memorial university of newfoundland alumnI magazine WINTER 2014 Vol. 36 No. 2
daring & different Memorial’s entrepreneurs make waves at home and around the globe by turning obstacles into opportunities.
EXCELLENCE X 2 + A double feature profiles the remarkable Alumni Tribute Award recipients from 2012 and 2013
Publication Mail Agreement No. 40022409 CPP-012 - PrintC - Luminus.pdf 3 2013-07-29 3:45 PM
A MESSAGE FROM NL OFFSHORE PRODUCERS & EXPLORERS
Everything starts with safety. Or everything stops.
In the oil and gas industry, keeping safety top-of-mind “Safety is something we do starts with every meeting every single day. From day one, everyone in the industry is empowered with day in and day out.” the ability to stop any job if they have a safety concern. Rigorous training starts every career. Ongoing training ensures the importance of safety remains a constant. Weekly drills on every offshore installation and daily safety moments in every office are part of the ongoing commitment - Gareth Igloliorte to ensuring the health and well-being of every worker. Process Safety Lead, Husky Energy Offshore and onshore, safety never stops.
To learn more, visit CAPP.ca. CONTENTSCONTENTS LUMINUS WINTER 2014 Vol. 36 No. 2
32 10 13
18 22 28
features in every issue
04 Excellence X 2 02 MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR Meet the remarkable Alumni Tribute Award recipients from 2012 and 2013 16 Q&A Hormel Master Teacher Award winner Lyle Wetsch goes social 10 community + cable: COLUMBUS-STYLE Brendan Paddick extends the reach of Columbus 18 The median Jeff LeDrew, founder of Jumping Bean Communications Inc. Coffee, on local impact with global reach
13 FROM CHILDHOOD DREAMER TO ENTREPRENEUR 20 we will remember them Bert Riggs shares the Introducing Iris Petten: the chair of Memorial’s story of Richard Augustus Parsons and how he Board of Regents combined poetry with law
22 poetry Submissions of note by award-winning 24 Donor Connections Entrepreneurial alumni alumnus Mark Callanan give back to Memorial
29 AIMING TO IMPROVE HEALTH OUTCOMES 28 aLumni connections Melanie Caines delivers Dr. Tyler Wish launches a health-focused startup on a business strategy with balance with help from Memorial’s Genesis Centre. 30 In Memory 32 oNE OF CANADA’S NEXT 36 Samantha Phelan nabs spot in national entrepreneurial leadership 33 Campus Connections Enactus Memorial program improves communities through the positive power of business 34 youNG ADULT CANCER CANADA How Geoff Eaton is building a network for support 36 last word Keelin O’Leary of the Genesis Centre editorial02 MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR
MANAGING EDITOR Dr. Penny Blackwood, B.Sc.(Hons.)’88
CO-EDITORS Jennifer Batten, B.Comm.(Co-op)‘05, Karen Moores
ASSISTANT EDITOR Sharon King
EDITORIAL ASSISTANCE Lynn Cadigan, BA’96, B.Comm.(Co-op)‘96, Brian Power, BBA‘00, Patrick Tyler
CONTRIBUTORS Laura Barron, Jennifer Batten, Melissa Berkshire, Mark Callanan, Pamela Gill, Sharon Gray, Sharon King, Jeff LeDrew, Keelin O’Leary, Kristine Power, Bert Riggs
DESIGN Helen Houston
PHOTOGRAPHY Self-imposed limitations aren’t part of their DNA. They are the The Median: Jeff Parsons divergent thinkers — and they turn those thoughts to action. All other photography as noted Luminus is published two times each year for In this edition of Luminus we celebrate innovative entrepreneurs Memorial University alumni and friends by the Office of Alumni Affairs and Development. with vision. From supporting eco-friendly and fair-trade coffee to Comments, story ideas and letters to the editor helping young adults with cancer create a global support network, are welcome. Submissions are subject to editorial committee review for relevance, length and CP Memorial’s entrepreneurs are passionate and determined. style. Send all correspondence to:
Managing editor Their stories are inspiring. Luminus, Alumni Affairs and Development Memorial University St. John’s, NL A1C 5S7 In my role, I am privileged to have the opportunity to meet many Tel: 709 864 4354 Toll free: 1 877 700 4081 of our amazing alumni, and I recognize and applaud their success. Fax: 709 864 2008 Email: [email protected] In the fall of each year we take a moment to shine a brighter light www.munalum.ca on a few of those individuals. The pages that follow profile the ISSN 0381-6575 recipients of the Alumni Tribute Awards from 2012 and 2013. Publication Mail An entrepreneurial spirit is pervasive among our graduates, Agreement No. 40022409 irrespective of their chosen field or profession. Memorial University Return undeliverable Canadian address to: alumni can see the possibilities where others dwell on the problems. ALUMNI AFFAIRS AND DEVELOPMENT MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY OF NEWFOUNDLAND
ST. JOHN’S, NL A1C 5S7 That makes them different. And daring. 026-419-09-13-46,000
DR. PENNY BLACKWOOD DIRECTOR, ALUMNI AFFAIRS AND DEVELOPMENT
AWARDS04 ALUMNI TRIBUTE AWARDS
Dr. Andrew Furey B.Sc.’97, MD’01, M.Sc.’04 2012 Alumnus of the Year Dr. Andrew Furey
Since graduating from Memorial University’s Broken Earth continues to expand with other Faculty of Medicine, Dr. Andrew Furey has universities and medical schools, like the University brought positive change to many lives in Canada of Calgary, engaging in missions to the country. and around the world through his work as a physician, humanitarian, teacher, mentor and Dr. Furey has become well-known for his leader in his chosen profession of orthopedic humanitarian efforts and leadership through the surgery. organization, which has attracted global attention and continues to gain momentum. He is a leader In recognition of his contribution to his profession, and mentor to his students and colleagues in the province and the betterment of society, Dr. Furey Newfoundland and Labrador and Haiti. Upon is the recipient of the 2012 Alumnus of the Year Award. receiving the Alumnus of the Year Award he said, “I am truly humbled and honoured by this award, An orthopedic surgeon and assistant professor especially when I look at the names associated with of surgery, Dr. Furey completed his bachelor of it in the past. Team Broken Earth is more than just a science, medical doctorate, master of clinical name, however, it is a team, and I feel I am accepting epidemiology program and his orthopedic surgical this on behalf of all the members of our team. I am residency at Memorial. Travelling south of the tremendously proud to be a graduate of Memorial border, he completed a fellowship in orthopedic and I’m grateful for the opportunity to give back.” trauma at R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore, Maryland, before returning Dr. Furey is visibly proud of his Memorial roots. His to practise in Newfoundland and Labrador. parents, Senator George Furey, BA(Ed.)’71, BA’72, M.Ed.’78 and Karen Furey, BN’72, had a strong He is co-founder and president of Team Broken Earth, influence on the role the university has played in a volunteer task force supporting the relief effort his life. “It’s had a significant impact on my life, in Haiti. Under Dr. Furey’s leadership, Team and I believe it is a cornerstone of Newfoundland Broken Earth has completed eight successful and Labrador — a leading institution that has missions to Haiti, providing care for more than shaped the province and created opportunity for 500 patients per week in the aftermath of the everyone. My father came from humble beginnings devastating earthquake in 2010 that levelled the and he worked hard to get to university. I credit capital city of Port-au-Prince. The work of Team him for my decision to attend Memorial.” TOM MILLS BA’70, BSW’71, B.Voc.Ed.’76, MSW’92 2012 outstanding community service Award Tom Mills Josh Quinton
Tom Mills has had a tremendous student than most. I was driven to Josh Quinton impact on the lives of immigrants complete my studies so I resigned my and new Canadians in job and moved my family in with B.Comm.(Co-op.)’07 Newfoundland and Labrador, my in-laws so I could study full-time. and has been an advocate for With tremendous support from 2012 Alumni those fighting against adversity my wife and family, I was able to Horizon throughout his successful career complete a bachelor of arts and later as a family counsellor. a bachelor of social work. I got a job Award as a research assistant in psychology His commitment to those right out of school and so began my individuals in the community extremely rewarding career in family Having risen through the ranks of who are disadvantaged and counselling.” the financial services industry in disenfranchised makes Mr. Mills New York City, Josh Quinton is the deserving of the 2012 Outstanding He spoke about how his work with 2012 recipient of the Alumni Horizon Community Service Award. the multicultural community has Award for outstanding achievement benefited his life. “Multiculturalism under the age of 35. At 29, he has A lifelong learner, Mr. Mills obtained is so important in our community achieved career success while a bachelor of arts, bachelor of today. I believe we have so much remaining committed to his alma social work, bachelor of vocational to learn from people with cultural mater and home province. education and a master of social work backgrounds that are different from Memorial, all while working from our own. My life has been Upon graduating from Memorial’s and raising a young family. He first tremendously enriched by my bachelor of commerce program in 2007, began his studies at Memorial in 1967 contact with people from all over Mr. Quinton began his career in finance and received his master of social work the world, right here in St. John’s.” as a research analyst at CIBC Wood degree in 1992. He views learning Gundy, but soon after landed a position as a fulfilling and lifelong pursuit, A longtime volunteer, Mr. Mills’ at Bloomberg in New York City. necessary to effectively serve people dedication to helping others and and the community. serving his community has inspired He now leads a team covering pensions, all who’ve known and worked with hedge funds, central banks and money His personal commitment to him. He has served on several boards managers in the Northeastern United academic success followed a non- and volunteered in many capacities States and Canada. He is also active in traditional path with a return to throughout his career, including time his local community in New York where school at age 34. “I was working a as provincial president with Family he serves on the finance committee of lot at night and it was cutting into Services Canada, as a member of the the Grenfell Association of America in my family time. Quite simply, I got board of director’s with St. Francis New York. tired of it. I enrolled in two courses Group Home and a founding member at Memorial at the age of 34, an older of Teachers on Wheels. AWARDS cont’d on page 6 AWARDS06 ALUMNI TRIBUTE AWARDS
