Twelve awards were presented to notable Engineering alumni this fall by the Engineering Alumni Association (EAA) in recognition of outstanding achievement and contributions to society.

Engineering Alumni Awards recipients for 2008 include: (Front L to R) David Sinton, Glynn Williams, Kathy Milsom, Ike Goodfellow. (Back L to R): Claire Kennedy, Joey Tanenbaum, Dean Cristina Amon, David Rutt, Philip Yeo, Lorne Mitchell, Ron Venter, Rachel Castelino, Gino Palumbo and Marta Escedi. Not pictured: Brian Levitt >> View Photo Album.

Philip Yeo (Ind 7T0) received the highest honour, the Engineering Alumni Medal; Kathy Milsom (CivE 8T3) and Gino Palumbo (Metallurgy 8T3) received the 2T5 Mid-Career Award; David Sinton (Mech 9T8) received the 7T6 Early Career Award; Marta Escedi (CivE 7T6) received the Malcolm McGrath Award; David Rutt (IndE 0T8) and Rachel Castelino (ChemE 0T7 + PEY) received the L.E. (Ted) Jones Award; and alumni inducted into the Hall of Distinction included Byron “Ike” Goodfellow (Elec 5T3), Joey Tanenbaum (CivE 5T5), Lorne Mitchell (EngPhys 5T3), Brian Levitt (CivE 6T9), and Glynn Williams (EngSci 7T8).

“We are proud of the accomplishments and contributions of this distinguished group of alumni who received 2008 Engineering Alumni Association awards,” said Cristina Amon, Dean, Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering. “I would also like to extend sincere gratitude to the Alumni Awards and Honours Committee, led by Ron Venter, whose dedication to our Faculty and his outstanding spirit of volunteerism is deeply appreciated.”

Philip Yeo received the 2008 recipient of the Engineering Alumni Medal, which is the highest honor awarded by the EAA and recognizes outstanding achievement. Philip, a Singapore alumnus, had a powerful influence on the modern transformation of his small country into one of the Four Tigers of Asia.

After graduating as a Colombo Plan Scholar in 1970, he returned home to work in Singapore’s Ministry of Defence while earning a master’s in Systems Engineering from the University of Singapore in 1974. He returned to America on a prestigious Fulbright Scholarship, graduating with a Harvard MBA in 1976.

Returning home once again, Philip progressed through the Ministry of Defence, establishing the Singapore Technologies Group, the National Computer Board (now the Infocomm Development Authority) and the Sembawang Industries Group. In l986, he was appointed Chair of the Economic Development Board. During his 20 years of leadership he played an instrumental role in planning and implementing Singapore’s highly successful industrial development policies.

From 2001 to 2007, he chaired the Agency for Science, Technology and Research responsible for building national research and development in science and technology fields.

He is currently Chair of the Standards, Productivity, and Innovation for Growth Board, Senior Advisor (Science and Technology) for the Ministry of Trade and Industry, and Special Advisor (Economic Development) for the Prime Minister’s Office where he extends Singapore’s international business and scholarly connections.

Kathy Milsom received the 2T5 Mid-Career Award. Kathy is President and CEO of the Technical Standards and Safety Authority - an innovative, self-funded non-government organization focused on delivering services in support of public safety in sectors such as fuels, amusement devices, elevators, ski lifts, pressure vessels, and upholstered and stuffed articles.

In the past, she has served as President of Vestar Facility Management, a start-up business and subsidiary of the utility company Cinergy Corporation, Director of Vertical Markets for North America, and Regional Director of Healthcare Support Services for Johnson Controls World Services Inc.

Her government experience spans the federal government as President and CEO of Canada Lands Company Limited, Acting Commissioner of City Property and Director of Facility Planning, Design and Construction for the City of Toronto, and Project Manager with the Ministry of Government Services for the Province of Ontario.

Gino Palumbo is also a 2008 recipient of the 2T5 Mid-Career Award. Gino’s company, Integran Technologies Inc., creates and markets nanotechnology applications used in the transformation of metals. Already a rising star in the international scientific community in 1989, he graduated with his doctoral degree and joined Ontario Hydro in a new applied research job. There, he and Uwe Erb (now a Professor at the University of Toronto Engineering) developed a nanotechnology technique for more economical repair of nuclear reactors, now widely used to preserve generators in nuclear power plants.

