Mun gazette nov 5th 2014

Nov. 5, 2014 Volume 47 Number 5

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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History made

The women’s Sea-Hawks soccer team has won the 2014 Subway Atlantic University Sport championship.

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Golden milestone President Kachanoski recognizes alumni celebrating 50-plus years since graduation during a special MUNdays event.

Fall convocation

The Gazette wraps up its convocation coverage with three inspiring orations and stories of student success.

Lasting impact National honours for researchers

By Krista Davidson

Memorial

University researchers received two of

five national research awards presented at an awards ceremony in Ottawa, Ont., on Nov. 3 – one of them regarded as the highest honour a researcher can receive in the social sciences and humanities.

Ethnomusicologist Beverley Diamond was presented with the 2014 Gold Medal of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC). The award recognizes her contributions to the social, cultural, economic and intellectual life of Canadians through her research. The Gold Medal, valued at $100,000, is the highest award one can receive from SSHRC, the national research funding body for the social sciences and humanities.

A second major national award went to Kirk Luther, a PhD candidate in Memorial’s Faculty of Science. Mr. Luther was awarded the 2014 SSHRC Talent Award for his research on human behaviour within the criminal justice system. The Talent Award is valued at $50,000.

Dr. Diamond is a faculty member in Memorial’s School Chris Hammond photo

of Music and Faculty of Arts. She holds the Canada Research Chair in Ethnomusicology at Memorial. She is also a fellow of the Pierre Elliot Trudeau Foundation and the Royal Society of Canada, nationally respected, peernominated organizations comprising the most talented and accomplished scholars and experts in Canada.

From left are Kirk Luther and Dr. Beverley Diamond.

Face Forward: President’s Report 2014 released Memorial

activities happening at Memorial.

“Face Forward features select stories and examples of how, across all our campuses, we are focused on meeting the needs of students, developing innovative living and learning spaces, building and renewing appropriate infrastructure for 21st-century teaching,

University has released its annual

research and public engagement and making a

report, titled Face Forward: President’s Report 2014.

difference in our communities,” he said.

President Gary Kachanoski marked the report’s and Skills Kevin O’Brien on a tour of the online report at Confederation Building Oct. 30.

The report provides an overview of the university’s accomplishments across the span of teaching and learning, research and public engagement, as well as the work undertaken in administrative support and

The report has been built throughout the past Chris Hammond photo

release by taking the Minister of Advanced Education

See sshrc page 4

academic and fiscal year as a series of themed, online chapters to reflect the pioneering work of Memorial’s faculty, students and staff. The themes include Memorial up North; health and well-being; student success; culture, heritage and creative arts; and oceans.

Dr. Gary Kachanoski and Minister Kevin O’Brien

infrastructure development.

“I encourage you to learn more about the exceptional people at Memorial University, our faculty, staff, students and alumni, and what they all do as active

The highlights of the past year include the opening

a living memorial to the sacrifices of those who

engaged citizens to make the world a better place to

of a new 200-bed student residence on Grenfell

fought in the First World War was highlighted

live – safer, more prosperous, more interesting.”

Campus, the completion of the 500-bed new student

this year as Memorial began its five-year WW100

residence complex on the St. John’s campus and

commemoration program.

remarkable work by students, faculty and staff.

In addition, Memorial University’s genesis as

President Kachanoski said the highlights of the report are illustrative of the exciting initiatives and

To see some of the faces of the people who are working together to move Memorial forward as well as to view their stories and the vital signs and financial highlights for 2013-14, visit www.mun.ca/presidentsreport.

Sustainability a VPC priority The body that oversees and directs the operations

“Such a significant commitment required that

of the university has created a pan-university strategic

senior-level university administrators become more

advisory

engaged in sustainability, leading to the creation of

committee

on

sustainability.

The

Vice-

Presidents Council recently approved the terms of reference for its University Sustainability Committee (USC).

the USC,” Dr. Reynolds said.

As per its terms of reference, the committee is responsible for overseeing the development of the

The chair of the committee is Dr. Cecilia Reynolds,

sustainability action plan, to monitor progress of the

deputy provost (students) and associate vice-president

plan’s implementation and make recommendations

(academic) undergraduate studies.

to the VPC on university-wide initiatives and policies

“I am looking forward to working with the members

related to sustainability. It can establish ad hoc

of the committee and with the wider university

committees to help undertake this work and receive

community to identify and address sustainability

advice and recommendations from them, as well as

issues and opportunities,” she said.

from the campus-specific sustainability committees.

According to Dr. Reynolds, the USC is built on the

Its membership includes representatives from the

foundational work of the Advisory Committee on

St. John’s campus, Marine Institute and Grenfell

Sustainability, which was active from 2007-12, and

Campus, including leaders from student unions,

the university’s Sustainability Office. A key driver for

administration, facilities, research, communications

the creation of the USC was the Memorial University

and the Sustainability Office. The USC meets quarterly

Sustainability Declaration, signed in October 2009,

or more often as needed.

which commits the university to developing an

Dr. Reynolds said that the USC has identified three

action plan with measurable outcomes in the areas of

priorities for its work in 2015—waste management,

the university’s environmental impacts: governance

transportation and education—and will be releasing

and operational policies and systems; academic

a report in the new year on current sustainability

curriculum, research and outreach on sustainability;

activities at Memorial.

and

working

and

living

environments

on

all

campuses.

VISIT US ONLINE W W W.MUN.C A /GA ZETTE

For more information on the committee, see www. mun.ca/vpc/faqs/MUN_Sustainability_Committee.pdf.

Communities within Nunatsiavut want to maintain the Inuktitut language and are working hard to preserve

GAZETTE

the language. Inuktitut has been taught in the school system for a number of years; however, with less and less adults knowing the language, younger generations are not able to practise what they learn. To target the adult

your next project

population, a pilot project to teach Inuktitut to these groups is nearing the end of the development stage with hopes of implementation in late 2015.

“Language and cultural identity go hand-in-hand,”

By Diane Keough

Ms. Lane said. “Strengthening the Inuktitut language will strengthen the Inuit culture. It is critically important

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

within Nunatsiavut to preserve the Inuktitut language.”

jobs is to provide a way for people from outside Memorial to ask for research help. With hundreds of community-suggested opportunities to

The project:

choose from, your next project is just a click away. Here’s one …

There has been a great deal of work done in the area of language preservation and development in recent years

The opportunity:

by various local groups and agencies. However, at this

Inuktitut was once the sole language used within

point little is available to determine the results of this

Nunatsiavut. With its distinct writing system and its

work. Ms. Lane says there is a need to evaluate the level

use in remote Inuit communities, it developed a unique

of interest of learning the Inuktitut language in the

dialect with a separate literary tradition. However, the

Nunatsiavut communities. In addition, there is also an

language, once used for generations, is now nearing

opportunity to evaluate the pilot program to determine

extinction. Although Nunatsiavut claims more than

its effectiveness with the target groups.

4,000 inhabitants of Inuit descent, only 550 reported Inuktitut to be their first language in the 2001 census.

“Over the past couple of generations, the English language became more and more integrated, and now it

“Language research can be seen as a sensitive topic,” said Ms. Lane. “However, the time is right for research on Inuktitut as it endangered, and we are working hard to preserve it.”

is the primary language used over Inuktitut,” said Jodi Lane, education manager, Nunatsiavut Government. “We

Interested in learning more about this project? The Harris

are now at a point where some generations of Inuit no

Centre’s co-ordinator of knowledge mobilization would be happy

longer understand Inuktitut, and language preservation

to tell you more. Call Amy Tucker at 709-864-6115 or email at

has become extremely important.”

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 Mike Mouland

Regular Contributors

Courtenay Alcock Laura Barron Jennifer Batten Melanie Callahan Nora Daly Krista Davidson Paula Dyke Kelly Foss Pamela Gill Sharon Gray Jeff Green Janet Harron Jill Hunt Diane Keough Classified Advertising Kelly Hickey

Jackey Locke Virginia Middleton Cathy Newhook Michelle Osmond David Penney Marcia Porter Kristine Power Dave Sorensen Melissa Watton Meaghan Whelan Susan White Heidi Wicks Laura Woodford Photography Chris Hammond

Advertising Mandy Cook Telephone: 709 864 2142 Email: mandyc@mun.ca Next Gazette deadline Nov. 19 for Nov. 26 publication.