AWARDS cont’d from page 5 Dr. John C. Despite distance, his commitment to Crosbie Memorial and his profession is evident
in his work to equip a state-of-the- PC, OC, ONL, QC, art trading lab for the university. In Honorary LLD’99 2011, Memorial’s Faculty of Business Administration was in the process 2012 of constructing a new trading lab, a project funded by a donation from Mr. J.D. Eaton Brad White, B.Comm.(Co-op)’91. Mr. Alumni Award Quinton helped arrange a donation Dr. John C. Crosbie from Bloomberg that included operating software and several pieces of trading floor equipment. He then helped For his leadership and vision he held cabinet positions in Finance, co-ordinate training for students and in public service to Memorial Justice, Transport, International Trade faculty to ensure they had the right tools University, the province and and Fisheries and Oceans. and knowledge for the best hands-on country, Dr. John C. Crosbie is experience possible in the lab. this year’s recipient of the J.D. He retired from federal politics in Eaton Alumni Award. 1994 after 28 years of dedicated His positive attitude, leadership and public service. He continued to commitment to mentoring Memorial Dr. Crosbie, one of Newfoundland practise law with Cox & Palmer in students is evident. “My alma mater and Labrador’s most notable public St. John’s and released a political is extremely important to me. I would figures, became the 12th Lieutenant autobiography, No Holds Barred, like to see others give back time (as Governor of Newfoundland and in 1998. Dr. Crosbie has received mentors) or financially where possible Labrador in February 2008 following many honours during his career, like one of my mentors, Brad White, has a distinguished career in public life including Officer of the Order of done at Memorial, both with time and and the law. He was installed as Canada, chancellor of the Order resources.” chancellor of Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, in 1994 and during this time honorary chief of the Royal To that end, Mr. Quinton notes that was integral to the success of the Newfoundland Constabulary and providing opportunities for others and Opportunity Fund capital campaign, honorary colonel of the Royal setting an example of mentorship is which raised $30 million from the Newfoundland Regiment. crucial. “I have seen many Memorial private sector and an equal amount alumni rise in firms but often without from the province. He is a dedicated ambassador for much help. I moved to New York in Memorial University and a steadfast 2007 not knowing anyone, but with a Dr. Crosbie commented on why contributor to the success and determination to make it on my own. I the award was meaningful to him. prosperity of Newfoundland and enjoy working with others and I would “This award comes from Memorial, Labrador. encourage all alumni to give back as our own local university, the only mentors.” university in Newfoundland and His passion for the university and Labrador. That’s what makes it for the province is clear. “I would say For his contribution to his field, his unique and valuable to me. I am that Memorial is critically important alma mater and his home province very appreciative of recognition from to the province. The university must of Newfoundland and Labrador, the institution where I served as continue along its current path, Mr. Quinton is the recipient of the chancellor for more than 13 years.” continually improving teaching 2012 Horizon Award for outstanding and facilities, as is being done right achievement under the age of 35. Dr. Crosbie was first elected to the now. As I said earlier, I also think House of Assembly in 1966 and the independence of a university is moved to federal politics a decade paramount to its success, no matter later. Under Prime Minister Joe Clark where in the world it is located.” and Prime Minister Brian Mulrooney LUMINUS WINTER 2014 Vol. 36 No. 2 07
BRENDAN JOHN PADDICK B.Comm.(Co-op)’86, MBA’94 2013 Alumnus of the Year
Brendan Paddick gets people connected. As the chief executive officer of Columbus International Inc., he connects over 600,000 customers across a 62,000 kilometre telecommunications network that spans 42 countries. It’s a long reach that extends a little further every day. Brendan Paddick After graduating with a bachelor of commerce degree from Memorial in 1986, the native of Grand Falls-Windsor started his career as a door-to-door salesman for N1 Cable TV in confirmed to me, and my family, that this need not be the Newfoundland and Labrador. He quickly rose through the case. I believe this award will forever serve as my family’s ranks, assuming the job of president in 1994 and ultimately anchor to Newfoundland and Labrador.” chief executive officer of the company that evolved to become Persona Communications. Along the way he completed his Maintaining a real sense of where one comes from is MBA at Memorial and in 2000 graduated from the Advanced one of things that Mr. Paddick credits for his business Management Program at Harvard University. success. He emphasizes a focus on people and embraces a corporate culture that not only places a priority on personal Mr. Paddick founded Columbus International Inc. in relationships but rewards effort more than success. He credits 2005. Under his leadership it has become a force in the Memorial for supporting that same philosophy. telecommunications industry. The company and its subsidiary, Columbus Networks, provide advanced telecommunications, “Many people might look at Memorial as a large institution, video, internet, telephony, data center and cloud-based but I always felt that no matter how large Memorial grew to services throughout countries in the greater Caribbean, South become it always maintained its small, intimate and personal and Central American regions. feeling. It was, and still is, a place where the professors know you by name, residence life has a real sense of camaraderie In 2000, Caldwell Partners and the Globe and Mail named and family and there is an ongoing connection beyond Mr. Paddick one of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40. He has also convocation. I believe we have carried a similar strain of DNA been named one of Atlantic Canada’s Top 50 CEO’s by Atlantic into our corporate life. One of the Columbus golden rules Canadian Business Magazine on several occasions. He has is ‘the bigger we get, the smaller we have to act.’ That’s how been the Honourary Consul of Canada to the Bahamas since you avoid bureaucracy and complacency, and how you truly 2006. In 2011, Mr. Paddick was named Ernst & Young’s differentiate yourself and your organization.” Atlantic Canadian Business-to-Business Entrepreneur of the Year. He noted that the recent honour of being named Mr. Paddick’s accomplishments in the telecommunications Memorial’s Alumnus of the Year for 2013 evoked a range of industry extend around the globe. His exceptional business feelings and helped secure an important bond. acumen, longstanding record of success and commitment to giving back to those he serves and works with every day “Humbled, honoured, flattered, embarrassed are all emotions make him a deserving recipient of the 2013 Alumnus of the that come to mind,” he said. “You know when you pack up Year award. everything and move away from your family, your friends, your city, your province and even your country, you can’t Learn more about the life and work of Memorial University’s 2013 help but wonder if you will lose touch; if you will you lose Alumnus of the Year on p. 10 in this issue of Luminus magazine. relevance. Being named Memorial’s Alumnus of the Year AWARDS cont’d on page 8 AWARDS08 ALUMNI TRIBUTE AWARDS AWARDS cont’d from page 7
FRANCIS DURNFORD BA(Hons.)’03 2013 Alumni Horizon Award Francis Durnford Eleanor Swanson
The energy4everyone Foundation Mr. Durnford articled with the ELEANOR is perfectly named for its acting international law firm Blake, Cassels SWANSON executive director and president. & Graydon in Calgary and received
