2006-2007

News Release

REF NO.: 40

SUBJECT:

DATE: October 18, 2006

Memorial University is again celebrating its accomplishments and the spirit and atmosphere of creativity and ingenuity. I Love MUNdays will invade the St. John’s campus from Oct. 25-29, while Grenfell College will sweep people off their feet during I Fell for Grenfell.
This year’s line-up of activities includes an assortment of events geared to just about everyone – from students and faculty to staff and pensioners – organizers are urging everyone to get involved and help embrace the creativity, diversity and leadership that have helped Memorial become such a special place.
Helping lead the way this year on the St. John’s campus is a unique fundraiser for those who’ve always wanted to experience what it’s like to climb the world’s highest peak ­ minus the bone-chilling temperatures, of course. The TA Loeffler Mount Everest Lap-a-thon takes place on Wednesday, Oct. 25, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Field House.

The two-hour event will encourage physical activity, raise awareness about Dr. Loeffler’s personal challenge to climb Mount Everest, and to raise money towards this cause. Individuals and groups will do roughly 35 laps around the Field House, which is the equivalent of the distance to climb Mount Everest. Pledges, a registration fee and donations will be collected.

Anyone looking to experience some global cuisine and culture should head over to the University Centre for this year’s International Bazaar set for Oct. 25 from 12-2 p.m. Students will staff booths where they’ll be selling international cuisine, crafts and souvenirs. The public are welcome to attend.
The following evening, everyone is invited to cheer on the MUN Sea-Hawks women’s basketball team as they lace up for another celebrity match up with the St. John’s Fog Devils on Thursday, Oct. 26 from 6-8 p.m. at the Field House. The Sea-Hawks took the crown last year ­ can the Fog Devils rebound?
On Friday, Oct. 27, staff, faculty and students are encouraged to go the extra mile and do something nice for a member of the university community or volunteer group on Kindness Friday. Groups can organize special events or individuals can support their favourite charity.
Meanwhile, the university community is encouraged to show their support for Fog Devils as they face off against the Lewiston MAINEiacs at Mile One Centre on Saturday, Oct. 28, at 7 p.m.
This year’s mixture of events during I Love MUNdays help celebrate Memorial’s uniqueness, said an enthusiastic Dr. Lilly Walker, dean of Student Affairs and Services, and co-chair of I Love MUNdays. She said she’s proud of the fact so many people from Memorial are getting involved.
“Particularly impressive are the efforts of hundreds of students who share their talents through the annual Community Service activities demonstrating the practical importance of enriching the community in which they live,” she said.
“Memorial strives to instil in our students an appreciation of striving for excellence through persistence and visionary hopes, thus this year’s event, which features TA Loeffler’s Everest Climb invites all of Memorial to share in the dream. Everyone is invited to join in this autumn festival of celebration.”
That sentiment is echoed at Grenfell College, where organizers have put together an impressive selection of fun events for students, faculty and staff and the general public.
“This is a time for us to give back to the college community, as well as the general public; it’s our way of saying thank you for helping us become what we are today: a thriving university,” said Connie Boland, marketing/special events co-ordinator.
Kicking off the festivities on Oct. 25 will be the Healthy Start Breakfast, a free brown-bag breakfast for students. Later in the day, I Fell for Grenfell will be officially launched with the Campus Dash. Rain or shine, participants will walk, run or stroll; prizes will be awarded to the top male and female, top residence and chalet, and the top school. All participants will be rewarded with a barbeque following the dash.
Random Act of Kindness is back again this year at Grenfell as well. On Wednesday, the Grenfell community is invited to donate non-perishable food items to the food bank for off-campus students. On Thursday, Grenfell staffers are asked to donate to a not-for-profit organization of their choice. And finally on Friday, faculty, staff and students are invited to serve breakfast at a local school in conjunction with the Kids Eat Smart Foundation Newfoundland and Labrador.
As usual, Fall Advising Daze will be held in the Crossroads of the Arts and Science Building – students will be able to get advice from faculty and staff regarding their course selections for the winter semester. Other activities include a health fair by Western Regional School of Nursing, the Fun 4 Everyone Sports Challenge, a scavenger hunt, free aerobics, Karaoke Night at the Backlot and the Dooley’s Pool Party – meet your friends, coworkers, profs, instructors and others for free pool, snacks and prizes. ID for 19 required. That event is sponsored by the Grenfell Off Campus Housing Office.
On Saturday, Oct. 28, Grenfell faculty, staff and students will welcome the public at the X-Scream Halloween Bash at the Pepsi Studio. Get dressed up to hear U-Turn and Wicked Little Monk; a portion of funds raised will go to the Bay of Islands SPCA.
And last but not least, on Sunday, Oct. 29, the public is invited to participate in the International Students Event. Currently Grenfell College has more than 20 international students from countries such as Belize, Mexico, the United States, Japan and Nigeria.
On Sunday afternoon, participants will have the opportunity to hear traditional music, sample cuisine and perhaps even learn the customary dances of these nations.
For a complete list of events as well as dates and times for I Fell for Grenfell, visit www.swgc.mun.ca/celebrate.
For more information on I Love MUNdays, visit www.mun.ca/mundays/.

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