Campus flags lowered in memory of Professor Barry Allen

A dedicated teacher and mentor, as well as a Distinguished University Professor and Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, Allen was part of the McMaster community for 39 years.

November 17, 2025

the Canadian and Ontario flag outside Burke Science Building are lowered to half-mast on a grey day.
Campus flags are being lowered.

McMaster University’s flags are lowered today in memory of Philosophy professor Barry Allen, who passed away on November 9.

Allen was a member of the Philosophy department for 39 years, a Distinguished University Professor at McMaster, and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada.

He was a dedicated teacher, supervising 35 MA and 15 PhD theses and teaching undergraduate and graduate courses on topics that included classical Chinese and European philosophy, philosophical psychology and aesthetics. His students remember him as an inspirational lecturer and dedicated mentor.

He will be sorely missed by his colleagues and students at McMaster, friends, and family.

Read more about Allen’s work, life and impact on the Humanities website.

The area between the buildings MDCL, MUMC, LR Wilson and LSB on a winter day.

Feb. 10 – 13: Emergency vehicles on campus for training

Starting today, fire department and HazMat vehicles will be on campus every evening this week for routinely scheduled training.
Exterior of the side of the Engineering Technology Building on a summer day

ETB cleared to partially reopen after flooding 

Floors 1 through 5 of the Engineering Technology Building will reopen on Thursday, Feb. 5 following a safety assessment. 
Exterior of the Engineering Technology Building at McMaster, seen during the summer.

ETB to remain closed Feb. 4 for flooding cleanup

The Engineering Technology Building is closed Feb. 3 and Feb. 4 because of flooding on the basement and first floor.