What is “the KGB”?

The Kinesiology Graduate Body is a group of graduate students, both Master's and Doctoral, who represent the whole of the grad student body within the Department of Kinesiology.  Each of the positions listed below is voted on, and each elected member sits in his or her position for a one year term (July 1st to June 30th).  The remainder of the Kinesiology students who are not on the executive are general members of the KGB.  The KGB is responsible for organizing social events, fundraisers, and intramural activities in which Kinesiology graduate students participate.

KGB Executive 2011/12

President - Lisa COTIE
Vice President - Jenna GILLEN
Secretary - Jenn TOMASONE
Treasurer - Leeann BELLAMY
Heimbecker Representatives - Danielle DiDONATO and Jim BURKITT
Physiology Representative - Andrew COCHRAN
Motor Learning Representative - Simran OHSON
Biomechanics Representative - Nicholas LaDELFA
Psychology Representative - Jeff GRAHAM

All McMaster Kinesiology graduate students are automatically members of the KGB.  There is a fee-per-event charged to offset the cost of KGB events, such as the annual Heimbecker Cup. KGB member benefits include:

• grad representation at departmental council;
• eligibility for KGB and Heimbecker scholarships;
• access to Luc’s Café, a student run beverage centre within Kinesiology.

Can you list some KGB ACTIVITIES?

Intramurals
The KGB Royals join a number of intramural sports throughout the year such as softball, dodgeball, volleyball, and soccer.  It's a great way to meet other Kin students that you may not get a chance to work with otherwise.  Summer softball (May to August) is always a highlight and incorporates students from all sub-disciplines in the department.  EVERYONE is welcome to play on any team and we encourage rookies no matter what your skill level is!  We're hoping to enter a few more sports activities this year, depending on the interest level, so please let a KGB representative know if your have any suggestions.

Socials
There are a number of events organized by the KGB that you won't want to miss!  First, we host parties for events such as Welcome Day, Hallowe'en, Christmas, and St. Patrick's Day which all represent a great opportunity to hang out with your fellow grad students outside of the lab.  There are also department events (faculty and grad students) such as the Christmas party and a summer golf tournament - always a great time!  The KGB also takes part in charitable initiatives such as the St. Matthew's House "Adopt-A-Family" program at Christmastime, and the Relay for Life each spring.  Significant others and/or friencs are always welcome to join in on the fun.

The KGB hosts the Joan Heimbecker Memorial Hockey Game every spring in which the faculty and graduate students face off against a team of undergraduate students.  The Heimbecker Cup and bragging rights go to the annual winner.  This event was established in 2001 and is named in memory of Joan Heimbecker, a Kinesiology graduate student who died  March 1994.  The charity event raises funds for the Joan Heimbecker Memorial Scholarship and the KGB Bursary. We host a BBQ, a bake sale, a raffle, and other activities throughout the evening.  You don't want to miss this annual event.

What is the HEIMBECKER SCHOLARSHIP?
In 1994 a scholarship was established in memory of Joan Heimbecker, a Kinesiology graduate student.  Each year, this $1,000 scholarship is awarded to a Kinesiology graduate student by the School of Graduate Studies on the recommendation of the Department of Kinesiology. 

Applicants should:

• display a service contribution to McMaster University and/or the community in athletic, professional, or social organizations
• possess qualities of leadership
• have made a significant impact on the lives of others through such involvement, thus representing the spirit of Joan Heimbecker.

Selection criteria include academic achievements and advances, as well as community and social involvement.  Scholarship applications are due during the Spring/Summer semester and are available on here.

What is the KGB BURSARY?
This bursary, valued at $1,000, was established in 2002 through funds raised at the annual Heimbecker Cup.  Each year this bursary is awarded by the Department to a Kinesiology grad student who demonstrates community involvement and has made significant contributions to McMaster University and/or the community at large.  Selection criteria include academic achievement and community involvement, as well as the demonstration of financial need. Bursary applications are due during the Spring/Summer semester and are available here.