Gazettevol46no15june11issuu

June 11, 2014 Volume 46 Number 15

Publication Mail Registration No. 40062527

GAZETTE A M E M O R I A L U N I V E R S I T Y O F N E W F O U N D L A N D P U B L I C AT I O N

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Civic duty

Praise and play A complete collection of orations delivered to Memorial’s spring honorary degree recipients can be found inside.

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Brain food

A School of Pharmacy researcher thinks antioxidant-rich berries may protect the brain should an injury occur.

Chris Hammond photo

Engineering students learn firsthand how classroom concepts and theories apply to the real needs of society in New Orleans.

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Tunnel art Fine arts graduate Kyle Bustin stands next to a vivid mural he painted along the tunnel wall connecting the Science and Music buildings on the St. John’s campus. See related story on page 10.

Concept design phase of core sciences building nearing completion

By Kelly Foss

The concept

design phase of the new 425,000

square foot core sciences facility is expected to wrap up in July.

The contract for architectural and engineering services was awarded to HOK Canada. This group, together

have been developed, which fit into the wooden model

cost estimator to ensure that the concept fits within our

so you can see the different options.”

budget.”

In addition, stackable floor plate models were made to

Once the preferred concept is signed off and approved,

give workshop participants an idea of the possible floor

HOK and their team will continue to work with the user

plan configurations.

groups and other stakeholders through the design devel-

with the university, will be involved in all phases of the

On June 25, these options will be presented in a town

project from initial concept design to handover and post

hall session to the Memorial community, with the goal

occupancy followup.

opment phase to populate sets of construction documents to a LEED silver standard, says Ms. Brown.

of establishing a preferred scheme based on the strengths

“The first public tenders for civil and enabling works

Since March, HOK has been holding workshops with

of each concept. High level details about the potential

will be called by the spring of 2015 such that preliminary

Memorial end users, provincial government represen-

cost of each option will also be available at that time to

construction activity is underway by June 2015,” she

tatives and other stakeholders to verify project require-

help drive the discussion.

said. “Other tender packages will be called and awarded

ments and to confirm the functional programs for

“The very next day the steering committee will be

for foundations/structure, early mechanical and electri-

the Faculties of Science and Engineering and Applied

locked in a room until we can come up with a final

cal packages, core and shell, and interior fit-up during

Sciences, says Ann Browne, associate vice-president of

recommendation based on these discussions,” said Ms.

the remainder of 2015 and into 2016.”

facilities at Memorial.

Browne. “Our intention is to then have a special cam-

It is anticipated that substantial completion of the new

“At our third workshop last month, we actually

pus planning and development meeting of the Board of

core sciences facility will be achieved by the summer of

unveiled a wooden model of what the site around

Regents prior to its meeting on July 3, where we hope

2019 and ready for occupancy in September of that year.

the building would look like,” she said. “We also had

to recommend the preferred concept. The preferred con-

The town hall will be held on Wednesday, June 25, at 1

Styrofoam models, representing the three concepts that

cept will undergo a detailed estimate by a third party

p.m. in the Bruneau Centre (IIC-2001), St. John’s campus.

Dialing ‘s’ for success

By Jeff Green

The work of a small group of dedicated students, Chris Hammond photo

combined with the generosity of passionate alumni throughout North America, is helping ensure Memorial students have access to more scholarships, strong programming and better equipment, says an education student and arts graduate.

As one of the team leads with the Telefund calling program in Alumni Affairs and Development, Robert Badcock and his 25 fellow student callers are riding high

From left are Telefund student callers Holly Story and Robert Badcock.

after a banner year. From September 2013 to May 2014, students secured more than $102,000 in new gifts and pledges from roughly 1,600 alumni.

For many, these calls are the only personal contact the alumni have with Memorial over the span of a year.

from Caplin Cove, N.L., but now lives in Halifax, N.S., says he’s proud to support current and future generations

“I feel really proud of our accomplishment and the

“We’re really ambassadors for Memorial,” said Mr.

overwhelming support from alumni for students,”

Badcock. “Some alumni are quick to share their career

“I feel I have a personal obligation and responsibility

said Mr. Badcock, an employee since September 2010

experiences and advice about life after graduation. The

to ensure these young students can succeed,” he said. “I

and team lead for the past two years. “I believe that

work we do, and the generosity of those on the other end

find the people who call – although I don’t know them

we are making a true difference for current and future

of the line, contributes to Memorial’s overall success.”

personally – are so uplifting. I’m happy to chat with

students.”

Commerce (co-op) student Holly Story, a student caller

On average, he and the other students call more than

for two years, echoes that sentiment.

20,000 alumni and personally speak with roughly 6,000

“Those that give truly know the value Memorial has

grads. Their approach is unique. The students share

given to their own lives, to Newfoundland and Labrador,

updates from Memorial, inform grads of benefits and ser-

and to students,” she said.

vices for alumni and ask them to support students.

of Memorial students in whatever way possible.

them and learn what they’re studying. There is no pressure to give. I’ve had a fairly successful career with the federal government and that’s due partly to Memorial.”

Memorial’s Telefund calling program is one component of an overall fundraising program at Memorial that

Graduate Melvin Bursey, BA, BA(Ed.)’66, who is originally

raised over $17 million last year.

GAZETTE

Valley Regional Council of the Rural Secretariat, municipalities and other community organizations would like to create local steering committees to advise on the research needs regarding youth civic engagement in three different sites in the region: a rural community with a youth centre, a larger community

your next project

with a youth centre and a rural community with no youth centre.

“We would like a researcher to apply their knowledge to this community-based project, and work with the

By Amy Tucker

local steering committees to ensure the research is car-

Special to the Gazette

ried out in the best way possible,” said Ms. Mercer.

Yaffle.ca is Memorial’s online connecting tool. One of its most

the local region and organizations, while others relate

significant jobs is to provide a way for people from outside Memorial

to the capacity of the youth themselves, such as their

to ask for research help. With hundreds of community-suggested

interest in volunteering and the role volunteering could

opportunities to choose from, your next project is just a click away.

play in their personal and career development.

Some research questions surround the capacity of

The possible benefits of this research effort could be

Here’s one . . .

youth with increased civic engagement and apprecia-

The opportunity: In

the

region

tion, increased supports to community organizations, local

experience that youth can use to build their skill sets

organizations would like to better understand issues

of

Gander-New-Wes-Valley,

and resumés, increased communication and collabo-

around civic engagement opportunities for youth,

ration amongst communities and development of dif-

especially related to volunteering. Although youth are

ferent engagement techniques that work for youth and

volunteering with school and sports-related activities,

communities.

there may be a need for them to expand further with their assistance of others in their communities, such

Interested in learning more about this project? The Harris Centre’s

as those relying on health and senior care, food banks,

co-ordinator of knowledge mobilization would be happy to tell you

church and service groups, etc.

more. Call Amy Tucker at 709-864-6115 or email amy.tucker@mun.ca.

A M E M O R I A L U N I V E R S I T Y O F N E W F O U N D L A N D P U B L I C AT I O N

Editor Graphics Mandy Cook John Andrews Regular Contributors

Laura Barron Melanie Callahan Nora Daly Krista Davidson Paula Dyke Kelly Foss Elizabeth Furey Pamela Gill Sharon Gray Jeff Green Janet Harron Jill Hunt Diane Keough Jackey Locke

Classified Advertising Kelly Hickey

Virginia Middleton Cathy Newhook Naomi Osborne Michelle Osmond David Penney Marcia Porter Kristine Power Dave Sorensen Melissa Watton Meaghan Whelan Susan White-MacPherson Heidi Wicks Laura Woodford Sandy Woolfrey-Fahey

Photography Chris Hammond

Advertising Mandy Cook Telephone: 709 864 2142 Email: mandyc@mun.ca Next Gazette deadline June 24 for July 2 publication.

“Research is needed into what volunteer opportunities exist in the region, if organizations are interested in engaging youth, and if they have the capacity to do so,” said Sharon Mercer, executive director, Isles of Notre Dame Community Youth Network. “How can we make

obituary

sure that youth are integrated into the volunteer activities of communities and the region? Rural areas partic-

Dr. Mohsen Daneshtalab

ularly feel the need for volunteers, as these people are

Dr. Mohsen Daneshtalab, associate professor and

often vital to the operation of community groups and

associate dean, graduate studies and research, School

programs. Recruiting youth into volunteerism is neces-

of Pharmacy, passed away May 16, 2014. He was 68.

sary for the continuation and success of many community-based activities.”

Dr. Edythe Goodridge Dr. Edyth Goodridge, an honorary graduate of

The project:

Memorial University, passed away June 4, 2014. She

The Isles of Notre Dame and Open Door (Gander)

was 77.

The Gazette is published 17 times annually by the Division of Marketing and Communications at Memorial Uni­versity.

Material in the Gazette may be reprinted or broadcast without permission, excepting materials for which the Gazette does not hold exclusive copyright.

