Dr. Vianne Timmons

I would like to end this very challenging year with a message of hope. As Ben Franklin famously said, “Out of adversity comes opportunity.”

It was tough for our students to make the switch to remote learning; but they persevered and, in fact, enrolled in record numbers last semester. Similarly, our faculty and staff were thrown a curve ball when we stopped on-campus classes, but rose to the challenge and perhaps learned a new thing or two.

The challenges of this year will long be remembered, but I hope we also remember the moments of hope and positivity. The way residence staff and students stepped up during Snowmageddon to keep everyone safe, fed and comfortable. When COVID-19 changed our world and the launch of the Student Emergency Fund received unprecedented support – almost $297,000 raised to support students in need.

And, most recently, when all campuses focused on supporting our communities through charity drives that raised thousands of dollars – and thousands of pounds of food. We are a community that supports each other and supports our communities, and for that I am immeasurably proud.

I see so many opportunities for Memorial and I am committed to working hard on behalf of your university. On behalf of the entire Memorial community, I wish you the very best for 2021.

Season's greetings from the senior leadership team of Memorial Uniiversity.