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

Submitted photo

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.

Winter fun in the northern community of Nain.

Gazette | Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2014

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Up to the task

nick pearce photo

Noseworthy leads Sea-Hawks to AUS title with two-goal performance

The Sea-Hawks women’s soccer team after their Atlantic University Sport championship victory.

By Dalhousie Sports Information Special to the Gazette

despite the hurricane-like weather that poured down

Painter nearly gave the Varsity Reds a 2-1 lead in the

on Wickwire Field. In the 15th minute, Hannah Rivkin

dying minutes of the first half when she found herself

nearly opened the scoring when she got her head on a

alone against the goalie, but she fanned on the shot and

They’ve done it. The second-seeded Memorial

beautiful pass in by Jane Pope, but the ball sailed just

the game remained tied going into halftime.

University women’s Sea-Hawks soccer team has won

right of the UNB net.

the 2014 Subway Atlantic University Sport (AUS) Championship.

Jesse Noseworthy scored two goals in the second half to give the Sea-Hawks a 3-1 lead over the top-ranked

And that’s when the Sea-Hawks decided to dictate

Meggie Spicer of UNB was all alone in the box with

their own fate.

the ball in the 19th minute but she couldn’t corral the

Jesse Noseworthy scored off a pass from Jane Pope to

ball into the net as the ball skipped wide to keep the

give the Sea-Hawks their first lead of the game in the

game scoreless.

65th minute after she connected with a solid strike

University of New Brunswick (UNB) Varsity Reds. It

UNB’s Hayley Gates, who had just one goal in the

in a mad scramble in the box. She followed it up with

is the first AUS soccer banner for Memorial (men’s or

regular season, found herself on the receiving end of a

another beauty of a goal from inside the box after a

women’s) since 1973 and the first ever in the women’s

nearly perfectly place corner kick from Lucy Parkin in

great pass from Jane Pope to make the game 3-1. Despite

team history.

the 27th minute and headed in a laser of a header past

never finding the back of the net during the final,

Hannah Noseworthy to give the Varsity Reds a 1-0 lead.

Pope’s passing and vision were critical to the Sea-Hawk’s

against the Varsity Reds this season, but they won when

Lauren Cubbon came up with a huge defensive play

offensive success all game as she fed her teammates with

it mattered as they handed the Varsity Reds just their

when she headed away a Memorial shot on the goal line,

second loss in all of 2014.

The Sea-Hawks had lost both previous matches

precision passes time and time again.

but the Varsity Reds failed to get the ball out of their end

Despite strong pressure from the Varsity Reds, the

It was a dark and stormy day for the final of the

and their strong offensive pressure was finally rewarded

Sea-Hawks were up to the task defensively. They’d hold

2014 Subway AUS Women’s Soccer Championship. The

with a goal, as Rivkin nailed a header that bounced over

on to win 3-1 to capture the championship in thrilling

spirit of the Sea-Hawks wasn’t dampened in the least

the line to tie the game at one in the 36th minute. Kayla

fashion.

Two-way communication

STUDENTVIEW

The Labrador Inuit and Keith Russell

Samantha Fitzpatrick

their people face. Russell spoke at length on the struggles of land claim disputes and made a point of stating that, in his experience, Aboriginal Peoples are not against development, but simply want to be included in the conversation, especially when they

Canada’s

been

council (representing more than 6,000 southern

are directly affected by the outcome (e.g. Muskrat

fighting for recognition for a long time — within

Aboriginal

population

has

Inuit), has accepted the apology and said he is willing

Falls). Ms. Baikie said the same.

government policy, media and society more generally

to work with the new minister.

One

of

the

major

difficulties

Ms.

Baikie

— and, somehow, they find the determination and

I do not doubt that the Inuit whom Keith Russell

has encountered while working in her field is

strength to continue fighting despite continually

now presides over have a general willingness to

communicating that which is second nature to her —

being ignored, demeaned and attacked by much larger

co-operate with him, nor do I wish to imply ill of

her culture, her heritage and the land she calls home

opponents. Of course, the words “fight,” “attack” and

Russell’s intentions. I would like to suggest though,

— in a way that her co-workers may understand. It is

“opponent” have violent, oppositional connotations,

that even if he stays true to his promise and puts

an undoubtedly frustrating obstacle, but she realizes

which are not necessarily indicative of the general

his best foot forward in representing Labrador’s

she must persevere; positive change will not be

stance taken by Canadian Aboriginal groups.

Aboriginal

possible otherwise.

The Labrador Inuit and Inuit-Métis, of the Northern and

Southern

regions

respectively,

are

prime

examples of this. Just recently, for instance, Keith

population,

the

communication

difficulties that are already prevalent between

We must therefore question how Keith Russell’s

Aboriginal groups and government certainly face

new role as minister will contribute to these already

further challenges as a result of Russell’s election.

deep-seeded challenges faced by the Labrador Inuit.

Russell, infamous for past faux pas when dealing with

During a presentation given as part of the

Even to the most open of minds, understanding

Aboriginal groups, was appointed minister of Labrador

Aboriginal Diversity Sharing Session held on Oct. 24,

another’s culture takes time and dedication. Though

and Aboriginal affairs. In September, he denounced

Caitlyn Baikie, a fourth-year geography student and

his apologies may have been genuine, it will be his

claims of Aboriginal spiritual connections to the land

proud Inuk from Nain, shared sentiments similar to

actions moving ahead which will determine whether

surrounding Muskrat Falls, calling them “mumbo

those expressed by Todd Russell during his visit to

Russell is truly dedicated to this task.

jumbo.” He has since issued a public apology and has

Grenfell Campus this past February. Both possess

been given the benefit of the doubt by many. Todd

strong connections to their culture and their land,

Samantha Fitzpatrick is a fourth-year English major at Memorial.

Russell, president of the Nunatukavut community

and are fully aware of and vocal about the issues

She can be reached at samantha_fitzpatrick@hotmail.com.

Gazette | Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2014

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PAPERS AND PRESENTATIONS

NOTABLE

Dr. Christopher Kovacs was guest editor of the

conference in Houston, Texas, and The Role of

Dr. Conor Maguire has been appointed chair of the

September 2014 issue of Clinical Reviews in Bone and

Vitamin D in Mineral Homeostasis during Fetal

Discipline of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, for a three-

Mineral Metabolism, and also contributed two research

Development, Pregnancy, and Lactation: Insights

year term, starting Sept. 1, 2014.

papers: Parathyroid Hormone Related Protein: Not

from Animal Models and Clinical Studies. Dr. Kovacs

Just a Parathyrin Mimic but a Key Regulator of

is also author of two textbook chapters: Interactions

Dr. Andy Foster was re-appointed associate dean

Diverse Tissues and Physiological Systems and The

of

(undergraduate and administration), Faculty of Science,

Role of PTHrP in Regulating Mineral Metabolism

Parathyroid Function and Disease during Pregnancy,

during Pregnancy, Lactation, and Fetal/Neonatal

Lactation, and Fetal/Neonatal Development both in

Development. His 80-page comprehensive review

the textbook Parathyrroids, third edition, edited by

Dr. Aimee Suprenant was appointed associate dean

article,

Bilezekian, Marcus, Levine, Marocci, Silverberg, and

(undergraduate and administration), Faculty of Science,

Potts, published in September 2014.

for a further three-year term, starting Sept. 1, 2015.

760 references, was published in the October 2014

Professor Messod Salama, Department of French and

Dr. Shree Mulay was reappointed associate dean,

issue of Physiological Reviews. His clinical review article

Spanish, published an article Between Aggada and

Division of Community Health and Humanities, Faculty

Osteoporosis Presenting in Pregnancy, Puerperium,

Haggadah. The Ballads of El paso del Mar Rojo and

of Medicine, for a three-year term starting Aug. 1, 2014.

and Lactation was published in the December 2014

A Passagem do Mar Vermelho among the Sephardim

issue of Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes, and

and the Crypto Jews of Portugal, in Actas de la XV.