Gazette, Room A-1024 Memorial University of Newfoundland St. John’s, NL A1C 5S7 Telephone: 709 864 2142 Fax: 709 864 8699 Email: mandyc@mun.ca ISSN 0228-88 77 With the exception of advertisements from Memorial University, ads carried in the Gazette do not imply recommendation by the university for the service or product.

Community Youth Networks, the Gander-New-Wes-

Gazette | Wednesday, June 11, 2014

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www.mun.ca/gazette

Sustainable and profitable

Students witness first-hand fisheries science conducted aboard Irish research vessel

By Naomi Osborne

The Irish Marine Institute’s RV Celtic Explorer made a brief visit to St. John’s harbour May 23.

The ship was engaged in the Marine Institute’s (MI) Centre for Fisheries Ecosystems Research (CFER) annual Newfoundland and Labrador fisheries acoustic multispecies survey.

During the visit, Keith Hutchings, minister, Fisheries and Aquaculture, participated in a tour of the vessel along with members of CFER, high school students from throughout the province and students from MI’s marine environmental technology program.

“I was very pleased to see these young people exposed to the world-class fisheries science activity taking place on the RV Celtic Explorer,” said Mr. Hutchings. province in Canada that solely funds its own offshore fisheries research, and it is my hope that these students not only appreciate the scientific and economic value of researching our province’s fish resources and marine environments, but also consider how they might apply their immense talents in the field of research.”

CFER has chartered the vessel from the Irish Marine

Naomi Osborne photo

“Newfoundland and Labrador remains the only

Tour participants gather on the dock alongside the RV Celtic Explorer.

Institute in Galway, Ireland, since 2011 to enable research missions. The ship is state-of-the-art and allows CFER to conduct invaluable research while exposing

resurgence of cod stocks.

students to different methods of fisheries science and

operated vehicle capability, a wet and dry laboratory

“The research we pursue each year aboard the RV

technologies.

Celtic Explorer is vital to understanding the dynamics of

and accommodations for up to 18 scientists, technicians and students.

“The Marine Institute is always pleased to engage

the fish stocks off our province’s coasts, which in turn

The research led by CFER is expected to result in a

young people and the public at large in ways that

builds knowledge that protects the economic interests

better understanding of fish stocks and the status of

promote an appreciation for the importance of marine

of our province,” said Dr. Rose. “The Newfoundland

Newfoundland and Labrador’s marine ecosystem. It will

environments and career opportunities within them.

and Labrador work has produced another acoustic-trawl

significantly add to the existing knowledge about the

This tour was another memorable way to do that,” said

survey of spawning Northern cod that benefited greatly

province’s marine fisheries ecosystems while supporting

Glenn Blackwood, vice-president, Memorial University

from having the ICES 209-certified Celtic Explorer. This

the development of sustainable and profitable fisheries

(Marine Institute).

survey will have a significant influence on the current

in the province.

This year marked the fourth survey led by Dr. George

science of this iconic fish stock.”

Funding for the survey is provided by the provincial

Rose, director of CFER, and his team of researchers,

The ship is the most sophisticated purpose-built

government through the Department of Fisheries

scientists and graduate students. Their research revealed

vessel ever used for fisheries science research in the

and Aquaculture and the Research & Development

many insights into the province’s changing ocean

province. It features multi-beam sonar capability

Corporation.

environment, including increasing evidence of the

for ocean mapping and acoustic surveying, remote

Quality of life Reconstruction and recovery projects provide unique learning environment

By Jackey Locke

Civil engineering

students from Memorial

students. She says many of the student volunteers are

had a unique opportunity recently to learn first-

growing into community and professional leaders.

hand how the concepts and theories they learn in the

“The students gain new confidence in their skills as

classroom apply to the needs of society.

they see the impact their efforts have had on the city and the people of New Orleans,” she said. “We see them

(TBD) team, an organization formed in 2007 to help

gain a new appreciation for the challenges that people

the people of New Orleans recover from the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina and to promote the benefits of volunteerism and hands-on experience to young engineering students.

Darlene Spracklin-Reid is an engineer and co-founder of TBD. “Students learn about the value of team work, leadership and volunteerism,” she said. “We have been work-

Becki Peckham photo

The students were part of the Together by Design

face and the ways that engineers can use their skills to improve their quality of life.”

To date, TBD has travelled to New Orleans 10 times with more than 100 student volunteers from Newfoundland and Labrador to help with reconstruc-

From left, April Smith and Amanda Ryan help build a fence in New Orleans, La.

ing in the neighbourhood of Broadmoor and our student

tion and recovery.

As

infrastructure

repairs

near

completion

in

Broadmoor and residents move back in, the focus for the 2014 project team has been on residential reconstruc-

volunteers have made such a positive difference. I want

am a firm believer that service-learning is a very valu-

tion projects. The projects included work on a home

them to know that they can use their engineering skills

able form of education, especially now that I have been

for a couple who lost everything in the flood and were

to make a positive impact, and that volunteerism can be

exposed to the experience that Together by Design has

subsequently victims of fraud, completing plumbing

both professionally and personally uplifting.”

provided me. Being able to apply some aspects of our

work at a homeless shelter and installing fencing and

Fourth-year student April Smith has travelled to New

schooling to a tangible real-life situation is very satisfy-

cabinets for the Annunciation Mission, which houses

Orleans twice with TBD. She says trips such as these are

ing. Not only can we look at the problem and help come

volunteers who come to help with the rebuilding effort.

important for teaching students the true value of what

up with a solution, we also get to help implement it and

an education can provide.

see it all come together.”

“It not only provides us the ability to better our lives,

For Ms. Spracklin-Reid, TBD has exceeded her expec-

but to drastically better the lives of others,” she said. “I

tations – both for the people of New Orleans and for the

Gazette | Wednesday, June 11, 2014

To learn more about Together by Design and how you can get involved through donations or volunteerism,

3

please contact Ms. Spracklin-Reid at darlenesr@mun.ca or visit togetherbydesign.ca.

www.mun.ca/gazette

Body, mind and spirit HKR professor wins award for dissertation on holistic approach to physical education

By Michelle Osmond

The School of Human Kinetics and Recreation’s

the needs of youth. Her research looks at different ways

Dr. Michelle Kilborn has received a prestigious national

of thinking about physical education where curriculum

teaching award for her doctoral dissertation.

becomes dynamic, active, subjective and social—a con-

Dr. Kilborn recently received a Recognition Award

versation about our lives and how we live them. This

from the Canadian Association for Teacher Education

notion of curriculum stems from the Latin origins of

(CATE) for her dissertation titled (Re)conceptualiz-

the word currere, which means “running the course of

ing Curriculum in (Physical) Education: Focused on

life” or the “journey of life.”

Wellness and Guided by Wisdom, which she completed at the University of Alberta.

“This is a more holistic approach where health becomes part of students’ lives, where we live the curric-

According to Dr. Kilborn, research suggests that phys-

ulum with students to help them learn how to take care

ical education curriculum needs significant reform

of themselves—body, mind and spirit, connected to

because the current sport-based model does not meet

the larger community,” explained Dr. Kilborn. “Health needs to be a part of students’ lives.”

&

Since arriving at Memorial last year, Dr. Kilborn has

PAPERS PRESENTATIONS

been advocating a wellness-oriented approach to physical education. Her research emphasizes the need to

Salem Werdyani, a second-year M.Sc. student

ing the physical educator’s role in teaching our children

in the Human Genetics Program, Faculty

how to live healthy active lifestyles.

of Medicine, gave an oral presentation at

“To guide our children and youth to live healthfully

and

in this world, it is important for teachers to also know

Statistical Genetics meeting, held May 3-6 in

how to live well. This wellness way of being a teacher

Victoria B.C. His presentation was on genes

has the potential to change how we think about living

and pathways that may be affected by the

curriculum in physical education.”

the

third

annual

Canadian

Human

Chris Hammond photo

focus on how the curriculum is lived and understand-

Dr. Michelle Kilborn

germline copy number variations (CNVs) in

Dr. Kilborn and her co-researcher, a high school

colorectal cancer patients. His supervisor is Dr.

physical education teacher, offer four key ideas to spark

Sevtap Savas, assistant professor, Discipline of

further discussion and suggest that to teach a well-

wellness-oriented

Genetics, cross-appointed with the Discipline

ness-oriented physical education curriculum one must

education.

of Oncology. Mr. Werdyani is also the winner

consider the following: start with the self, reconceptual-

of the first inaugural Medical Graduate Travel

ize the notion of curriculum, view teaching as a way of

Award (MGSS) in Medicine, valued at $500. He

being (not the act of teaching) and understand children

was ranked first by three of the four judges for

as whole beings.

to

teaching

physical

“It’s an approach that considers the emotional, mental, physical and spiritual dimensions of a child.”

Dr. Kilborn received her award at the CATE annual general meeting on May 26 at the Canadian Society for

She believes these concepts are some of the miss-

this award.

approach

ing pieces in establishing a more holistic and

the Study of Education Conference at Brock University in St. Catharine’s, Ont.

NOTABLE ATIPPA RevIew CommITTee UPdATe The ATIPPA Review Committee was recently established by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to conduct an independent statutory review of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (ATIPPA), including an examination of the amendments made through Bill 29. Committee Members are Clyde Wells (Chair), Jennifer Stoddart and Doug Letto.

