The David W. Bacon Distinguished Speaker Series:

Recognizing a respected leader and compassionate educator

To make your gift to the David Bacon Speaker Series Fund:

Visit: www.givetoqueens.ca/davidbaconCall: 1-800-267-7837

Email: inspiring@engineering.queensu.ca

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

both a rigorous and compassionate educator and mentor who

had a knack for blending statistical theory and practice in the

classroom. During an 11-year term as dean from 1980 to 1991, he

emerged as an early champion of women in engineering, hiring

the Faculty’s � rst full-time woman faculty member in 1986,

followed by three more appointments by the end of his term.

After retiring in 1999, he became an active emeritus professor

and member of the Retirees’ Association of Queen’s.

“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

Queen’s Engineering alumni to help establish a speaker series

in David’s name. The David W. Bacon Distinguished Speaker

Series will attract academics and industry leaders from around

the world to share insights into the technical aspects of their

work and its applications.

“This is about the exchange of ideas and experiences,” says

McLellan. “It’s a poignant and appropriate way of recognizing

David’s incredible contributions.”

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