Prof. Peggy Coady was appointed associate

Obesity. Recent guest lectureships include Clinical

British Conference on Judeo-Spanish Studies. (Queen’s

dean, course-based master’s programs, Faculty of

Round Table on Bone Disease in Pregnancy at the

Mary and Westfield College, University of London-

Business Administration, for a three-year term, starting

American Society for Bone and Mineral Research

Bar Ilan University-Tel Aviv, 2014), pp. 261-277.

Sept. 1, 2014.

titled

Bone

Development

and

Mineral

Metabolism in the Fetus and Neonate: Roles of the

PTHrP

with

Receptors

and

Signaling

and

for a further three-year term, starting Sept. 1, 2015.

Calciotropic and Phosphotropic Hormones, and citing

Dr. David Innes was appointed head of the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, for a one-year term,

Cont’d from sshrc page 1

Diamond on behalf of the entire university community

starting Sept. 1, 2014.

and thank her for her contribution. Her research will The Gold Medal is presented annually to an individual whose sustained leadership, dedication and originality

have a lasting impact on Canadians and the social,

Dr. Katherine Side was appointed associate dean,

economic and cultural issues that pervade our world.”

School of Graduate Studies, for a one-year term, starting

of thought have inspired students and colleagues alike,

Kirk Luther, the recipient of the 2014 SSHRC Talent

and will provide an opportunity to enrich Canadian

Award, is a student in the psychology PhD program

society.

of Memorial’s Faculty of Science. His work focuses on

Dr. Roselyne Okech was appointed program chair,

Sept. 1, 2014.

Dr. Diamond’s body of research is extensive; she

improving policing practices and protecting the human

Tourism Studies, Division of Social Science, Grenfell

has explored a variety of topics ranging from issues

rights of vulnerable youth in Canada. The Talent Award

Campus, for a one-year term, starting Sept. 1, 2014.

of cultural diversity and indigenous modernity, to the

recognizes outstanding achievement by an individual

development of cross-cultural perspectives on gendered

holding a SSHRC doctoral or post-doctoral fellowship

Dr. Maura Hanrahan is the recipient of the Canadian

and technologically mediated musical practices and the

or scholarship and who has a talent for research,

Coast Guard Alumni’s Polaris Award in recognition

exploration of music as a means of both defining and

knowledge mobilization and a clear potential to be a

of outstanding contributions to the presentation and

decolonizing intercultural relationships, and music as a

future leader within and/or outside the academic sector.

public awareness of the marine heritage of the province

“Receiving the SSHRC Talent award is invaluable

of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Polaris Award is

medium for addressing rights and social change.

“This amazing award will enable a broader public

in ensuring that I can effectively share my research

given every 2-3 years. It will be presented by the Coast

discussion of how indigenous arts speak to the important

findings and it enables me to continue working toward

Guard Newfoundland Region Alumni Association

issues of our time,” she said. “My presentations and

my goal of improving the criminal justice system,” said

in St. John’s at a gala dinner in December, 2014. The

publications

Mr. Luther.

award consists of a framed scroll for the recipient and a

on

contemporary

indigenous

music

are motivated by my desire to see settlers give more

“Kirk Luther exemplifies what it means to be a rising

respectful attention to this remarkable realm of creative

academic star – he is a committed advocate for the

activity. In this way, I hope to enrich Canadian society

social justice of youth and dedicated to improving the

and enhance respect for cultural diversity within and

understanding of our criminal legal system,” said Dr.

Dr. Edgar Williams was one of five deserving

beyond our borders.”

Ray Gosine, vice-president (research), pro tempore.

individuals throughout Newfoundland and Labrador

“This is a significant personal and professional

Mr. Luther is the recipient of the 2013 SSHRC

brass porthole in the recipient’s honour in the Coast Guard’s base in St. John’s.

recognized for their significant contributions to their

Choice

Winner

communities and the province. The sixth annual

Three-Minute

Thesis

Seniors of Distinction Awards were presented on Oct.

body of work,” said Dr. Gary Kachanoski, president and

competition and the first place winner in the

1 by Clyde Jackman, minister of Seniors, Wellness and

vice-chancellor. “I am delighted to congratulate Dr.

eastern regional Three-Minute Thesis competition.

Social Development, at the Capital Hotel in St. John’s.

accomplishment that speaks to the high quality and

Storytellers

significant impact of Dr. Beverley Diamond’s scholarly

at

the

Award, national

the

People’s

2013

Dr. Williams has written extensively on the need for increased numeracy in Canada and in Newfoundland and Labrador. He was instrumental in the development of basic education programming which developed into the present-day Adult Basic Education Program, a means by which adults can achieve high school equivalency. Dr. Williams retired from the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Faculty of Science, in 2004.

OBITUARIES Dr. Barbara Barrett Dr. Barbara Barrett, an honorary degree recipient of Memorial University and a theatre director, passed away Oct. 25, 2014. She was 92.

CORRECTION Christine Carter is the School of Music’s new assistant professor of saxophone and clarinet, not Florian Hoefner, as was stated incorrectly in the Sept. 24 Gazette.

Gazette | Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2014

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CHRIS HAMMOND PHOTO

FRAMEWORKS AT WORK Memorial’s frameworks in action Dr. John Hawboldt

Dr. Beverly FitzPatrick

By Heidi Wicks

professionals in all disciplines, to their patients and to the

The three overarching frameworks guiding Memorial’s future direction—the Research Strategy Framework,

public, so they have to be taught to convey information

the Teaching and Learning Framework and the Public Engagement Network—are the result of several years of

A recent study

consultations with the university community and the

Pharmaceutical Education rated communication and

people and organizations of Newfoundland and Labrador.

critical thinking skills among the top five attributes

assessments

This regular feature will help showcase the frameworks in

that graduating pharmacy students should have.

communication skills about specific pharmacy cases.

action by sharing projects and highlighting the successes

These skills are as important for pharmacists as drug-

After each exam, Drs. Hawboldt and FitzPatrick teach

that are bringing them to life.

related knowledge.

a class where they work with the students to explicitly

in the American Journal of

Drs. John Hawboldt and Beverly FitzPatrick, School of Pharmacy, are using research to inform teaching and learning, and vice versa, by focusing a new study

TEACHING AND LEARNING

on the assessment and improvement of students’ skills in these areas.

The scholarship of teaching and learning

in a clear, succinct manner to specific audiences.”

In the study, the students complete five written that

require

critical

thinking

and

address how they can improve these skills in their exam responses and other relevant pharmacy cases.

Third-year student Elisabeth Gesch is pleased that critical thinking is a focus in her program.

“Students become frustrated when memorization

“They need to be taught to think critically in a variety

alone doesn’t grant them top marks, yet memorizing

of situations,” said Dr. Hawboldt. “Communication is

facts and lecture notes doesn’t produce an effective

another skill that pharmacy students need instruction

pharmacist. We will use these skills throughout our

to master. Our graduates have a responsibility to

careers, and I have no doubt that we will all enhance

communicate their knowledge with other health-care

our knowledge and skills during this process.”

Golden moment Celebrating five decades and more since graduation

By David Penney

It was a gathering

of the great ones.

Memorial University alumni celebrating 50 years or more since graduation got together to mark that milestone at the President’s Golden Celebration on Oct. 26.

The School of Music hosted the ceremony, one of the key events held during MUNdays, Memorial’s spirit week. Members of the class of 1964, as well as graduates of earlier years, were presented with a commemorative gold pin in recognition of their exceptional and long-standing relationship with Memorial. (academic) pro tempore, was the master of ceremonies for the event that included performances by School of Music faculty and staff as well as a special address from Dr. Gary Kachanoski, president and vice-chancellor.

“I don’t think you could have imagined what would happen after you started your journey with

Dennis Flynn photo

Dr. Noreen Golfman, provost and vice-president

Alumna Victoria Badcock and her son Gordon Badcock at the President’s Golden Celebration.

