971. A combination of inventor, designer and carpenter, Mr. Post has an exceptional ability to take an idea and bring it to life. His experience and practical talents are prodigious; he is able to make anything out of almost nothing, and in half the time anyone else could promise – and always with a smile.

    Kathy Reed, research ethics coordinator for the Health Sciences and Affiliated Hospitals Research Ethics Board. She has worked at Queen’s since 1976 and in her current position for nearly 25 years. Ms. Reed is always happy to go the extra mile to work with researchers and staff to ensure that they understand the research ethics process. She embraces the changing work environment and its many challenges. She has a wealth of institutional knowledge and appreciation of evolving regulations and how they impact the research ethics process.

    Françoise Sauriol, nuclear magnetic resonance manager in the Department of Chemistry. Easily approachable, an excellent teacher and mentor, Ms. Sauriol is more of a collaborator than a technical staff member. She has trained more than 700 users on NMR instruments in the facility, which is the most critical and commonly used in the department. She keeps current on the latest software and development in NMR technologies. Many graduate students and faculty members have benefited from her exceptional efforts in helping to solve difficult research problems. 

    McDonald delivers Nobel lecture

    • Professor Emeritus and Nobel Laureate Arthur McDonald delivers the Nobel Lecture in Physics entitled “The Sudbury Neutrino Observatory: Observation of Flavour Change for Solar Neutrinos.” (Photo by Gunnar Seijbold)
      Professor Emeritus and Nobel Laureate Arthur McDonald delivers the Nobel Lecture in Physics entitled “The Sudbury Neutrino Observatory: Observation of Flavour Change for Solar Neutrinos.” (Photo by Gunnar Seijbold)
    • People fill the Aula Magna auditorium at Stockholm University to listen to Professor Emeritus and Nobel Laureate Arthur McDonald deliver the Nobel Lecture in Physics.
      People fill the Aula Magna auditorium at Stockholm University to listen to Professor Emeritus and Nobel Laureate Arthur McDonald deliver the Nobel Lecture in Physics.
    • During the Nobel Lecture in Physics, Dr. Arthur McDonald shows a slide naming the 273 collaborators who took part in his research.
      During the Nobel Lecture in Physics, Dr. Arthur McDonald shows a slide naming the 273 collaborators who took part in his research.
    • Dr. Arthur McDonald speaks with David Sinclair (Physics) of Carleton University, a fellow member of the Sudbury Neutrino Observatory.
      Dr. Arthur McDonald speaks with David Sinclair (Physics) of Carleton University, a fellow member of the Sudbury Neutrino Observatory.
    • Professor Emeritus and Nobel Laureate Arthur McDonald arrives at Stockholm University to deliver the Nobel Lecture in Physics. (Photo by Gunnar Seijbold)
      Professor Emeritus and Nobel Laureate Arthur McDonald arrives at Stockholm University to deliver the Nobel Lecture in Physics. (Photo by Gunnar Seijbold)
    • A reception was held at the Canadian Embassy in Stockholm for Dr. Art McDonald, left, seen here with former Toronto Maple Leafs star Börje Salming, Ambassador Kenneth Macartney and Principal Daniel Woolf. (Photo by Gunnar Seijbold)
      A reception was held at the Canadian Embassy in Stockholm for Dr. Art McDonald, left, seen here with former Toronto Maple Leafs star Börje Salming, Ambassador Kenneth Macartney and Principal Daniel Woolf. (Photo by Gunnar Seijbold)
    • During a reception at the Canadian Embassy in Stockholm Dr. Art McDonald, left, was able to meet former Toronto Maple Leafs star Börje Salming. (Photo by Gunnar Seijbold)
      During a reception at the Canadian Embassy in Stockholm Dr. Art McDonald, left, was able to meet former Toronto Maple Leafs star Börje Salming. (Photo by Gunnar Seijbold)
    • Professor Emeritus and Nobel Laureate Arthur McDonald sits for an official portrait for the Nobel Prize Organization.
      Professor Emeritus and Nobel Laureate Arthur McDonald sits for an official portrait for the Nobel Prize Organization.

    The Queen's Gazette provides a daily update on Professor Emeritus Arthur McDonald's activities during his time in Sweden for Nobel Week

    Queen's Professor Emeritus Art McDonald delivered his Nobel Lecture, titled The Sudbury Neutrino Observatory: Observation of Flavor Change for Solar Neutrinos on Tuesday morning. The lecture traced the path of the SNO findings, from early theories relating to neutrino oscillations, through the construction of SNO and the resultant findings. Dr. McDonald re-emphasized the collaborative nature of the SNO Experiment, with his final slide recognizing his 273 SNO co-authors.

