2009-2008

News Release

REF NO.: 153

SUBJECT: SIFE Memorial named 2009 SIFE national champions

DATE: May 7, 2009

For the fourth consecutive year, SIFE Memorial has triumphed at the SIFE National Exhibition, winning the “most enterprising campus in Canada” title and finishing first in the national Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) competition.
This year, SIFE Memorial is returning home from the National Exhibition in Toronto with three big prizes: second place in the financial literacy competition, first place in the entrepreneurship competition, and first the SIFE National Exhibition. The National Exhibition win means that SIFE Memorial will be representing Canada in the 2009 SIFE World Cup in Berlin, Germany.
 The competition is judged by CEOs from across the country on the impact the student teams have had on their community. Faculty Advisor Lynn Morrissey said that going into the competition the team was excited to show what they’ve done this year. “SIFE Memorial has had an exceptional year and the team is deservedly proud of their accomplishments – 13 major projects, four of which are new; over 32,000 volunteer hours and over $1.9 million dollars reinvested into Newfoundland and Labrador this year,” she explained.
Dr. Gary Gorman, dean of the Faculty of Business, said that the faculty and the university are very proud of the SIFE team. “We’re absolutely thrilled with the accomplishments of SIFE Memorial,” he said. “Their projects are helping Newfoundlanders and Labradorians in a very real way, and I give them a great deal of credit for that. Their success in competition is a testament to the dedication, professionalism and passion they bring to each project.”
Dr. Gorman also credits the wider community with their support of SIFE Memorial. “SIFE has developed relationships with all levels of government, funding agencies, the business community, community leaders and senior administration at the university. Their support has allowed SIFE to grow and take on exceptional new projects, like Based in Business, which helps medically discharged members of the Canadian Armed Forces succeed in business.”
Thirty members of SIFE Memorial were in Toronto for the competition, which was hosted by ACE Canada.
Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) is an international organization dedicated to using the positive power of business to create a better, more sustainable world. The results of their community outreach are judged in regional, national and international competitions that showcase the incredible impact that students can make.
SIFE Memorial is sponsored by Memorial University, Altius, the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Newfoundland and Labrador Business Coalition, Scotiabank and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).
“I am so impressed by our SIFE Memorial team,” said Dr. Eddy Campbell, acting president of Memorial University. “They represent this university and this province with great skill and a lot of heart. We are delighted and excited that once again they will represent Canada at the SIFE World cup. They are wonderful ambassadors for Memorial University and Newfoundland and Labrador.”

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