Cheers to Memorial alumni successes

Jan 28th, 2020

Heidi Wicks

Cheers to Memorial alumni successes

The wealth of musical talent in Newfoundland and Labrador is linked to Memorial in many ways.

Sprinkled amongst the 2020 winners, as reported by The Telegram, are four alumni who have had a strong musical presence for decades.

Korona Brophy (B. Ed., ’81, M. Ed. ’93) received the Long & Mcquade music educator of the year award. A 43-year veteran, Brophy is a music education instructor at Memorial University, choral director at several schools, a church volunteer and founder of the world-renowned Celtic Fiddlers. Having worked with and trained many performers, she has travelled around the world with various groups to festivals, concerts and other prestigious events.

Jerry Stamp (B. Mus. ’02) won the graphic artist of the year award.

Specializing in photography, typography, layout and image manipulation, Stamp has designed album artwork and promotional pieces for various genres of music.

Colleen Power (BA ’10) of CHMR 93.5 FM picked up the Ray Agency media person of the year award.

Gary Graham (Honorary LLD ’13) was posthumously awarded MusicNL’s lifetime achievement award. His award was accepted by Fraser Loveys. Graham, a Corner Brook-based music teacher, who MusicNL described as a “mentor extraordinaire,” died last June.

Originally from Nova Scotia, Graham moved to Corner Brook in 1966 and taught in many of the city’s schools. After retiring in 1998, he continued to teach privately, working with musical theatre and choral programs. The performing arts division of Gros Morne Summer Music was established and named for Graham, who also served as chairman of Gros Morne Summer Music.