No institution captures the spirit of Newfoundland and Labrador’s ocean heritage quite like the Marine Institute (MI). And no institution is more invested in our province’s ongoing relationship with the sea.

Fishing gear and ROVs are tested in the world’s largest flume tank. Future mariners train in the Full Mission Ship’s Bridge Simulator. Cutting-edge cold-ocean research is conducted at The Launch in Holyrood. For over 60 years, MI has excelled in that space where education meets the North Atlantic.

And for more than 25 years, Dr. Leslie O’Reilly has worked diligently to link MI’s unlimited potential to the province’s future.

Dr. O’Reilly grew up in St. Brendan’s, N.L., and he attended Memorial University to earn bachelor’s degrees in both arts and education. A master’s in education soon followed, and his early career was spent dedicated to the province’s K-12 education system.

In 1981, he transitioned into the world of post-secondary marine education when he joined what was then known as the College of Fisheries on Parade Street in St. John’s.

He was vice-president of the college in 1985 when it underwent its first major transition, moving to its new state-of-the-art facilities on Ridge Road where it would come to be known as MI.

Just seven years later, the institute joined forces with Memorial University. This marked a defining moment in the educational and economic history of Newfoundland and Labrador. And it was Dr. O’Reilly who was named executive director and asked to guide MI through this transformation.

This was the moment when MI’s global expertise in ocean technology, fisheries, marine safety and navigation found a home within Memorial’s expansive university framework. Coming together extended the reach and relevance of both institutions.

 

Leslie O’Reilly (on the right) oversees the Marine Institute’s purchase of a Whittaker offshore survival capsule in 1983. Photo from Memorial’s Digital Archives Initiative.

 

Dr. O’Reilly’s role was pivotal in ensuring that MI retained its distinct hands-on character while benefiting from Memorial’s academic resources and research networks. The result was a stronger, more connected university.

Under his leadership, MI became a world-class centre of excellence for applied ocean education and research, attracting students from around the world and linking the province’s ocean economy to global networks.

MI enhanced its collaborations with institutions around the world, and St. John’s became an international centre for ocean technology.

But Dr. O’Reilly’s mission extended far beyond steadying the ship during a time of change. It was his job to look to the horizon.

What distinguished his work was the way he championed partnerships and helped turn cold-ocean environments into training grounds, simulation labs and innovation hubs. He understood that for Newfoundland and Labrador to succeed at sea, the university must embed both students and research in the real world of waves, ships, rig-platforms and survival in harsh conditions.

When he retired from MI in 2005, he went on to lead Oceans Advance, an organization that connects industry, research and government to ensure the growth of the ocean-technology sector in Newfoundland and Labrador.

He also found time to volunteer as a trustee with Eastern Health. He served as board chair for six years and spearheaded the creation of the Health Innovation Acceleration Centre, which focuses on the development of technological improvements to our health-care system.

In recognition of his sustained leadership and the magnitude of his contributions to education, ocean technologies and health care in the province, he was awarded an honorary degree by Memorial University in 2025.

During his tenure with MI, the institution experienced both physical and technological growth. But perhaps his greatest contribution was his determination to see the researchers, staff and students at MI aspire towards the greatest heights, to become what he called “the standard bearers for the future.”

Indeed, his vision for MI has been accomplished as the institution’s reputation in ocean education and research is a flag raised high and an example for others to follow.