Campus Life
Message from the past president
My term of office as president ended on Aug. 31, and you are therefore reading these words from a past president, even if only recently so. If you see me around in September and beyond, it's because I haven't left the university, having taken up new quarters in Spencer Hall and a new title as honorary research professor. I have the ambition to do some policy research and some writing, but it remains to be seen whether the motivation equals the ambition. I look forward to maintaining an association with the university and being an ongoing member of the university community in a more relaxed arrangement than is possible from the president's office.
As a newcomer to university administration in 1990, I had a steep learning curve and needed a lot of support. I am happy to say that such support was almost universally forthcoming within the university and I was the beneficiary of a great deal of accumulated dedication toward the institution. We have produced more than 20,000 graduates in the 1990s, some 40 per cent of all the graduates who have ever been granted degrees from Memorial since it became degree-granting 50 years ago. As these individuals make their contributions in Canada and the world, we can all take enormous pride in what they are achieving, and in the fact that we, collectively, made it possible. This is the enduring legacy of successful educational institutions.
For your personal support, for your day-to-day commitments to your part in the functioning of the institution, and especially for your forbearance during some of the difficult circumstances with which we had to cope during the ‘90s, my sincere thanks. As Memorial looks forward to its 75th year in 2000, I think we can say in all honesty that we have brought the institution to the age of 75 in excellent shape and ready to carry on with undiminished energy. This is a goal to which we can all aspire as individuals, and I hope that every one of us makes it.
Thanks again for your ongoing role in support of one of Canada's essential institutions.
Sincerely yours,
A.W. May, OC
President and Vice-Chancellor, 1990-1999
Reception honours the Mays' service to Memorial
Edward Roberts, chairman of Memorial's Board of Regents, and the board, invited members of the university community to gather for a reception in honour of Dr. Arthur and Mrs. Sonia May on Sept 8.
A large number of people turned out to the reception which marked the
occasion of Dr. May's retirement as Memorial University's sixth president
and vice-chancellor. During the reception, the Mays were presented with
several gifts, including a plaque bestowed upon Dr. May by Memorial's
chancellor, Dr. John Crosbie. In addition, an oil portrait of Dr. May was
on display. The portrait will soon be hung in the university's Dining
Hall.
Ask Me...
about students at Memorial
An information column provided by the Student Development
Office of Student Affairs and services
Ruth North
Student Affairs Officer, Glenn Roy Blundon Centre
for Students with Disabilities
Just imagine if I told you that you had only 10 minutes to walk from the Education to the Business Building. You might reply — quite correctly — that it can be done (and you have done it!) as long as you walk briskly and don't stop to chat. Now imagine that you are a new student who uses a wheelchair or one who has difficulty with spatial relationships and directionality. Are you still confident that you can get there in 10 minutes?
Each September, the university community witnesses a major event in the life of many students, their transition from high school to postsecondary education. The process of moving from high school to university can be difficult for many students. It can, however, be especially challenging for those with disabilities who suddenly find themselves having to advocate for themselves in a postsecondary setting. "There is speculation among educators that these transition difficulties may be traced directly to the differences between the nurturing type of support provided in the secondary school system and the independence-oriented support available in higher education" (Jarrow, 1987, p. 50).
A few examples of how members of the university community can help our students make a smoother transition include:
If students are to benefit from these alliances, they must take an active role in their own success.
For further information on disability services, please check
www.mun.ca/student/disabilities;
e-mail blundon@morgan.ucs.mun.ca, or
call 737-2156 (Voice and TTY).
Copies of our national award-winning publications (i.e., the campus physical accessibility guide and the resource book for students, faculty, and service providers) are available from the centre.
Reference:
Jarrow, J. E. (1987). Integration of individuals with disabilities in
higher education: A review of the literature. Journal of Postsecondary
Education and Disability, 5(2), 38-57.
Grenfell employees raise money for burn survivors
Custodians with NAPE Local 1809 at Sir Wilfred
Grenfell college in Corner Brook recently raised $1,911.50 in a ticket
draw for the Atlantic Burn Camp in Nova Scotia. Jim Whiteway, a custodian
at the College, presented a cheque to Michael Gaultois, a burn survivor
and member of the Newfoundland Task Force for the Atlantic Burn Camp.