Frank Durnford seems to have the Volunteer of Distinction Award in M.Ed.’77 an unlimited supply. A decorated 2007. He has since practised with Justice student, Mr. Durnford has quickly Canada, specializing in aboriginal law. 2013 J.D. Eaton transitioned that success to accolades Alumni Award in the legal field and in his latest As the current executive director and role at the helm of a burgeoning president of the energy4everyone non-profit organization. The Foundation, a non-profit organization accomplishments enjoyed early in funded by Enbridge Inc., he guides Eleanor Swanson is a champion his career are only overshadowed by that organization in their mission to of education. As a director in the the potential for his future. Frank reduce poverty in developing countries Department of Health, a member Durnford is the recipient of the 2013 by improving access to energy. With of the Board of Regents or a Horizon Award for outstanding the support of local and international driving force for Memorial’s recent achievement under the age of 35. partners, Mr. Durnford has implemented fundraising success, she is guided projects in Ghana, Peru, Tanzania and by the value of higher learning. Soon after Mr. Durnford left his Nicaragua. He explained that bridging It’s a passion only matched by her hometown of Marystown to start his cultural and communication divides is resolve that Memorial is the best bachelor of arts degree at Memorial, he a key to their success and it’s one of the place to receive that education. was being recognized for his work. He challenges that excite him about the was inducted into the Paton College work. Because of her exceptional Honours Society and received the leadership, outstanding service Birks Medal and the Leslie Thoms “I love being there for the moment – to Memorial University, and her Convocation Award. After graduation, and it is very often a discrete moment commitment to student success, he was chosen as one of four Canadian – when an employee volunteer makes a Ms. Swanson is the recipient of the interns to participate in the inaugural connection with one of our local project 2013 J.D. Eaton Alumni Award. CBC Radio Peter Gzowski Internship participants or beneficiaries despite the Program. language and cultural barriers that exist. Ms. Swanson’s first experience with Whether it’s over a shared joke or while university education was as a student Mr. Durnford completed his LLB at working through a problem, you can at Mount Allison University. A Dalhousie Law School in 2006, receiving often identify the moment when people native of Buchans, she returned to the Leonard A. Kitz, QC Prize for start to understand one another. It’s a Newfoundland and Labrador with a superior skills in oral advocacy and the gift to be able to bring people together science degree in home economics Horace E. Read Memorial Award for the for that and to be connected by the and began working as a dietitian. greatest overall contribution to student common goal of improving the lives of life. He was also elected the Class of individuals and communities.” Ms. Swanson would eventually continue 2006 President for Life. her studies at Memorial by completing RANDY MURPHY B.Comm.’72 a master of education degree, but her growing 2013 involvement with students was not directly applied in a traditional teaching capacity. As a outstanding health promotion specialist, she recognized the community importance of applying practice with theory. She would use her position to prioritize student service learning through summer studentships, work Award terms and mentoring programs over a 40-year Randy Murphy career as a public servant.
Although Memorial was always in the background of her career, her focus on student Randy Murphy doesn’t walk the walk. He hikes it. In doing so, success in the context of university life and he has opened a window on the beauty of Newfoundland and academic achievement really crystallized with Labrador through his work with the East Coast Trail. Whether the establishment of her first scholarship. it’s for recreation, fitness, a learning experience or a beautiful view, the trail has created a lasting contribution to the province “When I decided to create a scholarship in and in particular those communities that are fortunate to be memory of my late husband, Greg Campbell, near or on its scenic route. For this reason, Randy Murphy has it really brought me back to the university been recognized with the 2013 Alumni Award for Outstanding in a deeply personal way,” she said. “I Community Service. became reengaged with Memorial. I was always conscious of prioritizing students Mr. Murphy grew up in Placentia where his passion for the outdoors and supporting their success, but this was flourished and a love of the rugged coastline would eventually lead different. I had an opportunity to really him to the East Coast Trail (ECT). He is a graduate of the Faculty hear their stories and understand their of Business Administration and today he is a certified Project aspirations and it was very powerful for me.” Management Professional.
The experience motivated Ms. Swanson to Mr. Murphy has had a tremendous impact on tourism and the continue her work on behalf of students and communities throughout the Avalon region of the province; he joined the university. In 2005 she successfully ran the East Coast Trail Association in May 1995, where he has served as for the first of two consecutive terms as an president for 18 years. elected alumni representative on the Board of Regents. Since then she has been an appointed Mr. Murphy led and managed the ECT project from a working board member and throughout her tenure concept through the development and delivery of an internationally has served as acting chair, vice-chair and as recognized destination. Names like Tinker’s Point Path and Father the board representative on Memorial’s very Troy’s Trail reflect the history and cultural significance carefully successful Dare To fundraising campaign. considered along the 265 kilometres of developed paths, making the trail more than a tourism or recreational product. Ms. Swanson sums up what motivates her to continue working on behalf of Memorial. The ECT attracts thousands of hikers annually, including local enthusiasts and tourists from around the world. It has been recognized “The thread of our history in Newfoundland and by National Geographic magazine on two occasions: first in 2010, Labrador is intimately entwined with Memorial when National Geographic ranked the Avalon Peninsula as the world’s University. I believe the fortunes of our province top coastal destination and in 2012, when the publication identified in this moment, and what lies ahead, will be the ECT as one of the top 10 adventure destinations in the world. decided by our young people and students — so how we nurture their success is critical. Is this university important? Quite simply, it’s our past, present and future.” FEATURE10 FEATURE
Community + Cable: Co lumbus-Style A Conversation with Brendan Paddick, chief executive officer of Columbus Columbus CommunicationsColumbus Communications Inc. and Memorial’s 2013 Alumnus of the Year.
PHOTO: Brendan Paddick and his wife Renee Vedd-Paddick cheer on Team Canada in the gold medal game at the Vancouver Olympics.
By karen moores
Newfoundland Roots have proved their value given the Program at Harvard University. tremendous business success he has “For a year or so I literally knocked Entrepreneurial spirit for many achieved. Brendan’s business accolades on every door in over 150 rural begins early in life and Columbus include a Top 40 Under 40 Caldwell communities across the province. Communications chief executive Partners Globe and Mail appointment Although I may not have realized it at officer and founder Brendan in 2000. He also holds an appointment the time, I was gaining an in-depth, Paddick, B.Comm.(Co-op.)’86, as Honorary Consul for Canada to the first-hand knowledge and understanding MBA’94, is no exception. In fact, Bahamas by the Canadian Department of the consumer psyche and behaviour … Brendan’s early start really does of Foreign Affairs and International lessons that would later shape my career.” prove the adage about the early Trade. He currently sits on the board bird catching the worm. of directors for Clearwater Seafood These same sales and leadership Inc., and also served for five years as a skills, as well as an innate ability to “I started off selling worms to a local member of Memorial University’s Board seize opportunities when they were sporting goods store in Grand Falls- of Regents from 1996–2001. presented, led him to a promotion Windsor. Before you knew it, I had as the chief executive officer of regular fishing customers coming to my In 1986, with a bachelor of commerce what became known as Persona house. I would collect coffee grounds (co-operative) degree from Memorial Communications. In 1992, a chance from local restaurants to keep my soil in hand, he began his career in conversation with one of the staff at his nourished and my worms healthy. After the telecommunications industry children’s daycare would propel his next all, it’s not easy to differentiate and as a door-to-door salesman for N1 step. Upon learning that N1 Cable’s command a premium for a worm!” Cable TV. He later earned his MBA president was leaving the position, Those early lessons as a youth in from Memorial and completed he immediately flew to Toronto and rural Newfoundland and Labrador the Advanced Management convinced then chairman, Gary Kain, LUMINUS WINTER 2014 Vol. 36 No. 2
to hire him. He returned that same day with the top job.
