Description of convocation awards

Governor General's Medals

Three Governor General's Medals are awarded at Convocation: two Gold Medals to the graduate students who achieve the highest academic standing in their graduate degree program; and a Silver Medal to the undergraduate student obtaining a first degree who stands highest in the graduating class and has an average of first-class standing.

University Medals for Academic Excellence (St John's)

University Medals for Academic Excellence are given in the graduating year to candidates for Bachelor's degrees who are recommended by the appropriate Dean/Director/Department Head of each of the following: Anthropology, Archaeology, Behavioural Neuroscience, Biochemistry, Biochemistry (Nutrition), Biology, Business Administration, Chemistry, Classics, Communication Studies, Computer Science, Criminology, Earth Sciences, Economics, Education (Intermediate/Secondary, Music, Post-Secondary, Primary/Elementary), Engineering (Civil, Computer, Electrical, Mechanical, Ocean and Naval Architectural, Process), English, Folklore, French, Gender Studies, Geography, German, History, Human Kinetics and Recreation (Co-operative), Kinesiology, Law and Society, Linguistics, Maritime Studies, Mathematics (Applied Mathematics, Pure Mathematics, and Statistics), Medicine, Medieval Studies, Music, Nursing, Pharmacy, Philosophy, Physical Education, Physics, Police Studies, Political Science, Psychology, Recreation, Religious Studies, Russian, Social Work, Sociology, Spanish, and Technology.

University Medals for Academic Excellence (Grenfell Campus)

University Medals for Academic Excellence are given in the graduating year to candidates for Bachelor's degrees who are recommended by the Head of the Division of each of the following: Business Administration, Computational Mathematics, English, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, General Science, Historical Studies, Humanities, Physics, Psychology,  Resource Management, Social/Cultural Studies, Theatre and Visual Arts.

University Medal for Excellence in an All-Course Master's Program

The medal is awarded by the Dean of Graduate Studies to a student graduating at the Master's level who has demonstrated academic excellence in course work throughout his/her graduate program. One medal may be awarded in each academic year.

University Medal for Excellence in a Thesis-Based Master's Program

The medal is awarded by the Dean of Graduate Studies to a Master's candidate who has demonstrated excellence in the production of a thesis. One medal may be awarded in each academic year.

Advisory Board Chair's Leadership Award

This award, established by the Advisory Board of the Faculty of Business Administration, is to be presented annually to the graduating business student (undergraduate) who has demonstrated the most chairperson-like characteristics through leadership in student affairs and service to the community during his/her university years. The award will be made by the Dean of the Faculty, on the advice of his colleagues, and in consultation with the Chair of the Advisory Board.

College of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador Award for Excellence in M.N./M.Sc.N Program

The College of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador (CRNNL) offers an annual award to two graduating students of the Master of Nursing/Master of Science in Nursing Program. One award will be given to a student in the practicum option, and one award will be given to a student in the Nurse Practitioner option. The practicum awards will be based on a high quality practicum projects as evaluated by the practicum supervisors. The Nurse Practitioner award will be based on the recommendations of the Nurse Practitioner program coordinator as evaluated by the faculty members and preceptors. In all cases the successful student must have achieved a minimum average of 75% in courses required for the program as well as hold a CRNNL license to practice. These awards are made at the annual Convocation. They will be awarded by the Dean, School of Graduate Studies based on a recommendation from the Associate Dean (Graduate Programs), Faculty of Nursing.

College of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador Award for Excellence in Graduate Diploma in Nursing (Post-Master’s Nurse Practitioner)

The College of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador (CRNNL) offers an annual award to one graduating student of the Graduate Diploma in Nursing (Post-Master’s Nurse Practitioner) Program. The award will be based on the recommendations of the Nurse Practitioner program coordinator as evaluated by the faculty members and preceptors. The successful student must have achieved a minimum average of 75% in courses required for the program as well as hold a CRNNL license to practice. These awards are made at the annual Convocation. They will be awarded by the Dean, School of Graduate Studies based on a recommendation from the Associate Dean (Graduate Programs), Faculty of Nursing.

