Harlow dinner builds affinity and raises money for scholarships
On Oct. 13, more than 50 alumni and friends of Memorial gathered for a special event in England aimed at building support for the university and to raise money for a worthwhile cause.
The second annual Harlow Affinity Newfoundland and Labrador Dinner took place at the House of Commons in London, England. It was hosted by Bill Rammell, Member of Parliament for Harlow, and provided those in attendance a prime opportunity to network.
It also encouraged alumni and friends to become ambassadors and recruiters for Memorial, learn more about the university's Harlow Campus and help raise money for Harlow scholarships.
Memorial's president, Axel Meisen, along with Dr. Georgina Hedges BA(Ed.)'74, BA'78, acting chair of Memorial's Board of Regents, and Dr. Penny Blackwood, director of the Office of Alumni Affairs and Development, attended the event.
James R. Wright, Canadian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was the guest speaker.
This annual event is meant to build awareness of Newfoundland and Labrador, its special relationship to the United Kingdom and Memorial University.
Friends gather to support bursary in memory of community leader
Friends and colleagues of the late Rick Morris B.Sc.'80, MSW'88 recently created a bursary in his name at Memorial University.
Rick Morris was a social worker and consultant whose tireless work with women's groups, individuals and other community organizations was widely recognized in Newfoundland and Labrador and nationally. He died suddenly of a heart attack in 2004 at the age of 46.
Now his colleagues wanted to create a lasting legacy in his honour. "Rick left a lasting impression in the lives of many people," said Bobbie Boland, a social work colleague of Rick's and one of the organizers. "Since his sudden death, there has been a void in this community, especially when you consider the level of involvement and the range of services he provided to individuals and organizations in all sectors, provincially and nationally."
The group has set up the Rick Morris Memorial Bursary at Memorial University. "As a fitting tribute to Rick we want to attract and support individuals that continue to build on his legacy," said Ms. Boland. "The recipients of this bursary will have potential to further develop many of the qualities that Rick demonstrated."
The group's goal is to raise an endowment of $30,000 to support an annual bursary of at least $1,500.
To launch the bursary and kick-start the fund, supporters gathered on Oct. 19 at Memorial University. To make a donation to support this bursary, please contact the Office of Alumni Affairs and Development at 1-877-700-4081 or 737-4354.
Affinity dinners huge success Ottawa Affinity Dinner
More than 300 people with a special connection to Memorial and this province gathered in Ottawa on Monday, Nov. 6, for a unique event geared towards promoting the university and helping raise money for scholarships.
The sixth annual Ottawa Affinity Newfoundland and Labrador Dinner attracted graduates of Memorial, former students, expatriates living in the country's capital, as well as business leaders and politicians.
Canada's chief of the defence staff, General Rick Hillier B.Sc. '76, was the keynote speaker, delivering an informative and moving speech entitled, The Canadian Forces: Our Past, Our Pride, Our Future. Gen. Hillier is no stranger to Memorial. In 2003, he received the Memorial University Alumni Association Tribute Award for Outstanding Professional Achievement.
Developed in association with the Alumni Association of Memorial University, Affinity Newfoundland and Labrador brings together a wide cross selection of people from various backgrounds. Axel Meisen, president of Memorial, also attended the dinner which took place at the Chateau Laurier Hotel.
Gen. Hillier received a prolonged standing ovation after his speech. This year's event was emceed by Newfoundland and Labrador singer and songwriter Damhnait Doyle, who herself attended Memorial.
Veteran Ottawa broadcaster — and native Newfoundlander — Max Keeping ended the evening by calling on those in attendance to become ambassadors of Memorial.
Toronto Affinity Dinner
More than 80 alumni and friends gathered at the Marriott Yorkville in Toronto on Nov. 15 for the second Annual Toronto Affinity Newfoundland and Labrador Dinner.
The evening began with some words from the master of ceremonies that generated much laughter from the group. Actor and comedian Jonny Harris (BFA '99), shared reflections on growing up in Pouch Cove and then transitioning to life at high school in St. John's.