Under his leadership Persona thrived: the company went public in February 1998 with Brendan and his team leading an aggressive 42 acquisitions across Canada in 60 months and an expansion to serve over 250,000 customers in 1,200 towns across seven provinces.
“Ultimately we sold Persona for over $400 million in 2004 to a private equity firm based in Texas,” he said. “This essentially completed Columbus CommunicationsColumbus the mailroom to the boardroom storyline of my personal story.” PHOTO: Community Building: Columbus Communications serves over 42 countries through digital services and is a leader in The Columbus Way connecting to the communities it serves.
In 2005 he founded Columbus is critical. Recently, the company an immediate impact, Columbus is Communications in the Caribbean: has found a direct way to bridge working hard to make a sustainable a new competitive market with their Newfoundland and Labrador difference,” he noted. its own unique challenges, new roots with their commitment to the culture and new customers. communities Columbus serves through Strategy Talk Memorial-affiliated Team Broken Earth. Providing digital cable television, “Columbus is often asked to support The Columbus team is invested in broadband Internet and IP telephony worthy causes in Newfoundland, but ensuring the communities they to over 600,000 customers in given we operate in countries like operate in are positively impacted by Trinidad, Jamaica, Barbados, Grenada, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras, their presence; they are committed Curacao, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Guatemala and Colombia, it is often to leaving a country better off Grenadines and Antigua under the very tough to justify directing our than when they found it. brand name FLOW, Columbus’ 2,600 efforts back home when the needs of the employees also provide corporate data countries we serve are so great,” he said. “Building a successful company as an and cloud-based services under the entrepreneur is really all about culture. brand Columbus Business Solutions. “Team Broken Earth was the perfect I like to say that culture is not the Through its subsidiary, Columbus opportunity to address the incredible most important thing at Columbus … Networks, the company provides needs of the people of Haiti while it’s the only thing. We have a golden capacity and IP services, corporate supporting a cause with Newfoundland rule at Columbus: ‘Permission to fail is data solutions and data centre hosting roots. I was fortunate enough to part of our corporate DNA.’ That’s the throughout 42 countries in the accompany Team Broken Earth to key in my mind; you have to create a greater Caribbean, Central American Haiti last summer and it was one of culture where people are encouraged and Andean region via its 44,000 the most heartwarming and proud and rewarded to try a lot of things. At kilometre subsea fibre optic network. moments of my career. Dr. Andrew Columbus, you don’t work for people, Furey, (B.Sc.’97, MD’01, M.Sc.’04), and you work with people. As such, you Maintaining connections to the many team members give so much will never see capital letters in any of communities is a priority for Brendan more than their time and talents. They our titles; not on our website, not on in his personal and business life, share compassion, provide a rare sense our business cards, not anywhere. So so respecting the communities in of safety and simply give hope. So as which his organization operates Team Broken Earth’s missions deliver PADDICK cont’d on page 12 feature12 feature
PADDICK cont’d from page 11
PHOTO: Columbus Communications Columbus Communications is a proud supporter of Team Broken Earth, a Memorial affiliate.
whether you are a customer service Labrador or Memorial University. fortunate to count amongst our good representative or a chief executive “Apart from obviously being wrong, friends the likes of Alan Doyle, (BA’92); officer, we all have a job to do … it actually puts them at a big Sean McCann, (BA’89); and Bob together.” disadvantage. I have a personal motto, Hallett, (BA’90) from Great Big Sea, ‘You can never guarantee that you will Barry Canning, (BA(Hons.)’97, B.Ed Brendan shares a piece of advice given be the smartest person in the room, ’03, MA’03); Andrew James O’Brien, to him by late, legendary Newfoundland but there is no excuse for not being the (BFA(Theatre)’07); Allan Hawco, Perry and Labrador businessman Craig Dobbin, most prepared.’ So apart from the fact Chafe, (BA’92); Peter Soucy, Cory a recommendation applicable for any that your entrepreneurial dreams will Tetford, Fabian James, Amy House, entrepreneur, regardless of industry. always cost more than you thought Mark Critch, Dr. David Blackwood and take longer than you expected, (CM: Honorary D.Litt’92); and on and “He told me, ‘Don’t be afraid of the my advice would simply be to always on. And all of them and many more zeros! Every financing, acquisition, be the most prepared.” are such proud goodwill ambassadors capital investment, big or small, for Newfoundland. So it’s not really should be based on a detailed set of While his new-found home in sand- what’s on your desk, or on your facts and a good dose of intuition. So and surf-drenched Bahamas (he is a wall, or on your coffee table, or on whether you are talking about $10,000 permanent resident but retains his your iPod. We store our keepsakes of or $100,000,000, don’t let the zeros Canadian citizenship) can’t compare Newfoundland in our heart and soul.” blur your focus and discipline.’” in many ways to Newfoundland, island life, whatever the location, is Always happy when life calls him Brendan’s own words of wisdom for similar. “Isolation, cancelled flights, a back to Newfoundland and Labrador, other entrepreneurs is a personal family great feeling of community, a sense of Brendan and his family have their mantra, fitting and reflective of his other pride in where one comes from, strong rituals. “Renee and I must drive to successes. “I would share with aspiring accents, open line talk shows, good Blackhead where we had our first date. entrepreneurs the pledge that Renee, rum … and people who talk about I try to catch happy hour at the Duke Cayla, Gary (B.Eng.’07), Ian and I, my politics more than the weather!” (of Duckworth). We almost always family, have made to keeping it real and spend a couple of hours at The Rooms always remembering where we came When asked if he has any keepsakes and the Emma Butler Gallery. We from. Success is a privilege, not a right.” to remind him of home, Brendan usually try to find a singsong kitchen shared: “My wife, Renee, and I are party to hook up with friends and During his career, Brendan has found huge fans of the Newfoundland arts family. And, I always visit my best that people have often underestimated community; whether that’s music, art, friend Rob Carter’s grave.” him, being from Newfoundland and literature or the performing arts. We are FEATUREFeATURE 13
“Memorial means so much to the province and its culture, to our government, to our economy, and really, to all our future generations of leaders.” Chris Hammond Chris
Port-de-Grave native Iris Petten is the chair of the Board of Regents. PHOTO:
From childhood For entrepreneur Iris Petten, BA’84, B.Voc. dreamer to Ed.’97, it all began with a childhood dream: a simple dream steeped in her family’s entrepreneur history in the fishing industry in the small Newfoundland community of Port-de-Grave. As the eldest daughter in a family of six Introducing Iris Petten: siblings, she often took her mother’s place the Chair of MEMORIAL’S on the wharf during the summer months cutting and gutting the fish her father caught. Board of Regents Amongst the hustle and bustle of a busy harbour, she was always dreaming.
