November 2020: Monthly update from the President
One of the true joys of my role as president is meeting people who are passionate about their community. I always learn a lot in these conversations and I’m particularly gratified when I can find a connection to Memorial – and there is almost always a connection!
On Nov. 17, I spoke to the St. John’s Northwest Rotary Club. Meeting this group of community-minded citizens in person, while following all public safety protocols, was a wonderful opportunity to do just that.
During my presentation, I outlined my arrival in March, the challenges of starting a new job during a pandemic and how visiting dozens of nooks and crannies throughout the province led me to find Memorial connections at virtually every stop.
But mostly, I stressed how impressed and proud I am of Memorial University and how every Newfoundlander and Labradorian should feel the same. We are a powerhouse of opportunity – an economic driver that reaches far beyond the overpass: driving aquaculture on the South Coast, mining in Central and medicine in the North, just to name a few.
Alumni are starting businesses and companies are growing throughout Newfoundland and Labrador with the help of Memorial students and graduates.
There is no greater example of the impact our alumni have in this province than Verafin.
This anti-fraud technology company was founded by three engineering graduates: Raymond Pretty, Brendan Brothers and Jamie King, and got its start in our business incubator, Genesis.
The Nov. 19 announcement of Nasdaq acquiring Verafin for US$2.75 billion will have a transformative impact on our province – and our university – for years to come.
The agreement commits Nasdaq to work closely with Memorial to grow the university’s scholarship program, enhance its co-operative education programs and fund and supervise at least six Mitacs fellowships annually for master’s and PhD students. Nasdaq also said it would invest US$1 million in a research and development partnership project with Genesis.
We’re in a good place, and we’re only going to get better.
The presentation to Rotary is now available online.
I hope you’ll take the time to check it out and I look forward to the time when I can meet you in person to find your Memorial connection.