2014-2015

News Release

REF NO.: 165

SUBJECT: National engineering academy inducts three individuals with ties to Memorial University

DATE: June 4, 2015

The Canadian Academy of Engineering (CAE) inducted a number of alumni, faculty members and long-time Memorial University supporters to its membership at its 2015 annual general meeting and symposium in Hamilton, Ont., today, Thursday, June 4.

Among the 50 members that have been inducted throughout Canada, three individuals have close connections to Memorial by way of their professions: Fred Cahill, president, the Cahill Group; Jamie Long, president, Hibernia Management and Development Co. Ltd. (HMDC); and Dr. Leonard Lye, professor and associate dean (graduate studies), Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University.

Each of the three individuals have made significant contributions to the field of engineering and applied science both within the province of Newfoundland and Labrador and beyond. Mr. Cahill, an alumnus from Memorial’s Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, is also chair of the Genesis Centre, Memorial’s business incubator for technology-based ventures with high-growth potential, and has made a number of significant contributions to Memorial, including spearheading the Cahill Engineering One Help Centre, a resource centre for first-year engineering students that helps facilitate the transition from high school to university.

Mr. Long, through HMDC, has invested in numerous funds and programs to support research, teaching and learning at Memorial University, including the recent launch of the Hibernia Project-Shad Valley Fund at Memorial in 2014, which encourages high school students to pursue studies in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The Shad Valley project is led by Dr. Lye, who is also being inducted into the academy. In addition, Dr. Lye, a faculty member with Memorial since 1988, has contributed significantly to the field of engineering and applied science. In addition to his role as a professor of civil engineering and associate dean, he is also an inventor and entrepreneur and has mentored more than 30 graduate students and published more than 120 papers in journals and conferences.

See the backgrounder below for more information on the three individuals.

“I would like to offer my congratulations to each of the individuals who have been inducted as fellows into the academy,” said Dr. Richard Marceau, vice-president (research), Memorial University and past president, CAE. “They have supported and contributed to enriching and enhancing research, training and education at Memorial University and in this province. Throughout their distinguished careers, they have consistently demonstrated exemplary service and provided invaluable leadership to the wider community.”

The CAE is the national institution through which Canada’s most distinguished and experienced engineers provide strategic advice on matters of critical importance to Canada. The CAE is an independent, self-governing and non-profit organization established in 1987. Members of the CAE are nominated and elected by their peers to honorary fellowships, in view of their distinguished achievements and career-long service to the engineering profession.

In 2014 five members with close ties to the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science were named fellows to the organization: Dr. Ray Gosine, associate vice-president (research), Memorial University; Dr. Charles Randell, president and chief executive officer, C-CORE, Earl Ludlow, president and chief executive officer, Newfoundland Power; Gilbert Bennett, vice-president, Lower Churchill Project, Nalcor Energy; Dr. Ross Peters, professor emeritus, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University.

Backgrounder:

 

Fred Cahill is the president and owner of the Cahill Group of Companies, which he grew from a small electrical contracting firm to one of the largest multidisciplinary construction and fabrication companies in Atlantic Canada. The company was named one of Canada's Best Managed Companies for the eighth consecutive year in 2014. Mr. Cahill serves on the board of directors for the Hibernia Platform Employers' Organization, Newfoundland and Labrador Centre for Health Information, Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra, Shaw Group of Companies, and is chairman of the Genesis Group Inc. Mr. Cahill was the recipient of NOIA's Outstanding Contribution Award in 2004 and inducted into the Newfoundland and Labrador Business Hall of Fame in 2010.

 

Dr. Leonard Lye, PEng, FEC, FCSCE, professor of civil engineering and associate dean in the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science at Memorial University of Newfoundland, is an inventor, entrepreneur, and mentor. He has won multiple awards and honours for teaching, community service, and contributions to his profession. His inventions have been commercialized and are being used worldwide by universities, professional coaches, and international companies. He established an innovative charity for which he was honoured with a lifetime achievement award. As an academic, he has mentored over 30 graduate students and published over 120 papers in journals and conferences.

 

As president of the Hibernia Management and Development Company Jamie Long is responsible for the management of an oil facility unlike any other in Canada. The field, located 300 kilometres offshore, produces 120,000 barrels of oil a day and is a key driver of the regional economy. Mr. Long is committed to investing in students, especially in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math. Under his guidance, HMDC has invested $30 million to enhance the skills, interest and knowledge of students at all levels in the province. Mr. Long is a member of the Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Newfoundland and Labrador.

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