UNB Scholarship Named After Leslie W. Shemilt

June 15, 2009

A graduate of the University of New Brunswick has established a scholarship at his alma mater named after Leslie W. Shemilt, P.Eng., professor emeritus of chemical engineering at McMaster University.

Desmond Green, who graduated in chemical engineering from the University of New Brunswick, established the Leslie W. Shemilt Scholarship to recognize Dr. Shemilt for inspiring him to establish and build a successful career as a chemical engineer.  Dr. Shemilt was one of the original founding members of UNB's department of chemical engineering before joining McMaster University in 1969.  The scholarship awards $5,000 annually.

At McMaster, Dr. Shemilt served as the second Dean of Engineering until 1979.  He continues to remain active with the Faculty, particularly with alumni related matters.  He compiled an historical summary about the Faculty and its growth, which was prominently featured during 50th anniversary activities in 2008.

Born in Souris, Manitoba, Dr. Shemilt earned a B.A.Sc. degree from the University of Toronto in 1941 and a M.Sc. degree from the University of Manitoba in 1946. He received a Ph.D. degree in Physical Chemistry from the University of Toronto in 1947.  In 1947, he joined the University of British Columbia as an Assistant Professor. He was appointed an Associate Professor in 1949 and a Professor in 1957. From 1959 to 1960, he was the Shell Visiting Professor at the University College London. Returning to Canada, he joined the University of New Brunswick in 1960 as a professor and Head of the Department of Chemical Engineering. From 1969 to 1979, he was the Dean of Engineering at McMaster University.   In 1991, he was made an Officer of the Order of Canada.

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