Zaren Healey White

The Memorial University Volunteer Day awards ceremony, hosted annually by the Student Volunteer Bureau, recognized outstanding student volunteers and volunteer groups on the St. John's campus on March 25, 2026.

Guest speakers and award presenters included Memorial President Dr. Janet Morrison, Associate Vice-President (Academic) and Dean of Students Dr. Christine Arnold, Director of Student Life Dr. Jennifer Browne, Director of Student Life with the MUN Students’ Union Blake Colbran, and CEO of the Community Sector Council NL Colin Corcoran.

2026 Volunteer Day award recipients

Volunteer Student Group of the Year: MUN UNICEF Club

David Kirkland Student Leadership Award: Norman Burry

Student Volunteer of the Year: Lauren Ringer

Volunteer Residence of the Year: Shiwak Hall

Glenn Roy Blundon Award: Halie Hindy

All Volunteer Day award recipients and special guests

 

Volunteer Student Group of the Year recipients MUN UNICEF Club

Over the past year, the MUN UNICEF Club mobilized nearly 90 student volunteers to lead dozens of fundraisers, awareness initiatives, and community partnerships that supported children’s rights locally and globally. Through creative events such as book sales, bake sales, clothing drives, training sessions, and collaborative initiatives with community organizations, the club raised over $10,000 while engaging hundreds of students in meaningful volunteerism.

Beyond fundraising, members strengthened community connections through educational presentations, wellness initiatives, and acts of kindness that fostered compassion, advocacy, and global citizenship across Memorial University and the wider St. John’s community.

David Kirkland Student Leadership Award recipient Norman Burry

Norman Burry is a graduate varsity student-athlete at Memorial University who exemplifies outstanding leadership through the balance of elite athletics, academic excellence, and meaningful community service.

As co-founder and Co-Chair of the Memorial Seahawks Student-Athlete Council, he has led numerous outreach initiatives while also launching a campus Partners for Life blood donation program that has generated more than 145 donations across Newfoundland and Labrador.

Through inclusive sport programs with Special Olympics, Easter Seals Wheelchair Basketball, and ongoing volunteer work with the Memorial Campus Food Bank, Norman consistently empowers others and creates lasting positive impact both on campus and in the wider community.

Student Volunteer of the Year recipient Lauren Ringer

Over the past five years, Lauren Ringer has demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to service by founding four volunteer organizations at Memorial University: Explore Campus NL, the MUN UNICEF Club, MUN Heart and Stroke, and Cam’s Kids Memorial.

Through these initiatives, Lauren has recruited dozens of volunteers, organized over 50 educational presentations for high school students, and led fundraising and advocacy efforts that have raised more than $10,000 for children’s rights and global humanitarian causes. With over 1,500 volunteer hours and extensive involvement across campus and community organizations, her work reflects a deep commitment to mental health, global equity, and meaningful community impact.

 

Volunteer Residence of the Year recipient Shiwak Hall

Shiwak Hall has made exceptional contributions to campus and community life through volunteer efforts during the past year.

 

Glenn Roy Blundon Award recipient Halie Hindy, undergraduate student, School of Social Work

Halie’s journey has shaped her into a passionate advocate who works tirelessly to break down stigma and challenge harmful narratives surrounding mental illness and disability. While currently serving as the Social Work President, Halie demonstrates exceptional leadership within her academic community. She consistently advocates for students, promotes inclusive practices, and works to ensure that voices, particularly those of marginalized students are heard and valued.

Background

Volunteer Student Group of the Year

This award is presented to a ratified Club, Society or Resource Centre active at Memorial which has made exceptional contributions to campus and community life through their volunteer efforts during the past year.

David Kirkland Student Leadership Award

This award is presented to a student who has made exceptional contributions to the Memorial community through their leadership and volunteer efforts during the past year.

Student Volunteer of the Year Award

This award is presented to a student at Memorial who has made exceptional contributions to the community of Memorial, locally, provincially, or globally, through their volunteer efforts during the past year.

Volunteer Residence of the Year

This award is presented to a Residence at Memorial that has made exceptional contributions to campus and community life through volunteer efforts during the past year.

Glenn Roy Blundon Award

Named after former Memorial student Glenn Roy Blundon, this award is presented annually to an individual or a group who has gone above and beyond their normal duties to promote equality and accessibility for Memorial students with disabilities.  

Learn more at www.mun.ca/volunteer and www.mun.ca/student