At the Committee’s invitation some 30 individuals and organizations up to May 12th have indicated that they intend to make submissions to the Committee. That date was not a final deadline. It was chosen to allow the Committee to have the information necessary to enable it to properly schedule dates when, and places where, those interested could make a presentation.

The Committee is anxious to hear from any other person, organization, municipality or governmental agency who might wish to make a written or oral submission to the Committee. Again, it would be helpful if you could advise the Committee as soon as possible of your intention to make a representation.

More information about the Committee can be found at http://www.parcnl.ca/. You may contact the Review Committee by:

Dr. Robert Gallant has been appointed head of the Division of Science, Grenfell Campus, for a three-year term starting July 1, 2014.

Dr. Noel O’Regan was appointed medical director of the Clinical Learning and Simulation Centre, Faculty of Medicine, for a three-year term starting Jan. 1, 2014.

Dr. Kristina Szutor was appointed associate dean of the School of Music for a three-year term starting Jan. 1, 2015.

Dr. Kim Parker was reappointed head of the Department of Religious Studies, Faculty of Arts, for a three-year term starting Sept. 1, 2014.

Dr. Jennifer Lokash was appointed head of the Department of English Language and Literature, Faculty of Arts, for a three-year term starting Aug. 1, 2014.

Bruce Belbin was appointed interim director, Housing, Food and Conference Services, for a one-year period starting April 1, 2014.

Rob Wells had his appointment as interim director, Harlow Campus, extended for a ninemonth period starting April 1, 2014.

Dr. Carole Peterson has been reappointed vice-chair of Campus Childcare Inc.’s board of directors for a two-year term.

Four Memorial faculty were appointed to the provincial government’s Wilderness and Ecological Reserves Advisory Council Committee: Dr. Bill Montevecchi, Department of Psychology; Dr. Len Zedel, Department of Physics and Physical Oceanography; and Dr. Luise Hermanutz and Dr. Yolanda Wiersma, both with the Department of Biology.

Several of the other members of the 11 person committee are also alumni of Memorial.

The council advises government on matters relating to the establishment, management and termination of wilderness and ecological reserves.

Telephone: (709) 729-2605 Facsimile: (709) 729-2724

Toll Free: 1-844-729-2605 e-mail: info@parcnl.ca

The following people were appointed or reappointed to the board Western Sports and Entertainment, which oversees the operation of the Pepsi Centre in Corner Brook: Neville Greeley, chair of the Civic Centre Association, reappointed as Civic Centre representative

ATIPPA RevIew CommITTee oFFICe Suite C, 83 Thorburn Road St. John’s, NL A1B 3M2

for a three-year term, effective Jan. 1, 2014; Laura Edwards, director, Marketing and Communications, Grenfell Campus, appointed as university representative for a threeyear term, effective Jan. 1, 2014; Jennifer Mitchell, manager of Student Housing, Grenfell Campus, appointed as university representative for a three-year term, effective Jan. 1, 2014; and Craig Neil, director of The Works on the St. John’s campus, appointed as university representative for a three-year term, effective Jan. 1, 2014.

Gazette | Wednesday, June 11, 2014

4

www.mun.ca/gazette

Frameworks at work: Memorial’s frameworks in action

in order to support the university’s mission to be one

the enrolment management teams proposed in the

of the most distinguished public universities in Canada

plan. These teams will then drive the plan by leading

and beyond.

the implementation of its various recommendations.”

Delivering both plans will result in doubling research

The Strategic Research Intensity Plan 2014-20 and

and scholarly output by 2020 and an approximate 35

the Enrolment Plan 2020 will be used to inform the

per cent increase in graduate enrolment by the same

Infrastructure Plan, currently under development.

date. It will also bring a significant increase in research

The research plan builds on the Research Strategy

funding as well as additional graduate programs over

Framework to initiate an historic generational transfor-

the next seven years.

mation of Memorial University’s ability to:

“The Strategic Research Intensity Plan reflects a syn-

• Accelerate the production and dissemination of

ergistic and integrated approach for strengthening all

scholarly outcomes, and strengthen its capacity to com-

The three overarching frameworks guiding Memorial’s

aspects of research at Memorial University, including

pete successfully for grants from Canada and abroad;

future direction — the Research Framework, the Teaching

scholarship and creative activities, as well as the transla-

• Intensify its ability to supervise and graduate master

and Learning Framework and the Public Engagement

tion of knowledge into products, practices and policies,

and doctoral candidates, and grow the pool of highly

Framework — are the result of several years of consultations

and other forms of community engagement,” said Dr.

qualified human capital so important for building

with the university community and the people and

Richard Marceau, vice-president (research).

Newfoundland and Labrador, and Canada;

organizations of Newfoundland and Labrador. This regular

“The university will be better equipped to attract and

• Continue to build its reputation, facilitating the

feature will help showcase the frameworks in action by

retain top researchers and scholars, and provide access

recruitment of high quality students, faculty members

sharing projects and highlighting the successes that are

to equipment, funding and quality learning and teach-

and staff to the university, and the province; and

bringing them to life.

ing opportunities.”

Research Strategy Enrolment and research plans to change the face of Memorial

By Krista Davidson

• Enhance its capacity to address the research pri-

The Strategic Research Intensity Plan goes hand in hand with the Enrolment Plan 2020, a comprehen-

orities of government, industry and society at large in Newfoundland and Labrador.

sive, pan-university document that will target growth

Both plans underwent several phases of consultation

in graduate enrolment by 32-37 per cent by 2020-21.

before finalization and approval, including meetings

Both plans will implement a comprehensive approach

with Memorial’s senior academic and administrative

for serving graduate students and post-doctoral fellows,

heads, student representatives and appropriate advisory

while enhancing and broadening their research learn-

and decision-making bodies of the university as well

ing and training experience.

as consultation of the entire university community.

“Enrolment Plan 2020 sets undergraduate and grad-

Memorial University is paving the way to become

uate enrolment targets for 2020-21, provides direction

one of the most graduate and research-intensive

for Memorial’s recruitment and retention activities,

universities in Canada by the end of 2020-21.

while simultaneously improving supports for student

The implementation of recommendations will begin immediately.

On May 8, the Board of Regents approved the Strategic

academic success,” said Dr. David Wardlaw, provost and

For more information, please visit www.mun.ca/research or

Research Intensity Plan and the Enrolment Plan 2020

vice-president (academic). “The next step is to identify

www.mun.ca/vpacademic .

Internationalization decisions and direction supported

By Krista Davidson

A new steering

committee, commissioned by

the provost and vice-president (academic), Dr. David Wardlaw, will lead consultations for the development of a Strategic Internationalization Plan. The steering committee and the process for creating the plan were approved by the Vice-Presidents Council at a meeting on May 26.

The Strategic Internationalization Plan will rely on findings from the Internationalization White Paper, released last February, as well as relevant feedback and the existing inventory of international activities and agreements. The plan will cover all areas related to international programming and activities, on all campuses.

The three university frameworks — research strategy, teaching and learning, and public engagement — will be used to inform the Strategic Internationalization Plan, as well as the recently approved Enrolment Plan 2020 and Strategic Research Intensity Plan.

“To move forward effectively on an international tional strategy and framework to support decisions and direction,” explained Dr. Wardlaw. “We need to create a shared understanding of what is encompassed by “internationalization” and to develop our goals in this area.”

Dr. Wardlaw has appointed Dr. Richard Marceau, vice-president (research), to chair the steering committee. He will be joined by Dr. Noreen Golfman, dean, School of Graduate Studies; Dr. Cecilia Reynolds, deputy provost (students) and associate vice-president academic

Chris Hammond photo

level as an institution, we need a formalized interna-

The Internationalization Plan will touch on all areas of international programming and activities related to research, teaching and learning, and public engagement.

(undergraduate); and Dr. Ray Gosine, associate vice-president (research).

committee is the first step in constructing a plan that

prepare a draft of the Strategic Internalization Plan by

“The Strategic Internationalization Plan will provide

will support Memorial University’s vision of being rec-

mid-July. Following this, extensive consultations will

greater cohesion to Memorial University’s already sig-

ognized as one of Canada’s most distinguished universi-

take place, including the university’s formal advisory

nificant investments in internationalization, while

ties through internationalization.”

and decision-making bodies and the entire university

developing new and exciting opportunities,” said Dr. Marceau.

“The approval and development of the steering

Gazette | Wednesday, June 11, 2014

The steering committee will begin its work by consult-

community. The objective is to submit the new Strategic

ing with leaders of academic and administrative units

Internationalization Plan for approval to Senate and the

and any other stakeholder groups in June in order to

Board of Regents by year’s end.

