Skip to McMaster Navigation Skip to Site Navigation Skip to main content
McMaster Logo McMaster logo

Big Ideas

Celebrating 60 years of Engineering Excellence (2018)

It started with a Big Idea: Broaden McMaster University’s research-intensive mandate to create a full-fledged Faculty of Engineering. In February 1958, under the leadership of the first Dean John Hodgins, it became a reality.

What followed were years of big aspirations to foster a dynamic community, research environment, innovative spirit and premier education. This year, we are honouring some of our faculty, students and alumni who have had #BigIdeas, and want you to share yours. Here’s to the next 60 years of excellence in engineering education. 

Information Box Group

#BigIdeas Spotlights

Meet the students, alumni and faculty who have helped shape McMaster Engineering, and continue to make a big impact on our world through research, education, innovation and community. New stories will be added weekly.

Dr. John W. Hodgins

In 1956, McMaster named its first Director of Engineering Studies – Dr. John W. Hodgins, a young chemical engineering professor from the engineering faculty of the Royal Military College at Kingston.

Learn more about our founder, the expansion of our facilities and programs and enjoy a comprehensive timeline of our milestones.

Big Ideas: The Gala Event

Ishwar Puri stands in front of a McMaster University banner at a celebration.

McMaster Engineering celebrates ‘Big Ideas’ at 60th Anniversary Celebration

They could be seen from all corners of the room. Large, bright, colourful wooden letters that spelled, “BIG IDEAS.”

McMaster Engineering Big Ideas Pitch Week

Big Ideas Pitch Week

From October 2nd – 4th we invited students and faculty to come together to share their big ideas during Big Ideas Pitch Week.

#BigIdeas Videos

What’s your Big Idea?

Do you have a big idea for improving engineering education, bringing more diversity into engineering, or developing an innovation that will change the world? Whatever your idea may be, we want to hear it.