College of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador Award of Excellence in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Collaborative) Program

The College of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador offers a $200.00 Award of Excellence to a graduating student who has demonstrated excellence in nursing practice. The award will be given to a graduating student in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Collaborative) program.

Austrian Ambassador's Prize

This prize, a book award, is to be awarded annually by the Senate Committee on Undergraduate Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards on the recommendation of the Head, Department of Modern Languages, Literatures, Cultures, to a graduating student who has majored in German Language and Literature and has a consistently good academic record at the University.

Captain Robert A. Bartlett Science Award

As a spontaneous expression of their admiration and affection for a man who has a lasting place in the history of polar exploration, the Explorers' Club of New York and two kindred organizations - the Wilderness Club of Philadelphia and the Harvard Travellers' Club of Massachusetts - donated a sum of money to this University, as a memorial to Captain Bartlett. The University has placed this money in a trust fund, the interest on which is the value of the award. It will be based primarily on academic excellence. Consideration may also be given to the demonstration of the spirit of scientific exploration. The award is made annually to a student graduating in Science, on the recommendation of the President.

Book Prize of the General Consul of Switzerland in Montreal

One prize in French and one in German are awarded annually to graduating students who have majored in these languages. The prize in French is awarded on the recommendation of the Head, Modern Languages, Literatures, Cultures, and the prize in German on the recommendation of the Head, Modern Languages, Literatures, Cultures.

Brepols Book Prize in Medieval Studies

Brepols Publishing, Turnhout, Belgium, an international academic publisher with a very strong interest in medieval studies, has agreed to donate a prize consisting of a book to be selected from their current catalogue, to be awarded each year to an outstanding student graduating with Medieval Studies as a second major. The award will be made by the Senate Committee on Undergraduate Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards on the recommendation of the Co-ordinator of Medieval Studies. If in any year there is no outstanding candidate in the opinion of the Co-ordinator, it will not be awarded.

Reginald H. Brown Q.C. Memorial Scholarship

The Reginald H. Brown Q.C. Memorial Scholarship is established at Memorial University of Newfoundland in memory of Reginald H. Brown, K. St. J., Q.C., through generous lead donations by Pamela Brown and Reg’s colleagues at Cox & Palmer. Described as “a lawyer’s lawyer”, Reg Brown was a loyal friend and colleague who combined a very challenging and successful litigation practice with the leadership of his law firm as managing partner of Cox & Palmer, an Atlantic Canadian law firm established only two weeks before his death in early 2007. Reg balanced his demanding professional life and leadership in service of his profession and the community with the philosophy that family came first. The Reginald H. Brown Q.C. Memorial Scholarship is to be awarded at convocation to a student graduating from any area of study and accepted at law school. Selection will be made on the basis of academic excellence (with a minimum of scholarship standing) and demonstrated leadership qualities as epitomized by Reg in charitable, athletic, artistic or political endeavours, whether in student life or in the community at large. The scholarship will be awarded by the Senate Committee on Undergraduate Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards.

Dick Buehler Award in Theatre

This award is given to a student, at Spring Convocation, who has successfully completed all the Theatre courses or the requirements for the Diploma in Stage and Screen Technique who will continue their training at an institution of higher learning or as an apprentice to an approved professional theatre or film company. Preference will be given to a student whose primary interest is in technical theatre. It will be awarded by the Senate Committee on Undergraduate Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards on the recommendation of the Co-ordinator, Diploma in Stage and Screen Technique.