    Video of the lecture is available here or on nobelprize.org

    Later in the day, Dr. McDonald attended a special reception in his honour hosted by Kenneth Macartney, Canada's Ambassador to Sweden.

    On Wednesday, Queen’s will celebrate Dr. McDonald’s remarkable accomplishments at a luncheon for alumni, stakeholders and government officials in Stockholm. Later in the day, he will visit Norra Real High School, the oldest upper-secondary school in Stockholm. Photos of tomorrow's events will be available in the Nobel Week Flickr album, on Dr. McDonald’s Facebook page and here on the Gazette website.

    Find the full list of Nobel Week activities...

    Rivalry benefits refugees

    Personal wager evolves into larger campaign to benefit Syrian families

    A Grey Cup personal wager has turned into much needed funding for refugee families coming to Kingston.

    Queen’s law students Adam Sadinsky, who hails from Ottawa, and Ian Moore, who comes to Queen’s from Edmonton, placed a personal wager on the Canadian Football League title game. Instead of money exchanging hands between the winner and loser, though, the two third-year students decided to donate the money to the local Refugee Relief Fund operated by the United Way of Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington.

    This unique piece of artwork depicting Adam Sadinsky (l) and Ian Moore was created by Meagan Berlin.

    The fund is a joint effort between the United Way and the City of Kingston working in partnership with Kingston Community Health Centres, the County of Frontenac, and the County of Lennox and Addington.

    “We decided to create a wager on the game and all the money would be donated to charity,” Mr. Sadinsky says. “Once other students and faculty heard about it, they wanted to donate as well.”

    In fact, so much was being donated that Mr. Sadinsky and Mr. Moore set up a Tilt page to allow online contributions to the Refugee Relief Fund. The page closes on Friday, Dec. 11, at which time the money will be donated.

    “It’s wonderful the group is helping welcome the refugees to Kingston,” says United Way President and CEO Bhavana Varma. “The money they raise will be put into a large pot and a panel will decide how best to use the money to help the families.”

    Both Mr. Moore and Mr. Sadinsky are thrilled the student body got so involved in the project.

    “This was a perfect opportunity for students to get together for a common cause,” says Mr. Moore. “Both Adam and I believe in this cause and it’s also nice to have our fellow law students donate.”

    The two football fans became friends when they created Juris Diction, the Queen’s law student newspaper. The student-run online newspaper is published twice a month and there are 28 students regularly involved on a volunteer basis. Mr. Sadinsky is the editor-in-chief and Mr. Moore volunteers as the publisher.

    Vigilant against violence

    [Dec. 6 Memorial]
    Queen's faculty, students and staff take part in a vigil on Friday to mark the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.

    The Queen’s community marked the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women with a pair of ceremonies.

    The Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science and the Engineering Society held their annual vigil at the Integrated Learning Centre on Friday while another event, organized by a number of community partners such as HIV/AIDS Regional Services, Sexual Assault Centre Kingston and Kingston Anti-Violence Advisory Council, with support from Queen's Pride, Levana Gender Advocacy Centre, and Four Directions Aboriginal Student Centre, was held Sunday at Sydenham Street United Church.

    Through the memorials, the Queen’s community remembered the 14 women –12 engineering students, a nurse, and a faculty member – who were killed in 1989 at l’École Polytechnique in Montreal.

    Three years after the attack, Dec. 6 was declared Canada’s National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.