5

www.mun.ca/gazette

Convocation 2014 Friday, May 9, 10 a.m., Corner Brook

Oration honouring Michael FOLGER Enright Going full throttle

has it points—the

working in Happy Valley-Goose Bay some years ago, the

speed, the adrenalin rush, the quick achievement of the

journalist must make the listener care about the people

goal. Michael Enright’s love of the cattle-drive and of

affected by an event. Michael Enright’s willingness to

large displacement motorcycles provides that speed and

give time to a beginning reporter, as much as the advice

rush, as well as what he has described as “those moments

itself, explains why he has said that his favourite work in

on the motorcycle when everything converges, when all

print journalism was character pieces and profiles.

the elements come together at high speed in a way that

It seems that Michael Enright burns fuel at a high

rarely happens in daily life.” It seems that he gets the

rate, even when not on the radio. He is a dedicated and

same feeling—he once called it “almost a high”—from

active supporter of Community Living Toronto, serving

live radio. His 50 years in journalism encompass both the

on several committees and hosting public events for that

early definition of the word “career”—a short gallop at

organization, and for that work he received the Ontario

full speed—and the current meaning of progress through

Association on Developmental Disabilities Award of

professional employment. In the late 1960s after leaving—

Excellence in 2013. Closer to us, he is the founding host

not graduating—high school and working in insurance,

needs to be said—whether calling the Roman Catholic

of the Winterset in Summer Festival, held annually at the

he wrote for newspapers in southern Ontario, then went

Church a criminal organization or asking Radovan

end of his “favourite walk in the world,” from his summer

to England, returned to work at the Globe and Mail, took

Karodžic, “how’s the ethnic cleansing coming along?”

home in Salvage to Eastport. Through his involvement he

writing and press relations jobs in Montreal and Ottawa,

It also means actively pursuing the subjects one finds

helps to give a national profile to local writers. In 2012,

came back to the Toronto Star, tried radio in 1974, was

interesting. Perhaps Michael Enright appeals broadly

Michael Enright was appointed to the Order of Canada.

an editor at Maclean’s and Quest magazines, spent a year

to Canadians because his interests exemplify the CBC’s

The throat is an amazing construction. It allows one

studying Chinese history as a Southam fellow in 1979,

commitment to careful coverage of important interna-

both to eat and to breathe—ingestion and inspiration;

and then came back to CBC radio, ending up hosting As

tional events, the promotion of Canadian art and liter-

food and food for thought. Because there is always some-

It Happens in 1987, then This Morning in 1997, and finally

ature, and attention to regional issues. In an interview

one who would like to throttle him, it is appropriate that

Sunday Edition in 2000. All those changes in direction

a few months ago, he referred to his own description of

Michael Enright’s bow tie draws attention to his throat,

brought him back to his Toronto hometown, to the radio

the CBC as “a statement of national will,” made when he

to the voice box that speaks to Canadians about issues

career he had imagined as a child with a crystal radio set.

joined As It Happens, as a “pompous bunch of junk,” crit-

important to him and important to them. For his work

Michael Enright has said that radio is an intimate

icizing his expression, rather than the sentiment itself.

in making the individual and the local, national, Madam

medium, as the journalist is speaking right into the listen-

His April Fool’s Day pranks, such as the interview with a

Chancellor, I present for the degree of doctor of laws,

er’s ear, and has also said that the journalist is a surrogate

putative “Mitt Romney,” also suggest that he is not always

honoris causa, Michael Enright.

for the listener, voicing the questions the listener wants

the earnest intellectual. Listen on any Sunday, and it will

answered. Therefore going full throttle also means using

be apparent that Enright is focused on speaking to, for,

E. Holly Pike

the full power of the throat to say what one thinks really

and about individuals. As he told a young radio reporter

University orator

Tuesday, May 27, 10 a.m., St. John’s

Oration honouring Suzanne (Shannie) Duff This woman is

late to our convocation stage.

cultural, economic and social level. The Heritage Area,

But, for once in her life, she is guilty not of tardiness,

of which she was a driving force, totally revitalized the

but of a reluctance to give up her role as councillor and

residential downtown supporting old residents, inspir-

neighbourhood defender, else, for what she has done, for

ing new and—very importantly—making the place so

what she has achieved, she would have long ago been

attractive that artists, entrepreneurs and professionals

here before us. But she would not step aside, would not

from outside now see St. John’s not as some provincial

retire, because there was always one more major issue

backwater but as a lively, attractive place in which to

to be dealt with, one more crisis to be overcome and

live. She also saw that heritage had a social dimension for

she was always there to serve. Yet such service was not

she was a major figure in the development of the city’s

ever easy for a mother of five noisy children, wife to a

award-winning affordable housing. At the same time she

busy surgeon. Constant phone calls and meetings often

became involved with the development of the walking

interfered with the demands of family. So, when a nun

trails that are now such an important contributor to the

asked one of her daughters whether the mother would be

beauty of the city and the well-being of its citizens.

willing to help at the Mercy Convent Sale of Work that

Frecker, was such a vehement supporter of the anti-con-

In 1977 she moved from being a promoter to becom-

supportive child said, “No, my mother wouldn’t be able to

federates that, hearing his people in Frenchman’s Cove

ing a participant when she took the brave step of run-

do that—she spends all her time on the phone drinking

had voted for confederation, despatched his agent to

ning for council, was elected deputy mayor in 1981 and

gin and smoking cigarettes.” More recently Shannie

require a change of minds—and of votes. The democratic

mayor in 1990. In her time on council she brought to

noted that almost everybody in the house including the

principle was not a high priority in 1869.

fruition a critical initiative—the development of the City

cat was, for one reason or another, suffering some kind

Madam

Plan in 1984. This meant that, after years of spot zoning

of anxiety—everybody that is except herself. “And what,

Chancellor, and on to the qualifications for they are

But

enough

of

the

disqualifications,

and the preferential treatment of friends of councillors,

mother,” asked her eldest, “does that tell you about cause

more than considerable. If this province has a sense of

citizens finally had some security in knowing that their

and effect?” Of course she could not retire—that would

its heritage, Shannie Duff was responsible. If this city has

investment in house or business would not be jeopar-

have meant going back into that den of smart-mouthed

a high place among the most liveable cities in Canada,

dized by some capricious act of council. For almost a

offspring—far better to face council on a weekly basis

Shannie Duff was responsible. If the citizens of this city

decade until she was defeated in 1993 there was peace in

in the certainty that they would not be in any way as

have a pride in their surroundings and some security in

the city. Since then there has been a steady erosion of the

observant or sharp.

their homes, Shannie Duff was responsible. For almost

protections afforded citizens so that the plan now tends

Her engagement with politics goes quite far back.

half a century Shannie Duff has been committed to and

to favour only the rich and the powerful. But defeat did

In 1949 she wrote an essay extolling the virtues of

been a major force in the shaping of this town and the

not mean retreat just a redirection in which she, as chair

Confederation. Knowing the views of the Catholic hier-

wider province. A member of the first board of Heritage

of Habitat for Humanity, continued her work in the pro-

archy at the time this might have been deemed inflam-

Canada and one of the founders of the Newfoundland

vision of housing for the disadvantaged.

matory material—if not outright heresy. Her involvement

Historic Trust, she put heritage on the agenda of coun-

This is a remarkable record of real and lasting value. In

with politics is quite clearly in the genes for it goes back

cil and of government. But she, in her efforts, did more

the century and a quarter since this city was established

to the beginnings of our parliamentary democracy. On

than that—she made council and government see that

in 1889 there have been a number of contributors to its

her father’s side Clement Benning represented Burin in

building preservation sustained economic development.

progressive development but none has had the impact

the first House of Assembly in 1834. On her mother’s side

When you now see our cultural landscape celebrated in

she has had. Chancellor, I present to you for the degree

the family represented Placentia and St. Mary’s for almost

the international media, you should also see this woman

of doctor of laws, honoris causa, Suzanne (Shannie) Duff.

a century. However, despite Shannie’s youthful commit-

as an originator of that campaign.

ment to Confederation, the family was not always so

For St. John’s this did not just mean heritage preser-

enthusiastic about Canada. Her great-grandfather, John

vation, it meant a regeneration of the downtown on a

Gazette | Wednesday, June 11, 2014

6

Shane O’Dea Public orator

www.mun.ca/gazette

Convocation 2014 Tuesday, May 27, 3 p.m., St. John’s

Oration honouring Jocelyn Denise Wells Greene We live in the Age of the Entrepreneur—the age

Drawing on her own energy, ingenuity, decency, and

of the marketing men and mavens, seducing us with

yes, her innate social entrepreneurial skills, Jocelyn from

get-rich-quick fantasies of risky, selfish ways to defeat

1995, has built up the Stella Burry Community Services

the dragons of misfortune and failure. Mesmerized

into a large scale agency of social support, with a pay-

by schadenfreude, by the pleasure derived from other’s

roll of over $4.6 million, capital assets of more than $8.6

misfortune, we watch in fascination as the hapless

million, including 100 affordable housing units, as well

entrepreneurs in the Dragons’ Den compete to promote

as one of the top 10 restaurants in St. John’s—the deli-

their secret elixirs of happiness and success—the new

ciously named Hungry Heart Café—in the belief that, “If

snack bar, the new health drink, the new ergonomically-

you build it, they will come.”

Jocelyn has been called the “wiliest CEO” in the busi-

engineered running shoe to carry them into the Elysian

ness but all this profit, Madame Chancellor, is not for per-

fields of celebrity and wealth.