Dr. Sharon Buehler Community Health and Humanities Convocation Award

This award has been established to honour the career achievements of Dr. Sharon Buehler during her 30 years of service at Memorial University of Newfoundland’s Faculty of Medicine. Although Dr. Buehler retired as an Associate Professor of epidemiology in 2001, she continued to be engaged in research as an Honorary Research Professor; she chaired Memorial’s Human Investigation Committee for many years and later, as it transitioned to a province-wide ethics board under the Provincial Health Research Ethics Authority, she chaired the Policy Advisory Group and worked tirelessly on the redrafting of HIC’s Policy and Procedures Manual. Dr. Buehler’s work benefitted not only the University, but the local, provincial, and national communities as well. This award recognizes the academic excellence of students in the Community Health and Humanities Graduate Programs. Valued at a portion of the income on the endowment, this convocation award will be granted annually to a graduating student from one of the thesis-based Graduate Programs of the Division of Community Health and Humanities. The recipient will be selected based on faculty nominations demonstrating academic excellence in Community Health and Humanities. Demonstration of community involvement in extra-curricular activities and a commitment to social justice will strengthen the application. Nominations will be accepted by the Associate Dean, Community Health and Humanities. This award will be granted by the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies on the recommendation of the Assistant Dean, Research and Graduate Studies, Faculty of Medicine.

Faculty of Business Administration Advisory Board Bachelor of Business Administration Award for Excellence

This award, established by the Advisory Board of the Faculty of Business Administration, is to be presented annually to an outstanding student in the graduating class of the Bachelor of Business Administration program. The recipient will be selected based on a combination of academic performance, demonstrated leadership and general contribution within the program, the University, or the community. This award will be made by the Senate Committee on Undergraduate Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards upon the recommendation of the Dean of the Faculty of Business Administration.

Faculty of Business Administration Advisory Board B.Comm. (Co-op) Award for Excellence

This award, established by the Advisory Board of the Faculty of Business Administration, is to be presented annually to an outstanding student in the graduating class of the Bachelor of Commerce (Co-op) program. The recipient will be selected based on a combination of academic performance, demonstrated leadership and general contribution within the program. This award will be made by the Senate Committee on Undergraduate Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards upon the recommendation of the Dean of the Faculty of Business Administration.

Faculty of Business Administration Advisory Board M.B.A. Award for Excellence

This award, established by the Advisory Board of the Faculty of Business Administration, is to be presented annually to the outstanding student in the graduating class of the M.B.A. program. The recipient will be selected based on academic performance, demonstrated leadership and general contribution within the program. Selection will be made by the Scholarship Advisory Committee of the Faculty of Business Administration, acting on the advice of the Dean of the Faculty.

Faculty of Business Administration Dean's Award

These awards are made by the Dean of the Faculty, on the advice of colleagues, to graduating students who have demonstrated academic excellence together with leadership qualities within the Faculty of Business Administration and/or the University.

Faculty of Business Administration Dean's MBA Award

This award is made by the Dean of the Faculty, on the advice of colleagues, to a graduating MBA student in recognition of academic excellence together with demonstrated leadership qualities in graduate student activities and service to the Faculty and/or the University.

Faculty of Education Dean’s Graduate Award

This award established by the Dean of the Faculty of Education will be presented to a graduating Master’s or Ph.D. student in recognition of academic excellence together with leadership qualities in graduate student activities and service to the Faculty of Education and/or the University. The award will be made by the Dean of Graduate Studies upon recommendation of the Dean, Faculty of Education.

Faculty of Education Dean’s Undergraduate Award

This award established by the Dean of the Faculty of Education will be presented to a graduating Bachelor of Education student in recognition of a consistently good academic record in the professional courses required for the degree as well as leadership qualities within the Faculty of Education and/or the University. One award will be presented to a student at the St. John’s Campus and a second award will be presented to a student at Grenfell Campus. The awards will be made by the Senate Committee on Undergraduate Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards upon the recommendation of the Dean, Faculty of Education.

Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science Dean's Award of Excellence (M.Eng. Program)

These awards are made by the Dean of the Faculty, on the advice of Faculty’s graduate studies Awards and Medals Sub-Committee, to graduating students who have demonstrated academic excellence in the research-based M.Eng. program.

Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science Dean's Award of Excellence (Course-Based Master’s Program)

These awards are given by the Dean of the Faculty, on the advice of Faculty’s graduate studies Awards and Medals Sub-Committee, to graduating students who have demonstrated academic excellence in the course-based Master’s program.

Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science Dean's Award of Excellence (Graduate Diploma Program)

These awards are given by the Dean of the Faculty, on the advice of Faculty’s graduate studies Awards and Medals Sub-Committee, to graduating students who have demonstrated academic excellence in the graduate Diploma in Safety and Risk Engineering program.

