Dr. Morris J. Wosk 1917-2002
Vancouver philanthropist and friend of Simon Fraser University, Dr. Morris J. Wosk, died April 9. Wosk gave generously and once estimated he donated $50 million over his lifetime. His $3 million contribution to the Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue was only one of many gifts to SFU.

In a true rags to riches story, Wosk arrived in Canada in 1928 as a penniless Russian immigrant without a word of English. He worked with his father as a street peddler, picking up goods that had been thrown away, fixing them up, and re-selling them at a nominal profit. Later he and his brother Ben built a 12-store furniture empire and had large real estate holdings. When they split the business in 1967 he concentrated on the real estate, including such Vancouver landmarks as the Blue Horizon hotel, the Blue Boy motel, and the Beach Towers apartment complex.

Wosk was known throughout his life for his generosity, his intense interest in everything, and his sense of humour. He was a charming man with an energy that hid his years and a quick, witty response to every question. When asked why he thought the Centre for Dialogue would be a success, he replied "There are three little words in real estate: location, location, location." He then went on to give a thoughtful, considered reply about the importance of dialogue in modern society. Wosk took great interest in the Centre for Dialogue from its planning stages, and turned up almost every day during construction to check on its progress. He will be greatly missed by his many friends at the university.

Wosk was predeceased by his wife, Dena, in 2000. He is survived by four children, including son Yosef, who founded Continuing Studiesâ Philosophers Cafe.

Andrea Lebowitz
Charter faculty member Andrea Lebowitz is still studying and teaching, although she has retired from SFU. She is learning Italian and has organized a course for seniors at Capilano College called "We Meet Again: Selected Novels by Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte and George Eliot."

Lebowitz was initially with the English department but moved to womenâs studies in 1997. She received the first SFU Excellence in Teaching Award in 1983 and the national 3M Teaching Award in 1989. She has been coordinator of womenâs studies, associate chairperson in English, associate dean of arts, and chair of the task force on the quality of service. Her latest book, Gilean Douglas: Writing Nature, Finding Home, which she co-authored with Gillian Milton, was nominated for the Hubert Evans Non-fiction Prize of the B.C. Book Prizes.

Habib Chaudhury
New gerontology assistant professor Habib Chaudhury has a special interest in the built environment and aging. He focuses on research into the physical design and care required for patients with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.

Evelyn Palmer
The winner of the first Outstanding Alumni Award for Service to the University has retired. Evelyn Palmer came to the chemistry department in 1967, completed the Masters of Chemical Education program in two years while working full-time, and retired as senior lecturer. She continues to serve on the executive of the Society of Canadian Women in Science and Technology. aq

Photograph of Dr. Wosk by Dominic Schaefer/Business in Vancouver

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