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News Release

December 05, 2006

New Director of School of Engineering Named

After an extensive search, the University of Guelph has appointed John Gruzleski, former dean of the faculty of engineering at McGill University, as the new director of the School of Engineering. His three-year term begins January 2.

The announcement was made today by provost and vice-president (academic) Maureen Mancuso, who stepped in to chair the search committee after the completion of Peter Tremaine’s term as dean of the College of Physical and Engineering Science.

“Dr. Gruzleski is a highly experienced leader and seasoned administrator, and I am delighted that he is joining the University of Guelph,” she said. “He’s an engaging and dynamic individual with a wealth of knowledge in engineering. I know the University community will join me in welcoming him to campus.”

A faculty member at McGill since 1969, Gruzleski was chair of the department of mining and metallurgical engineering for 11 years and served as dean from 1999 to 2005. He has received several awards and distinctions throughout his career, including the University-Industry Synergy Award and McGill’s Engineering Alumni Award for outstanding teaching, and was named a fellow of the Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy and of ASM International.

He’s a member of many professional, technical and scientific societies, including the Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy and the American Foundry Society, and serves on the editorial boarda of the International Journal of Cast Metals Research and Aluminum Transactions.

Gruzleski’s research expertise lies in liquid-solid transformation in metals and how knowledge of that transformation can be applied to the casting industry. His pioneering work on strontium modification of aluminum casting alloys has helped make strontium the most widely accepted modifier in the world today.

He has published hundreds of scientific papers, articles, books and proceedings and has supervised more than 40 master’s and PhD students.

“I’m very excited about this appointment,” said Gruzleski. “The School of Engineering has what I consider an excellent group of programs that have been built from the ground up. I’m looking forward to leading the School and helping to develop the existing programs and create new ones.”

Gruzleski holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in metallurgical engineering from Queen’s University and a PhD from the University of Toronto.

Mancuso notes that Gruzleski will be beginning his term at the same time as the new dean of CPES, Anthony Vannelli. “It’s fitting that these two highly regarded engineers will be starting together,” she said. “They will definitely help raise the profile of the University’s School of Engineering.”