Memorial, but I am sure you will agree it was truly life changing,” Dr. Kachanoski told the group. “You became part of our Memorial family and some of the greatest ambassadors for our university.”

College on Parade Street in St. John’s.

She recalled some early memories, including stories of her father who fought in the First World War.

at Memorial, she was able to experience a college that was dedicated to those men who fought and died on the battlefield alongside her father. To honour them,

The celebration, now in its second year, had more

“I was just three months old in 1914 when my father

she embraced the opportunity. Her recollections of

than 150 guests in attendance. This included indi-

went overseas as part of the Newfoundland Regiment,”

what preoccupied her as a young girl in 1934 reflect

viduals who received their commemorative pin at

she said. “He was gone for six years, and when he

the spirit and innocence that those who died were

last year’s ceremony and who returned to welcome

came back it was really the first time I met him. He

fighting to protect.

the latest members of this select group. Among

was wounded at Beaumont Hamel but he managed to

“Of course, what I remember most about Memorial

the returning members was Victoria Badcock, a

survive and get through the rest of the war. I had been

was chasing the boys,” she said. “And having to wear

graduate of the class of 1934. At 100 years old,

sleeping in the bed with my mother since I was a baby

the academic gowns to class, we were always trying

Ms. Badcock was celebrating the 80th anniversary

so what I remember most as a child is being upset that

to get around that one way or another. Being with

of her graduation from what was then called the

this strange man was taking my place!”

friends and learning – it was a wonderful time for us

homes sciences program at Memorial University

Gazette | Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2014

When Ms. Badcock eventually began as a student

5

and we were so thankful for it.”

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CONVOCATION 2014

.......................................................................................................................

Friday, Oct. 3, 10 a.m., Corner Brook

ORATION HONOURING Gordon Churchill Slade Madam

Chancellor:

centuries,

Excellence in the Public Presentation of Historic Sites, the

Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have preserved fish. The

Royal Canadian Geographic Association Gold Medal, the

agent of preservation – salt – was an external commodity, as

Queen Elizabeth II Golden and Diamond Jubilee Medals and

there was no local source for it. The salted cod was sent out

the Order of Canada.

For

from our coastal communities, convincing proof of our rich

The world whose remnants Gordon Slade is preserving

resources and our resourcefulness. Fortunately we have a local

has gone the way of the salt cod fishery, but that past feeds

source for the agent of another kind of preservation. Gordon

Gordon Slade’s vision of a sustainable future, whether in

Slade’s work on the conservation of historical buildings at

the ocean through the use of cod traps that keep fish alive

Battle Harbour in Southern Labrador has brought people back

and do not damage the ocean floor, or beside the ocean in

to our original fishing ports to sample a new coastal resource,

communities where visitors can see both the past and the

our cultural heritage.

future. If the fish now are merely fresh ingredients in elegant meals rather than the basis of the economy, the history of

Gordon Slade’s career is closely tied to the fishery. The Placentia Bay native spent 20 years in federal and provincial

research on the site to demonstrate that Battle Harbour was

the fishery is an equally fresh ingredient in a growing cul-

fisheries departments, before moving into economic and

historically significant as a shipping and administrative cen-

tural tourism industry that is developing a new economy and

regional development, eventually becoming Newfoundland

tre and arranged for an architectural study of the remaining

new kinds of jobs that keep people on the historic coasts so

vice-president of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

18th- and 19th-century buildings. Using that information he

long used for other purposes. Gordon Slade’s preservation

and receiving the Lieutenant-Governor’s Award for Excellence

was able to secure funding and the donation of the prem-

of Battle Harbour “over a couple of bottles of Scotch and a

in Public Service for his accomplishments. After his appoint-

ises themselves in order to restore the site to reflect the early

few meetings,” as Battle Harbour interpreter Mike Earle put

ment as executive director of Memorial’s International

history of European settlement and the operation of the cod

it, is an achievement that fully justifies the awards which fol-

Centre, Mr. Slade undertook the direction of the Opportunity

and sealing industries of Southern Labrador. An unused salt

lowed it.

Fund, Memorial’s successful fundraising program, and then

fish processing site, the disintegrating reminder of a declin-

In a poem composed in 2010, posted on the Battle Harbour

became chief executive officer of the Cruise Ship Authority

ing industry, therefore became a burgeoning cultural tour-

Facebook page, Gordon Slade wrote, “Time, we can make

of Newfoundland and Labrador. Mr. Slade also served as

ism site, fostering new types of employment and once more

it wait, wait for us to linger and catch up.” That line sums

executive director of One Ocean, an organization facilitating

making the coast alive with incomers. His work has not

up what he has done. By seeing the past through the eyes

relationships between the fishery and oil industries. Clearly,

been confined to Battle Harbour, however. He has also been

of the future, Gordon Slade has made time wait, so we can

Gordon Slade’s strength is looking at a familiar landscape, see-

a member of the Sir William Coaker Heritage Foundation

access the past and share it with the world as we once shared

ing existing structures and organizations with fresh vision,

in Port Union, the Ryan Premises National Historic Site at

another abundant resource. In recognition of his work in

and sharing that vision effectively.

Bonavista and the Red Bay National Historic Site, and now

the preservation of communities and their heritage, Madam

Thus, when he saw the historical buildings of Battle

chairs the Shorefast Foundation, which is developing Fogo

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

Harbour, he saw an opportunity – if fishing was no lon-

in ways the early European fishers could not have imag-

causa), Gordon Churchill Slade.

ger sustainable there, the existing structures must be given

ined. The value of Mr. Slade’s work has been recognized

another purpose. He organized funding for historical

with numerous awards, including the Manning Award for

E. Holly Pike

University orator

.......................................................................................................................

Friday, Oct. 17, 10 a.m., St. John’s

ORATION HONOURING Anna Mary Curren Madame Chancellor, It should come as no

by the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network with the

surprise that today Memorial University is honouring our

Anna M. Curren Service Award, presented by her to major

very own, the inimitable, much-travelled Anna Mary Curren.

legislative and civilian awardees. It was just as well that Anna

Proud to be called a “feisty Newfoundlander,” Anna began her

was a member of the Soroptimist Society – she needed all the

remarkable journey on Leslie Street, St. John’s, was educated at

optimism she could muster in helping to change history.

Prince of Wales College on LeMarchant Road, then Memorial

And, Madame Chancellor, I must record that like her emi-

University College on Parade Street. Leaving these shores, she

nent forebears, Wilfred Grenfell and Florence Nightingale,

studied nursing at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal and

Anna combines her passion for the political and the prag-

Dalhousie University in Halifax. Then, after acquiring that

matic with her passion for creative writing. She has written

ticket to ride for all feisty, counter-culture Newfoundlanders –

a historical novel Love, Above the Reach of Time, the devoted

a Volkswagen Beetle – she headed out to California to further

love story of Lady Eleanor Butler and the Honourable Sarah

her career as a nursing educator, entrepreneur and human

Ponsonby whose courage and independence inspired unmentionable parts of their anatomy. Just be thankful that

Wordsworth, Byron and the Duke of Wellington. Anna

Madame Chancellor, Of course, it is no surprise that we

Anna Curren capitalized on her professional skills and the

has recently scripted a play about these remarkable women,

have called home this accomplished woman from San Diego,

entrepreneurial acumen inherited from her beloved father,

thereby adding to the extensive literature in gay and lesbian

to receive Memorial University’s most distinguished hon-

Wallace Curren, and built a major medical supplies company,

studies.

our. We have a long tradition of honouring those who, like

Wallcur, to provide trainee nurses and doctors throughout

Madame Chancellor, It is no surprise that this altruistic

Anna, make history and leave lasting legacies. After all, our

North America with practice medical kits. So instead of prac-

and passionate lover of the rich diversity of human life holds

campus in Corner Brook pays homage to Sir Wilfred Grenfell,

tising on us, they had safe, accurate and realistic clinical sim-

the high position of Commander of the Order of St. John of

our Harlow Campus in England esteems Lord Stephen Taylor,

ulation practice.

