Members
of the Awards Committee, colleagues and honoured guests: It is indeed an honour
and a privilege to receive this award for Outstanding Technical Achievement.
First of all, I would like to thank OACETT for having the vision to identify
excellence in the achievements of non-members. This recognition is a result of
OACETT’s broader understanding of our contributions to society. In my native
Poland, in the 1980s, I was unable to finish my degree and subsequently obtain
documents and records of my education due to the political unrest. Many foreign
educated technologists and engineers, who come to Canada, are in the same
situation, and yet they have made significant contributions to engineering
design, not only in Ontario but across Canada. National Steel Car is recognized
worldwide for its innovative designs and manufacturing of railway freight and
tank cars. It is a privilege to have had the opportunity to work with a great
team of technologists and engineers. Together we have worked on many different
and challenging projects over my 25 years career in this company. In particular
- I would like to recognize and thank Dr. Jamal Hematian, Vice President of
Engineering and Dr. James W. Forbes, Chief Design Engineer for their support
and encouragement. Further I would like to thank Gregory Aziz, Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer of National Steel Car, Lorraine Johnson, Chief
Operating Officer and Hugh Nicholson, Executive Vice President of Marketing,
Sales & Quality for their expectation of excellence and their support in
achieving it. On a personal note- I love to inspire and encourage people, to
explore their potential and not be afraid of the challenges that will arise.
Always saying “Make a difference. Be the difference.” Lastly, and most
importantly, I would like to thank my wife Josie, and my daughters, Aleksandra
and Joanna for filling my life with joy and happiness. Thanks again for this
prestigious award.
