Writing is like “planting a seed,” says Canadian author

Canadian author Alan Cumyn prepares to autograph a book for a student on March 8, 2005 following a discussion with aspiring student writers in Professor Aida Hudson’s children’s literature course. Cumyn has written two of the most appreciated novels for children in recent memory. The Secret Life of Owen Skye, which won the Mr. Christie’s Book Award, was also a finalist for the Governor General’s Literary Award. Its sequel, After Sylvia, came out last November and will also be performed as a children’s play at the University of Ottawa in June 2005. Cumyn likened writing a story to “planting a seed” from which the lives and actions of the characters grow and evolve.

Senate approves 16 programs

Interdisciplinary programs take centre stage as the University continues to transform many of its programs of study. In March 2005, the Senate approved 16 new programs.

Gee-Gees visits energize students

After a 12-year absence, the Gee-Gees men’s basketball team returned to the Canadian Interuniversity Sport National Championship in March 2005. Team members have also also been volunteering in the community all season long.

Michel Cloutier: the man behind the competition

Twenty years ago, Professor Michel Cloutier was a fervent advocate of the University’s involvement in the community and the world of business. It was this belief that led him to create a marketing competition that has been held each year since 1986.

CFI funds four more projects

Four University of Ottawa researchers have received nearly $200,000 in funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation.

Ontario boosts family medicine residencies

An injection of nearly $800,000 will allow the University of Ottawa to train more family physicians. Jim Watson, Minister of Consumer and Business Services, and MPP for Ottawa West-Nepean, made the announcement at the Faculty of Medicine earlier this month.

Everest quest beckons researchers, alumna

Two University of Ottawa researchers and an alumna will be trying to reach the top of Mount Everest this spring, and in the process, leave their marks on history.

Institute puts up funds for campaign

The Royal Ottawa Health Care Foundation launched the largest fundraising campaign in its 25-year history in March 2005 with the announcement of a $1-million gift from the University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research.

Bloodspots storage and use raise ethical issues

Obtaining blood samples (called bloodspots or NBS) from newborns is a longstanding practice in many countries. But their collection, storage and use also raises important ethical issues about consent, confidentiality, privacy and the possibility of discrimination, says an expert.

Lecturer to present Canadian films in China

You never know where a lunch date might lead. In the case of University of Ottawa communications lecturer Gary Evans, one such date will take him to China from April 7 to 28, 2005 to present Canadian films.

University to compete in trivia tournament

The University of Ottawa Trivia Club will attend the National Academic Quiz Tournaments Intercollegiate Championship, on April 8 and 9, 2005 at Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Alain Desrochers: a strong supporter of the scientific process

A winner of an Excellence in Education Prize from the University, Professor Alain Desrochers is seen as a wise thinker and a consummate communicator by his students and his peers alike.

Elegant creative writing requires technique

Monique LaRue, writer-in-residence at the Department of Lettres françaises, believes creative writing requires hard work, commitment, interest and “a certain technique.”

GG rewards two artists

Two University of Ottawa professors are among the eight winners of the sixth annual Governor General’s Awards in Visual and Media Arts: photographer Lynne Cohen and sculptor Roland Poulin.