Jerusalem, an ancient, international, multi-faith organiza-

rights activist. And what a prodigious career it has been.

and, most recently, our new residence complex celebrates Dr.

But, Madame Chancellor, Anna is so much more than an

tion, whose sovereign head is Queen Elizabeth II. Their motto

Cluny MacPherson, John Shiwak and that other nurse and

author of medical texts and an innovative business entrepre-

Pro Fide, Pro Utilitate Hominum – dedication to the service of

educator, Frances Cluett.

neur; she is a nationally admired advocate of human rights.

humanity – could be Anna’s mantra.

Anna, like her remarkable compatriots, shares in equal mea-

Her philanthropic work in bettering the education and work

We are not the only ones to recognize her distinguished

sure the unwavering vision to make life better, the courage to

prospects for girls and women and for individuals who have

leadership and be inspired by her achievements. The most

overcome ignorance and prejudice and the tenacity to get the

served time in prison is only part of her ongoing commitment

recent of her many awards was from the City Council of San

job done. The texts used by her nursing students in California

to justice for all. She has given fully and without equivocation

Diego, on behalf of the people of San Diego. They proclaimed

were confusing and inadequate so, Anna wrote her own. In

to a major issue of our time. Our recognition of her unpar-

Nov. 9, 2013, as the Anna M. Curren Day.

the process, she demystified her favourite subject, mathemat-

alleled, lifelong commitment to ending the discrimination

Madame Chancellor, We cannot be outdone by our

ics, making it accessible to generations of students through

against the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered (GLBT)

Californian cousins, so I ask you to award to Anna Mary

empirical examples, not transcendent theories. She taught

community is most timely. For over a decade, she worked with

Curren, not just a day but the degree, in perpetuity, of doctor

them how to calculate precisely, so now fewer people die

the national governing branch of the Servicemembers Legal

of laws (honoris causa) on the condition that she continues to

from adverse drug events (ADE). This best-selling text, Math

Defense Network (SLDN) in Washington, D.C., to end the dis-

come home every year to see old and new friends, that she

for Meds, and its companion volume, Dimensional Analysis for

criminatory “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, which President

enters her play in next year’s St. John’s International Women’s

Meds, has sold well over a million copies worldwide.

Obama repealed in 2011, stating: “It is time to recognize that

Film Festival, and that she continues to make us proud of who

Madame Chancellor, I warrant that there is not a person

sacrifice, valour and integrity are no more defined by sexual

we are and whom we love.

on stage, or in the audience who, at some time or another,

orientation than they are by race or gender, religion or creed.”

has not faced having strange substances injected into tender,

Anna’s championship of gay civil rights has been honoured

Gazette | Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2014

6

Dr. Annette Staveley

Deputy public orator

www.mun.ca/gazette

CONVOCATION 2014

.......................................................................................................................

Friday, Oct. 17, 3 p.m., St. John’s

Oration honouring Roger William Peattie Chancellor: We are daily threatened with the

of such Victorian luminaries as Ruskin, Morris, Swinburne

demise of the book but we should expect that because, 40

and the numerous members of the Rossetti family (the focus

years ago, we were being told of the death of the author and

of his research), of the great painters of the period: William

it follows that without authors there can be no books. We

Holman Hunt, John Everett Millais, Ford Madox Brown and

note with some sadness the closure of the many small, inde-

Edward Burne-Jones, and of the work of the great Victorian

pendent bookshops which gave such pleasures of discovery

children’s illustrators: Walter Crane, Randolph Caldecott

that no voyage to fabled lands could match. However, as

and Kate Greenway. These are to delight the mind but with

that most literate newspaper, The Economist, told us only last

them – to delight the eye – is an extraordinary collection of

week such obituaries are a little premature and it is clear that

Victorian bindings: books whose covers are artistic produc-

while these threats make great if recurrent copy, the book

tions in their own right, masterpieces of the bookmaker’s art.

has an undeniable durability. First the newspaper, then the

Madam Chancellor, we must see this as a natural progres-

radio, then the cinema, then the television were all charged

sion because Roger Peattie was born into paper. His father

with being bookslayers. Yet there has been a great growth

of thoughts and worlds with all the resonances of that word.

worked in the Grand Falls mill producing newsprint for

in mass-market bookselling and book prizes (the Nobel, the

Flesh, text, texture...from parchment as paper and leather

Lord Northcliffe’s massive newspaper chain. So, with such

Booker, the Giller, the Governor-General’s, the Winterset) all

coverings to the use of glue and silk bindings and various

a beginning it was almost predetermined that Roger Peattie

draw great public attention, are mainstream news. If this is

animal-based dyes and inks, the tactile “gravity” of the book

should go into books. He came to Memorial to do his BA

death it is an awfully crowded and manifestly popular grave.

is of particular relevance.”

and MA in English and, along the way, a remarkable trans-

Our candidate, Roger Peattie, through his studies in the

formation occurred: newsprint was converted into fine bond

constant and competitive commercial and technological

Pre-Raphaelites, became so aware of this essential nature

as Dr. Peattie made his way from the raw world of pulp and

change? It lies in the nature of the book which is in itself

of the book that he – with his wife Marlene – gathered in a

paper to the refined world of Victorian publishing, printing

a remarkable piece of technology – simple yet complex,

most remarkable collection of 19th-century texts. During his

and bookbinding. For this collection, for his contributions

compact and convenient. The greatest tribute to its success

doctoral studies as a Rothermere scholar at the University of

to research on the book and on Pre-Raphaelite literature, for

is the fact that the e-readers and tablets attempt to emulate

London in the early ’60s, he, wandering the bins and bar-

his continuing contributions to Memorial’s intellectual life,

it but do not always succeed in so doing. As the man who

rows of London book dealers, became captivated by books

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

heads Amazon’s Kindle division puts it: the book is “a really

and began this library. He carried on collecting through-

honoris causa, Roger William Peattie.

competitive technology [one that is] portable, hard to break,

out his academic career at the University of Calgary and,

Shane O’Dea

has high-resolution pages and a ‘long battery life.’” As one

in 1996, brought the collection here to Memorial when he

Public orator

scholar tells us: “Books are, very importantly, not an artefact

returned to live here following his retirement. This library is

of the mind, but of physical culture; they are an incarnation

a most important research resource for the study of the work

submitted photo

Whence this durability, whence this capacity to survive

From left are Nemanja Shambaher, Devin Philpott, Jalal Aboodarda and Michael Monks.

Talking exercise Exercise physiologists gather for knowledge exchange covered

Dr. Kevin Power, who co-chaired the

“We’re very proud of our students and

well all aspects from basic cellular and

conference with Dr. Duane Button,

their efforts in their research and how

and

molecular mechanisms of exercise, to

said the highlight for him was seeing

they represented our labs and HKR.”

trainees came to St. John’s from all over

the practical application of this knowl-

Memorial’s HKR alumni present.

Canada as well as the United States

edge in health, fitness and high perfor-

“We know all of these people person-

such as nutritionists and kinesiolo-

and Europe for the annual Canadian

mance programs,” said Dr. Anderson, a

ally and to see how far they have come

gists engage with scientists in an effort

Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP)

professor of musculoskeletal disorders

in their work and how it has changed

to bring research to practice. There

conference Oct. 22-25. The event was

at the National Research Centre for the

was really interesting.”

was also a roundtable and symposium

hosted by the School of Human Kinetics

Working Environment in Copenhagen,

and Recreation (HKR).

Denmark. “It was great to see the many

“I

By Michelle Osmond

About 350 professors

For

symposium

speaker

Dr.

think

the

conference

Several HKR students also presented at the conference.

The conference saw practitioners

where CSEP scientists met with physicians and other practitioners to dis-

Lars

enthusiastic and skilled students par-

“Many professors mentioned the stu-

cuss the role of exercise and physical

Anderson, it was his second time in St.

ticipate and present their work at this

dents and their work, noting just how

activity in the prevention and treat-

John’s and although the weather left some-

conference. This gives hope for future

much they were doing in HKR and how

ment of diseases and disorders, such

thing to be desired, the conference did not.

research in this area.”

well it was being done,” Dr. Power said.

as diabetes.