    Nobel update: Dec. 7

    • Dr. Art McDonald, left, takes a photo with Ambassador Ken Macartney, Susan Macartney and former Toronto Maple Leafs star Mats Sundin, during his visit to the Canadian Embassy in Stockholm..
      Dr. Art McDonald, left, takes a photo with Ambassador Ken Macartney, Susan Macartney and former Toronto Maple Leafs star Mats Sundin, during his visit to the Canadian Embassy in Stockholm..
    • Professor Emeritus Art McDonald holds up a Toronto Maple Leafs jersey he received after arriving at the Canadian Embassy in Stockholm.
      Professor Emeritus Art McDonald holds up a Toronto Maple Leafs jersey he received after arriving at the Canadian Embassy in Stockholm.
    • Dr. Art McDonald signs the visitor book at the Canadian Embassy in Stockholm while former Toronto Maple Leafs star Mats Sundin looks on.
      Dr. Art McDonald signs the visitor book at the Canadian Embassy in Stockholm while former Toronto Maple Leafs star Mats Sundin looks on.
    • Professor Emeritus Art McDonald is the co-winner of the 2015 Nobel Prize in Physics, along with Takaaki Kajita of the University of Tokyo.
      Professor Emeritus Art McDonald is the co-winner of the 2015 Nobel Prize in Physics, along with Takaaki Kajita of the University of Tokyo.
    • Professor Emeritus Art McDonald takes part in a press conference on Monday, Dec. 7 involving the winners of the Nobel Prizes in physics, economics and chemistry.
      Professor Emeritus Art McDonald takes part in a press conference on Monday, Dec. 7 involving the winners of the Nobel Prizes in physics, economics and chemistry.
    • Professor Emeritus Art McDonald is interviewed following Monday's press conference involving the winners of the Nobel Prizes in physics, economics and chemistry.
      Professor Emeritus Art McDonald is interviewed following Monday's press conference involving the winners of the Nobel Prizes in physics, economics and chemistry.

    The Queen's Gazette provides a daily update on Professor Emeritus Arthur McDonald's activities during his time in Sweden for Nobel Week.

    This morning, Queen's Professor Emeritus Art McDonald took part in a press conference with his fellow Nobel Laureates in chemistry and economic sciences, as well as his co-recipient of the physics medal, Dr. Takaaki Kajita.

    After the press conference, Dr. McDonald visited with Canada's Ambassador to Sweden, Kenneth Macartney, and his spouse, Susan Macartney, at the Canadian Embassy in Stockholm. Dr. McDonald, a long-time fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs, was presented with a personalized jersey by former Toronto Maple Leafs star Mats Sundin. In addition, Dr. McDonald met with, and was interviewed alongside, Sundin.

    On Tuesday, Dr. McDonald will deliver his Nobel lecture, "The Sudbury Neutrino Observatory: Observation of Flavour Change for Solar Neutrinos," from 3:00 to 4:20 am EST. Viewers can watch the lecture live here, at kva.se or nobelprize.org. The lecture will also be made available afterwards at kvatv.se.

    For the full list of Nobel Week activities, click here.

    Breaking ground

    Ceremony held to mark the official start of construction on revitalized Richardson Stadium.
     

    • A commemorative football given to donors Stu and Kim Lang.
      A commemorative football given to donors Stu and Kim Lang
    • Ann Tierney, Vice-Provost and Dean of Student Affairs, welcomes those in attendance to the ground-breaking ceremony.
      Ann Tierney, Vice-Provost and Dean of Student Affairs, welcomes those in attendance to the ground-breaking ceremony.
    • Alan Harrison, Queen's University Provost and Vice-Principal (Academic), highlights the impact the Richardson Stadium revitalization will have on the university.
      Alan Harrison, Queen's University Provost and Vice-Principal (Academic), highlights the impact the Richardson Stadium revitalization will have on the university.
    • Queen's alumni, students and supporters gather to celebrate the groundbreaking of the revitalized Richardson Stadium.
      Queen's alumni, students and supporters gather to celebrate the groundbreaking of the revitalized Richardson Stadium.
    • Paul & Vicki Hand, Co-Chairs of the Fields and Stadium Campaign Cabinet, thank the donors who have made the new stadium possible.
      Paul & Vicki Hand, Co-Chairs of the Fields and Stadium Campaign Cabinet, thank the donors who have made the new stadium possible.
    • His Worship Brian Patterson, Mayor of Kingston, discusses the cooperation and relationship between the city and Queen's University.
      His Worship Brian Patterson, Mayor of Kingston, discusses the cooperation and relationship between the city and Queen's University.
    • Stu Lang, Sc'74 and lead donor on the Richardson Stadium revitalization, talks about what his time at Queen's meant to him.
      Stu Lang, Sc'74 and lead donor on the Richardson Stadium revitalization, talks about what his time at Queen's meant to him.
    • Gaels football player & 2015 Russ Jackson Award recipient, Curtis Carmichael, smiles while mentioning the excitement amongst his teammates to take to the field at the new stadium.
      Gaels football player & 2015 Russ Jackson Award recipient, Curtis Carmichael, smiles while mentioning the excitement amongst his teammates to take to the field at the new stadium.
    • Two-time OUA all-star and Queen's Women's Soccer player, Micah Vermeer, talks about the Queen's athletic experience.
      Two-time OUA all-star and Queen's Women's Soccer player, Micah Vermeer, talks about the Queen's athletic experience.
    • Stu and Kim Lang are presented with a personalized football, commemorating the ground breaking.
      Stu and Kim Lang are presented with a personalized football, commemorating the ground breaking.
    • Confetti flutters down as the ground is broken, signifying the official start of the Richardson Stadium revitalization project.
      Confetti flutters down as the ground is broken, signifying the official start of the Richardson Stadium revitalization project.
    • Queen's coaches and student athletes pose following the ground breaking.
      Queen's coaches and student athletes pose following the ground breaking.
    • From L to R: Alan Harrison, Queen's University Provost and Vice-Principal (Academic), Paul & Vicki Hand, Co-Chairs of the Fields and Stadium Campaign Cabinet, and Kim & Stu Lang, lead donors on the project.
      From L to R: Alan Harrison, Queen's University Provost and Vice-Principal (Academic), Paul & Vicki Hand, Co-Chairs of the Fields and Stadium Campaign Cabinet, and Kim & Stu Lang, lead donors on the project.
    • The Queen's Bands perform "Oil Thigh" following the ground breaking.
      The Queen's Bands perform "Oil Thigh" following the ground breaking.

