Presented annually since 1972 to recognize outstanding Canadian engineers, teams of engineers, engineering projects and engineering students, the Engineers Canada Awards highlight engineering excellence, as well as the contributions of Canadian engineers to their profession, their community and to the safety and well-being of Canadians.
GOLD MEDAL AWARD
KAREL VELAN, ing. / OIQ
Mr. Velan is one of the most ingenious and innovative leaders in the field of industrial valve design and manufacturing. He designed the first universal steam trap and has 12 patents in the area of industrial valves and traps. The Velan Inc. family business is a public company that now oversees 17 manufacturing plants globally with over 2,000 employees. An entrepreneur with a special talent for invention and promotion, Mr. Velan is a scientist with a penchant for cosmology and deeply held philanthropic values. He considers engineering to be his deepest passion, and the area in which he has realized his greatest achievements.
NATIONAL AWARD FOR AN ENGINEERING PROJECT OR ACHIEVEMENT
Port Mann/Highway 1 Improvement Project – Onshore Design / APEGBC
One of the most committed and effective professors in the University of Toronto's Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering, Professor Rose has taught classes ranging from large second-year digital and computer systems courses to specialized graduate computeraided design and application design courses. His efforts have focused on creating the real experience of design, and his lectures bring passion for technology and insights into the fields of digital hardware and software. He has also brought entrepreneurship into the classroom and business into the curriculum for engineering.
YOUNG ENGINEERING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
SURESH NEETHIRAJAN, Ph.D., P.Eng. / PEO
An assistant professor in the School of Engineering at the University of Guelph, Dr. Neethirajan has achieved global stature through his outstanding research and accomplishments in the area of biological and biomedical engineering. A member of Professional Engineers Ontario, he is considered the Canadian leader in microfluidics and bionanotechnology for agricultural, food and biomedical applications. Dr. Neethirajan received his B.Sc. from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, India and his Ph.D. from the University of Manitoba. A visionary with an ample supply of determination and dedication, he is prepared to commit himself to success without reservation.
MEDAL FOR DISTINCTION IN ENGINEERING EDUCATION
JONATHAN ROSE, P.Eng. / PEO
One of the most committed and effective professors in the University of Toronto's Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering, Professor Rose has taught classes ranging from large second-year digital and computer systems courses to specialized graduate computer-
aided design and application design courses. His efforts have focused on creating the real experience of design, and his lectures bring passion for technology and insights into the fields of digital hardware and software. He has also brought entrepreneurship into the classroom and business into the curriculum for engineering.
AWARD FOR THE SUPPORT OF WOMEN IN THE ENGINEERING PROFESSION
SAMANTHA J. ESPLEY, M.A.Sc., P.Eng. / PEO
General Manager of the Mines and Mills Technical Services Department in Vale's mining and milling operations in Sudbury, Ontario, Ms. Espley leads a multi-disciplinary group of more than 200 engineers, geologists, metallurgists, technologists and associated staff. She has dedicated the last 26 years to clearing a path for women to excel in senior management roles in mining. Ms. Espley is an inspiration to young women in the industry and exemplifies a commitment to excellence, her peers and the next generation of engineers.
MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICE
CONRAD LELIÈVRE, FEC, P.Eng. / Engineers Nova Scotia
Mr. LeLièvre has over 40 years of experience in mechanical and safety-related engineering. His work at Engineers Nova Scotia has centered on occupational health and safety issues and how proper engineering can positively affect the safety outcomes of design. A leading advocate for the national mobility of engineers, his work led to Engineers Nova Scotia being the first Canadian engineering regulatory body to formally recognize the full national mobility of mandatory professional development programs across Canada. Mr. LeLièvre is a model for other engineers to aspire to.
GOLD MEDAL STUDENT AWARD
CONNOR SCHEU / APEGA (student member)
Mr. Scheu is a fourth year engineering major with an energy and environment specialization at the University of Calgary, whose life's ambition is to bring the world one step closer to a sustainable energy future. He has worked on humanitarian and sustainable energy projects on six continents, including Antarctica, and as a young leader in the Aboriginal community he was chosen to represent the Métis Nation of Alberta in the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay. For Mr. Scheu, engineering is more than a field of work; it is a toolset and path through which his life's mission will unfold.
MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE
MARK BELLAMY, FEC, P.Eng. / APEGA
For more than 25 years, Mr. Bellamy has contributed to organizations that reflect his commitment to the engineering profession, youth science outreach and community service. Instrumental in establishing the Southern Alberta Technology Council, a society focused on science outreach to students, he co-founded the Lethbridge Regional Science Fair and provided leadership as project manager and co-chair of the Canada-Wide Science Fair 2013. He is also active in his community, serving on the Chamber of Commerce and Heart of Our City Committee and providing support for local organizations that include the Lethbridge Symphony – Young Artist Competition.
AWARD OF JOURNALISM EXCELLENCE IN ENGINEERING
JONATHAN KAY
A graduate of engineering and law, Mr. Kay has been writing for 16 years and is the editor of The Walrus magazine. His article "Why is Montreal's Champlain Bridge, built within living memory, already on its last legs?" focuses on the engineering problems that have led to the bridge's shortened lifespan, paying special attention to the components that are in the worst state of repair. It also highlights the public procurement process and how construction was a case of being too careful with small amounts of money, but not careful enough with large amounts.
This content was produced by Randall Anthony Communications, in partnership with The Globe and Mail's advertising department. The Globe's editorial department was not involved in its creation.