Gazette | Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2014

7

www.mun.ca/gazette

STUDENT SUCCESS .......................................................................................................................

Challenge accepted

exercises at CMS. Currently, more than 100 different ship models ranging from small fishing trawlers to large crude carriers reside in CMS’ databases.

Never one to shy away from a challenge, Mr. Savinov’s position is a unique role for a naval archi-

By Kim Thornhill

tect and one that provides him the opportunity to At

the

Marine

Institute’s

Centre

for

work independently and as a part of the larger CMS

Marine

team.

Simulation (CMS), a multi-talented team of expert developers combine their talent and the latest

Already equipped with educational experience

technology to provide a true interactive virtual

in naval architecture and a bachelor of technology

environment for its marine transportation clients.

degree, the value in his newly minted degree for Mr.

One of those experts is Ilya Savinov, a naval

Savinov came in the ability to see the broad indus-

architect (numeric modeller), who crossed the

try applications of technology translated into cur-

stage during Memorial’s recent fall convocation

rent and very real-world information and scenarios.

ceremonies to receive his master of technology

“The MTM program allowed me to see the prac-

management (MTM) degree. In his position, Mr.

ticality in my daily work as a part of a bigger pic-

Savinov’s work is crucial to the development of

ture,” he said. “The program was applicable to my

virtual ship models, specifically their performance and manoeuvrability characteristics for simulation

work and really has allowed me to build on my

Ilya Savinov

work, educational and life experiences.”

Rare syndrome no impediment

not able to focus on writing exams in the classroom or even in the gymnasium with all my peers because it was extremely intimidating seeing others leave before me or realize the limited time I

By Janet Harron

had to write exams.”

Convocation is a special event for many people.

Mr. Rabbani is originally from Ontario. He opted

This fall, it was perhaps a little more special for

to attend Memorial after spending his formative

the Rabbani family than for most.

years in Atlantic Canada and because of Memorial’s

Ibrahim Rabbani, who graduated with a BA in

excellent reputation and smaller class sizes, as

philosophy at Memorial’s recent fall convocation

well as his desire for new experiences. He singles

ceremonies, suffers from a rare genetic condition

out Dr. Suma Rajiva, Department of Philosophy,

known as 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. The con-

and Dr. Jennifer Porter, Department of Religious

dition affects 1 in 4,0 0 0 people. As a result, he

Studies, as being particularly inspiring.

has various cognitive and visual spatial learning

“Each of them gave me a reason to push my

issues causing him to stress over exams and to

knowledge and abilities to the limit. In their

have challenges with his long- and short-term

courses, I was able to stay interested, and invest

memory.

the most time and effort I could muster into my

With support and encouragement from the team at Memorial’s Glenn Roy Blundon Centre, Mr.

assignments.”

Ibrahim Rabbani

To show their gratitude to Memorial and to

Rabbani was able to gain confidence and work

increase awareness of 22Q , Mr. Rabbani’s family

toward his best academic results. This included

with Memorial’s Accommodations for Students

has established a scholarship in his name to be

the implementation of academic accommodations

with Disabilities Policy.

awarded annually to an undergraduate student in

when writing his tests and exams, in accordance

“I have high exam anxiety,” he explained. “I was

Iranian student says Memorial a ‘good choice’

the Faculty of Arts who has a recognized disability.

in 2011.

Dr. Herzarkhani told Ms. Assadiour about Memorial, the province and the city and she decided to follow in his footsteps.

“All of what he said motivated me to apply for this

By Susan White

university,” she said. “I was very sure that this was a

For Ghazal Assadipour, leaving Iran to pursue

good choice.”

a PhD in Canada was the right decision.

However, a demanding program combined with the

Ms. Assadipour, originally from Tehran, gradu-

challenges of studying in another language, being

ated with a PhD in management from the Faculty

away from family and friends and living in a new

of Business Administration at convocation in St.

country proved daunting and Ms. Assadipour consid-

John’s on Oct. 17.

ered dropping out of the program early in her studies.

After completing undergraduate and graduate

“I was far away from my family, I had to handle

degrees in computer engineering and industrial

everything myself. This was the first time I was living

engineering respectively at the University of Tehran,

by my own. So everything was new: the country, the

she applied for doctoral studies at Memorial.

program, this style of living … It was very different.”

“One of my classmates actually, he was two years

However, she persevered and is now a lecturer in

ahead of me [at the University of Tehran], he was

operations management at the business faculty. She

studying here [and] he suggested me to apply for

Ghazal Assadipour

still feels that studying at Memorial was the right

this university,” she said.

That classmate, Dr. Behzad Herzarkhani, was the

Gazette | Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2014

decision. first graduate of Memorial’s PhD in management

8

“I think I have more options here.”

www.mun.ca/gazette

STUDENT SUCCESS

.......................................................................................................................

Nursing practitioners make a difference

the program were working full-time as registered nurses.”

In Leah Hann’s work as a community health

By Marcia Porter

nurse, she noticed a gap in the care of older adults, It wasn’t the first time April Coles and Leah Hann

especially those living at home.

donned caps, gowns and pink-lined nursing hoods and

“I have a passion for caring for the older adult in

walked across the stage at the Arts and Culture Centre.

the community setting,” said Ms. Hann. “There’s a

But it was a satisfying accomplishment for the

need to expand the clinical role for adults aging at

two School of Nursing graduates who are among

home and as a nurse practitioner I’ll be able to con-

the first group of students to receive their mas-

tribute to the future direction of care for the aging

ter of nursing nurse practitioner (MN-NP) degrees

population.”

from the newly revised program launched in 2012

Ms. Coles is currently an intensive care nurse and

with funding from the Department of Health and

this January she’ll join Eastern Health’s plastic sur-

Community Services.

gery program in a nurse practitioner role.

“Graduating from the nurse practitioner master’s program was a significant accomplishment for me and my classmates,” said Ms. Coles. “All of us in

“As a nurse practitioner I’ll be able to provide holistic, comprehensive, and coordinated health

Leah Hann

care to patients from adolescent to geriatric care.”

Education grad overcomes stroke

By Lisa Pendergast

Dav id Collins credits the suppor t of his family,

made the dean’s list.

f riends, classmates and professors for completing his

degree

af ter

a

life-threatening

Mr. Collins says that he could not have accom-

health

plished this w ithout suppor t.

incident.

“For me, attending the convocation ceremony

Mr. Collins began the bachelor of educa-

wasn’t just about f inishing the program. It was

tion (primar y/elementar y) program at Grenfell

a time to celebrate my recover y w ith my fam-

Campus in May 2012, but af ter just t wo semes-

ily, f riends, classmates and professors,” he said.

ters, he suffered a stroke.

“Their suppor t, and sometimes k ick in the pants,

“For the next seven days, there was a question

made me stop feeling sorr y for myself and star t

of if I would sur v ive,” said Mr. Collins. “W hen I

liv ing again.”

f inally was awake, I was completely paralyzed on

Currently, Mr. Collins is substit uting and is

the right side of my body. There were cognitive

look ing for ward to hav ing his ow n class one

impairments as well.”

It was a long road to recover y, but w ithin a

David Collins and his wife Kirsty Collins.

year, he was back in class.

“For the next nine months, I continued rehab before ret urning to Grenfell in September 2013,”

day. He hopes his experiences w ill motivate his st udents.

“I want to encourage those children just like

he said.

my family, f riends, and my Memorial family

Not only did he complete the program, he

Motivated Grenfell grad

encouraged me.”

as a tour guide and an orientation leader.

By Melanie Callahan

The Pasadena, N.L., native graduated last month at Grenfell Campus’s convocation ceremony with If you’ve studied at Grenfell Campus in recent

a bachelor in education (primary/elementary). In

years, you probably know Terry Randell.

2011 he completed a bachelor of arts in environ-

And there’s a good reason for that. Since Mr.

mental studies.