Pity these poor serial entrepreneurs, searching for

sonal gain, but for the reward of investing, as she says,

meaning in the material life, and be grateful for a differ-

“in the hidden gifts and value in people” so that they can

ent kind of entrepreneur, the social entrepreneur, who

equitable and enduring structures for shelter, support,

cope with the misfortunes meted out by fate. As she has

cannily deploys the tools of the business world, to attain

counselling and advocacy. Throughout an almost 40 year

said, “Wouldn’t you be depressed, if you didn’t have a

the worthier aims of social justice, social enterprise and

career, from her time as a graduate of Memorial’s School

job, home, family and friends?” For Jocelyn the personal

socially responsible practices.

of Social Work to her position as executive director of

is the political. What is Jocelyn’s return on the risks she

One such outstanding social entrepreneur is Jocelyn

Stella’s Circle, Jocelyn’s conviction that every single indi-

has taken as a social entrepreneur? The pleasure of seeing

Denise Wells Greene. We are so lucky in Newfoundland

vidual in our province deserves respect and assistance no

people flock to the doors of the Hungry Heart Café when

and Labrador to have such a woman to build on the leg-

matter the degree of disadvantage, disability or despair

it opened and the joy of listening to the tuneful voices

acy of that other remarkable woman, Dr. Stella Burry, who

has inspired all who work with her.

of former clients in the Basilica Inclusion Choir—individ-

also addressed the impact and the root causes of pov-

The words philanthropy and charity may seem empty

ual men and women, taken from the solitary darkness of

erty, abuse, neglect and oppression. Jocelyn Greene has

epithets in our secular world, but Jocelyn Greene has

despair, into the experience of belonging to a community

clear-sightedly shown us how to combine the passion and

translated them into genuine terms by advocating prac-

that cares. These transcendent moments are the incalcula-

compassion of the social worker, the creativity of the arts

tical programs to prepare people for real jobs, by pushing

ble profits for all the risks over the years of pitching ideas

student, and acumen of the business graduate to trans-

for a more equitable distribution of government author-

to skeptical business “dragons,” of sourcing venture cap-

form the way we look at the social problems of unemploy-

ity and business resources to meet the needs of people

ital, of negotiating deals when markets and governments

ment, homelessness, abuse, addiction and mental health.

temporarily disadvantaged by unemployment, disability

changed, and seeking inventive ways to fight the cutbacks

We may think these issues are always with us—but

and despair. She reminds us all, that in the game of life

threatening the dreams of a society that values people —

they don’t have to be, if we follow Jocelyn’s lead and cre-

most of us are all only a paycheque away from random

not the bottom line.

ate a climate of co-operation between the multiple and

accidents, illness and grief, so we need to remember that

complex systems of business and government to build

life is a continuum, not a competition.

See GREENE on page 9

Wednesday, May 28, 10 a.m., St. John’s

Oration honouring Kathleen Pratt LeGrow A recurring theme

in medieval literature is

days leading up to Christmas dinner, Kathy scrubs pota-

that of Rota Fortunae, an ancient-day Wheel of Fortune

toes, peels vegetables, buys and cooks the turkeys, and

belonging to the goddess Fortuna. She spins it at random,

then on Christmas Day, with her three children, Chris,

changing the circumstances of those on the wheel­— some

Robyn and Tim, serves the dinner. Then, in 2006, Kathy

suffer great hardship, others are blessed with prosperity

started a major fundraising initiative to raise awareness of

and success. Madam Chancellor, in the story of Kathleen

the needs and to support youth at risk. Since then, Hot

Pratt LeGrow we might at first credit Fortuna with turning

Soup Cool Jazz has contributed over $500,000 to charities

the wheel that brings her to our stage; but, be reminded

for marginalized youth. Finally, in 2011 Kathy launched

that ancient philosophers appended both intelligence and

a foundation in her brother’s name. The core work of the

love to fortune, as the three fates that control the world.

Jimmy Pratt Foundation is to support research and proj-

But, as our story begins it is Fortuna’s wheel upon which we

ects that promote resiliency in children by providing uni-

cast our gaze; the first glimpse of our honorary graduand

versal access to caring environments and strong networks

is as an infant being put up for adoption. On Fortuna’s

of family support. Just like she and Jimmy had.

wheel, good fortune triumphs: a family of prominence and

for educational reform. And, during the late 1990s when

Recently, in recognition of her father’s influence on

privilege, Ewart and Yvonne Pratt, adopts the child and

Kathy was chair of the Avalon East School Board, her name

her life­— she has said that it was her father who instilled

christens her Kathleen Agnes, Pratt family names.

became forever linked with the dissolution of the denom-

into her the belief that “to whom much is given, much is

The next chapter of our story finds Kathy growing

inational school system. It was a tumultuous time but

expected”­— and his service during the Second World War

up in the Pratt family. Imagine the family dinner table:

Kathy demonstrated composure and intelligence, qualities

in the “Wavy Navy”, Kathy has pledged her monetary and

spirited conversations with Kathy’s grandfather, Calvert

that earned her widespread admiration, appointment as

personal support to create a military museum at Memorial

Coates Pratt, one of the first Canadian senators from the

president of the Canadian School Boards Association and,

University.

new province of Newfoundland and political ally of Joey

in 2005, to the Order of Canada.

Madam Chancellor, Kathy’s great uncle, poet E.J. Pratt,

Smallwood; and her father Ewart, successful businessman;

In 2001, Fortuna’s wheel brought misfortune to the

wrote in his poem Newfoundland of a greater universe than

the family involved in the community, establishing schol-

Pratts. Kathy’s brother Jimmy died unexpectedly. Jimmy

that presented by fortune and fate, a world that is shaped

arships and serving on boards; intelligent conversations

has been described by Kathy’s children as the best uncle

by forces beyond the “dull, unsinewed tread of water/Held

on politics and business, on literature and travel. And love

that they could have had; he was always young, happy,

under bonds to move/Around unpeopled shores.” His is a

for Kathy and her younger brother Jimmy, who was born

ready to play video games with them, a pal. He loved

vision where, like Kathy’s response to loss, the winds blow

mentally and physically challenged, and whose prominent

being at the center of things; he had “the gift of the gab.”

“…with familiar breath/Holding a partnership with life/

role in our story will soon become apparent.

Bugden’s cab drivers still recall driving him back and forth

Resonant with the hopes of spring.”

Madam Chancellor, our story now jumps ahead to find

to his sheltered job at the Grace Hospital where he worked

While we acknowledge Fortuna’s role in providing

Kathy as a young woman, contemplating her career. While

for over 20 years. But, the two fates, intelligence and love,

Kathy with the means to accomplish great things, it is her

Fortuna provided opportunities in the family businesses,

persevered in guiding Kathy’s next decision. Sitting on

unquenchable energy like the tides along our shores, and

it was Kathy’s summer job as an assistant at the Waterford

her couch with friends following Jimmy’s wake, Kathy

the sister fates, intelligence and love, that have resulted in

Hospital that set her off to King’s College in Halifax

announced that she wanted to do something meaning-

Kathy’s achievements. For her work and for her philan-

to train as a social worker. She returned to St. John’s to

ful to commemorate her brother. Three initiatives in her

thropy, I ask you Madam Chancellor to confer the degree

work with the vulnerable at the Waterford and later at the

brother’s memory followed.

doctor of laws honoris causa upon Kathleen Pratt LeGrow.

Unified Family Court.

So begins the next chapter in our story: Kathy founded

As early as 1982, prompted by her role as a mother of a

the Jimmy Pratt Memorial Outreach Centre. The soup

K. Dale Foster

child with a learning disability, Kathy became an activist

kitchen at the centre has fed over 30,000 people. In the

University orator

Gazette | Wednesday, June 11, 2014

7

www.mun.ca/gazette

Convocation 2014 Thursday, May 29, 10 a.m., St. John’s

Oration honouring John Maurice Gray Today you have

conferred degrees upon grad-

highlight the fact that our province is now creating such

uates who have demonstrated their intellectual skills and

an institution as John Gray founded at Dalhousie. Our

economic prowess in achieving this goal. Henceforward

systems have at last recognized the demographic that

they will spread across this province, this country and

demands that we attend more diligently to the needs of

indeed this world to practise and to expand upon what

the elderly, now and henceforward.

they have learned here. Most will seek the larger centres

In The Stone Diaries, Carol Shields depicted the progress

in which to excel but a few will go to the “…harbours

of a woman through the world as a child, a daughter, a

unfrequented that a busy life forgets,” where they will

young wife, mother, widow, friend, grandmother and

exercise their skills in just the same way, for it will not be

old woman. Too often in that litany her subject was

the environment in which they practise, but rather the

shaped by forces beyond her control. Even today, elderly

quality of what they do there that will distinguish them.

people without supportive family may be assigned

Such an one stands before you this morning—one who

to an understaffed care facility by relatives unable

left London for a remote northern community, exercising

or unwilling to add hours of care to their own time-

his professional skills superbly as the first specialist in

consuming workloads. Institutional routines sometimes

internal medicine in St. Anthony and on the Labrador

assume control, careless of individual differences, taking

coast; bringing the best of Western medicine (in winter

attitudes that manifested kindly understanding in the

away autonomy and dignity through petty and cruel

by dog team and in summer by hospital ship) to combat

disciplines of internal medicine and of geriatrics. Sadly,

indignities. John Gray noted and warned and—by all the

tuberculosis, malnutrition, ignorance and all of the other

the latter discipline was hardly known to us or to our

means in his power—assuaged such cruelties.

ills to which humans are subject, in a hardy population

neighbour until informed by his catalyzing influence.

heretofore self-treated by little more than hope and infusions of Labrador tea.