Canadian Association of Geographers (CAG) Award

The Canadian Association of Geographers (CAG) Award is given to the top student graduating with an Honours or General degree majoring in Geography in each university in Canada. The award at Memorial University of Newfoundland is made by the Senate Committee on Undergraduate Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards upon a recommendation from the head of the Geography Department. Recipients receive a one-year membership in the association which includes a Subscription of The Canadian Geographer, a professional journal.

Canadian Society for Civil Engineering, CSCE, Newfoundland and Labrador Section Convocation Award

Each year the local section of the Canadian Society for Civil Engineering awards a prize which consists of a certificate and $200.00 cash to the top student graduating with a Bachelor of Engineering - Civil, from Memorial University of Newfoundland. The successful candidate will have demonstrated commitment, dedication and consistent performance in academic as well as work terms. It will be awarded by the Senate Committee on Undergraduate Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards upon the recommendation of the Dean, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science.

Canadian Society of Mechanical Engineering Medal for Academic Excellence

Each year the Canadian Society of Mechanical Engineering awards a medal and certificate for outstanding achievement to a graduating student in the baccalaureate program in Mechanical Engineering who also demonstrates commitment, dedication and consistent performance in academic as well as work terms. It will be awarded by the Senate Committee on Undergraduate Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards upon the recommendation of the Dean, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science.

Chancellor's Graduate Award

The Chancellor's Graduate Award is given at Convocation to the student of the graduating class who has demonstrated the greatest leadership contribution to graduate student life and other areas of the community during his/her university years. It is awarded by the Senate Committee on Undergraduate Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards based on a recommendation from the President in consultation with the Provost and Vice-President (Academic) and the Dean, School of Graduate Studies.

Chancellor's Undergraduate Award

The Chancellor's Undergraduate Award is given at Convocation to the student of the graduating class who has demonstrated the greatest leadership contribution to undergraduate student life and other areas of the community during his or her university years. It is awarded by the Senate Committee on Undergraduate Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards based on a recommendation from the President in consultation with the Provost and Vice-President (Academic).

Chancellor's Undergraduate Award Grenfell Campus

This award is given at the Grenfell Campus Convocation to the student of the graduating class who has demonstrated the greatest leadership contribution to undergraduate student life and other areas of the community during his or her university years at the Grenfell Campus. It is awarded by the Senate Committee on Undergraduate Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards based on a recommendation from the Vice-President, Grenfell Campus in consultation with the University President.

Senator Joan Cook Convocation Award in Canadian Politics

The Senator Joan Cook Convocation Award in Canadian Politics was established through generous donations from Senator Cook’s friends and colleagues upon the occasion of her retirement from the Senate and in celebration of her long career in Canadian politics. This award will be given to an undergraduate student at convocation who has the highest average in their Canadian Politics Course during the last two years of their program. It will be awarded by the Senate Committee on Undergraduate Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards upon the recommendation of the Department Head, Political Science.

Cox and Palmer Prize in Law and Society

This prize is for the student graduating from the Law and Society major or minor program with the highest academic average. The recipient must have obtained an overall average of at least 75%, completed the course program in the normal number of years and be recommended to the Senate Committee on Undergraduate Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards by the Co-ordinator of the Law and Society program.

Dean's Honour Award in Engineering

This award is in recognition of outstanding contribution made to the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science through leadership in student affairs and service to the community while maintaining high academic standing.

David Dunsiger Award for Excellence

This award is for excellence in graduate studies in the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, and commemorates the contribution of Dr. A. David Dunsiger, a member of the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science from 1974-79. It is awarded at the Spring Convocation to a graduate in the preceding year who produces work of outstanding quality. The recipient will be selected by the Faculty of Engineering Scholarship Advisory Committee, on the advice of the Dean of Engineering and Applied Science and the Dean of Graduate Studies.