“My life’s ambition was to own my own boat and By Kristine Power, MA’02 licence, but I was a daughter and not a son so
PETTEN cont’d on page 14 FEATURE14 FEature
PETTEN cont’d from page 13
tradition wouldn’t allow me to follow that path,” said in 1992, she jumped over to the Marine Institute’s organized Ms. Petten. field delivery courses for fishermen. These jobs brought her face-to-face with the people who fished for a living, whose It was many years later when she got that boat and the licence, lives were most affected by the fishery and the drastic changes but she garnered skills during those long hours on the wharf it was experiencing. She earned their respect and trust and this that would take her beyond her small community and into the laid the foundation for her next successful round of business broader world of building a successful career in business. Ms. endeavours. Petten — the recently appointed chair of the Board of Regents at Memorial University — credits those early experiences as the “I was instrumental in forming a fisher group that acted like a fodder for her realization that her career aspirations lay in the co-operative and Grand Atlantic Seafood was created and was world she already knew. It was a natural fit, but it took a little successful in receiving a processing licence for crab. Grand prodding from a professor at Memorial to connect the dots Atlantic Seafood, with the help of an investor, eventually between geography and economics and to encourage her to became Ocean Choice International (OCI). Ironically, in 2007, make the leap. OCI bought the assets of FPI. I was very focused. I worked day and night. There were times when I didn’t know when I would “When I started university, I really didn’t know what I wanted be paid but I had to get established. You have to have the to do as a career. Then I took an economics course with Dr. passion for what you are doing to survive as an entrepreneur.” Stan Novak. Back then there weren’t many women in his courses. He would call on me in class and ask my opinion and I had many opinions because it was the world I had grown up in. I realized that my opportunities lay in my own “I had grown up with my dad, a strong backyard — in the fishery. I knew everything about it. I had grown up with my dad, a strong entrepreneur himself, who entrepreneur himself, who was always was always finding creative ways to make money and carve out a unique niche,” she said. finding creative ways to make money
It wasn’t always a smooth transition to her bachelor of and carve out a unique niche.” arts in 1980, but again, those skills of adaptability, focus, straightforwardness and determination that mark Ms. Petten as a force in business, contributed to academic success. Ms. Petten has gone beyond the average definition of career success; she helped transform a fishery in a time of great “One of my most memorable moments at university happened uncertainty. She is generous with her time: she sits as an when I got my first math exam results and I realized I had advisor on various public and private boards, has created failed. I called my mom to seek assurances that everything a scholarship at the Marine Institute, donates her time to would be okay, and instead she said, ‘Iris give it up and come charitable causes like Easter Seals, and still finds time to make on home, if we wanted you to go to university you wouldn’t dessert for the coffee club at work. Has she changed much go, besides you are only going to get married eventually and from that young girl on the Port-de-Grave wharf? have children.’ Well, she must have known that would goad me into succeeding. I never looked back. I paid my own way She is still doing what needs to be done with the efficiency, through university and appreciated every course and every vision and passion that have made her a successful entrepreneur. friendship,” she said. And that’s what she brings to her role as the chair of the Board of Regents. Evolution and Change “I consider it a great privilege and a great honour to be the Ms. Petten has embraced change and reinvention in her career chair. Memorial means so much to the province and its and her life. She started her career with Fishery Products culture, to our government, to our economy, and really to all International (FPI). She worked there for 10 years, organizing our future generations of leaders. I am just one person on a and arranging training courses for captains, mates and chief board with vast amounts of experience. I want to tap into all engineers, as well as compiling financial analysis of a 60-plus those skills and work as a team to make a difference.” fleet. After being laid off as a result of the cod moratorium THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR PARTNERS AND EVERYBODY WHO ATTENDED OUR REUNION 2013 EVENTS.
was hosted at Memorial from Oct 17-21.
Photo by Chris Hibbs
Photo by Dennis Flynn
Photo by Dennis Flynn
Photo by Dennis Flynn
For more information on reunions and how you can celebrate your time at Memorial call (709) 864-2322 or email [email protected] or visit reunion.mun.ca Q16 &Q & A A
Going Social: Q&A Chris Hammond Chris with Lyle Wetsch
PHOTO: Lyle Wetsch is the first professor from a Canadian business school to receive the Hormel Master Teacher Award.
An interview with Lyle Wetsch, social media expert, associate professor of marketing and recent recipient of the Hormel Master Teacher Award.
By Jennifer Batten, B.Comm.(Co-op.)’05
Social media is all around us, affecting our day-to-day Toshiba T1000 laptop with no hard drive. I was offering and interactions. Whether we’re highly engaged with it, conducting scuba diving programs in what eventually became somewhat engaged with it, or barely engaged with it — it’s 19 different countries around the world, using electronic here to stay and it’s having a huge impact on society. If communications whenever possible. That meant using anyone can give true insight into its influence, it’s Lyle whatever technology was available to me in the early days Wetsch. An award-winning expert in digital and social of the Internet. media, Mr. Wetsch is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and expertise on the ever-evolving world of social media. After completing an MBA program in New Zealand, I was looking for a bit of a change. That was when I decided I Luminus: Tell me about how you got started in academia. wanted to pursue a career in academia. It was around the What brought you to Memorial? time that Silicon Valley was growing and the Internet was Wetsch: I spent 19 years running my own company, just starting. I had a lot of interest in the high tech industry. training scuba diving instructors before I entered the world I decided I would continue to teach, but that I would simply of academia. I worked throughout the Caribbean, Central and change what I was teaching. South America for nine years, and when I got bored with that, I relocated to New Zealand and spent another nine years there Then, as a master of science student at Queen’s University and in the South Pacific. in Kingston Ont., I started to ask questions about what needed to be done to get a new course started. After several I guess you could say that’s how I got started on my current conversations with administration at Queen’s, I could tell path. I was running my company in the 1980s with a that this was an opportunity. Next thing I know, an Internet LUMINUS WINTER 2014 Vol. 36 No. 2
marketing course became a priority and I was asked to have Wetsch: Part of the challenge is that people make the an outline ready to go for the next semester. I taught the assumption that today’s youth are the “digital natives.” first-ever Internet marketing course at Queen’s in 1998-99 as They assume because youth have been brought up on a master of science student. I became involved in research, this technology they must know it inside out. It’s hard teaching and consulting on many topics related to Internet to understand that this is the first time in history that a marketing and the electronic privacy act — known today as technology of this magnitude has been entirely self-taught PIPEDA. by youth.
My wife and I both had the opportunity to come to Memorial Based on research that I have done on social media education to work. When we came to visit, we really enjoyed our and that of others, the consensus is for the most part that experience and decided St. John’s would be a great place to we need to start educating kids no later than grade three. live and work. We’ve been here for almost 10 years now. Children are interfacing in social media communities like Neopets, for example, which is targeted towards very young Luminus: How did you get the social media program off children. So, if we’re going to have these types of online the ground at Memorial? communities, a digital citizenship course seems necessary to Wetsch: In about 2003, when Facebook, MySpace and properly educate everyone. It’s much like back in the 1960s other platforms started to grow, it became clear that the when home economics and auto shop were brought into the impact that the Internet in general had was going to be minor school system to teach necessary life skills. There are many compared to the impact that social media was going to have. people, myself included, who believe that we need to have a digital citizenship curriculum where we accomplish certain I got involved in social media right from the get-go, trying things from kindergarten to grade 6, in junior high and in to follow what was going on, to identify the opportunities high school, so that when people are graduating from high that came along with it and the ways it could translate. As school, they have the skills, knowledge and capabilities to with any tool, channel or technology the first time it comes effectively and responsibly use social media. out, everybody starts doing things that may or may not be appropriate and you’ve got to figure out what’s going to work Luminus: What advice would you give entrepreneurs and how people need to evolve and deal with it. I did a lot exploring social media and other digital marketing channels? of exploratory work in a number of different areas around Wetsch: Entrepreneurs are typically very busy and need to social media. Working with Distance Education, Learning and manage their time to get many different jobs done at once. Teaching Support (DELTS) here at Memorial, I took students It’s often easier for entrepreneurs to have a bigger impact with in my Internet marketing class into the virtual world, Second social media, as long as it’s done right. It’s about being on the Life, to evaluate virtual worlds and how they worked. This right channels and being strategic. was the beginning of the social media program, and it has evolved a fair bit since then. Luminus: What are some common misuses of social media? Wetsch: Many people and businesses don’t realize that the Luminus: How is your role at Memorial entrepreneurial? most important thing about social media is that it’s two-way. Wetsch: The thing that excites me about teaching, It has to be two-way. It’s not enough to use it to talk at your researching and consulting in the digital media space is that audience. The value is in being able to use social media to it is constantly evolving. This requires both keeping very engage in meaningful conversation. Using the wrong channel current on the most recent developments and trends as well in the wrong way is another common misuse. as being able to see the value that can be provided to an organization at the early stages of a new feature released by Luminus: What are the top trends in social media today? a social media channel. In my opinion, this is the essence of Wetsch: Video is huge right now. Images, the growth of entrepreneurial spirit, being able to recognize the potential Pinterest, Instagram, YouTube. These are all making waves. and opportunity early on, perhaps before everyone else is able The power of the image is incredible. The mobile world to see the true potential. While maintaining a current level of is also big today. The idea of connectivity — being able to knowledge is challenging, it is exciting to look to the future communicate anytime, anywhere. Things are changing fast, and assist organizations in gaining an early mover advantage though. There have been many times when I’ve prepared a on channels that have the greatest opportunity. few slides for a class or one of my Digital Marketing Program seminars (www.DigitalMarketingProgram.ca) at the Gardiner Luminus: What are your thoughts on social media Centre, and then I’m making changes to them an hour before education? When should we start educating young people the session to reflect changing trends. It’s an exciting time in about how to use social media? the digital world. The one constant is change. THE18 THE MEDIAN MEDIAN
Local IMPACT, Global REACH BY Jeff LeDREW, B.Eng.(Electrical)’97, P. Eng., Founder of Jumping Bean Coffee
The view from Jumping Bean Coffee’s head office on Harvey Road in St. John’s. PHOTO: Jeff Parsons LUMINUS WINTER 2014 Vol. 36 No. 2
A love of coffee and a passion for the perfect cup took my interest from hobby to coffee entrepreneur in 2005. A trip to Italy and the purchase of an Elektra Micro Casa led to a side project: roasting beans for my Rotary Club and contributing to fundraisers for Engineers Without Borders on the St. John’s campus. Appropriately so: many, many cups of coffee were consumed during my days and nights as an engineering student on that campus!
