About the recipients
The 2010 Prix Mérite (merit award) will go to Jean-Pierre Gilardeau (Class of 1977, Mechanical Engineering), President of Alcoa's Global Primary Metals Technology and Manufacturing Group, for his distinguished career in the field of aluminum. In leading large-scale sustainable projects, he leaves a considerable legacy to both the engineering profession and society. Mr. Gilardeau played a key role in Alcoa's expansion by overseeing the start-up of new Fjardaál facilities in Reydarfjordur, Iceland. Under his leadership this past decade, the Québec facilities and new Iceland plant now number among Alcoa Global Primary Products' top performers. Mr. Gilardeau is currently busy implementing the new Ma'aden plant in Saudi Arabia, and is also in charge of modernizing the plants in Baie-Comeau, Québec, and Massena, New York.

Known as a man of action, Mr. Gilardeau rose brilliantly to the challenge of globalization, a situation that entails more innovation and targeted environmental action than ever to ensure maximum benefits. Grounded in fundamental human values, his leadership and vision have made him a role model for young engineers.

The 2010 Prix Innovation Technologique (technology innovation award) will be presented to Jacques D. L'Écuyer (Class of 1983, Metallurgical Engineering), CEO and co-founder of 5N Plus Inc. The award recognizes his entrepreneurship and outstanding achievements in the field of high-purity metals and compounds intended primarily for use in electronics, medical imaging and solar panels.

With his unwavering determination and insatiable passion for his work, Mr. L'Écuyer catapulted his company into exponential growth in a mere decade. Despite the recent economic downturn, 5N Plus's revenues jumped 574% between 2005 and 2009, while its staff increased by 14, bringing the company's total workforce to over 200. 

Not only has Mr. L'Écuyer innovated technologically; his actions have also been guided by a deep and ongoing concern for sustainable development. Thanks to his pioneering vision, 5N Plus has significantly reduced its environmental footprint. The company has made the recycling of waste generated by its clients intrinsic to its processes, extracting and subsequently transforming metals from these waste products and thus generating a "virtuous circle" wherein a former environmental liability has become a significant source of supply.

The 2010 Prix Étudiant (student award) will go to Jessica Allard Bernier, a computer engineering program graduate who stands out for her community involvement, academic performance and exemplary leadership.

The Prix Mérite, a prestigious honour
The Prix Mérite is presented annually to one of Polytechnique Montréal's 28,000 graduates who has attained new heights of social and professional excellence. The distinction, which also recognizes human qualities and outstanding contributions to the field of engineering, is among the most prestigious in the Polytechnique community and in Québec engineering.

About the Association des Diplômés de Polytechnique
The Association des Diplômés de Polytechnique was created to bring together the institution's graduates in the interests of fostering friendly and professional relations. With some 28,000 graduates active in every area of industry around the world, the alumni association promotes its members' interests and those of Polytechnique Montréal.

About Polytechnique Montréal
Founded in 1873, Polytechnique Montréal is one of Canada's leading engineering university institutions in terms of both teaching and research. It is also the largest engineering university in Québec for the size of its student body and the scope of its research activities. With over 36,000 graduates, Polytechnique Montréal has trained nearly 30% of the current members of the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec. Polytechnique provides training in 14 engineering specialties, has 230 professors and over 6,700 students. It has an annual operating budget of more than $100 million, in addition to a $70-million research fund.

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For interviews with the award recipients, contact Tania Trottier-Pérusse at 514 340-4711, ext. 4594.

Photos of the event can be obtained as of 2 p.m. on November 12 by calling 514 340-4711, ext. 4594.

Information
Tania Trottier-Pérusse
Association des Diplômés de Polytechnique
514 340-4711, ext. 4594
Fax: 514 340-4472
Tania.trottier-perusse@polymtl.ca
www.adp.polymtl.ca