2009 Recipients Recognized in Communities Across Canada

MISSISSAUGA, ON (June 17, 2009) – Today, Amgen announced the four Canadian science teachers who are this year’s recipients of the Amgen Award for Science Teaching Excellence (AASTE).  The award recognizes teachers in grades K-12 whose dedication to students has had a significant impact on the learning and interest of the future generation of scientists. A total of 34 teachers will receive the award throughout the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada.

Since the program’s inception in 1992, Amgen has awarded nearly $2.5 million to educators who have made exceptional science-teaching contributions and who have had a measurable impact on the lives of their students.  All the teachers honoured have demonstrated an outstanding ability to inspire their students and produce results in science education. 

This is the second year Amgen has recognized science educators in Canada through the AASTE program to demonstrate the company's commitment to advancing science education. This year, Amgen is announcing four winners in Canada, one from each participating province:

British Columbia
David Riendl, York House School in Vancouver, British Columbia

Alberta
Jane Diner, Old Scona Academic School in Edmonton, Alberta

Ontario
Glenn Wagner, Centre Wellington District High School in Fergus, Ontario

Quebec
Chantale Maheaux, Ecole secondaire de l'Horizon in Saint-Jean Chrysostome, Quebec

Each teacher will receive an unrestricted $5,000 grant and their schools will receive a restricted $5,000 grant which can be used for the expansion or enhancement of a school science program, science resources, or the professional development of the school's science teachers.

"We are thrilled to continue our sponsorship of the AASTE award. Our ongoing commitment to this awards program will help to acknowledge and reward remarkable teachers who continue to inspire and motivate students”, says Dr. Daniel Billen, Vice President and General Manager, Amgen Canada.

Along with the award applications, teachers were asked to submit an innovative science lesson plan which had been successfully introduced in their classroom. Amgen will post select winning lesson plans to its website to promote the sharing of this knowledge with educators across the country to bolster excellence and innovation in science teaching.

Applications are solicited every fall with winners selected based on the following criteria: innovative science lesson plan, creativity and effectiveness of teaching methods; and the plan for the use of grant money to improve science education resources in their schools.

As a leader in innovation, Amgen Canada understands the value of science. With main operations located in Mississauga, Ontario’s vibrant biomedical cluster, and its research facility in Burnaby, British Columbia, Amgen Canada has been an important contributor to advancements in science and innovation in Canada since 1991. The company contributes to the development of new therapies or new uses for existing medicines in partnership with many of Canada’s leading health-care, academic, research, government and patient organizations. 

2010 Applications

Applications for the 2010 awards will be available in the Fall of 2009 with a submission deadline of early 2010. The applications and further information about deadlines will be posted at http://www.amgen.com/citizenship/aaste.html. 

About Amgen
Amgen discovers, develops and manufacturers innovative human therapeutics. A biotechnology pioneer since 1980, Amgen was one of the first companies to realize the new science’s promise by bringing safe and effective medicines from lab, to manufacturing plant, to patient. Amgen therapeutics have changed the practice of medicine, helping millions of people around the world in the fight against cancer, kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and other serious illnesses. With a deep and broad pipeline of potential new medicines, Amgen remains committed to advancing science to dramatically improve people’s lives. To learn more about our pioneering science and our vital medicines, visit www.amgen.ca.

CONTACT:    

Natasha Bond                                    
Amgen Canada
(905) 285-3007
natasha.bond@amgen.com

Ethan Pigott
Hill and Knowlton Canada
416-413-4744 
ethan.pigott@hillandknowlton.ca