    On December 5, Queen’s University hosted a ground breaking ceremony to officially mark the start of construction on the revitalized Richardson Stadium. Alumni, students and community members gathered to celebrate a new chapter in the history of Richardson Stadium and of Queen's athletics.

    “We are incredibly grateful to our generous benefactors for making the dream of a revitalized Richardson Stadium a reality,” says Alan Harrison, Queen's University Provost and Vice-Principal (Academic). “Without this kind of leadership and philanthropic support, this project would not be possible.”

    The revitalization project began with a lead gift of $10 million from Queen’s alumni Stu Lang, Sc’74, and Kim Lang, Artsci’76. The Richardson Foundation contributed an additional $5 million donation towards the project, with total donations exceeding $17 million. The university will invest an additional $3 million for infrastructure support of the stadium, bringing the total funding to $20.27 million.

    “My wife and I met and spent four wonderful years at Queen’s. I personally experienced life-changing opportunities both on and off the field,” says Stu Lang. “The revitalization is about far more than just a new stadium. It is a key step in building a stronger varsity sports program for Queen’s and providing a better connection to the university. I’m proud to support this transformative initiative.”

    Scheduled to open in time for the 2016 Gaels football season, the new Richardson Stadium will be amongst the top facilities of its kind in Ontario – with an artificial turf field, U-shaped seating arrangement, a state-of-the-art scoreboard and improved broadcast and webcast capability.

    “I know our entire team is looking forward to taking the field next year in our new home,” says Curtis Carmichael, wide receiver for the Queen’s Gaels football team and recipient of the 2015 Russ Jackson Award. “The new Richardson Stadium will be a major point of pride for Queen’s, current and future Gaels and the Kingston community.”

    During the fall the Gaels community was asked to provide feedback on three potential end zone designs for the revitalized Richardson Stadium. With over 5,000 votes cast, design B featuring a blue end-zone with Queen's in gold and tricolour swooshes on either side emerged as the clear fan favorite.

    The Richardson Stadium revitalization project is a priority within Queen’s $500-million Initiative Campaign. It is the next step in the university’s efforts to enhance its athletics and recreation facilities to promote the health and wellness of all students. Other recent projects include the Athletics and Recreation Centre and the redevelopment of Tindall, Nixon, and Miklas-McCarney fields. For more information on the Richardson Stadium revitalization project, please visit the website.

    Nobel celebrations in Stockholm

    Follow Dr. Arthur B. McDonald as he accepts his Nobel Prize in Stockholm, Sweden, from December 7 through December 11. Find upcoming events and check back often for updates!

    [Art McDonald]
    Dr. Art McDonald addressed well-wishers at his Big Bang Send-off on December 3 in Grant Hall. (Photo by Bernard Clark) See more photos...

    The eyes of the Queen’s community are on Stockholm as Professor Emeritus Arthur McDonald receives the 2015 Nobel Prize in Physics for his research on neutrinos at the Sudbury Neutrino Observatory.

    While in Stockholm, Dr. McDonald, the inaugural chair of the Gordon and Patricia Gray Chair in Particle Astrophysics, will participate in a number of official events during Nobel Week, including the award ceremony

    Watch the Nobel Prize Ceremony archive
    from Thursday, December 10 at 10:30 a.m. (EST)


    Monday, December 7

    Press Conference 3:30 a.m. (EST)

    Dr. McDonald and his fellow Nobel laureates took part in the Press conference with the Nobel Laureates in Physics and Chemistry and the Laureate in Economic Sciences 2015 from 3:30-5 a.m. EST.
    Watch video of the press conference...

