September 26, 1997

Bleackley named MRC Distinguished Scientist

Dr. Chris Bleackley, a professor of biochemistry with a cross appointment in immunology, has been named an MRC Distinguished Scientist. The five-year award is designed to support the salary of highly renowned scientists who are at the forefront of health research among world leaders in their field.

Bleakley was one of six Canadians to receive the most prestigious award given by the Medical Research Council of Canada each year. He is recognized as one of the leading molecular immunologists, in Canada and internationally, in the field of granzyme molecular genetics. His research focuses on processes leading to cell death and could hold clinical promise in areas such as transplantation and autoimmunity, and perhaps vaccination.

Dean of extension honored for distance education

Dr. Randy Garrison, dean of the Faculty of Extension, has been chosen for the Instructional Telecommunications Council's (ITC) 1997 Canadian Regional Award for Outstanding Contributions to Distance Education. ITC represents 450 colleges and universities in Canada and the United States offering distance education courses. Garrison's award will be presented at the Telelearning '97 conference in Scottsdale, Arizona on Tuesday, Sept. 30.

Garrison has won several other awards including the Charles A Wedemeyer Publications Award for Understanding Distance Education: A Framework for the Future, 1990. His background in continuing education includes 12 years with the Faculty of Continuing Education at the University of Calgary, where he served in various capacities including associate dean.

Faculte prof invited to Moldova

Professor Pierre Bokor, drama, Faculte Saint-Jean, has just completed a second successful run as guest director at the National Theater Mihai Eminesco in Kishinew, capital city of the Republic of Moldova.

Bokor staged the first Canadian production in that country in 1995, "Les Belles Soeurs," by the well-known French-Canadian playwright Michel Tremblay. Following the success of this production, which is still running, Bokor was invited back to direct another Canadian play this summer. While there he was asked to chair and lead a 10-day improvisational workshop. Financial support for this project was primarily provided by Faculte Saint-Jean at the University of Alberta.

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