From medicine to politics, Western’s latest honorees of Distinguished University Professorships join a select group of faculty members recognized for exceptional scholarly careers.
Honoured this year with the university’s top academic award are Jack Bend, Michael Strong and Richard Vernon.
The Distinguished University Professorship Award acknowledges sustained excellence in scholarship over a substantial career at Western. The award includes a citation, the right to use the title, an opportunity for a public lecture and a $10,000 prize to be used for scholarly activity at any time.
The following profiles were compiled from nomination materials submitted on behalf of the winners.
Jack Bend
Department of Pathology
(Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry)
“To me, he has always epitomized the ultimate academician in every respect.”
“His greatest strength is his enormous dedication to research.”
“There are only a few other individuals who have made such contributions to pharmacological sciences in Canada.”
As a scientist, educator and administrator, Jack Bend has been referred to as a “triple threat.” Since coming to Western in 1986, he has held numerous roles and taken on a significant workload, including chair of the Department of Pharmacology; Director of Research; Associate Dean of Research; and Director of CIHR Program in Drug and Environmental Safety.
“On a virtually daily basis, he advised me on matters of research development, and I listened,” says Schulich dean Carol Herbert. “I admired and respected his intelligence and wisdom, his political savvy, his integrity, and his scientific expertise which stretches far beyond his own area of research.”
For the last number of years, Herbert has worked with Bend on an ecosystem health initiative with the Walpole Island First Nation investigating concerns about chemical contamination of the water supply and food chain.
“It is especially gratifying to be recognized by my peers for my contributions in research, education and to the scientific enterprise at the provincial, national and international levels,” says Bend.
Recently, Bend spearheaded the development of a graduate program in Pathology by introducing the field of Ecosystem Health.
Along with his role in the education of thousands of undergraduates, Bend has mentored and contributed to the formation of an impressive group of graduate students.
“Dr. Bend is an outstanding teacher, not only in the classroom, but also in the laboratory,” says Schulich associate professor Lina Dagnino. “He has given of his time and abilities to communicate knowledge and successfully train many generations of students.”
Public Lecture: Wednesday, April 29, 4 p.m., Conron Hall
Michael Strong
Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences
(Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry)
“Dr. Strong is the pre-eminent clinician/researcher specializing in ALS in Canada.”
“He was an influential clinical teacher for me, and for many other trainees.”
“He is an excellent teacher who has contributed to Western in many ways.”
When it comes to research on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Michael Strong is recognized worldwide as a leader in the field. His research has provided new knowledge of the nature of altered protein metabolism in ALS and has helped reshape the view of the disease.
“Because of his work, London and The University of Western Ontario are now recognized as the lead centre internationally for the study of front temporal syndromes in ALS,” says Schulich dean Carol Herbert.
Strong, who holds the Arthur J. Hudson Chair in ALS Research, has been director of the Motor Neuron Diseases Clinic at London Health Sciences Centre, the largest multi-disciplinary clinic for the treatment of ALS patients in Canada.
Strong, a scientist at Robarts Research Institute, says the award is a reflection not just of his personal work, but also of those around him.
“It recognizes a group of people with whom I have had the pleasure to work with since my research has been driven by our clinical focus on ALS,” says Strong. An indicator of his excellence in the area of education.
Strong received the Excellence in Teaching Award from the University Students’ Council 2004 through 2008.
His research has led to over 115 articles in refereed journals, 25 chapters, three textbooks over 150 abstracts presented at scientific meeting, and he has been an invited lecturer at over 90 universities and international meetings.
“Dr. Strong is highly regarded by his colleagues for his breadth of knowledge in the clinical and scientific field as well as his collegial manner and approach to collaborations amongst his peers,” says Lucie Bruijn, ALS Association Senior VP (Research and Development).
Strong adds the support of the university community has played a major role in his academic success.
“As you may be aware, it is an uphill road to develop a successful clinician scientist in today’s environment,” he says. “To have the university and my peer’s accolades for this sends a message to others that this is a key and valued role here.”
Public Lecture: Thursday, April 23, 4 p.m., Conron Hall
Richard Vernon
Department of Political Science
(Faculty of Social Science)
“Professor Vernon’s significant accomplishments in research have spilled over to his tremendous teaching success.”
“His personal modesty belies his standing as one of the most thoughtful, intelligent and insightful theorists of his generation.”
“Dr. Vernon is the centre of the political thought stream within the Political Science department.”
A faculty member at Western for close to 40 years, Richard Vernon has amassed an outstanding record of research, teaching and service. A recipient of the Hellmuth Prize for Research and the Edward Pleva Award for Excellence in Teaching, he is “in a class by himself.”
The author of six books, his research, while built around the general theme of the requirements of citizenship, has examined that theme in both the history of political thought and contemporary political theory in the analytic mode – two subfields that are rarely integrated.
“Put simply, he has set a standard for others to follow and in the process has helped shape the university in meaningful ways,” says Faculty of Social Science associate dean Jerry White.
Vernon says he’s grateful to colleagues at Western and at other universities who continue to support his work, noting it’s this support he deems the most gratifying aspect of the award.
“I have always seen research, teaching and service as equally important and mutually reinforcing, and I think it’s a very fine thing that Western has an award that recognizes all the dimensions of a professor’s work,” says Vernon. “Valuing research and teaching equally is, in my view, what is most distinctive and admirable about Western.”
Dalhousie University Political Science professor Katherine Fierlbeck says she’s not surprised Vernon has been honored.
“His passionate interest has motivated generations of students; and, under his stewardship, The University of Western Ontario has developed a strong reputation across Canada as an excellent institution for the study of political thought,” she says.
Vernon’s forthcoming book, Cosmopolitan Regard: Political Membership and Global Justice, has already received praise. “This is a superb book in my view,” says John Horton, professor of Political Philosophy at Keele University (UK) and reviewer of Vernon’s manuscript. “The quality of argument is extremely high and the writing is marked by exceptional economy and elegance.
Public Lecture: Thursday, April 23, 4 p.m., Conron Hall
Faculty Scholars
Faculty Scholars are nominated by deans and selected by the faculty selection committee, which is chaired by the Provost. Recipients have an international presence in their discipline and are considered all-round scholars.
Winners hold the title of Faculty Scholar for two years, and receive a stipend of $7,000 each year for scholarly activities.
The university has designated 12 Faculty Scholars this year for significant achievements in teaching or research.
The list includes:
Arts and Humanities
Nandi Bhatia
Laurence de Looze
Helen Fielding
Education
Wayne Martino
Health Sciences
Marilyn Ford
Gilboe Pamela Houghton
Music
Victoria Meredith
Schulich
Frank Beier
Michael Rieder
Science
Lucian Ilie
Social Science
Bertram Gawronski
Isaac Luginaah