To paraphrase Dalhousie’s Dr. T.J. Murray: “Sometimes

After illness forced him to leave the Grenfell Association

we think that great influence comes from those with great

for England, he gained further experience in gerontology

reputations and accolades, but the impact of those who

To have gone from the comfort and stimulation of a

there, returning to Dalhousie as the first head of geriatric

go about their daily work calmly and quietly, bringing to

First World centre to the rocks and firs and harbours of

medicine and founding the Memory Disability Clinic

their patients the best of medical science with love and

the North for a quarter of a century evidences John Gray’s

in which he was a powerful exemplar, working in the

compassion is often greater still.”

shedding of the trappings of the modern world. But he did

vanguard of a newly recognized specialty, creating a

take one of those trappings with him—a deep, analytic,

template for the appropriate care of the elderly.

Today we translate the Latin word caritas as charity but originally it signified caring; John Gray devised systems in

complete and sustained knowledge of internal medicine.

His formidable clinical skills, his compassion and

He provided not just an international standard of care

his humility have inspired generations of physicians.

within a remote setting, but also taught his colleagues,

Two of the young geriatricians whom he initially hired

Madam Chancellor, I present to you one who for half

allied health professionals and our students the elements

at Dalhousie published (under his guidance) the first

a century has been hugely influential in this and in our

of medicine by precept, and the motivation for such

randomized controlled trials that demonstrated that

sister province, revered worldwide as a consummately

care by example. He imbued in them a seminal desire to

geriatric medicine could and should be an independent

innovative,

replicate his own work across the territory where Grenfell

discipline. Their papers remain among those most cited in

geriatrician, once described by a Labradorian as “one

first identified a desperate need for medical services.

the field, but typically, John Gray declined co-authorship,

of we”; to receive at your hand the degree of doctor of

which caritas means truly caring, not just caring for. Such is the measure of a great physician; such is John Gray.

inspiring,

self-effacing

physician

and

Sixty years ago, the provision of health care in this

content instead with the daily hands-on care of patients

science, honoris causa; truly a pre-eminence grise and one of

province was among the worst in Canada. John Gray

and with playing a background role, inspiring by his work

we: John Maurice Gray.

brought exemplary medical practice to the Big Land

and his spoken words rather than through publications.

and there (and later at Dalhousie) defined systems and

William Pryse-Phillips

In honouring him today, Madam Chancellor, you

University orator

Friday, May 30, 10 a.m., St. John’s

Oration honouring Joyce Hayward Churchill In his best-selling business management book

Centre for Autism, but later for convincing government

titled Good to Great, author Jim Collins describes compa-

to provide sustained funding of treatment programs and

nies that made the transition from average to outstand-

outreach to help families throughout the province.

ing. Rare are the companies that succeed, but those that

For some people, raising the bar on autism awareness

do have what Collins calls “Level 5 leadership.” A Level

might be considered enough of a challenge, but during

5 leader has all of the attributes that one might expect of

her time with the society, Joyce also served many years

a top executive, but in addition, demonstrates personal

on the school board, spent a term as town mayor, vol-

humility and strong professional will. Chancellor, Joyce

unteered with other community agencies, waged and

Churchill is a Level 5 leader.

won her own personal battle with breast cancer and won

From an early age, her family knew that Joyce was des-

the first ever Award for Excellence in Nursing Education

tined to become either a doctor or nurse. Broken dolls

from our association of registered nurses.

had to be fixed, and she was the person to do it. Joyce

Chancellor, we are fortunate that Joyce Churchill and

was a problem solver. Even as a child, she was unflap-

her colleagues convinced leaders of Memorial University

pable, always remaining calm. Once, in an attempt to

of the many benefits of having the centre for autism on

provoke a reaction from Joyce, her sister yanked Joyce by

this campus. Appropriately located near the Janeway

her pony tail and pulled her right off a stool. Joyce’s calm

one person a day, then I have accomplished something.”

hospital, the Autism Centre is a daily visible reminder to

non-reaction to the obvious taunt foreshadowed the way

Joyce’s daughters, Julie and Jennifer, continue to learn

our health-care professionals, researchers, faculty mem-

that she would deal with many tough situations she had

from patients or their family members how many people

bers and students of the continued need for education

to face as an adult.

were helped by their mother. Joyce likely does not realize

on autism and of the continued need for research to help

the extent to which she touched the lives of so many in

fulfill Joyce Churchill’s dream that: “Someday, we will

her community.

find a cure.”

Within months after starting nursing school at the Grace Hospital, Joyce became the medic of Portugal Cove. Whether it was being carted away on a horse-

With the birth of her son, Stephen, Joyce’s life indelibly

Chancellor, for her steadfast engagement with our

drawn sleigh in the middle of a blinding snowstorm to

changed. Stephen was born with severe autism. Uniting a

province and its people through unwavering commit-

deliver a baby, attending to a young child having a sei-

mother’s love and a nurse’s boundless compassion with a

ment as a nurse, mother, neighbour, volunteer and

zure, comforting those who were dying or responding

will for action, Joyce Churchill became a founding mem-

leader, and for her successes with the Autism Society of

to impassioned pleas for help when death finally called,

ber of the Autism Society of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Newfoundland and Labrador that will continue to bring

Joyce Churchill answered. There is, of course, no writ-

Later, as its president, Joyce tirelessly led the provincial

comfort, hope and help for families affected by autism, I

ten record of Joyce’s nursing service to her community.

autism society on a multi-year campaign to raise aware-

am indeed honoured to present Joyce Hayward Churchill

Joyce is a professional nurse who expects no accolades

ness, funding and top-notch services for those affected

for the degree of doctor of laws honoris causa.

and never reveals the private details of those she helps.

by autism. Joyce Churchill’s Level 5 leadership of the

Helping people is a big part of what defines Joyce

Autism Society was key not only in raising large sums of

Donald W. McKay

Churchill, who lives by the motto that “If I can help

private money for the construction of the Elaine Dobbin

University orator

Gazette | Wednesday, June 11, 2014

8

www.mun.ca/gazette

Brain insurance?

Nutrition in berries may reduce effects of brain injury: pharmacy researcher

By Heidi Wicks

More Canadians are affected by brain injuries than multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, HIV/AIDS and breast cancer combined, according to the Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation.

But the answer to combating traumatic brain injury (TBI) – caused by a direct blow to the head, such as a car accident, assault, fall, or sports injury – may lie not in treatment, but prevention.

After 20 years of research in the field, Dr. John Weber of Memorial’s School of Pharmacy became interested in the potential protective benefits of extracts from the fruits and leaves of blueberries, bilberries and lingonberries.

He recently spoke about his work at the Canadian Nutrition Society’s annual meeting, held in St. John’s recently.

“The effects nutrition could have on the brain are related to a natural process involving the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can cause damage and eventual death of brain cells,” he said. “The brain normally contains enough natural antioxidant compounds to fight this process, but after a TBI or during a stroke, an overproduction of ROS can lead to rapid brain damage.”

Dr. Weber’s hope is that consuming adequate amounts of antioxidant-rich berries may be like purchasing extra home insurance – investing in extra protection in case He has also begun investigating the role berry extracts could play in various types of disorders, such as stroke or diseases like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s.

“Glutamate is a normal neurotransmitter that is released in the brain, but excessive release (which can occur after a TBI or stroke), can damage or kill brain cells, and can also contribute to diseases. When we added various berry extracts to cultured brain cells, we

Chris Hammond photo

an accident should occur.

Dr. John Weber weighs blueberries in his laboratory in the School of Pharmacy.

found that the cell damage was dramatically reduced and in fact, the extracts were so protective that I couldn’t believe the findings until I repeated the exper-

compared to the actual fruits.

mechanical damage would be so great that antioxidants

So should we be putting large quantities of berry leaves

on their own would not be enough to save cells.

and mulberry wood into our smoothies every morning?

“However, I do think that if someone experienced a

The research team found similar results from a spe-

Unfortunately, Dr. Weber has yet to determine how

mild trauma like a concussion, that having more anti-

cific compound known as oxyreseveratol, which is

many blueberries someone would need to eat every day

oxidant chemicals from berries in the brain could pro-

derived from mulberry wood. They also observed that

in order to increase antioxidant levels in the brain. He

tect cells and help that person make a better recovery.

the overall antioxidant capacity appears to be much

doesn’t think a high dietary intake of berries would pro-

So, I think it’s quite possible that higher intake could

greater in the leaves of blueberries and lingonberries,

tect the brain from a severe injury, mainly because the

slow down the process that causes these disorders.”

iment several times.”