Fry Family Foundation Graduate Leadership Award

The Fry Family Foundation Leadership Award is presented to a graduate student who has been selected as Memorial University’s most outstanding student leader. It provides an award of $10,000.00 to the student who has contributed significantly to student life at Memorial University of Newfoundland, has assumed a variety of leadership responsibilities in various positions and has made a significant contribution to the betterment of their community. This award is given at Convocation to the student who has been selected to receive the Chancellor Award which is the most prestigious leadership recognition awarded by Memorial University. This award will be made by the Dean, School of Graduate Studies.

Fry Family Foundation Undergraduate Leadership Award

The Fry Family Foundation Undergraduate Leadership Award is part of the Fry Family Foundation Awards program, which was established to recognize and encourage tomorrow’s great leaders. The Fry Family Foundation was founded by Darryl and Marlene (nee Sellars) Fry, who were born, raised and educated in Newfoundland and Labrador. They are alumni of Memorial University and have a passion for both the university and the province. The Foundation helps to build stronger communities by investing in the development of young talent, as well as supporting health, social causes, nature and the arts. Valued at $5,000, this leadership award recognizes an undergraduate student who has been selected as Memorial University of Newfoundland’s most outstanding undergraduate student leader. It is presented at convocation to the recipient of the Chancellor’s Undergraduate Award. This award will be granted by the Senate Committee on Undergraduate Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards.

Holy Heart of Mary Legacy Convocation Award

The Holy Heart of Mary Legacy Convocation Award was established in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the opening of Holy Heart of Mary High School in 1958. The fund was created with the generous support of the Alumni of that school to celebrate the legacy of excellence in teaching established by the school’s founders the Sisters of Mercy and the Presentation Sisters. Valued at a portion of the income from the endowment it will be awarded at the Fall Convocation to a student graduating with a bachelor of Education (Intermediate/Secondary) who excelled academically as well as in the internship. It will be awarded by the Senate Committee on Undergraduate Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards on the recommendation of the Dean, Faculty of Education.

A.C. Hunter Prize in English

The A.C. Hunter Prize in English, established by the late Mrs. A.C. Hunter in memory of her husband, formerly Head of the Departments of English and French, and Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences and Science at this University, has a value of $100.00 and is awarded annually at the Spring Convocation to the graduating student majoring in English who stands highest in the General Degree program. The prize is awarded by the Senate Committee on Undergraduate Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards on the recommendation of the Head, Department of English.

IEEE Newfoundland and Labrador Section Award

This award, which consists of a certificate and cash prize, is presented at the Spring Convocation to a graduating student in the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science (Electrical and Computer Engineering Program) who has had a consistently good academic record in the professional courses required for the degree and who has made a significant contribution to the Faculty and to the IEEE student branch. It is awarded annually by the Senate Committee on Undergraduate Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards on the recommendation of the Dean, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science.

Gordon and Helen Jones Convocation Award for Excellence in English

This convocation award was established by her loving husband and colleague in memory of Professor Helen Jones, an inspiring and supportive teacher in the Department of English. Valued at a portion of the income from the endowment, it will be awarded annually to a student who is graduating with a B.A., honours or general degree, with a major in English, who has achieved the highest average mark in their English courses. In the event of more than one student sharing the highest mark, the award will be made to the student who has completed the largest number of English courses. The award will be awarded by the Senate Committee on Undergraduate Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards upon the recommendation of the Head, Department of English.

Margaret Waterman Kelly Teaching Prize

This prize is named in memory of Margaret Waterman Kelly, a student of Memorial University College and a teacher in pre-Confederation Newfoundland whose life exemplified the highest ideals of education and volunteerism. This prize was established by her daughter, Dr. Ursula Kelly, to commemorate this lifework. Valued at a portion of the income on the endowment, the prize will be awarded annually to a female student from Newfoundland and Labrador, enrolled in the Faculty of Education at Memorial University of Newfoundland who, upon graduation with a Bachelor’s degree in Education (Primary/Elementary or Intermediate/Secondary), has demonstrated excellence in teaching combined with commitment to community service. The recipient must meet the minimum academic requirements for a prize as defined by the university. The prize will be awarded by the Senate Committee on Undergraduate Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards on the recommendation of the Dean, Faculty of Education.

