A Northern College welding instructor has been bestowed the esteemed designation of professor emeritus for his long-time contributions to the school and the industry.
Jack Pacey has been involved with the School of Welding at the Kirkland Lake campus for more than 30 years, providing expertise, compassion and perspective to countless students, the college noted.
“As a student, he taught me what I needed to be successful as a welding engineering technologist,” stated Jeff Molyneaux, executive director of Kirkland Lake’s Material and Joining Innovation Centre (MaJIC), in a news release.
“Jack’s vast knowledge and technical capabilities are key components to his teaching success, but it’s important to acknowledge the soft skills he imparted. We didn’t just learn; Jack taught us how to learn.”
The title of professor emeritus is typically awarded to a professor who has made significant contributions to an organization. The Latin term translates to "veteran soldier."
Pacey was instrumental in helping to build the reputation of Northern College’s welding program by working closely with employers, and led the initiative to get the welding engineering technology program recognized by International Institute for Welding.
Northern’s program is the only authorized training body in North America for the International Welding Technologist program.
Pacey has served on the Canadian Welding Bureau’s board of directors for five years and is a member of the American Society of Metals International, Professional Engineers of Ontario, the Canadian Welding Association and the Authorized National Body of the International Institute of Welding.
He is also a recipient of the Michael N. Vuchnich Award for the Advancement of the Science, Technology and Application of Arc Welding in Canada and Distinguished Service Award from Northern College.
In addition, Pacey has been involved with MaJIC – which offers services including testing for certification, technical advice, training, procedure development and applied research – from its inception, and remains a technical advisor to the organization.
Northern College president Fred Gibbons noted that Pacey is only the fifth recipient of the title of professor emeritus.
“We are proud to acknowledge the accomplishments and contributions of faculty like Pacey by awarding such a high honour,” Gibbons said in the release.
“Past recipients have been cited for many attributes that include, demonstrating a motivational influence on individuals and groups, as well as for promoting excellence in the college and post-secondary community.”
