October 2021: Full academic journey
Last month, we welcomed students back to our campuses for in-person learning. To see some of them take their first steps into the classroom as they begin their academic journey has been energizing, to say the least.
Then last week, I was thrilled to finally be able to attend the first in-person convocation since 2019. I loved seeing our new alumni walk confidently across the stage, celebrating all of their hard work.
When I saw them take photos with their loved ones after the ceremony, joyous in this milestone moment in their lives, I felt their pride.
We want to support our students and our alumni on every step of their journey. The best way we know how to do that is to follow the blueprint for the future laid out in Memorial’s strategic plan, Transforming Our Horizons.
Our future will be guided by five strategic priorities: dynamic research; promotion and pride; commitment to communities; inspired learning; and proactive programs.
This month we also celebrate the recipients of the 40th annual Alumni Tribute Awards.
The awards recognize alumni who have achieved distinction in their chosen fields, are committed to their alma mater and have made outstanding contributions to their communities.
Our award recipients are living Memorial’s vision of contributing to a socially resilient, economically prosperous, culturally vibrant, inclusive, healthy and sustainable province.
Dr. Liqin Chen, our Alumnus of the Year, used his dynamic research during his PhD program to earn the title of fellow of the School of Graduate Studies. With this education and an entrepreneurial spirit, he went on to establish a multimillion-dollar international pharmaceutical company, employing 250 people with customers in 75 countries. By giving more than $1 million to Memorial's Department of Chemistry for scholarships and awards, he has made it possible for 125 students to follow in his footsteps by funding scholarships and awards and creating opportunities for them to enrich the future of our province with their discoveries.
Peg Hunter exemplifies promotion and pride of her alma mater. This year’s recipient of the J.D. Eaton Award for outstanding contributions to Memorial, she has welcomed people into the Memorial community by establishing the alumni volunteer board in the Greater Toronto Area, volunteering during the university’s Dare To campaign and serving on the Genesis board of directors – just to name a few ways that she builds engagement with our communities.
Lori Pike, one of our own Memorial staff members, is committed to our communities. It has earned her the Outstanding Community Service Award for 2021. Working closely with Candlelighters N.L., a charitable organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for children diagnosed with cancer, she uses her expertise and empathy to support families navigating this difficult journey. Her tireless effort is helping our community to thrive and achieve social well-being.
Jason-Louis Carmichael is this year’s Horizon Award recipient, a recognition of exceptional achievement by a Memorial graduate 35 years of age and younger. He completed a bachelor of resource management at Grenfell Campus that combined academic courses, research and a field course at our Bonne Bay Marine Station – re-imagining a typical learning experience. His unceasing desire to learn combined with this inspired learning led him around the world to tackle global issues around access to health care.
Last, but certainly not least, we have the founders of Verafin: Jamie King, Brendan Brothers and Raymond Pretty. They are the recipients of our Luminus Award, presented this year for the first time since 2006.
This award is for special recognition of extraordinary achievements and is designated by the Alumni Tribute Awards Selection Committee under special circumstances.
If we are looking for an economically prosperous future for Newfoundland and Labrador, we should look to Verafin. In 2019 the company raised the largest venture capital deal ever in Canadian history at $515 million. Then on Nov. 19, 2020, Nasdaq announced its intent to acquire Verafin for US$2.75 billion.
Verafin chose to remain in our province and they continue to support Memorial University through scholarship, research and programming. Support like this is essential as we build proactive programs that prepare our students to be global citizens who can meet the needs of tomorrow.
Within the past two months, I have been able to witness and celebrate a full academic journey: from a student tentatively stepping into their first post-secondary class to our most celebrated alumni running successful careers and community endeavours.
How wonderful to be so clearly reminded of why we are all here.