Law Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador Law School Scholarship

The Law Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador Law School Scholarship was established by a generous gift of $75,000 in 2018 from the Law Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Foundation provides grants to advance public understanding of the law and access to legal services. Its objects for funding are legal education, legal research, law reform, legal aid, legal referral service, law libraries and law scholarships. Valued at a portion of the income on the endowment, the Scholarship is awarded in the spring to a student graduating from any area of study at Memorial University who has been accepted into a Canadian law school in the fall and who graduated from a high school in the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador. Selection is made on the basis of academic excellence and demonstrated leadership qualities. The student must meet the minimum academic requirements for a scholarship as defined by the University. The Scholarship is awarded by the Senate Committee on Undergraduate Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards upon the recommendation of the selection committee at Memorial University.

William J. May Prize in Post-Secondary Studies (Undergraduate)

This prize, valued at a portion of the annual income on the endowment, was established by friends and family of the late Mr. William J. May. Mr. May was Director of Technical and Vocational Education for the province for a number of years and received an Honorary Doctorate from Memorial University of Newfoundland for his contributions to that field. The prize will also consist of a small certificate suitable for framing and will be awarded to the undergraduate student of the graduating class who receives the Medal of Excellence for Post-Secondary Studies (formerly Vocational Education) in his/her graduating year. In a year when there is no suitable candidate it will not be awarded. The prize will be awarded by the Senate Committee on Undergraduate Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards on the recommendation of the Dean, Faculty of Education.

MBA Award for Academic Excellence

This award is to be presented annually to the student in the graduating class of the MBA program who achieves the highest academic standing.

Memorial University of Newfoundland English Student Society (MESS) Award

This award was established in 2000 as a result of funds raised by the Memorial University English Students' Society (MESS) and the Faculty of the Department of English. The MESS Award recognizes the outstanding contribution to student life at Memorial University of Newfoundland made by the Memorial English Students' Society. It will be awarded annually at the Spring Convocation to one or more graduating English Honours or Major students who have consistently good academic records and who have made outstanding contributions to student life. The award will be valued at the annual interest on the endowment and will be awarded by the Senate Committee on Undergraduate Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards on the recommendation of the Head, Department of English.

MER Award for Academic Excellence

This award is to be presented annually to the student in the graduating class of the MER program who achieves the highest academic standing, with the provision that the student must obtain an A average in their MER.

Grace Morgan Prize in Biochemistry (Nutrition)

This prize is for the student graduating in honors Biochemistry (Nutrition) with the highest standing. The recipient must have obtained an overall average of at least 75%, completed the course program in the normal number of years and be recommended to the Senate Committee on Undergraduate Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards by the Head, Department of Biochemistry.

Margaret Fitzpatrick Morgan Medal in Nursing

This award will be made by the Senate Committee on Undergraduate Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards on the recommendation of the Dean, School of Nursing, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

Harvey and Doris Murcell Scholarship in Religious Studies

This scholarship, donated to the University by Doris and the late Harvey Murcell of Harbour Grace, and valued at $500.00, is awarded to a graduating student majoring in Religious Studies. To be eligible for the award, a student must have scholarship standing. Financial need, and the student's contribution to the Department of Religious Studies, may be considered. The award is made by the Senate Committee on Undergraduate Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards on the recommendation of the Head, Department of Religious Studies.

Newfoundland & Labrador College of Social Workers' Student Award

The Newfoundland and Labrador College of Social Workers’ Student Award is presented annually to a member of the BSW graduating class at Memorial University of Newfoundland who has demonstrated a high level of practice competence in field practica and commitment to the social work profession.

Newfoundland & Labrador Teachers' Association Medal

This medal is awarded to a graduating student in Education who has had a consistently good academic record in the professional courses required for the degree and who has made an outstanding contribution to the Faculty of Education and to the University.

