It has been my privilege, since 1995, to chair The Opportunity Fund. I am delighted to report that with the help of hundreds of volunteers and thousands of contributors, Memorial University's fund-raising campaign has surpassed its private sector goal of $25 million in pledges. We are pleased with this success, and because of the generosity of our contributors, we now have an opportunity to raise the bar. The provincial government is committed to matching private sector contributions, dollar-for-dollar, past the $25 million mark. The campaign is continuing with new zeal to build on the success we have already achieved.

As chancellor and chairman of the fund-raising campaign, I have many opportunities to spread the news of the important role Memorial plays in the social and economic development of our province. The focus of this campaign is to lay a sound financial foundation to enhance Memorial's capacity to attract top students and provide for their needs as they study at Memorial. Accessibility to higher education is a priority, and The Opportunity Fund has addressed this need by increasing the university's scholarship and fellowship endowment by $15 million. Memorial's commitment to finding innovative and cost-effective methods of instruction for its students and supporting research in areas relevant to the province's economic growth is reaffirmed by the $10 million portion of The Opportunity Fund designated for these areas. New student centres at the St. John's and Corner Brook campuses and a new field house planned for the St. John's campus are important additions to the university's student facilities. The success we have enjoyed with this fund-raising initiative will ensure that Memorial will continue to be a significant force in shaping our province's future.

I take great pride in the contributions this university has made to Newfoundland and Labrador and the rest of the country over the years. Thousands more share this feeling as they show their pride in Memorial through their generous contributions to The Opportunity Fund. Memorial University will continue to play a pivotal role in supporting the province's economic endeavours. The investment made by so many in The Opportunity Fund will provide returns for our students, our province and the rest of Canada well into the 21st century.

Hon. John C. Crosbie, PC, OC, QC
Chancellor and campaign chairman