Grenfell sculptor attends professional workshop
Gerard Kelly, sculpture technician in the Fine
Arts Division of Grenfell College, recently spent a couple of weeks at the
Sculpture Forum in LaHave, N.S., an institute established to create a
dynamic and supportive atmosphere for fine art to unfold. The focus is
primarily on sculptural methods and materials. Its location in Lunenburg
County gives artists the opportunity to work within a foundry alongside
other artists, to upgrade their skills and learn new techniques.
Mr. Kelly said his time there allowed him to learn more about his profession and work together with others in his field in an artistic environment. The institute is set on farmland, and for a limited number of participants, accommodations are provided in a renovated 140-year-old farm house.
"I carved everyday, and was able to get instruction in fields I'm not familiar with," says Mr. Kelly, adding that the respected faculty includes founder John Greer, full professor of sculpture at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design. "It was great to be able to discuss my work and exchange ideas with my peers."
New book highlights Memorial's history and development
"A university is the consciousness of a community reaching out to a realization of the higher powers of the mind..."
With these stirring words, President John Lewis Paton officially opened the doors of Memorial University College on Sept. 25, 1925. The truth of this statement permeates a new book titled Celebrate Memorial: A Pictorial History of Memorial University of Newfoundland. This stunning collection of photographs, newspaper quotes, historical facts and personal anecdotes was published by Memorial to celebrate its Festival of Anniversaries. The book was launched at the recent Alumni Weekend celebrations held at Paton College on Aug. 27.
Originally an idea suggested by President May about three years ago, the book is the result of a collaboration between Memorial University archivist Dr. Mel Baker and information officer Jean Graham. Graphic design was done by Helen Houston of Publication Services in the Division of University Relations. It has been a major project of the university's Anniversaries Committee. At the book launch, Dr. May said he was pleased with the results of the collaboration. "I am pleasantly surprised at this book which in such a small space successfully summarizes 75 years of Memorial University's history," Dr. May told visiting alumni and guests.
Victoria Collins, director of the Division of University Relations which co-ordinated the book project, said one of the greatest challenges in producing this book was deciding which were the most salient points to include and how to make them interesting to potential readers. "The history of an institution like Memorial is very much a story of the people associated with the institution," Ms. Collins told the Gazette. "How do you capture that in a way that is going to be meaningful for alumni, students, former faculty, current faculty? It's a challenge but I think it's been done quite effectively here. Of course, there are more things we wish we could have included, but 96 pages, I think, is enough space to provide a good overview of the things that affected the life of the institution."
The pictorial history covers the evolution of the university on almost a decade-by-decade basis, at times almost mirroring the tenures of the presidents from John Lewis Paton and Albert George Hatcher, to Drs. Mose Morgan, Leslie Harris and Arthur May. The glossy, eye-catching cover of Celebrate Memorial shows a collage of colourful images evocative of the lives and minds of Memorial's people. The book will retail for approximately $18 and is available at the University Bookstore in St. John's. The book is on sale at locations around the province.
Newfoundland Herald supplement makes a great promo piece
In August The Newfoundland Herald published a supplement dedicated to Memorial University and its 50th anniversary as a degree granting institution. The Anniversaries Office has several thousand extra copies of this supplement. The supplement has a glossy cover based on the university's recent Shaping the Minds ad campaign. It provides a general overview of Memorial University and is a great promotion piece. The supplement also contains a 50-question trivia game based on the history and development of Memorial University. If you would like free copies of this supplement, please call 737-2510.
Anniversary Party, continued from page 1
In addition to providing the university community with a really good anniversary party, the organizing committee raised a sizable chunk of money for the Field House Complex. In total there were 569 tickets sold which resulted in a net profit of approximately $1,200!