Jumping Bean CoffeeTM was born from wanting From our continued commitment to keeping to engineer that perfect cup of java and we’ve it local to the broader global impact made grown to be a coffee brand that combines local by fair trade buying practices and emission impact with global reach. From locally roasting reductions, our sustainability message is now beans to growing distribution, our product is shared with community organizations, charities roasted and enjoyed right here on the rock. and our growing network of franchises. And, although it all began with a love of coffee, my Combined with our focus on local, we make entrepreneurial endeavours have grown to a difference as a corporate citizen: we have focus on having a positive impact on people, TM produced an ECO2 Roast coffee that reduces communities and the environment through carbon transfer by 85 per cent. Our products our growing brand. also include a range of fair trade beans that have been approved by certification standards. REMEMBER20 WE WILL REMEMBER THEM
richard augustus parsons
By Bert Riggs, BA(Hons.)’77, B.Ed.’77, MA’12
The practice of law and the writing of poetry are two distinct professions that most people would assume have little in common. Yet both require many years of study in order to gain mastery of the craft, are dependent upon skillful interpretation of the written and spoken word and benefit greatly from a creative imagination.
One Newfoundlander was able to fuse both of these professions into a very successful career, conducting a Richard Augustus Parsons law practice for almost 60 years and producing hundreds of poems that have continued to delight thousands of readers since the first volume was published in 1954. The partnership was relatively short-lived, however, ending when Walsh was appointed to the magistracy in 1935. Richard Augustus Parsons was born at Bay Roberts on June 2, 1893, the son of Dorcas Catherine Mosdell Parsons then practised alone until 1937 when he formed a and William Parsons. He received his early education new partnership with Arthur Lloyd. Their partnership lasted at Bay Roberts Academy before moving to St. John’s a decade, ending when Lloyd left to become senior partner as a teenager to attend Bishop Feild College. in the new firm of Lloyd & Renouf. For a few years at the end of the decade Parsons was senior partner in practice Following his matriculation from Bishop Feild in 1909, with William Proudfoot, but in 1952 he joined forces with Parsons underwent teacher training and taught for five Herbert Morgan. Their partnership lasted until 1975 when years at schools in Greenspond, Sandy Point, St. George’s Morgan was appointed a justice of the Supreme Court. Bay and Trinity before enlisting in the Newfoundland Regiment shortly after the outbreak of the First World War. Parsons was named as King’s Council in 1932 and for many years served as a bencher of the Law Society of Newfoundland, Parsons served in the regiment until the end of the war, the regulatory body that administers the practice of law in the seeing active service on the European Front. He was province. discharged in 1919, having attained the rank of sergeant. Then it was off to McGill University in Montreal, where he During the 1950s Parsons made two separate attempts to gain completed the requirements for a bachelor’s degree in civil election to the House of Assembly. His first campaign was for law. Parsons returned to St. John’s in 1921, where following the Nov. 26, 1951 provincial election. He ran in the district of articles, he was enrolled as a solicitor of the Supreme Court Port-de-Grave, which included his hometown of Bay Roberts. and called to the Bar of Newfoundland on June 25, 1924. His Liberal opponent was fellow lawyer Isaac Mercer, who won handily, but Parsons did receive more than 30 per cent Later that year he was appointed clerk of the Legislative of the votes cast. Council, a position he held until 1932. Four years previous he had entered into a law partnership with Albert J. Parsons’ second attempt came at the end of the decade, Walsh. At the time Walsh was a member of the House once again in Port-de-Grave. Premier Joseph R. Smallwood of Assembly, but his defeat in the June 1932 election, had called an election for Aug. 29, 1959, seeking a vote coupled with Parsons’ resignation as clerk, enabled them of confidence from the electorate for his stand in the to devote all of their energies to building their practice. province’s ongoing dispute with Canadian Prime Minister LUMINUS WINTER 2014 Vol. 36 No. 2
John Diefenbaker over the interpretation of Term 29 of the R. A. Parsons married Bessie Ash Somerton of Burgeo in Terms of Union between Newfoundland and Canada. 1920. They were the parents of four children, sons Austin and Paul and daughters Helen and Sheila. Both Austin Parsons’ Liberal opponent this time was Llewellyn Strange, the and Sheila followed their father’s lead and studied law, former St. John’s police chief, who had been born in Port-de- while Paul and Helen had very successful careers as visual Grave. Strange, who had first been elected in 1956, easily won artists. Parsons died at St. John’s on March 31, 1981. a second term, defeating Parsons by more than 1,000 votes. Parsons’ contributions to Newfoundland law and literature In addition to his law practice and his involvement in politics were recognized by Memorial University in 1974 when in the 1950s, Parsons published his first book of poetry in that he was awarded the honorary degree of doctor of letters. decade. He had been writing verse for many years, mainly In introducing Parsons at that convocation ceremony, lyrical poems that reflected the simplicity of outport life and Deputy Public Orator Alan Hall described him as a man the rugged beauty of the Newfoundland landscape. His first who “has served the community and enriched its fabric volume, aptly titled Reflections, was published in 1954. beyond the call of duty and the bounds of his profession.” A second volume, with the same title, appeared in 1958. This is indeed a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated his Over the next two decades he published 10 other books of life to the practice of law but who found time to reflect poetry: each volume was hardbound, with striking dust upon the land of his birth and its people and to record jackets that often bore reproductions of paintings by Parsons’ his observations in verse that transcends the passage of sons Austin and Paul, his daughter Helen or her husband time, providing a lasting legacy to future generations. Reginald Shepherd. NEWS VISUALS NQ ARTS CULTURE $30/year POLITICS HISTORY ED 4002 Memorial University FOLKLORE St. John’s, NL A1C 5S7 p 709.864.2426 POETRY FICTION f 709.864.4330 e [email protected] & MORE A Cultural Journal of Newfoundland and Labrador POETRY22 POETRY
Shooting the Messenger
Someone’s got to take the rap. If not him, then who? Your wife, who giggled when he doffed his cap and bowed so low it looked as if he might collapse? Your right-hand-man who sank his gaze beneath the flagstone floor and shuffled almost imperceptibly one heel against the other? Yourself? After all, despite the woeful tidings, the just plain shit news trickling from the messenger’s hare-lip, something in you felt proud to catch these intimations of the end and cradle them; Mark Callanan, BA’01 meditate on the page rewritten: Mark Callanan’s most the page fled, recent poetry collection taking doomsday with him. is Gift Horse (Véhicule Press, 2011), which was shortlisted for both the BMO Winterset Award and the E.J. Pratt Poetry Prize. With James Langer, he edited The Breakwater Book of Contemporary Newfoundland Poetry (Breakwater Books, 2013). LUMINUS WINTER 2014 Vol. 36 No. 2
The Rider
Ten years old and skinny, propped on a gold- flecked bike that shone like polished spurs, I popped wheelies, fought the lightning strike of panic in my rearing horse.
By mistake or not I turned the wheel so that it caught on the sidewalk when it landed, bucked the bike and threw me past the handlebars, past my rider’s fantasies
and into this moment Mark Callanan’s most in which I see recent poetry collection is Gift Horse (Véhicule the bigger picture: Press, 2011), which was a boy falling from the sky, shortlisted for both the his eyes betraying BMO Winterset Award and the E.J. Pratt Poetry blind animal fear Prize. With James Langer, of what comes next he edited The Breakwater Book of Contemporary and what comes next Newfoundland Poetry and what comes after. (Breakwater Books, 2013).
