By David Penney and Lisa Smart
The 11th annual Ottawa Affinity Dinner was held in the country’s capital on Nov. 3, and drew more than 300 Memorial University alumni, friends and Newfoundland and Labrador ex-pats. A fixture in the Ottawa calendar, the Affinity Dinner provides a yearly opportunity for alumni and friends to renew friendships and connections to Memorial and Newfoundland and Labrador.
Well-known political commentator and Memorial alumnus Tim Powers was the emcee for the evening, while keynote speaker Dr. Charles Randell, president and CEO of C-CORE, focused on the capacity of Newfoundland and Labrador-based research and technology to open up resource potential in Canada’s North.
Tom Bursey, who is the chair of the Ottawa Affinity organizing committee, commented on the positive response to Dr. Randell’s address.
“Having Dr. Randell speak was a unique opportunity for us and the feedback has been fantastic,” said Mr. Bursey. “Every year we try to do something a little different at this event. This presentation was all about the incredible work being done in Newfoundland and Labrador and its connection to Memorial, in an area that is both interesting and timely for the progress of the entire country. At the Affinity Dinner here in Ottawa -- where we celebrate our university and our province -- it was a perfect fit.”
In his remarks, Dr. Gary Kachanoski, Memorial’s president and vice-chancellor, took the opportunity to highlight the recent launch of Dare To, the largest capital campaign in Memorial’s history.
“With a $50 million private sector fundraising goal, this campaign will dramatically grow student financial support and enhance academic excellence at Memorial University,” he said. “Each and every day at Memorial, we are surrounded by daring students, faculty and research teams – people who take pride in their work, have passion and drive to succeed, who work to make our province, country and world a better place – and who make all of us proud to be part of Memorial.”
Dr. Penny Blackwood, director of Alumni Affairs and Development, talked about the exemplary dedication of the Ottawa-based community of alumni and friends and the importance of that affinity to Memorial and to Newfoundland and Labrador.
“The foundation of our success is built on relationships like these,” said Dr. Blackwood. “The support we receive in Ottawa has only grown stronger in the 11-year history of this event. Part of that support is in the form of direct contributions to scholarships and Memorial is extremely grateful for that. That scholarship funding goes a long way to enable our best and brightest students to achieve their full potential, and ultimately, the prosperity of our province is directly connected to their success.”