The organizing committee of the Campus Anniversary Party would like to thank the following organizations for donating prizes:
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Anniversaries Committee |
NewTel Communications |
The Campus Anniversary Party organizing committee were:
Christine Burke, Student Housing
Jackie Collins, Business
Deborah Coombs, Student Development
Jim Cooper, Engineering
Bridget Ghaney, Social Work
Monty Green, Human Resources
Vera Griffin, Medicine
Wanda Heath, Mathematics and Statistics
Corinne Hennessey, Medicine
Kim Kelly, Student Housing
Marjorie Mercer, Medicine
Brenda Mullett, Human Resources
Ivan Muzychka, University Relations
Audrey O'Neil, Health Sciences Library
Gary Pike, Human Resources
Josephine Thompson, Medicine
Jean Voisey, Student Housing
Cynthia Whelan, Facilities Management
Editor's note: It is my pleasure to welcome another new feature to The Communicator. In each issue, the Aquarena Fitness Zone will bring you several useful fitness tips by Jerome Brennan, the strength and conditioning specialist at the Health and Fitness Centre. For information on how to start your personal fitness program, call the Fitness Centre at 737-3795 or drop by the Aquarena and pick up a brochure.
Exercise in the morning has its benefits
Studies show that people who exercise in the morning are more likely to
stick with their exercise programs. They don't have to contend with
scheduling problems that often occur later in the day.
Tips for morning exercise:
Are you thinking about quitting smoking?
The full cost of a lifetime two pack a day smoking habit will end up
totaling more than $400,000 – that does not include health related costs.
A study at Brown University showed that women who engaged in rigorous
exercise while trying to quit smoking are twice as likely to kick the
habit than those who try without exercise.
Sedentary lifestyle can kill
A sedentary lifestyle (being a couch potato) is twice as likely to kill
you as a high cholesterol level. People who exercise regularly are less
likely to develop heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high
cholesterol levels, osteoporosis and certain forms of cancer.
Employee Profile: Terry Upshall
For the past 14 years Terry Upshall has been working in the Health Science Information and Media Services in the Faculty of Medicine. When he first started as a photographer in 1985 his department was the Medical Audio/Visual Services (MAVS, affectionately pronounced "Mavis"). He received his photographic training at a private college in St. John's and had completed a number of short courses in the field in Halifax, often going to school in the evenings to learn his trade. He is now working towards a registered biological photographer certification through the Biological Photographers Association and has completed the written examination, the first of three required stages in the process. Currently there are approximately 450 registered biological photographers worldwide.
Terry had learned the mechanics of commercial photography, but none of his training had prepared him for certain aspects of his work at the Health Sciences Centre. "There was a great deal to learn on the job," Terry says. "Taking photographs in the OR or photographing patients with severe conditions takes a little getting used to and a certain sensitivity for the patient's emotional well being. There is really no way to learn that except through experience."
The range of Terry's responsibilities has changed with technology. He now holds the title of medical photographer and included in his duties of taking and processing photographs are the responsibilities of working with video, computer-generated images and Web sites.
Terry was born in Come-by-Chance. In his spare time he enjoys wood-working and is a skilled carpenter. He built his own house and much of the furniture in it.
Memorial University makes good news ...
Every week Memorial University is in the news. Memorial is often at the centre of a news story, or an important news item draws on an expert from the university. The university's News Service tracks these media references and regularly issues a Headlines Report via e-mail. The following is just a small sampling of Memorial in the news taken from this past summer's Headlines Reports. If you would like to receive these reports, please e-mail Ivan Muzychka, manager, News Service, Division of University Relations, ivanm@morgan.ucs.mun.ca
Stories marked with an asterisk (*) were developed with the assistance of the News Service, Division of University Relations.
VOCM Radio News, St. John's
May 21
* Partnership between Memorial's Marine Institute and Maersk Sea Base has
given five students the opportunity of a lifetime.
VOCM Radio News, St. John's
May 25
* Dr. Graham Bodwell, a chemistry professor at Memorial, has been awarded
the Petro-Canada Young Innovator Award.
The Newfoundland Herald
May 29
* Mark Hunter, a Memorial graduate student, has been awarded the
Rothermere Fellowship.
CBC Radio News, St. John's
June 23
* Memorial University is launching a new program that will give some high
school students a head start on their university education. It's called
Concurrent Studies and it will let some students do university level
courses while they're still in high school. Jim Browne spoke with Phyllis
McCann, an admissions manager at Memorial.
The Western Star, Corner Brook
June 29
Theatre by the Bay takes a look at our unique history - article on a group
which consists of several SWGC Fine Arts Theatre students.
VOCM Radio News, St. John's
July 10
An introductory course in Irish Gaelic studies will be offered at Memorial
in St. John's this fall. Interview with Dr. Dorothy Milne.