Randell first attended Grenfell Campus in 20 05

“I enjoy being active and staying informed

working towards his first undergraduate degree,

about what is going on around me,” he said. “That

he has taken on an active role in student life. He

interest leads to me helping out as I can. I enjoy

has held positions in the student union includ-

and am really interested by policy and adminis-

ing councillor-at-large, vice-president (executive)

tration work. “

and president. He’s been a member of Memorial’s

Mr. Randell is currently seeking employment as

Senate, of the vice-president (Grenfell Campus)

a teacher in the province with his eyes set on pur-

search committee, academic council, Rotaract

suing graduate studies. Wherever his employment

and the Western Sports and Entertainment Board.

search takes him, he plans to take an active role

Since his first year, Mr. Randell has volunteered

in the community.

Gazette | Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2014

Terry Randell

9

www.mun.ca/gazette

Improving safety in harsh environments

By Jackey Locke

For the second

Dr. Nigel Rusted Lectureship in Medical Humanities 2014

year in a row, safety and

integrity experts and researchers came together in St. John’s for the Safety and Integrity Management of Operations in Harsh Environments Workshop.

From Oct. 22-23, more than 130 experts from industry, academia and government discussed challenges that arise as a result of harsh environments to develop a collective action plan to ensure safer designs and operations.

“We need to enhance our understanding and practice with regards to safety and risk management,” said Dr. Faisal Khan, Vale Research Chair in Process

James E. Moran PhD

Safety and Risk Engineering and head of process engineering at Memorial. “This workshop provides an international platform to share our knowledge.

This presentation by Dr. James

By sharing knowledge, we strengthen our belief and

Moran reconstructs the

take a step closer to developing innovative solutions to prevent failures, incidents and accidents, thus

fascinating tale of

improving safety and integrity.”

an early Canadian epidemic

Keynote speaker Romney Duffey, president, DSM Associates Inc., spoke about safety and expressed

and the attempts to understand

the importance of workshops that focus on safety

and control it. St Paul’s Bay

and asset integrity.

disease, as this epidemic was

“It’s absolutely essential,” he said. “I was so pleased to learn that Memorial has a safety and

called, was a greatly feared

risk program. This is a never-ending journey we’re

infectious illness in late

on. It’s technically challenging, physically challenging, enduringly challenging and financially

eighteenth-century Quebec.

challenging. However, we are doing our very best

From 1775-1790 this disease was a health problem of major proportions

to ensure the safety of our assets and the safety of

in dozens of parishes in the British colony. It appeared to be both endemic

our operations.

“We need to reassure the public that we are doing that and I believe that as programs mature and develop and new programs are introduced, it goes a long way in increasing knowledge and increasing confidence and increasing safety.”

During the two days, sessions included discussions on design and operational integrity in harsh environments, efficient winterization strategies,

and epidemic in nature, and possibly some form of non-venereal syphilis.

By 1785, it had created enough concern to elicit an ambitious response, which brought to bear the combined energies of the British colonial government, the Catholic clergy, and the medical profession. Leading the medical charge was physician James Bowman, who instructed parish priests to administer mercury and to keep track of patients’ progress.

corrosion prevention and control and condition monitoring in harsh environments and safety.

Dr. Khan says that such an event could not

Main Auditorium Health Sciences Centre Memorial University of Newfoundland Friday, November 14, 2014 Noon-1 p.m.

happen without the hard work of an exceptional committee.

“I would like to thank the organizing committee, who did excellent work,” he said. “I would especially like to acknowledge the hard work of Dr. Salim Ahmed, the organizing committee lead, who facilitated smooth operation of the event.”

The next workshop is planned for March 2016.

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Tom Cochrane photo

OUTANDABOUT

Spirit week I Love Grenfell celebrations took place in Corner Brook recently, as did I Love MUNdays and I Love MI MUNdays in St. John’s. Pictured above is the Parade of Flags event, led by some of Grenfell Campus’s international students. Dr. Mary Bluechardt, vice-president (Grenfell Campus), is at centre.

For more on these events and other news at

Friday, Nov. 7

Innate Immunity in the Pathogenesis and

Tuesday, Nov. 18

Memorial, please visit www.today.mun.ca

Roll Out the Rhythms, 8-9:30 p.m., D.F. Cook

Treatment of Pulmonary Vascular Disease, 1-2

Course and Teaching Evaluations, 2-4 p.m., ED-

Recital Hall, School of Music, Sponsor: School of

p.m., Health Sciences Centre, main auditorium,

5021, Sponsor: DELTS, Professional Development

Music

Sponsor: Division of BioMedical Sciences

Experiences for Educators

Digital Communication and Advertising, 9 a.m.-

Wednesday, Nov. 19

5 p.m., B-4019, Sponsor: Gardiner Centre

Application to Graduate School: Tips and

Wednesday, Nov. 5 Experiential

Learning,

2-4

p.m.,

ED-5013,

Sponsor: DELTS, Career Development and

Speech-Language

Experiential Learning

1-1:50 p.m., SN-3060, Sponsor: Department of

Pathology

as

a

Career,

Linguistics

Strategies, 3-4 p.m., online webinar, Sponsor:

Thursday, Nov. 13

What You Can Do with an Arts Degree: A Panel

School of Graduate Studies

Discussion and Networking Session, 12-2 p.m.,

Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370: A Modeling

Houston Social Night for Alumni and Friends, 6-9

The Landing, University Centre, Sponsor: Faculty

and Numerical Simulation Study, 2-3 p.m., HH-

p.m., The Tasting Room City Centre, 818 Town

Antiviral Immune Defenses in the Newborn

of Arts

3017, Sponsor: Department of Mathematics and

and Country Blvd., Suite 100, Houston, Texas,

Infant, 10-11 a.m., Health Sciences Centre,

Statistics

Sponsor: Alumni Affairs and Development

Lecture

Is Our Drinking Water?, 7:30-8:30 p.m., EN-2006,

Monday, Nov. 10

Blood Donor Clinic, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.,

Sponsor: Faculty of Engineering and Applied

New York City Dinner and Social Night for

University

Science, Professional Engineers and Geoscientists

Alumni and Friends, 6-9 p.m., Patrick Conway’s,

Canadian Blood Services

Newfoundland

40 E 43rd Street, New York, NY, Sponsor: Alumni

B,

Sponsor:

Division

of

BioMedical Sciences

Speaking of Engineering Public Lecture: How Safe Centre,

The

Landing,

Sponsor:

Thursday, Nov. 20 14th Annual Ottawa Affinity Newfoundland and Labrador Celebration with Alan Doyle, 6-11

Affairs and Development NL Forum 2014, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Holiday Inn, St. John’s, Sponsor: Harris Centre

Theatre

Book Launch for Bringing Home Animals, 7-9

p.m., Fairmont Château Laurier, Ottawa, Ont.,

p.m., The Pantry, 70 Clinch Crescent, Sponsor:

Sponsor: Alumni Affairs and Development

ISER Books, Department of Anthropology

Watch Your Step: Staying Active and On Your Feet as You Age, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Foran Greene

Barry Canning: Live and Intimate Performance,

Faculty of Education Information Session, 1-1:50

Room, St. John’s City Hall, Sponsor: Office of

Friday, Nov. 14

9-11 p.m., Canadian Room, Fairmont Château

p.m., ED-3005, Sponsor: Faculty of Education

Public Engagement, School of Human Kinetics

PhD Oral Defence of Michael Pappoe, 1-4 p.m.,

Laurier, Ottawa, Ont., Sponsor: Alumni Affairs

and Recreation

IIC-2014, Bruneau Centre for Research and

and Development

Thursday, Nov. 6

Innovation, Sponsor: School of Graduate Studies

Do We Need Formants in Speech?, 3:30-4:30 p.m.,

PhD Oral Defence of Seyed Masoud Ansari, 1-3

SN-3060, Sponsor: Linguistics Seminar Series

p.m., IIC-2014, Bruneau Centre for Research and

St. Paul’s Disease: Health Crisis in 18th-Century

p.m., Sijiminfu Roast Duck, Beijing, China,

Innovation, Sponsor: School of Graduate Studies

Quebec, 12-1 p.m., main auditorium, Faculty of

Sponsor: School of Graduate Studies, Office of

Medicine, Sponsor: Faculty of Medicine

Alumni Affairs and Development

Third Annual Alumni Dinner in Beijing, 6-10

Explore a Boreal Forest through Poetry and Multimedia, 8-9:30 p.m., A-1046, Sponsor:

