The David W. Bacon Distinguished Speaker Series: Recognizing a respected leader and compassionate educator
W
hen Dr. Jim McLellan (Sc’81, PhD’91), Queen’s head of Chemical Engineering, meets with alumni of a certain
age, one sure thing happens: “They ask about David,” he laughs. Right up until his death last year, Dr. David Bacon was a leader—well ahead of his time. He is remembered by alumni as
“We all respected him tremendously,” says McLellan, who began his own engineering career as one of David’s students in 1977. “Many called his courses the most useful they’ve ever taken.” In memory of his mentor and friend, McLellan is calling on
both a rigorous and compassionate educator and mentor who
Queen’s Engineering alumni to help establish a speaker series
had a knack for blending statistical theory and practice in the
in David’s name. The David W. Bacon Distinguished Speaker
classroom. During an 11-year term as dean from 1980 to 1991, he
Series will attract academics and industry leaders from around
emerged as an early champion of women in engineering, hiring
the world to share insights into the technical aspects of their
the Faculty’s first full-time woman faculty member in 1986,
work and its applications.
followed by three more appointments by the end of his term.
“This is about the exchange of ideas and experiences,” says
After retiring in 1999, he became an active emeritus professor
McLellan. “It’s a poignant and appropriate way of recognizing
and member of the Retirees’ Association of Queen’s.
David’s incredible contributions.”
To make your gift to the David Bacon Speaker Series Fund: Visit: www.givetoqueens.ca/davidbacon Call: 1-800-267-7837 Email: inspiring@engineering.queensu.ca