CASC presents Ian McLennan with the 2009 CASCADE Award

At their 7th annual Awards Gala held in Regina, Saskatchewan, on June 6th, the Canadian Association of Science Centres (CASC) announced the 2009 winners of the CASCADE Awards, recognizing outstanding achievements in science and technology engagement by its members. Two individuals were recognized for their contributions to the field. Nominations for Outstanding Career Achievement are adjudicated by the CASC Board of Directors. One of the winners was TAA Member, Ian C. McLennan.

Ian McLennan has been integral in the field of science communication for almost 50 years. Beginning his career as a science centre executive, he has now developed an international reputation as an ‘extra-ordinarily well-informed and effective consultant’ in the development and operations of science centre, museum and planetarium experiences.

In 1960 Ian was founding Director of the Queen Elizabeth II Planetarium in Edmonton, the first planetarium to open in Canada. He later became Director of the Strasenburgh Planetarium in Rochester, NY. In the mid 1970s, Ian became the Director and General Manager of the newly opened Ontario Place complex, including its ground-breaking IMAX Theatre.

As a consultant Ian’s work has taken him all over the world. His clients have included UNICEF, CERN, the Royal Observatory Greenwich, the Griffith Observatory and the International Planetarium Society.

In Canada he has worked with science centres, planetariums and museums in eight provinces. In the words of a long-time colleague, ‘Ian’s exceptional devotion has inspired many to pursue careers in the science centre field and has raised expectations for what science centres bring to their local communities.’