Wednesday, Nov. 12

Department of English and Office of the Vice-

Graduate Studies Workshop: Understanding

Dr. Nigel Rusted Lecture in the Medical

Modeling, Design and Control of a Small Marine

President (Academic)

Foreign

Humanities, 12-1 p.m., main auditorium, Faculty

Current Energy Conversion System, 1-3 p.m.,

of Medicine, Sponsor: Faculty of Medicine

IIC-2014, Bruneau Centre for Research and

Credentials,

10-11

a.m.,

IIC-2014,

Bruneau Centre for Research and Innovation, Ceremony of Remembrance, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.,

Innovation, Sponsor: School of Graduate Studies

Sponsor: School of Graduate Studies Bringing Home Animals: A Symposium, 10

D.F. Cook Recital Hall, School of Music, Sponsor: School of Music

School of Graduate Studies Town Hall Meeting,

a.m.-4 p.m., QC-4028, Sponsor: Department of

Saturday, Nov. 22

1-3 p.m., IIC-2014, Bruneau Centre for Research

Anthropology

MUN Wind Ensemble: Mothership, 8-9:30 p.m.,

Bachelor of Social Work Information Session, 1-2

and Innovation, Sponsor: School of Graduate

p.m., Coughlan College, room 2012, Sponsor:

Studies

D.F. Cook Recital Hall, School of Music, Sponsor:

Saturday, Nov. 15

School of Social Work

School of Music

Un Duo in Tre, 8-9:30 p.m., D.F. Cook Recital An Introduction to Graduate Studies at Memorial

One Match Swabbing Event, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., The

University, 3-4 p.m., online webinar, Sponsor:

Landing, University Centre, Sponsor: Canadian

School of Graduate Studies

Hall, School of Music, Sponsor: School of Music

Monday, Nov. 24 PhD Oral Defence of Ian Hayes, 2:30-4:30 p.m.,

Blood Services

Sunday, Nov. 16

IIC-2014, Bruneau Centre for Research and

Winter Woods Walk Family Program at MUN

Innovation, Sponsor: School of Graduate Studies

From Gallipoli to the Rhine: The Sydney Frost

Botanical Garden, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., 306 Mount

Second Annual Film Colloquium, 6-11 p.m.,

Story from World War I, 8-9:30 p.m., Hampton

Scio Rd., St. John’s, Sponsor: MUN Botanical

Information

IIC-2001, Bruneau Centre for Research and

Hall, Marine Institute, Sponsor: Wessex Society

Garden

Investigating and Interviewing Techniques, 9

Innovation English as a Second Language: What Do They

Gathering

Using

Professional

a.m.-5 p.m., B-4019, Sponsor: Gardiner Centre Blood Donor Clinic, 3:30-7:30 p.m., R. Gushue

Monday, Nov. 17

Hall, (upstairs), Sponsor: Canadian Blood Services

Human Resources Succession Planning, 9 a.m.-5

Hear?, 2-3:30 p.m., ED-2030B, Sponsor: DELTS,

p.m., B-4019, Sponsor: Gardiner Centre

Language Support

Gazette | Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2014

11

www.mun.ca/gazette

This meal brought to you in part by the United Way

By Michelle Osmond

Morris

a

was moved to action after hearing a

serious illness last year and couldn’t

suffered

story of how VON services enabled an

drive for eight weeks. She also lost

elderly gentleman with mobility issues

interest in cooking and didn’t have

to improve his mobility such that he

much of an appetite. So, her daughter

was able to walk his daughter down the

arranged the Meals on Wheels program

aisle on her wedding day.

for her through the Victorian Order of Nurses (VON).

“Because of my medical problems, I need to have at least one substantial

“This is just one example, and there was story after story of such examples.

The stories of how VON helps continue to keep me motived.”

meal a day,” explained Ms. Morris. “If

Dr. Sandra LeFort, a professor in the

it weren’t for Meals on Wheels, I would

School of Nursing, has been a VON

have to have someone pick things up

board member for eight years.

for me. So getting three meals a week

“I was impressed by the community

delivered to my door is a real help and

support programs that VON sponsors,”

the volunteers are wonderful people.”

she said. “These are real needs in the

The Meals on Wheels program is one of the VON programs that get help

CHRIS HAMMOND PHOTO

Theresa

Theresa Morris is one of many people who receive Meals on Wheels.

community that serve not only seniors but many people.”

from the United Way of Newfoundland

Dr. LeFort says community support

and Labrador. Memorial employees

programs, like Meals on Wheels, are

have the chance to give to the United

invaluable. She says numerous volunteer

“Fundraising is challenging in these

Way through the payroll deduction

drivers deliver meals every day and that

times of restraint, so the support by

campaign until the end of this month.

without the service, many seniors would

United Way has been critically important

campaign,

Jennifer Jewer, an instructor at the

not be eating well-balanced meals. As

to keeping our programs going,” noted

are helping organizations like us to

Marine Institute, has been on the VON

well, the social contact with the senior

Dr. LeFort. “The great thing about

provide much needed services in the

board for four years and recently took

means that the volunteer assures the

the United Way is that it supports so

community and are helping to make

on the role of chairperson. Ms. Jewer

client is safe and often stops to chat

many really important programs that

our society a better place.”

Term two

Dr. Noreen Golfman, provost and

serve the school well and guide the

vice-president (academic) pro tempore,

next generation of global business

recommended

leaders.”

with them, reducing their isolation in some cases.

Zerbe reappointed as dean of business faculty Dave Howells PHOTO

Dr. Wilfred Zerbe

Dr. Wilfred Zerbe

Ms. Jewer thinks the reasons for

the

term

renewal,

which was unanimously endorsed by the board.

giving are obvious.

“By

donating

to

the

Memorial

payroll

employees

Since his appointment in 2010, Dr. Zerbe has focused on developing

“Dr. Zerbe is an experienced leader

By Susan White

otherwise would not exist.”

international

partnerships,

which

with a track record of success during

has helped to grow the business

his first term as dean of the Faculty of

school’s student numbers in spite of

has been

Business Administration at Memorial

declining local enrolment. Under his

renewed as dean of the Faculty of

University,” said Dr. Golfman. “His

leadership, the faculty also renewed

Business Administration for a second

commitment to research excellence,

its international accreditation by the

five-year term, effective January 2015.

innovation

Association to Advance Collegiate

The Board of Regents approved the

partnership

renewal at its meeting on Oct. 16.

and

international

opportunities,

among

other key priorities, will continue to

Schools of Business (AACSB) – the highest

standard

that

a

business

school can achieve worldwide – and implemented a chair in corporate governance

and

transparency

as

well as a new master of science in management degree.

@

“We’re

an

e xcel lent

busi ness

school a nd we del iver e xcel lent prog ra m m i ng,”

ACCESS. ENGAGEMENT. LEARNING.

sa id

Dr.

Zerbe.

“We are continuing to improve the relevance of our teaching and learning and public engagement programs to better meet the business needs of

“TEChNoLoGy IS kEy foR

Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

TodAy’S CLASSRooMS ANd wE ENSuRE IT IS PRoPERLy dESIGNEd, INSTALLEd

and the world.”

Dr. Zerbe came to Memorial from the University of Calgary, where he was a faculty member at the Haskayne

ANd MAINTAINEd. ” Classroom technology @DELTS is responsible for learning and meeting spaces, and shared/non-shared multimedia classrooms on the St. John’s campus.

Visit us at delts.mun.ca

School of Business and held positions as associate dean (MBA) and associate dean (executive education).

He received his PhD in commerce and business administration from the

Todd Constantine

University of British Columbia and

Classroom Technology

holds bachelor and master’s degrees in psychology. His research interests focus on emotions in organizations, organizational

research

methods,

service sector management, business ethics and leadership.

Gazette | Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2014

12

www.mun.ca/gazette