Chairman’s Message

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering offers degree programs in Electrical, Computer, Software Engineering and Electrical Engineering Honors. Its goal is to create skilled engineers who are in demand around the world. Currently, the programs are ranked amongst the best 10 such programs in North America and the dedication of the professors and support staff to maintaining this position is second to none. Last year, McGill University constructed a purpose designed building for the teaching of Information Technology related areas. This building is unique in that it is targeted purely at undergraduate education in Electrical, Computer, and Software Engineering and Computer Science. This project was made possible by a major donation from Mr. Lorne Trottier, President of Matrox Electronics, and an alumnus of the Department.

However, in as much as the professors and the University can work towards creating an exciting and dynamic educational environment for our students, some part of their education must come from the environment they themselves create. This role is filled by the undergraduate students society, ExCESS. This society provides those essential components of an education that pure academics cannot. It trains individuals in leadership and organization; it provides the opportunities to experience the practical side of engineering and to see the career opportunities through industrial visits; and the sponsorship of lectures by individuals from high technology companies helps to emphasize the state of the art in many areas of interest.

“ExCESS provides a dynamic and stimulating environment for training the engineers of tomorrow.”

Through working together the Department and ExCESS provide a dynamic and stimulating environment for training the engineers of tomorrow. I strongly support ExCESS in its drive to obtain industrial sponsorship for its activities. The funds raised through this activity are used to enrich the student experience in the Department. I would urge you to consider collaborating with ExCESS to maintain and develop its role in providing an engineering education that ranks amongst the best in the world.

Chairman, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

David Lowther