2004-2005

News Release

REF NO.: 320

SUBJECT: Rick Hansen puts scholarship in motion at Memorial University of Newfoundland

DATE: May 10, 2005

Rick Hansen, president and CEO of the Rick Hansen Man in Motion Foundation, officially presented a gift of $35,000 to Memorial University during his recent visit to St. John’s. Mr. Hansen presented the money on behalf of the Newfoundland and Labrador Neurotrauma Initiative Program (NLNTI). The gift is an endowment for the Newfoundland and Labrador Neurotrauma Initiative Award scholarship.

Dr. Eddy Campbell, Memorial’s vice-president (academic), was on hand to accept the donation. “I’m pleased to accept this gift from Mr. Hansen. This endowment from the Neurotrauma Initiative Program means that each year we can offer a scholarship that gives first preference to an undergraduate or graduate student who has been identified with a spinal cord or brain injury. We anticipate awarding the first scholarship in the fall of 2005.”

Mr. Hansen said that he supports the work of the local NLNTI and Memorial University. “From the inception of the NLNTI, we have been very proud to work with Dr. Lorraine Dicks and her team. Together, we have directed funds towards several neurotrama initiatives including significant investments in research at Memorial University— all with the goal to advance the quality of life for people living with spinal cord and brain injuries.”

Dr. Lorraine Dicks is co-chair of NLNTI, a partnership with the Rick Hansen Man in Motion Foundation, the Canadian Paraplegic Association, the Newfoundland and Labrador Brain Injury Association and the provincial government. In 1987, the provincial government granted NLNTI $500,000 to fund prevention, rehabilitation and research initiatives related the issues of spinal cord and brain injuries throughout the province. The funds were placed in trust with the Rick Hansen Man In Motion Foundation as the NLNTI was initiated by Mr. Hansen on the 10th anniversary of his epic Man In Motion World Tour.

Although Mr. Hansen looks to renewed funds in future, the current funds will be exhausted this year. “That is why we wanted to find a permanent way to reach out to students at Memorial who, despite spinal cord or brain injuries, have the courage to better their lives through education,” said Dr. Dicks, “We feel this is important and that is why we invited Rick to present this gift during his recent visit to St. John’s.”

Editors Note: A photo of the cheque presentation may be viewed at www.mun.ca/univrel/photos.html.

Photo caption: With the assistance of Rick Hansen of the Man in Motion Foundation, Dr. Lorraine Dicks, co-chair of the Newfoundland and and Labrador NeuroTrama Initiative Program (NLNTIP) presents a cheque for $35,000 to Dr. Eddy Campbell, vice president (academic) Memorial University of Newfoundland. The gift from NLNTIP will be used to endow a special scholarship at Memorial for students with brain and spinal injuries.

Background:

The Newfoundland And Labrador Neurotrauma Initiative Award

This award, valued at a portion of the income on the investment, is made possible by a generous endowment from the Newfoundland and Labrador Neuro Trauma Initiative Program, a partnership between the Rick Hansen Man in Motion Foundation, the Canadian Paraplegic Association, the Brain Injury Association and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

The award will be available on a rotating basis between undergraduate and graduate students, with first preference given to a student who has been identified with a brain or spinal cord injury. For undergraduate students applications are available from the Scholarships and Awards Office, room UC-4018, University Centre, 709-737-3956. Graduate students are required to apply specifically to the School of Graduate Studies, Room ER-6038, Alexander Murray Building, 709-737-2600. If no candidate is available with a brain or spinal cord injury, preference will be given to a student who is studying in the field of neurotrauma.

If it is not awarded at the level of study (i.e., graduate/undergraduate) on rotation in a given year, it may be awarded to a student studying at the other level for that year. In the case of undergraduates, the award will be made by the Senate Committee on Undergraduate Scholarships and Financial Aid. In the case of graduates the award will be made on the recommendation of the dean, School of Graduate Studies.

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