fter only four years of the five-year Opportunity Fund initiative, we are on our way to achieving many of our campaign goals. The support from thousands of donors is a strong vote of confidence in our university and is testimony to Memorial's contribution to the economy of this province and the lives of its citizens.

Student recruitment will be of paramount importance in the decades to come. The achievements made possible by this campaign are putting the university in a strong competitive position to attract the best students from the province, the rest of Canada and the world. One of the most important accomplishments of the campaign is the significant increase to the university's scholarship and fellowship endowment. Memorial alone carries the responsibility of providing university education for the province. This increase in the endowment will ensure that many more deserving students are able to overcome the financial burden of higher education and attain their potential.

Through the generosity of donors, Memorial is able to enhance the existing physical education and recreation facilities by building a new field house. The new student centres on the St. John's and Corner Brook campuses will greatly enhance the quality of our students' university experience.

As the province's only university, Memorial is vital to the economic growth of Newfoundland and Labrador. Donations made during this campaign are enabling Memorial to significantly enhance research and teaching programs that support new industries in the province such as offshore oil and aquaculture.

I am pleased to have had the chance to play a part in this bold endeavour. As my tenure as president comes to an end, I am moved by the outpouring of support that has been demonstrated during the campaign. I offer a heartfelt thank-you to the students, faculty, staff, alumni, corporations and friends of the university who made generous donations to The Opportunity Fund. I also want to take this opportunity to offer special recognition to the many volunteers who gave their time and energy to this campaign. They laboured diligently to promote Memorial and all that the university represents. Because of their hard work and dedication, The Opportunity Fund is a resounding success.