The Paul Semple Memorial Fellowship

Donate to The Paul Semple Memorial Fellowship

The Paul Semple Memorial Fellowship was established in 2019 by family, friends, and colleagues in memory of a respected leader, industry innovator, unforgettable friend, beloved father and brother, brilliant golfer, and loyal Smith Engineering alumnus. 

Raised in New Liskeard Ontario, Paul earned his B.Sc. in Mining Engineering from Queen's University in 1983. During his career, he became a highly respected leader in the mining industry. From working as a process engineer in NWT and Northern B.C., he went on to become a young Vice President at Kilborn Engineering in Vancouver, and later VP of Global Marketing, Mining and Metallurgy for SNC Lavalin in Toronto. In2001,he co-founded Penguin Automated Systems, acreator and developer of innovative mining technologies. He later worked for Silver Bear Resources and Western Goldfields; and in 2009 became Chief Operating Officer at Noront Resources. During Paul's career he received many accolades, including the Past Presidents' Memorial Medal from the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) in 2005. In March 2015, Noront Resources received the Award for Social and Environmental Responsibility from the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC), largely due to Paul's leadership in building relationships with First Nations communities in Northern Ontario's ‘Ring of Fire'.

Paul had a legendary sense of humor and he lived life to the fullest. Outside his career, he took great pleasure in the family cottage, golf, his dogs, his friends, his family and especially his young daughter. When kidney disease cast a dark shadow over Paul's life in 2008, he maintained his priorities with great courage and a determination that was apparent to all who knew him. Paul died in 2015, at the age of 55 from sepsis as a consequence of treatment for kidney disease.

The Paul Semple Memorial Fellowship will provide an annual award of $2500 to a student enrolled in an M.Sc. or PhD. program in Smith Engineering. Criteria include demonstrated academic excellence, evidence of leadership and potential for innovation in the mining industry, with preference for a student from Northern Ontario.

If you would like to make a gift to the Paul Semple Memorial Fellowship, be sure to fill out the commemorative portion of the form entitled "Dedicate my gift." This will allow Queen's to notify Paul's family of your thoughtful donation.

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