DONOR24 DONOR CONNECTIONS
TAKING SUPPORTING A NEW RISKS, GENERATION OF BUSINESS LEADERS SHARING Wade Dawe Motivational. Transformational. These words speak to the effect winning an REWARDS entrepreneurial scholarship had on business leader Wade Dawe, B.Comm.’92, while attending Memorial University. The scholarship, along with his education By LAURA BARRON, BA’03 and experiences while a student, set the foundation that led to career success as a venture capitalist and in the mineral exploration sector. Entrepreneurs are risk-takers. They are bold thinkers and doers. Mr. Dawe recognizes that investing in business students is fundamental to their future Entrepreneurs transform ideas success. “I firmly believe that, by fostering entrepreneurship at a pivotal time in the into realities. These energetic and academic career of a young person, we have the opportunity to plant the seeds that determined individuals have a could well blossom into the next generation of our business leaders,” he said. passion for business and for their Memorial community. This passion for learning and entrepreneurism inspired Mr. Dawe to establish the James R. Pearcey Scholarship for Entrepreneurism. Mr. Dawe named the scholarship They are investing in the future of our in honour of his close friend and brother-in-law, James (Jim) Robert Pearcey, who died university in daring, innovative ways. tragically soon after graduation from Memorial’s Faculty of Engineering and Applied Their courageous creativity, and their Science in 1994. belief in Memorial, is truly inspiring. “Entrepreneurs are the cornerstone of economic growth and innovation in Canada, Our intrepid donors are making a but more particularly in provinces such as Newfoundland and Labrador, where difference in our province and beyond. economic diversification is so very important,” said Mr. Dawe. “I know Jim would They are taking risks, and they are be happy having his name linked to such a positive undertaking — one that benefits sharing their rewards. those who will lead our province into the future.”
GIVING BACK AND MOVING FORWARD
For Christa, B.Mus.’01, B.Mus.Ed.’01, need help, and that is a real priority,” said and Jason Humber, B.Eng.’99, proud Ms. Humber. “We also want to support graduates of Memorial, it is important the university in its efforts to foster and to show their appreciation for the grow new programs — programs that years they spent here. might not have a chance without a little extra help.” As one of the youngest couples to create an endowed award at Memorial, they Having worked with one of the have made a significant commitment largest oil and gas companies in to Memorial’s Faculty of Engineering the world, Mr. Humber recognized The Humber family and Applied Science. The Integrated a need for specialized geographic Informatics Award of Excellence is information system applications that resource sectors. Just over 10 years later, awarded to a senior engineering student would build efficiencies into these their business is thriving, with offices annually in the faculty’s offshore oil and complex systems. In 2002, the couple in Calgary, Houston and St. John’s. gas option, and will make a difference co-founded Integrated Informatics in many young lives for years to come. Inc. Their company provides data Jason and Christa Humber’s pride in management, workflow and process Memorial, and their entrepreneurial “I know there are going to be a lot of automation, and custom-mapping success, has inspired them to give back fantastic graduates coming out that may solutions to the energy and natural so that others can move forward. LUMINUS WINTER 2014 Vol. 36 No. 2
A TRADITION OF INVESTING IN INNOVATION
As distinguished business leaders in the province, the Patten family recognizes the importance of innovation in business theory and practice.
Dr. Susan Patten, Honorary LLD’13, along with her sons Robert Patten, B.Sc.’77, and John Patten, BA’78, have invested $250,000 in the establishment of the A. Harvey and Company Limited Teaching Fellowship in Business in Memorial’s Faculty of Business Administration.
This program recognizes innovation and commitment to teaching, and honours faculty members who have significantly enhanced the quality of learning for students. This generous Dr. Susan Patten with sons Robert (left) and John Patten. gift is providing permanent, endowed funding for several teaching fellowships annually. being one of Newfoundland and Labrador’s oldest and most diversified firms. The Patten family leads the A. Harvey Group of Companies, a firm founded by Dr. Patten’s grandfather, Alexander Harvey, Just as the Pattens continue to pursue and implement in St. John’s in 1865. Built upon Newfoundland tradition innovations in their businesses, their investment is encouraging and family values, A. Harvey and Company Limited faculty members to do the same in the classroom. is headquartered in St. John’s, and enjoys the distinction of
business plan to provide year-round EXPLORING employment to the harvesting THE FUTURE and processing sectors,” said Dr. Blackwood. “Using the latest advances OF OUR PAST in technology and sound management, this new multi-billion dollar industry Dr. Chesley Blackwood, MUC’48, could successfully compete with, is confident that the fishery remains and complement our other resource a significant driver for our economy. industries, while making a major He believes that we should closely contribution to the Newfoundland examine our past in order to economy on a sustainable basis.” responsibly and sustainably build our future. And he has boldly Dr. Chesley Blackwood Memorial’s Public Engagement stepped forward to help move us Framework is one of the reasons closer to this reality. him to make a major commitment to Dr. Blackwood chose to make Memorial’s Marine Institute to help this investment. He believes that With a long and varied career in review and develop a policy framework collaboration between the public, federal fisheries management, for the future management and the fisheries industry, the Marine seafood processing and marketing, utilization of the province’s fishery. Institute, and the Faculty of Business Dr. Blackwood is passionate about Administration will help to identify the fishery and related businesses “As we look forward to the return of and correct the errors of the past and in Newfoundland and Labrador. our groundfish stocks to more normal optimize the economic value of our Dr. Blackwood’s passion has inspired levels, now is the time to develop a future fishery. protecting your
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www.munninsurance.com 709-726-8627 toll free 1-855-726-8627 alumniALUMNI connections 27
1 2 3 4
5 Dr. Natalie Bridger Brenda Earles 6 Dr. Susan Quinn Wanda Nolan
1 | Ed Martin, BA’99, founder and CEO of Best Boy 4 | Robert Anstey, BA(Hons.)’09, MA’11, is a recent Entertainment, and his team have completed a deal in which Rothemere Fellow from Newfoundland and Labrador; Best Boy has acquired copyright and production rights to, he has begun studies at Cambridge University. They Never Left, an action ghost thriller by American writer Patrick Hludzenski. 5 | Dr. Natalie Bridger, B.Sc.’00, MD’04, clinical chief of the Infection Prevention and Control Program at Eastern 2 | Jessica Burry, B.Sc.(Pharmacy)’06, is currently with Health, and Brenda Earles, BN’83, with the Infection UNICEF in Copenhagen, Denmark, where she works closely Prevention and Control program, were awarded the 2013 with the UN Commission on Life-Saving Commodities for Moira Walker Memorial Award by the Community and Women and Children. In 2012 Ms. Burry also concluded Hospital Infection Control Association for their work with a mission with Médecins Sans Frontières in Swaziland. Team Broken Earth.
3 | Max Ruelokke, Dip. Eng.’66, former chair and CEO of 6 | Dr. Susan Quinn, B.Mus.’84, B.Mus.Ed.’84, is the 2013 the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council (NLAC) Music Board (C-NOLPB) has joined the team of Norwegian-based Educator of the Year, and Wanda Nolan, BA’94, won the Aker Solutions in a senior management capacity. Mr. Ruelokke NLAC 2013 CBC Emerging Artist Award. is based in St. John’s. ALUMNI28 alumni connections
Finding the
Melanie Caines centre-stage at balance Times Square in New York City.
