MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

ONE OF THE REASONS I like the province of Newfoundland and Labrador is its stunning ruggedness. Its vast shorelines juxtapose crashing waves with cold, clear, salty waters that are full of life. Vertical cliffs contrast with snow and frozen highlands. Sea stacks are evidence of the changing landscape of this great place. Fog abounds.

As ever-changing as our province’s geography, our university’s change-makers are equally as varied.

Memorial University College was founded by change-makers—by people who believed that education was the path forward. They set the province on a new trajectory, one that offered a post-secondary education that would build our future. They changed the lives of everyone who calls Newfoundland and Labrador home.

Dr. Helena Frecker (née McGrath) set the stage for change-makers at Memorial University when she became the first person to graduate.

In this issue, you’ll read all about a few of the change-makers who emerged into the world from Memorial since Helena crossed the stage.

Our cover story highlights the past, present and future influencers of oceans research and discovery. From geography to marine life and from engineering to technology, you’ll read about researchers such as Dr. Paul Snelgrove (B.Sc.(Hons.)’84) and his colleagues and their impacts on our understanding of the world beneath the water.

You’ll discover change-makers from our past and learn about emerging visionaries who are already improving the world around us.

Anyone has the power within them to become a change-maker. As Barack Obama famously said, “We are the change that we seek.”

As you learn about our trailblazers of the past and present, you might think of someone in your life who is a change-maker of tomorrow.

DR. NEIL BOSE

PRESIDENT AND VICE-CHANCELLOR, PRO TEMPORE