Faces of Gratitude: Honouring Norman Beirnes' distinguished legacy
On November 20, 2025, the Department of Mathematics and Statistics celebrated Norman Beirnes, BA’66 and MA’69 for his multi-decade legacy, not only as an Assistant Professor Emeritus in the Department, but also an engaged alumnus and generous donor.
In recognition of Norm’s longstanding service in these roles, Dr. Douglas Farenick, Faculty of Science Dean and Professor of Mathematics and former student of Norm, presented the 94-year-old man of the hour with an Honourary Fellowship certificate, along with a framed tribute, named Faces of Gratitude. This token of appreciation showcases the caricatures of nine student recipients of the Joan and Norman Beirnes Scholarship, which Norm created in loving memory of his wife, Joan, two years after her passing in 2010.
The scholarship supports and recognizes the excellence of students majoring in Pure Math, Applied Math and Statistics, or Actuarial Science, each of whom Norm makes a point of meeting in person. “I am always impressed,” said Norm. “They’re good students and the only thing I want back is that I get to meet them.”
Because of this award, I pursued my passion for research without financial stress, which eventually led me to achieve my goal of publishing an academic paper during my undergraduate studies.
— Johnna Parenteau
Not only do the smiles on the recipients’ faces say it all, but also their words, including those of doctoral candidate in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Johnna Parenteau. (Her caricature is featured at the centre of the commemorative piece).
“Receiving the Joan and Norman Beirnes Scholarship not only provided me with financial stability at a tumultuous time during the pandemic, but it also gave me a vote of confidence in my abilities to pursue graduate studies in mathematics,” said Johnna. “Because of this award, I pursued my passion for research without financial stress, which eventually led me to achieve my goal of publishing an academic paper during my undergraduate studies. I know I speak for all recipients of this scholarship—past, present, and future—when I say, thank you, Norm, for making education more accessible, and dreams possible, through your generosity. It is truly an honour!”
Banner photo: L to R Jim Burbank, Dr. Remus Floricel, Dr. Norman Beirnes, Dr. Douglas Farenick. Credit: U of R Photography