Gino and his team also developed a technique for extending the life of lead acid car batteries, which was spun off by “Hydro” in 1999. This R&D continues to flourish through Integran, driven by Gino’s ability to focus on practical applications and provide new directions for a creative scientific enterprise.

David Sinton received the 7T6 Early Career Award. An Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Victoria, he is on the front line of microfluidic and nanofluidic research with biomedical and energy applications.

David received the Gold Medal of the Canadian Society for Mechanical Engineering and the Centennial Thesis Award upon graduating from Mechanical Engineering at U of T. An NSERC graduate scholarship took him to McGill for a master’s degree in 2000 where he studied the development of a computational model for fluid flow and heat transfer in phase change systems. This work brought him back to U of T where he further developed his interest in microfluidics.

Márta Escedi is the 2008 recipient of the Malcolm McGrath Award. Márta served as Director of Alumni Relations in Engineering from 2001 to 2006 and devoted many years to the advancement of the University as advisor to the Dean on women’s issues.

During her work as Director of Alumni Relations, Márta helped the Engineering Alumni Association develop a new constitution and a chapter system for Engineering alumni across Canada. In addition to the University, Márta has been strongly committed to Professional Engineers Ontario, as Chair of various committees, and is a recipient of the PEO Order of Honour. She has also been long involved as Director for the Board of Governors of Havergal College in Toronto.

David Rutt received the L.E. (Ted) Jones Award, which recognized a graduating student in Engineering who has achieved distinction in academics while making a significant contribution to the arts.

A graduate of Industrial Engineering, he has made noteworthy contributions to Skule™ music. He also extended the scope and attraction of “Engineering music” through the outstanding execution of the 25th reunion concert of the Skule™ Stage Bands.

From an extensive background in high school music, David joined the Skule™ Stage Band. In his second year, he was invited by Chris Roscoe (L.E. Jones Award recipient in 2007) to play trombone in a brass quintet, which led to the creation of the Brass Ring.

Rachel Castelino also received the L.E. (Ted) Jones Award. Rachel’s passion for music began in elementary school where she began to immerse her interest in a variety of instruments. She was an active participant in the Engineering Leaders of Tomorrow program, Chief Engineer for her 4th year Plant Design project, and Emcee and performer for the Chemical Engineering Annual Department Dinner.

Rachel is an accomplished public speaker and advocates many causes. She was a member of the Engineering Choir, Chemical has been a featured vocalist at a number of Engineering events.
The Engineering Alumni Association selected an assembly of extraordinary alumni for induction in the Engineering Hall of Distinction. Selected for membership for their lifelong accomplishments, these graduates have ultimately defined success in the Engineering profession. Located in the Sandford Fleming Building, these individuals will be formally inducted into this prestigious Hall during Spring Reunion in June. Members include:

Byron “Ike” Goodfellow worked with Philips in the application of the transistor technology used in the first generation of colour televisions.

Upon completing his master’s degree, Byron switched to IBM and focused on the use of computers in a variety of engineering applications, including pipe stress analysis in submarines. This led to his appointment as the first Director of the IBM Lab. There, he realized exotic software was the future for computers and recommended to the corporation that the concentration of a new lab be on software applications instead of hardware development – a shift that has led to an IBM Canada Lab with over 10,000 employees.

By 1977, Byron was Director of Operations for IBM Ottawa, where he became involved in the development of security features for computers, including complex encryption methods – techniques that still have wide application. His contributions since starting at IBM helped influence the evolutions of the organization as a software leader.

In 1988, he joined Nortel as the Account Vice President, Secure Network Applications, heading the customer application team of the Bell Northern Research (BNR) organization where one of his major clients was the FBI. Byron also worked with the National Research Council, the Defence Research Establishment and the Communication Security Establishment for DND. He continues to consult in these matters.

