Year-in-Review

March 2002

Spectacular concert

In March the School of Music co-ordinated a performance of African Sanctus by British composer David Fanshawe. Almost 700 singers, a percussion ensemble, a rock band and a locally-born opera star were just part of the performance at the Molson Amphitheatre at Mile One Stadium. More than 700 choristers from Memorial, Prince of Wales Collegiate, Holy Heart of Mary, Gonzaga High School, Bishop's College and Mount Pearl intermediate and senior high schools, as well as the Cantare-Cantelina Youth Choir from Bay Roberts came together for the massive performance.

Feds funds flowing

Memorial received over $3 million for indirect costs that will help cover the cost that the institution must bear to support the research done by its faulty and students. This includes such areas as the library, serviced labs, animal facilities, workshops, computer networks and research administration. The announcement was made March 8 by Gerry Byrne, minister of state for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). The support is part of a national initiative under Canada's Innovation Strategy. The funding will help the university alleviate some of the financial pressures associated with federally supported research activity.

Basketball's best season

Memorial's men's and women's basketball teams capped off a season of highlights with wins on the national and regional stage earlier this month. The Sea-Hawks women travelled to the Canadian championships in Hamilton in early March after claiming the Atlantic title. And while the team started out with a disappointing loss to Winnipeg, they rebounded to win their final two games against McMaster and Brock University and finish an impressive fifth place in the country. The men, too, had a season of firsts as they won their first AUS playoff game in team history. The Sea-Hawks played the quarterfinal game against UPEI, beating them by a score of 67-64 in Halifax March 8. In the semi-final, Memorial played the defending national champions St. FX, eventually losing by a score of 95-71.

Budget ups MUN funds

There will be an increase in the overall funding at Memorial University. This news was announced in the provincial budget March 21 as the government increased our total grant by $13 million. President Axel Meisen said the allocation made by the government to Memorial goes a long way to meeting the university's anticipated expenses. The government also announced that $3.5 million would be available to help students.