Message from the President

Roots run deep in Newfoundland and Labrador. The theme of this year’s report, Rooted in Place, reflects how deeply Memorial University of Newfoundland is connected to its communities. Since its founding in 1925, Memorial has been committed to responding to the needs of the people of this province through its research, teaching and learning, and public engagement activities.

The history of Newfoundland and Labrador, its challenges and opportunities, and its aspirations for the future are reflected in Memorial’s academic programs, research strengths and public engagement focus. And as this province has evolved so too has this institution. Memorial has built a global reputation for excellence in areas that stem from this place, such as archaeology, aquaculture and fisheries science, maritime safety, sustainable oil and gas development, rural medicine and coastal communities.

This past year showcased many of our strengths. Graduate student enrolment continued to reach new heights, with 3,824 students enrolled in fall 2018—a 40 per cent increase over the last decade. Total research expenditures in 2018-19 grew to nearly $200 million. Research Infosource recognized Memorial as the 2018 national leader among Canada’s medical universities in research income growth from private sector partners over a five-year period and second in the country for growth in research income.

This university has a strong record of collaborating with organizations and communities on mutually beneficial programs and projects, and ensuring research is conducted ethically and collaboratively with Indigenous communities. In October 2018 Memorial signed a historic 10-year partnership agreement with Nunavut Arctic College (NAC). While many northern colleges have partnership agreements with southern universities for program delivery, it is the first time a northern college has opted to work with one university in order to increase its academic capacity, with the goal of eventually transitioning to university status.

Significant progress was also made this past year on a strategy for the further development of the Labrador Institute (LI) into an academic unit and campus, in partnership with the Inuit and Innu of Labrador and other key partners in the region and across the North. Building on the foundational work at the LI over the years, and looking to opportunities for North-to-North partnership with the NAC agreement, the university eagerly anticipates the evolution of our capacity and infrastructure to respond to the educational and research needs and aspirations of the peoples of Labrador.

At spring convocation 2019, Memorial awarded its 100,000th degree. The culmination of years of hard work, every single one of those degrees represents an increased capacity in Newfoundland and Labrador and further afield to tackle the dynamic challenges that face our world with passion and expertise.

Because the world is undergoing rapid change, we continually examine our institution and activities to prepare students for their future. We are also careful stewards of the resources entrusted to us and we persist in seeking innovative solutions to the challenges the university and our society face. This approach ensures that Memorial’s faculty, staff, students and graduates are prepared to use ingenuity and tenacity to thrive in challenging circumstances.

As the 100th anniversary of Memorial’s founding approaches in 2025, the university is poised to soar to even greater success. The dedication of students, faculty and staff to making Memorial one of the most distinguished public universities in Canada and beyond is only one facet of our continued success. Memorial needs the continued support of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, wherever they may be, to ensure this institution remains a world-class resource for generations to come.

As this is my final President’s Report, I’d like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the people of Memorial University and of Newfoundland and Labrador. I am deeply proud to have served as the president of our university.

Sincerely,