Con’t from GREENE on page 7

Working in the tradition of Octavia Hill, Stella Burry and Melinda Gates, she has given a new context to the

$1 million CTIDF funds announced

And, Madame Chancellor, against “all the odds,” we

words philanthropy, charity and capitalism—calling to

do live in a good society which applauds her big ideas

account well-intentioned, but impractical policies, creat-

and her unique leadership. In 1996 Jocelyn was awarded

ing links with and holding to account business and gov-

the YMCA Canada Peace Medal. In 2005 she received

ernment. Our new Newfoundland and Labrador economy

the Distinguished Service Award from the Canadian

of oil and gas has created a new political and economic cli-

Association of Social Workers. In 2007, her alma mater

mate. It has also created a growing disparity between the

The 2014-15 proposals for Classroom Teaching

awarded her the Memorial University Alumni Award for

advantaged and the disadvantaged, so there is a greater

Infrastructure Development (CTIDF) have

Outstanding Community Service. In 2010, she received

need for support for social enterprise and the social entre-

been evaluated and 24 projects will receive

the Graham Emslie Award from the Canadian Housing

preneur. Jocelyn reminds us that a meaningful life needs

funding.

Renewal Association and in 2010—eat your hearts out

passion and purpose and, yes, a competitive paycheque.

The full list of approved projects can be

dragons of the Dragons’ Den—one of the “Big Four,” mul-

She has had the faith that, yes we can make prosperity

found online at www.mun.ca/vpacademic.

tinational, global accounting firms, Ernst and Young,

and social justice parallel and paramount in our province.

The proposals were adjudicated by the respec-

chose our Jocelyn as the Social Entrepreneur of the Year.

She has given hope that respectful partnership, not cut-

tive campus portfolios and approved by the

Today, she receives Memorial’s highest honour and she

throat competition, builds a better, inclusive society and

Vice-Presidents Council.

is a role model for all of today’s graduates. Like them,

that, most of all, it is caritas that moves us to make dreams

The purpose of the funding is to replace

she loves to party, likes nothing better than a good feed

come true as long as there are people of vision and unself-

aging teaching equipment (classroom and lab-

and a bottle of wine with Joel, Aaron, Meghann and

ish commitment to tackle the social and personal dragons

oratory) throughout the institution and mod-

Julie, would rather play cards and have a good yarn with

of injustice, inequity and greed.

ernize/upgrade existing classroom space or

Karen and Janice than study, and though she can’t sing,

It is a privilege to welcome, on behalf of Memorial

she can dance up a storm to her beloved husband Jeff’s

University, Jocelyn Denise Wells Greene into our commu-

other learning spaces.

For more information regarding this fund-

guitar playing. She only has one weakness—I’m told she

nity and I ask you to confer on her the degree of doctor of

ing, please contact Roxanne Millan in the

“doesn’t sweat the small stuff,” leaving others to decide

laws, honoris causa.

Office of the Provost at rmillan@mun.ca .

the details, i.e., what dress to wear, or what colour to paint the living room, but she is decisive about the big issues,

Dr. Annette Staveley

the ones that really matter.

Deputy public orator

Gazette | Wednesday, June 11, 2014

9

www.mun.ca/gazette

Reaching the pinnacle Communications accolades for Memorial

By Meaghan Whelan

Memorial

featured prominently in the recent

Pinnacle Awards celebration in St. John’s.

which provides an overview of the university’s accom-

through social media. Both projects involved extensive

plishments across the span of teaching and learning,

collaboration and teamwork and I’m delighted with our

The university won two awards of merit for digi-

research and public engagement, as well as the work

success in the Pinnacle Awards competition.”

tal communications tools; Paula Dyke, acting direc-

undertaken in administrative support and infrastruc-

tor of public affairs, received the Award of Excellence

ture development.

This year, Face Forward is evolving into a thematic periodical, regularly sharing current events and sto-

for Communications Professional; and Earl Ludlow,

Into the Deep is an online annual report that uses

ries representing the people and work taking place at

president and CEO of Newfoundland Power and a

photos, text and video to tell the story of research at

Memorial University. A compilation of those features

Memorial alumnus, received the Award of Excellence

Memorial in a whole new way. Perfect Day Design

will form the basis of the 2014 President’s Report. To

for Organization Leader.

Studio, the Office of the Vice-President (Research) and

view the current issue, visit www.mun.ca/faceforward.

The awards are presented by the International

the Division of Marketing and Communications worked

During the awards ceremony, Lana Collins, event

(IABC),

closely during the creation of Into the Deep. The judges

host and accredited business communicator, introduced

Newfoundland and Labrador chapter, in recognition of

credited the site as being very well designed, with inno-

Paula Dyke as the recipient of the Award of Excellence

excellence in business communications.

vative use of video and interactive elements.

for Communications Professional.

Association

of

Business

Communicators

Memorial was recognized for both Face Forward, the

“In 2013, we put a greater focus on digital tools as

“Paula’s wealth of experience as a professional com-

2013 President’s Report, and Into the Deep, the 2013

opposed to print publications,” explained Victoria

municator, starting as a journalist and moving to the

Research Report.

Collins, executive director, Division of Marketing and

public relations world, makes her one of our province’s

Face Forward is an online publication, created

Communications. “This approach aligns with the uni-

leaders in strategic communications.”

and managed by the Division of Marketing and

versity’s focus on sustainability while allowing us to

Ms. Dyke, a native of Greenspond, N.L., has been an

Communications for the Office of the President,

expand the reach of our communications activities

active member of Memorial’s marketing and communications team since May 2012. She is an accredited business communicator whose career has spanned the public and private sector. Prior to working at Memorial, Ms. Dyke led Atlantic Lottery’s communications department and served as a communications director for the provincial government. Ms. Dyke recently earned her certification in reputation management and has won Gold Quill and Silver Leaf awards for her work.

Earl Ludlow received the Pinnacle Award of Excellence for Organization Leaders. Mr. Ludlow received his MBA from Memorial in 1994 and he has remained an active member of the Memorial community. He served on the Board of Regents for six years, the Faculty of Business Administration Advisory Board for two three-year terms and served as co-chair of Memorial’s havin’ a time: Reunion 2012, with his wife, Valerie.

“Earl has been an important member of our alumni community for many years and his contributions to the business faculty as a member of our advisory board have been invaluable,” said Dr. Wilfred Zerbe, dean, Faculty of Business Administration. “We’re pleased to congratulate him on this Pinnacle Award and wish him

Paula Dyke, acting director, public affairs, is the recipient of the 2014 Award of Excellence for Communications Professional for Newfoundland and Labrador.

continued success in the future.”

The awards were handed out at the Pinnacle Awards gala on May 22.

Where music and science meet Grenfell fine arts graduate creates mural in tunnel on St. John’s campus

By Kelly Foss

Grenfell Campus

alumnus Kyle Bustin is

making his mark on the St. John’s campus.

each of the student groups had ideas of what they wanted to see included in the mural.

to the other.

“There’s no place where science stops and music

The 2011 bachelor of fine arts graduate recently fin-

“The science students, for example, wanted to repre-

ished a graffiti-style mural in the tunnel connecting the

sent the nine different departments within the faculty on

The graphic designer for the now-defunct Scope news-

Science and Music buildings that was commissioned by

the mural,” he said. “I took all of their suggestions, pulled

paper began painting professionally this year. Mr. Bustin

the two academic units.

some other ideas off the web and then abstracted them,

has already worked on a number of jobs, including paint-

so not everything is completely recognizable.”

ing character murals at the Janeway Children’s Hospital.

The artist met with students from both the Faculty of Science and the School of Music to get their ideas, which he worked into a design that met the approval of all, including the deans.

Blending the two disciplines together was not as difficult as one might think, he says.

begins.”

It took him just over two weeks of six-hour days to complete the massive mural, which encompasses the

“The mural starts with a staff on one end, the music

entire length of the corridor and measures approximately

“The idea for the tunnel mural originated from a music

side, and ends with a DNA strand on the other. Along

12 feet at its highest point and is roughly 150 feet long.

student town hall meeting and was enthusiastically taken

the way there are musical instruments, notes and other

Mr. Bustin started with a light base of house paint, fill-

up by Dean Abrahams,” explained Dr. Ellen Waterman,

things to represent music and a beaker, brain neurons

ing in the sections with a foam roller and brush, before

dean, School of Music. “We both thought it was a great

and other references to science. In the middle the two

building and tightening it up with vividly coloured spray

way to bring our students together. The swirling colours

come together in sound waves – which is where I think

paint.

and images of Kyle’s mural are a pretty good representa-

music and science meet.”

“Kyle is very talented,” said Dr. Andy Foster, associate

tion of the creativity and innovation that both music and

Mr. Bustin says he liked taking a graffiti-style approach

science students bring to their work at Memorial. It’s a

to this project because the technique creates long con-

“It’s a masterpiece of tunnel art. I encourage everybody

happy meeting of music and science through visual art.”

tinuous lines that help link the whole piece together. He

to take a leisurely walk through the Science/Music tunnel

Mr. Bustin, who is originally from Nova Scotia, said

says he wanted it to transition seamlessly from one end

and experience the mural.”