The Lieutenant-Governor for Newfoundland and Labrador and Honorary Colonel for the Royal Newfoundland Regiment Ed Roberts LLD'03, MA'06 was the keynote speaker and he spoke on Beamont Hamel: The 90th Anniversary. He made history earlier this year when he received his master of arts degree in history from Memorial — the first time a lieutenant-governor of Newfoundland and Labrador earned a degree while in office. That achievement is highlighted in the 2006 President's Report.
The evening ended with a performance led by Andrew Dunsmore (B.Mus.(Hons.)'04) on the marimba who was joined part-way through by a fiddler and base guitarist. They ended with some lively Newfoundland music accompanied by some spoon playing in the room and a moving version of Cape St. Mary's that had a few guests humming along.
The major sponsors for this event were Honeywell Inc. and the Compass Group. Next year's dinner is set for Nov. 8, 2007.
Upcoming Events
Stay tuned to www.munalum.ca/events/events.php for more information on these and more upcoming events in your area.
HALIFAX
April 2007 Crystal Parsons Presentation and Reception
TORONTO
February 2007 MUN Chamber Choir
Performance, Glenn Gould Studio, CBC
Class of '58, 50th Reunion
The class of '58 is about to plan its 50th Anniversary Reunion for the summer of 2008. We encourage all members of that class to make plans to attend.
Anyone interested in serving on the planning committee is asked to call Elizabeth Scammell- Reynolds at 709-722-4546.
Website for Canadian Alumni in the USA
On July 1, Connect2Canada.com was launched. It is a network for Canadians who live in the United States. Nearly 20,000 people are now part of this network, and hundreds more sign up each week. Many Connect2Canada members are Canadian university alumni and are keen to meet up with fellow Canadians and alumni.
The Connect2Canada website now features upcoming alumni events in the United States and provides links to Canadian university alumni websites (including Memorial) and alumni chapters in the U.S. Please bookmark www.connect2canada.com/alumni/ and check it often for alumni events in your area!
School of Nursing - Class of 1997 Reunion
Memorial University Nursing graduates, class of 1997 are in the initial planning stages of a 10-year reunion scheduled for the summer of 2007.
If you are interested in attending or would like to help in the planning of this event, please call Carol Sullivan, Office of Alumni Affairs and Development (709) 737-2322, toll free at 1-877-700-4081 or e-mail rsvpalumni@mun.ca.
MUN Chamber Choir
Memorial University of Newfoundland presents Angels from Heaven Come. Memorial University alumni and friends are invited to a Gould Studio debut performance by the Memorial University Chamber Choir – winners of the highly competitive 2006 CBC Competition for amateur choirs. For more information on this special performance, please visit www.mun.ca/music.
Come out and meet the Choir, including acclaimed tenor, Mr. David Pomeroy, and School of Music founder, Dr. Donald Cook, at a reception immediately following the performance. A cash bar will be available throughout the evening.
Date: February 25, 2007
Performance Time: 8:00 p.m.
Venue: Glenn Gould Studio, Toronto, ON
Tickets: $32.50 ($27.50 seniors/$20 students)
Tickets can be purchased direct from the Glenn Gould Studio, 250 Front St West, Toronto, ON, by calling 416-205-5555 or online at www.glenngouldstudio.com.
The Office of Alumni Affairs and Development will hold a small number of tickets for Memorial University alumni. To purchase these tickets, contact Terri-Lynn King at 1-877-700-4081 or e-mail rsvpalumni@mun.ca.
4th Annual Alumni art exhibit and sale
The Annual MUN Alumni Art Exhibit and Sale is quickly approaching! This is the fourth year the St. John’s Chapter of the Alumni Association and the Division of Lifelong Learning at Memorial University of Newfoundland have partnered to bring you this event. This event is open to the public for viewing and purchasing (with cash only).
You can register your artwork with Alumni Affairs and Development on or before March 9th, 2007 by providing the artist’s name, the title of the work, the medium used, the cost of the piece and if you will require descriptive cards for your artwork.
Location: Royal Trust Atrium, Faculty of Business
Administration
Date: March 15, 2007
Time: 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
RSVP: rsvpalumni@mun.ca
For more information or to register your artwork, contact Terri Lynn King at Alumni Affairs and Development, 709-737-4354.
To start a chapter or create an alumni event in your area, contact Carol Sullivan, Alumni Outreach Office,(709) 737-4354 or 1-877-700-4081; e-mail: carol@mun.ca.