Ref. No. 178
DATE: June 28, 1999
SUBJECT: North Atlantic Refining makes a long term commitment to support scholarships at Memorial University
North Atlantic has made a long term commitment of $25,000 annually to Memorial University's Opportunity Fund. Glenn Mifflin, vice president of North Atlantic, Newfoundland and Labrador's only oil refining company, made the announcement at a news conference held at Memorial University today.
North Atlantic began its affiliation with the university last year when the company donated $25,000 for scholarships. The company has pledged to continue their support and provide 12 scholarships annually to first-year students entering Memorial. During the ceremony Mr. Mifflin also unveiled a poster promoting the North Atlantic Entrance Scholarship Program.
"North Atlantic not only produces petroleum products to the most demanding specifications on the planet right here in Newfoundland, North Atlantic believes in the future of Newfoundland and Labrador. And we believe it lies in the heads, hearts, and hands of our students," said Mr. Mifflin.
Dr. Arthur May, president of Memorial, said he is pleased with the support provided by North Atlantic. "Increasing the number of scholarships offered through the university is one of the primary goals of The Opportunity Fund," said Dr. May. "With this financial support North Atlantic is demonstrating a solid commitment to Memorial University and its programs. These new scholarships will improve the university's competitive position as we work to recruit the best and brightest students."
Six of the 12 scholarships will be awarded to students entering Memorial from the six high schools in North Atlantic's home communities: high schools in Arnold's Cove, Clarenville, Little Heart's Ease, Norman's Cove, Southern Harbour and Swift Current. Six more will be awarded to students entering Memorial from schools elsewhere in the province.
Eleven of the North Atlantic scholarships will be $2,000 each. One scholarship, awarded to the top overall applicant, will be $3,000.
North Atlantic will also award through the company an additional $25,000 in scholarships annually to children of North Atlantic employees. These scholarships, of up to $1,000 each, will go to students entering any post-secondary institution.
The $25,000 donation is the latest corporate gift to The Opportunity Fund. The Opportunity fund is in its fourth year of a five-year fundraising effort. To date, the university has received pledges and gifts totalling $25.2 million. These private sector donations are being matched, dollar-for-dollar, by the provincial government. Progress has already been made towards many of the campaign's goals and numerous new scholarships have been established. New student services facilities have been built at Memorial's Grenfell College in Corner Brook and are also under construction in St. John's. In addition, design work is underway for a Field House athletics building, and various new research and teaching initiatives are being created.
For further information, please contact Ivan Muzychka, manager, Memorial University News Service, 709-737-8665, or by e-mail, ivanm@morgan.ucs.mun.ca