Joey Tanenbaum's engineering career started long before he received his iron ring. Today his outstanding business achievements have helped fund a wide-range of educational and civic philanthropic initiatives.

Joey enrolled in Engineering in 1950 while working at York Steel Constructions, his family's firm. While working there Joey launched a series of contributions to the erection of structural steel, helping his family's firm become the leading Canadian enterprise in this business. It also propelled him to the position of CEO of York Steel in 1978.

After some time in the industry, he founded Jay-M Enterprises Ltd., which includes LOC-Pipe Inc., one of the leading manufacturers of gravity sewer pipe and other precast concrete products. Some of his business ventures include Hugh Russell Reliance Steel and Hydro Pontiac. His outstanding business achievements demonstrate his impeccable technical and managerial skills.

Joey’s generosity and commitment to the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering at the University of Toronto funded the first Endowed Chair and helps support a number of need based and academic scholarships for Civil Engineering.

Lorne Mitchell's outstanding career is the result of collaboration with architects and owners in the design and construction of buildings. Lorne is known as a pioneer in the development of new heating and cooling systems, which are critical cost elements in both the construction and operation of facilities.

In 1953, Lorne began his career at CIMCO – a company for design build services for both low temperature refrigeration and air conditioning projects across Canada. In 1959, he left CIMCO to join one of his colleagues at R.T. Tamblyn and Associates, now The Mitchell Partnership Inc. (TMP) where he was elected President in 1973.

TMP grew steadily under Lorne’s exemplary leadership and his commitment to building loyal staff dedicated to excellence, innovation and quality. Today, the consulting partners have a record of global accomplishment and professional distinction.


Glynn Williams is a distinguished leader in the fields of aviation and investment banking. In aviation, Glynn is the founder and CEO of Reliance Aerotech Inc., a leading independent North American maintenance, repair and overhaul organization, serving some of the most prestigious organizations in both civilian and military aerospace sectors. He is also CEO of the Williams and Moore Capital Corporation, a private equity investment firm he has owned since 1991.

Early in his career, Glynn became recognized as one of Canada’s leading financial analysts, with more than 20 years experience in venture capital and economic development. He helped create and build Newcrest Capital, Canada’s leading independent investment house, which was acquired by TD Bank Financial Group in 2000. This enabled Glynn to continue his passion to build companies including Reliance Aerotech Inc., the largest independent regional aircraft MRO in North America, which he later acquired and led as CEO. Glynn is also CEO of Navhouse Corporation, the global leader in sustainment of sophisticated inertial navigation systems.

Glynn volunteers in a number of community activities and sponsorships, including key committees and boards at the University of Toronto where he aims to inspire young engineers. His contributions support The Glynn Thomas Williams Fellowship for doctoral studies in Engineering, which provides full funding to its recipients and places an emphasis on research with commercial prospects that benefit Canadians.

Brian Levitt's career combines his background in engineering, law, and business. He is now co-chair of Osler Hoskin & Harcourt, practicing in Montreal.

Upon graduating from Civil Engineering in 1969, Brian continued his studies at U of T in the Faculty of Law, earning his LLB in 1973. After two years working as a lawyer for the federal government’s Anti-Inflation Board, Brian joined Osler Hoskin & Harcourt in 1976. In 1979, he became a Partner for this distinguished firm.

In 1991, Brian joined Imasco Limited as President, and became CEO in 1995. However, in 2000 British American Tobacco bought the company to acquire Imperial Tobacco. Controlling interests in Canada Trust and Shoppers Drug Mart were later sold off as well. Brian returned to Osler as co-chair – opening the firm’s Montreal office in 2001.

Engineering Alumni Honours and AwardsCommittee

The Honours and Awards Committee is a sub-committee of the Engineering Alumni Association (EAA), which includes 10-12 appointed members of the Engineering alumni base and three ex-officio members. Members are appointed for a five-year term, renewable for an additional three years. Membership is selected to represent a broad cross section of the alumni. The Chair is selected by the Dean.

This group oversees the selection process and recommends recipients for the annual awards sponsored and administered by the EAA. Recommendations of the Awards Committee are approved by the EAA and submitted to Faculty Council by the Chair.

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