The Telegram, St. John's
July 12
Courses offered by the Marine Institute, in fields formerly known as
overwhelmingly male, are seeing greater numbers of female students than
ever before.
VOCM Radio News, St. John's
July 13
* Officials at Memorial University and the St. John's and Western Health
Care Corporations sign an agreement on a collaborative approach to nursing
education.
The Telegram, St. John's
July 17
* Memorial's Department of Facilities Management was named the best by the
Association of Higher Education Facilities Officers.
* C-CORE, an applied engineering research institute at Memorial, has been
awarded a contract by the US government for arctic pipelines.
The National Post, Toronto
Aug. 10
* Folklore professor Dr. Gerald Pocius is proposing to teach a course in
professional wrestling this fall.
The Express, St. John's
Aug. 11-17
* Memorial University's new student centre is on time and on budget.
CBC Radio, On the Go
Aug. 13
Triskaidekaphobes, Friday the 13th. Interview with Dr. Philip Hiscock,
folklore archivist at Memorial University, on the subject of fear of the
number 13.
CBC-TV, Here and Now, St. John's
Sept. 7,8,9
Weather with Wells. Karl Wells visited Memorial University during
Orientation Week: spots included the Strength and Conditioning Centre,
School of Physical Education, Recreation and Athletics; the Aquaculture
Unit at the Fisheries and Marine Institute; and an Orientation event at
Hatcher House.
University Club holds grand opening
The Memorial University Club held its grand opening luncheon buffet on Thursday, Sept. 23. Over 200 people turned for a feast that included fisherman's brewis, fettucini Alfredo, spinach and mushroom quiche, Newfoundland trifle, and local blueberry cheesecake, among other gustatory delights.
The club operates on the fifth floor of the Arts Annex, with a fine view across the city to Signal Hill and the ocean beyond. It is now fully independent, with its own chef and staff, and every effort is made to serve the needs of members (e.g., a full range of vegetarian dishes is available.)
Members receive a 20 per cent discount on all food purchases, and are welcome to bring guests. For the time being, non-members who are eligible to become members are welcome to visit. The club opens at 8 a.m. for breakfast and coffee and offers hot entrées at lunch time (noon - 2 p.m.) and a bar service from noon - 3 p.m. (6 p.m. Fridays). For more information about the University Club, please visit the Web site www.mun.ca/univclub/.
University employees can now make a contribution to the Opportunity Funds every time they buy an airline ticket. Thanks to agreements with LeGrow's Travel and Harvey's-Carlson Wagonlit , every ticket purchased by a university employee will result in a $32 donation to the Opportunity Fund. The two travel agencies will donate $16 regardless of the fare type or total cost as long as the ticket is booked by an individual who identifies themselves as an employee of Memorial, travelling on university business.
This offer also applies to C-CORE, Seabright Corporation, the Canadian Centre for Marine Communications, Canadian Centre for Fisheries Innovation, Canada Games Park (Aquarena), Art Gallery of Newfoundland and Labrador, or the Botanical Garden. The contribution will be matched by the provincial government, resulting in a contribution of $32 to the Opportunity Fund for every ticket purchased! Employees who are already dealing with LeGrow's Travel (Martime Marlin) or Harvey's-Carlson Wagonlit should continue to work with their agent, but confirm with the agent that any tickets purchased will be counted for purposes of the Opportunity Fund donation. People who have not previously booked with these agencies should refer to the Comptroller's Office Web page www.mun.ca/comptroller/.
Both agencies have offered guaranteed lowest airfares, complimentary travel insurance, and other services. While employees are free to choose any travel agent they like, these new arrangements allow employees to give to the fund every time they fly on university business!
Regular Meetings of Senate will be held on the second Tuesday of each month (September-May) at 4 p.m. in Room E-5004, located in the Education Building.
Sept. 14, 1999
Oct. 12
Nov. 9
Dec. 14
Jan 11, 2000
Feb. 8
March 14
April 11
May 9
The following are dates for the Board of Regents' meetings for the remainder of the academic year:
Oct. 21, 1999
Dec. 9, 1999
Jan. 13, 2000 (Corner Brook)
March 9, 2000
May 11, 2000
June 8, 2000