    The Canadian Embassy also hosted a luncheon, where Dr. McDonald was interviewed alongside Mats Sundin, former Toronto Maple Leafs captain, for Swedish radio. Listen to the radio interview...

    See also, Queen's Gazette  Nobel update: Dec 7

    [at the press conference [Art McDonald with hockey jersey]
    Dr. Art McDonald at the press conference with the Nobel Laureates; Dr. McDonald with his new team jersey!

    Tuesday, December 8

    Lecture at 3:00 a.m. (EST)

    Dr. McDonald delivered his Nobel lecture, “The Sudbury Neutrino Observatory: Observation of Flavour Change for Solar Neutrinos,” from 3:00 to 4:20 am EST.

    Viewers can watch the lecture here, or on kva.se or nobelprize.org

    [Dr McDonald at the podium]

    Reception

    Dr. McDonald also attended a special reception in his honour hosted by Kenneth Macartney, Canada's Ambassador to Sweden.

    [collage of reception photos]

    Pictured (right): Dr. Art McDonald, hockey great Börje Salming, Ambassador Kenneth Macartney, Principal Daniel Woolf

    See also, Queen's Gazette  Nobel update: Dec. 8 – McDonald delivers Nobel lecture8


    Wednesday, December 9

    Luncheon and visit to Norra Real High School

    Queen’s celebrated Dr. McDonald’s remarkable accomplishments at a luncheon.

    Earlier in the day, he attended a meeting that included his co-recipient, Takaaki Kajita of Japan, to prepare for the taping of Nobel Minds on Friday.

    Dr. McDonald also visited Norra Real High School, the oldest upper-secondary school in Stockholm.

    See also, Queen's Gazette  Nobel update Dec 9

    [at Norra real high school]


    Thursday, December 10

    Nobel Prize Ceremony

    Watch the Nobel Prize Ceremony archive or find it on Queen's 2015 Nobel Prize in Physics Playlist

    [Art and Janet McDonald]
    Art and Janet McDonald, before the ceremony

    Dr. McDonald and his fellow Nobel laureates formally received their Nobel Prizes from King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden in a ceremony at the Stockholm Concert Hall.

    Following the ceremony, the Nobel banquet was held in the Blue Hall at the Stockholm City Hall. Among the approximately 1,300 guests who attended the banquet are members of the SNO Collaboration and the Swedish Royal Family.

    The Queen's community gathered to watch the ceremony in Stirling Hall! The Office of the Vice-Principal (Research) hosted a special celebration and viewing party (of the ceremony livetream) with the Department of Physics, Engineering Physics & Astronomy in Stirling Hall.

    [Art McDonald receives Nobel Prize]
    Dr. McDonald formally received his Nobel Prize from King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden in a ceremony at the Stockholm Concert Hall

     


    Friday, December 11

    Nobel Minds

    Nobel Minds is a a round-table discussion program with the current year's Nobel Laureates, co-produced by SVT and BBC WN, and broadcast on Swedish TV and BBC.

    Find archived programs...


    Nobel Prize in Physics videos: See also: Queen's 2015 Nobel Prize in Physics Playlist

    1. 2015 Nobel Prize Award Ceremony
    2. Dr. Art McDonald with Mats Sundin – an interview with Lena Nordlund fro Swedish radio. December 7, 2015, in Stockholm.
    3. Dr. Arthur B. McDonald's remarks at the Canadian Embassy in Sweden.
    4. A welcome to Dr. Art McDonald by Ambassador Ken Macartney. December 8, 2015, in Stockholm.
    5. 2015 Nobel Lectures in Physics. December 8, 2015, in Stockholm.
    6. Arthur McDonald: The Sudbury Neutrino Observatory: Observation of flavor change for solar neutrinos
    7. Arthur B. McDonald - Banquet Speech: ""Behind every success there is effort... passion... a courage to try."
    8. Congratulations Art McDonald (played at the Big Bang Send-off in Grant Hall)
    9. In conversation with Art McDonald -- The Nobel Prize and Canadian research excellence by Universities Canada/Universités Canada
    10. Professor Arthur B. McDonald Co-recipient, 2015 Nobel Prize in Physics


    I remember the first time I met Art...

    A collection of tweets, videos, photos and news stories about Art McDonald. www.artmcdonald.ca

    Submit your own story about Art


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