Dr. Heather Onyett Convocation Award for the Master of Public Health

This award was established by a donation from Dr. Heather Onyett, BAH (Modern History, Toronto), MD (Memorial University of Newfoundland), FRCPC, FAAP, Masters of Public Health (Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Delta Omega Alpha), Diploma in Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (Liverpool, Gold medal in International Community Health), Professor Emeritus, Queen’s University, Kingston, Canada. She was the first Pediatrician to graduate from Memorial University of Newfoundland’s Medical School, and provided comprehensive pediatric care in the Grenfell region of northern Newfoundland and Labrador (1979-1985), highlighted in the inaugural issue of the Grenfell Quarterly. Her specialty knowledge in Pediatrics, Infectious Diseases, Tropical Medicine and Public Health has been infused into all of her clinical and scholarly activities in Canada, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Her expertise has been recognized with awards including the Boston University School of Public Health Summer Excellence in Teaching Award for Maternal and Child Health in Lower Income Countries. Valued at a portion of the income on the endowment, this convocation award will be given annually to a graduating student in the Master of Public Health program of the Division of Community Health and Humanities, Memorial University of Newfoundland. The recipient will be selected based on nomination by coordinators of the Master in Public Health programs, demonstrating academic excellence in the Master of Public Health program in the Division of Community Health and Humanities. The award will be granted by the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies on the recommendation of the Assistant Dean, Research and Graduate Studies, Faculty of Medicine.

Professional Engineers and Geoscientists Newfoundland and Labrador Anniversary Award

The Professional Engineers and Geoscientists Newfoundland and Labrador offers an Award in the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science to mark the occasion of fifty years of Engineering education at Memorial University of Newfoundland. The award, to be tenable by a student in each year's graduating class, is to be awarded on the following conditions:

  1. high academic standing;
  2. outstanding leadership qualities;
  3. involvement in extracurricular activities;
  4. all-round contribution.

The selection of the winner is to be based on the recommendation of a Selection Committee within the Faculty.

Professional Engineers and Geoscientists Newfoundland and Labrador Award for Excellence

The Professional Engineers and Geoscientists Newfoundland and Labrador has established an "Award for Excellence", which may be made to a student at Memorial University of Newfoundland who obtains an Engineering degree in not more than eight consecutive academic terms and who has completed the prescribed courses with the highest average mark in all the courses. This award takes the form of a framed "Award for Excellence", suitably engraved, and presented by PEGNL at or about the time of Convocation.

Professional Engineers and Geoscientists Newfoundland and Labrador Award for Excellence in Geoscience

The Professional Engineers and Geoscientists Newfoundland and Labrador have established an award for excellence in Geoscience which shall be awarded to the graduating student at Memorial University of Newfoundland who has shown the highest degree of academic excellence during his/her geoscience education. It takes the form of a framed "Award for Excellence" which is engraved and presented by PEGNL on or about the time of convocation. The award will be made by the Senate Committee on Undergraduate Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards upon recommendation of the Head, Department of Earth Sciences.

Prize of the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany

This prize, a book award, the gift of the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany in Canada, is to be awarded annually by the Senate Committee on Undergraduate Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards on the recommendation of the Head, Department of Modern Languages, Literatures, Cultures, to a graduating student who has majored in German Language and Literature and has a consistently good academic record at the University.

Drs. James and Leslie Rourke Dean's Convocation Award in Medicine

This award was established by a generous donation from Dr. James Rourke, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine from 2004 to 2016, and Dr. Leslie Rourke. Valued at a portion of the income on the endowment, it will be awarded annually to the graduating medical student who has made an outstanding personal contribution to bettering the lives of others through volunteer work and humanitarian acts while maintaining high academic standing. Consideration will be given to students who have exhibited the following characteristics: altruism, kindness and compassion. The recipient must meet the minimum academic requirements for an award as defined by Memorial University of Newfoundland. This award will be granted by the Senate Committee on Undergraduate Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards on the recommendation of the Dean’s Advisory Committee on Undergraduate Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards.

Lisa Savage MBA Convocation Award

This award is made by the Dean of the Faculty of Business Administration, on the advice of colleagues, to a graduating MBA student who has demonstrated a commitment to excellence, integrity and quality in their program. This award commemorates the significant contribution of Lisa Savage, a member of the Faculty of Business Administration, to the MBA program from 1989-2015.