Gazette | Wednesday, June 11, 2014

10

dean, Faculty of Science (undergrad and administration).

www.mun.ca/gazette

Chris Hammond photo

OUTANDABOUT

Reach for the stars Canadian astronaut Major Jeremy Hansen, centre, was on the St. John’s campus June 6 speaking to engineering,

education and human kinetics and recreation students about his path to becoming an astronaut and about space exploration.

Wednesday, June 11 SSHRC Connection Grant Workshop: Plan Your Way to a Successful Proposal, 1-3 p.m., A-5014, Sponsor: Faculty of Arts

The Antibiotic Roseoflavin from Streptomyces Davawensis, 1-2 p.m., SN-4015, Sponsor: Department of Biochemistry

Saturday, June 14

Friday, June 20 Campus Food Drive Day 10 - Juice Boxes, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., campuswide, Sponsor: Campus Food Bank

Quantifying the Impact on Corporate Security Value in a Modified Merton Framework, 5:30-6:30 p.m., BN-3007, Sponsor: Faculty of Business Administration

Garden Days at MUN Botanical Garden, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., 306 Mount Scio Rd., Sponsor: MUN Botanical Garden, Friends of the Garden, Pink Days in Bloom, Indigena, Richters

Saturday, June 21

Campus Food Drive Day 3 - Canola Oil, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., campuswide, Sponsor: Campus Food Bank

Everything’s Coming Up Rhodies! Third Annual Rhododendron Festival at the Garden, 2:30-4 p.m., 306 Mount Scio Rd., Sponsor: MUN Botanical Garden

Sunday, June 22

Immunology and Infectious Disease Group Visiting Speaker: Dr. Andrew J. Mouland, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Health Sciences Centre, 2J619, Sponsor: Division of BioMedical Science An Afternoon in the Garden, 2-3 p.m., 306 Mount Scio Rd., Sponsor: MUN Botanical Garden

Thursday, June 12 Backyard Composting, 3:30-4:30 p.m., 306 Mount Scio Rd., City of St. John’s, Multi-materials Stewardship Board and MUN Botanical Garden

Sunday, June 15 Garden Days at MUN Botanical Garden, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., 306 Mount Scio Rd., Sponsor: MUN Botanical Garden, Friends of the Garden, Pink Days in Bloom, Indigena, Richters Everything’s Coming Up Rhodies! Third Annual Rhododendron Festival at the Garden, 2:30-4 p.m., 306 Mount Scio Rd., Sponsor: MUN Botanical Garden

Monday, June 16

Video Game Carnival, 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m., UC-2001, Sponsor: Sandbox Gaming Society

Backyard Composting, 3-4 p.m., 306 Mount Scio Rd., City of St. John’s, Multi-materials Stewardship Board and MUN Botanical Garden

Monday, June 23 Backyard Composting, 12:30-1:30 p.m., 306 Mount Scio Rd., City of St. John’s, Multi-materials Stewardship Board and MUN Botanical Garden Backyard Composting, 2:30-3:30 p.m., 306 Mount Scio Rd., City of St. John’s, Multi-materials Stewardship Board and MUN Botanical Garden

Women’s Health Empowerment Night, 7-8:30 p.m., PE-2001, Sponsor: School of Human Kinetics and Recreation

The Clinical and Genetic Epidemiology of Pediatric Idiopathic Epilepsy in N.L., 10 a.m.-12 p.m., IIC-2014, Bruneau Centre for Research and Innovation, Sponsor: School of Graduate Studies

Tuesday, June 24

Campus Food Drive Day 4 - Macaroni or Spaghetti, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., campus-wide, Sponsor: Campus Food Bank

Lean Operational Excellence for Service Organizations, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., BN-4019, Sponsor: Gardiner Centre

Wednesday, June 25

Addiction, Modernity, and the City: A Users Guide to Urban Space, 10:30-11:30 a.m., ER-4002, Sponsor: School of Social Work

Campus Food Drive Day 6 - Canned Fruit, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., campus-wide, Sponsor: Campus Food Bank

Staying Up to Date: Software Updates Using C&C’s Desktop Management, 12-1 p.m., A-1043, Sponsor: Computing & Communications Battery Blitz, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., SN-1104, Sponsor: Memorial University Sustainability Office Fortunate Ones join Toronto Affinity Newfoundland and Labrador Celebrations, 6-9 p.m., Rodney’s Oyster House, 469 King St. West, Toronto, Ont., Sponsor: Alumni Affairs and Development

Friday, June 13 Garden Days at MUN Botanical Garden, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., 306 Mount Scio Rd., Sponsor: MUN Botanical Garden, Friends of the Garden, Pink Days in Bloom, Indigena, Richters Valuation of Multiple Exercise Options, 10:30-11:30 a.m., BN3010, Sponsor: Faculty of Business Administration Campus Food Drive Day 5 - Chunky Soup, Any Flavour, 9 a.m.5 p.m., campus-wide, Sponsor: Campus Food Bank

Gazette | Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Blood Donor Clinic, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Health Sciences Centre, Lecture Theatre D, Sponsor: Canadian Blood Services

Tuesday, June 17 Backyard Composting, 3:30-4:30 p.m., 306 Mount Scio Rd., City of St. John’s, Multi-materials Stewardship Board and MUN Botanical Garden Campus Food Drive Day 7 - Apple or Orange Juice, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., campus-wide, Sponsor: Campus Food Bank

Wednesday, June 18 Campus Food Drive Day 8 - Tinned Milk, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., campuswide, Sponsor: Campus Food Bank An Afternoon in the Garden, 2-3 p.m., 306 Mount Scio Rd., Sponsor: MUN Botanical Garden

Thursday, June 19 Customer Strategy: Key to Growing Your Business, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., BN-4019, Sponsor: Gardiner Centre Campus Food Drive Day 9 - Chicken or Vegetable Soup, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., campus-wide, Sponsor: Campus Food Bank

11

Campus Food Drive Day 11 - Tinned Corn, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., campus-wide, Sponsor: Campus Food Bank

Presentation Skills: Speaking with Confidence, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., BN-4019, Sponsor: Gardiner Centre

Wednesday, June 25 Campus Food Drive Day 12 - Tins of Chicken/Tuna/Turkey/ Ham, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., campus-wide, Sponsor: Campus Food Bank An Afternoon in the Garden, 2-3 p.m., 306 Mount Scio Rd., Sponsor: MUN Botanical Garden

Thursday, June 26 14th Annual Seniors’ Day, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., 306 Mount Scio Rd., Sponsor: Friends of MUN Botanical Garden and Canadian Association of Retired Persons, Avalon Chapter Retirement Celebration for Randy Coish, 10-11:30 a.m., Physical Education building lobby, Sponsor: School of Human Kinetics and Recreation

Saturday, June 28 Backyard Composting, 2-3 p.m., 306 Mount Scio Rd., City of St. John’s, Multi-materials Stewardship Board and MUN Botanical Garden

Monday, June 30 Nominations Due Today for 33rd Alumni Tribute Awards, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., campus-wide, Sponsor: Alumni Affairs and Development

www.mun.ca/gazette

Lorna Yard @DamnAnimals

John Nick Jeddore @johnjeddore

Andrew Fudge @afudge3316

Congratulations to Memorial graduates! Welukwen! #MUNgrad2014

grenfellcampus

Graduation #MUNgrad2014 #MUNgrad2014 DELTS video production team behind the scenes. Congrats grads! We got you covered!

rhamesvanderb

Real-time well wishes Powered

by

hashtags

#MUNgrad2014,

#Grenfell14

convocation

and

ceremonies

were even more celebratory at Memorial this spring. Approximately 2,400 graduates

Congratulations to students graduating from the St. John’s campus this week <3 #grenfell campus #MUNgrad2014

and their families and friends connected online and in real time in Corner Brook and St. John’s. As more than 650 memorable moments were captured via social media, many of the photographs and well wishes

Erin O’Leary @erinoleary6

were shared instantly on large projection screens. Congratulations, graduates!

Convocation avec maman et frère. #MUNgrad2014 #doctorb

Grenfell Campus, Memorial University

Zaren Healey White @zzzaren Congratulations to all the new @MemorialU graduates! Welcome to Team MUN Alumni! #MUNgrad2014

Alphabetical order helped me meet this sweetie and now we get to sit together one last time :) #MUNgrad2014

Noreen Golfman @ngolfman

dianaflemmingnl

Our students are lined up, excited and ready to graduate! #grenfell14

Janessa Cole @janessacole Medieval robe with smartphone, our Chancellor hard at work backstage #MUNgrad2014

Gazette | Wednesday, June 11, 2014

So excited to strut across that stage tomorrow! #pleasedonttrip #nervous #excited #MUNgrad2014

12

B.Comm. class of 2014 #MUNgrad2014 #graduationnation #love

www.mun.ca/gazette