Society of Chemical Industry Merit Award

The student graduating in Honours Chemistry and Biochemistry with the highest standing will receive a suitably engraved gold key and a year's Subscription to Chemistry and Industry. The recipient must have obtained an overall average of at least 75%, completed the course program in the normal number of years, and be recommended to the Senate Committee on Undergraduate Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards by the Heads, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.

George M. Story Convocation Award in Arts

This award was established in memory of Dr. George M. Story, Professor Emeritus of Memorial University of Newfoundland. It is awarded to a student graduating with a Bachelor of Arts who has demonstrated, as did Dr. Story, both academic excellence and outstanding commitment to serving the University and the community. It will be awarded by the Senate Committee on Undergraduate Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards upon the recommendation of the Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Leslie Thoms Convocation Award

This award, valued at the interest on an endowment, was provided by friends and family of the late Mr. Thoms. It will be awarded at convocation to the undergraduate student of the graduating class who has shown positive, outstanding leadership in student affairs and activities during his or her university career while carrying a full-time course load for the majority of their undergraduate studies and maintaining good academic standing. It will be awarded by the Senate Committee on Undergraduate Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards on the recommendation of the Provost and Vice-President (Academic).

Blair Tulk Memorial Award

This award was established by generous donations from friends and family in memory of Mr. Blair Tulk, a Faculty of Education student who passed away in April 2015. Blair graduated from Memorial University of Newfoundland with a Bachelor of Arts degree and posthumously with a Bachelor of Education degree. He was known for his loving and enthusiastic character that shone through wherever he was and with whomever he met – qualities that made a positive impact on his students. For Blair, teaching wasn’t just a career choice but a passion. In honour of that passion, this award will be granted based on demonstrated creativity, enthusiasm and the ability to connect with students. Valued at $500.00, it will be awarded annually to the graduating student from the Bachelor of Education (Intermediate-Secondary) program who best exemplifies these traits. The recipient must meet the minimum academic requirements for an award as defined by the University. This award will be granted by the Senate Committee on Undergraduate Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards on the recommendation of a committee within the Faculty of Education as determined by the Dean.

Moire A. Wadleigh Graduate Award for Excellence in Environmental Science

This award was established by a generous donations from the friends of the late Dr. Moire Wadleigh, friend and colleague, caring teacher, dedicated scientist and beacon of excellence in Environmental Science and Geoscience. Valued at a portion of the income on the endowment, three awards may be presented annually:

  1. The best Ph.D. thesis in Environmental Science within the previous 12 months.
  2. The best Master of Science thesis in Environmental Science within the previous 12 months.
  3. The best Master of Environmental Science program project and report completed within the previous 12 months.

The recipient must meet the minimum academic requirements for an award as defined by Memorial University of Newfoundland. These awards will be granted by the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies on the recommendation of the Board of Studies of the Graduate Program in Environmental Science.

Dr. James L. Walker Convocation Award

This award was established in memory of Dr. James L. Walker, a Brandon University department head, psychology professor and research consultant whose innovative teaching, socially relevant research and integration of research into treatment programs for Alzheimer’s patients transformed the lives of students, colleagues and patients. Valued at a portion of the income on the investment, it will be awarded at convocation to a graduating undergraduate student in any honours program in the Department of Psychology who has demonstrated both academic excellence (a minimum of clear standing) and leadership within their community. The award will be conferred by the Senate Committee on Undergraduate Scholarships, Bursaries, and Awards upon the recommendation of the Head, Department of Psychology.

Captain George C. Whiteley English Prize

This prize is the gift of Mr. George C. Whiteley, Jr., a student of Memorial University College, 1926-27, in memory of his father, the late Captain George C. Whiteley. The prize, of the value of $100.00, is awarded annually by the Senate Committee on Undergraduate Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards on the recommendation of the Head, Department of English, to the student who graduates with B.A.(Hons.) in English with the highest standing. In the event that at any convocation there is no Honours graduate in English, the prize may be awarded to a graduating student of outstanding academic merit and promise in the General Degree program who is selected and recommended for the award by the Department of English. Other things being equal, the prize will be awarded to a student who has produced original work of literary merit.