By PAMELA GILL, BA(Hons.)’92, M.Ed.’11
Facets of yoga: Balance. Creativity. and you tell a story. It’s the same with Business is continuing to grow and Evolution. Stage presence? yoga. It is very creative. I ask myself, expand every year; Ms. Caines now ‘What story do I want to tell people?, offers multiple classes a day, seven days Yes, says Melanie Caines, BFA(Theatre)’03, What journey do I want to take them a week and has a team of five teachers founder and owner of Nova Yoga in on, I create a mood with my voice. plus herself. In the fall, she delivered a St. John’s. You need to have confidence, to have weekend of classes in Corner Brook, and a strong figure to lead you through a she will also lead a seven-day retreat in And it’s not a stretch, either. great experience. You need to have Tulum, Mexico, in February. Ms. Caines stage presence.” just taped her second television season “I was doing yoga when I was on the for Rogers Cable, and is branching out road with (Theatre Newfoundland Similarly, Ms. Caines’s yoga training into retail — yoga-inspired jewelry and Labrador’s) Tempting Providence — it was has helped her as an actor, improving clothing. And like any good teacher, Ms. something I could take with me wherever her body awareness, balance and Caines is continuing to learn, pursuing I went. It was my go-to fitness routine.” breathing. her 500-hour certification with Shiva Rea in Los Angeles. Fast-forward a couple of years and that “Becoming a yoga instructor is the best routine has become a way of life for choice I could have made.” The winner of the Newfoundland and Ms. Caines, a graduate of Memorial’s Labrador Organization of Women bachelor of fine arts (theatre program), A couple of years ago Ms. Caines Entrepreneurs (NLOWE) 2012 Start-Up offered at Grenfell Campus in Corner realized she was “ready to evolve — to Business of the Year Award, Ms. Caines Brook. She sees a direct connection do something mentally and creatively credits her success to loving what she does. between acting and yoga. different,” and so she travelled to New York, where she achieved her 200-hour “I’ve always been self-employed — that’s “I’m a good teacher because of my theatre certification at Sonic Yoga in a month. not new to me,” she said. “You’ve got to training,” said Ms. Caines. “They are Upon returning to St. John’s, she put make sure you love what you’re doing. completely related — one helps the other. out word that she was teaching classes, Go with your gut, stay inspired, get As an actor you create a mood — your and it wasn’t long before Nova Yoga was creative, and avoid burnout by finding audience listens to you and reacts to you, filled to capacity. work-life-play balance.” aiming to improve Chris Hammond Chris health Dr. Tyler Wish credits the Genesis Centre PHOTO: OUTCOMESES with his early entrepreneurial success.
By Sharon Gray
Even before he completed his PhD, half years. “It is a major opportunity for competitive in the marketplace.” Dr. Tyler Wish was on his way to Research Avenue and it also benefits the Dr. Wish points to three major factors becoming an entrepreneur. His province by attracting significant R&D that influenced his decision to start doctoral research, carried out from investment from the pharmaceutical Research Avenue. “The Newfoundland 2005 to 2012 at Memorial under industry,” said Dr. Wish. and Labrador Centre for Health the guidance of Dr. Patrick Parfrey, Information is one of the most advanced was in the field of the clinical Dr. Wish credits the Genesis Centre with electronic health records systems in and molecular epidemiology of invaluable help. “They put together Canada —this resource is a valuable colorectal cancer. During that time, an advisory board of business leaders asset for conducting real-world health Dr. Wish did a lot of consulting for the company and they are providing economic and observational research.” work, so it was only natural to office space and equipment. For example, leverage his expertise to build a when our new client came to visit for He added that Memorial University niche company for clinical trials. three days, the Genesis Centre made is also playing an integral part of its entire facility available. The other provincial development. “The Faculty The company Dr. Wish eventually great thing is the synergy that comes of Medicine expansion will include formed is Research Avenue Inc. and it is from being located with other startup a state-of-the-art genomics research currently housed in Memorial’s Genesis companies.” (Another project, focusing facility in the Craig L. Dobbin Genetics Centre. Early in 2012, the company was on colorectal cancer and molecular risk Research Centre.” accepted as a Genesis client. predictors, is also in the works.) Finally, unique genetic research “We had great resources and a clear Dr. Wish said the health outcomes opportunities are associated with the foundation,” explained the 33-year- research business is a quickly growing Newfoundland founder population. old company president. “Our first segment of the contract research “Viewed as a world-renowned resource project was with the Heart and Stroke organization industry. “A combination for investigating medical genomics Foundation of Newfoundland and of industry demand and outstanding and developing applications for Labrador, developing a business case to local infrastructure made it possible personalized medicine, the province’s support the implementation of optimal to establish Research Avenue,” he said. population is one of the world’s few stroke care in the province.” “There’s been a tremendous investment genetic isolate founder populations in health care and medical research and has been shown to have the Research Avenue recently landed a infrastructure in Newfoundland and greatest generalizability to Caucasian large clinical development project Labrador over the past decade, which populations compared to all other with a pharmaceutical company that has created the ideal environment for founder populations.” will include three clinical studies our company to provide exceptional involving 600 patients over two and a solutions for our clients and to be ALUMNI30 ALUMNI CONNECTIONS
IN MEMORY (RECORDED FROM May 2012 – October 2013)
LINDA (MAY) AITKEN ERIN PHYLLIS BURSEY DORIS COWLEY CINDY DUANA FRY KENNETH JOSEPH BA(Ed.)’62 B.Sc.(Hons.)‘12 (NEE MOSS), MD B.Sc.’02 HICKEY March 17, 2013 June 26, 2012 B.Sc.(Hons.)’60, B.Ed.’66, June 25, 2013 B.Sc.’82, M.Eng.’99 BA’69, B.Med.Sci.’77, Sept. 11, 2012 BING WAH AU ROXANNE EILEEN MD’79 FLORENCE CECELIA B.Sc.’95, Dip. in Info. BURTON (NEE OLIVER) ROBERT PETER HILLIER June 26, 2013 GABRIEL Tech.‘00 BA’10, Cert. in BA(Ed.)’83 BPE’68, B.Ed.’70, M.Ed.’73 Aug. 29, 2013 Lib. Studies ’12 RICHARD COLE CREWE Dec. 18, 2012 Graduate Dip. in Ed. ‘71 Oct. 25, 2013 MUC’49 Aug. 31, 2013 BETTY MARTHA Jan. 31, 2013 ELEANOR MARIE GEORGETTE (NEE JAMES A. BYRNE GARDNER SHAUN CHRISTOPHER LAWSON) ANDERSON B.Sc.’83 HARRY ALFRED CUFF, CM BN’76, M.Ed.’79 HILLIER BA(Ed.)’78, B.Sp.Ed.’82 May 16, 2012 BA(Ed.)’52, MA’71 Oct. 21, 2013 B.Sc.’10 Feb. 26, 2013 (fmr.) professor, Faculty of Dec. 15, 2012 JOHN R. CADIGAN, Sr Education GERARD “GERRY” DR. HUGH JOHN B.Eng.’75 MAJOR RODGER HOBBS Aug. 31, 2013 FRANCIS GARDNER ANDERSON July 1, 2013 BA(Ed.)’66, BA’69, M.Ed.’75 BA(Ed.)’69, BA’70 professor emeritus, HELEN JEAN DERRANE Graduate Dip. in Ed.‘74 Aug. 8, 2012 GERARD JOSEPH CAHILL Department of Chemistry (NEE SIMMS) Oct. 28, 2013 B.Comm. ‘74 HON. DR. A. MAXWELL June 26, 2012 BA’66 Feb. 9, 2013 HOUSE, OC, ONL, MD, Aug. 28, 2012 MARY THERESA GAUDON CLIFFORD K. ANDREWS BA(Ed.)’82 FRCP(C) ALONZO A. CAINES MUC’40, MUC’45 ALICE VIOLA DICKS (NEE May 27, 2013 MUC’47, Honorary LLD’99 BA’81, B.Ed.’81 April 2, 2013 PIKE) (fmr.) lieutenant-governor; April 24, 2013 MUC’40 JAMES “JIM” EDWARD professor emeritus, EILEEN ELIZABETH BABB GRANT NORA KAREN CANNING Sept. 8, 2013 Faculty of Medicine B.Ed.(Primary)’86, B.Sp. BA(Ed.)’67 BA’73 Oct. 17, 2013 Ed.’87 TINA DOLTER Sept. 24, 2013 June 19, 2013 April 4, 2013 BFA(Visual Arts)’02 RONALD “RON” HOUSE GEORGE LYNCH GREELEY VALDA MARIE CASHIN Sept. 4, 2012 BA(Ed.)’58, BA’69 JENNIFER ELIZABETH BA(Ed.)’77, BA’86 BA(Ed.)’86 June 27, 2013 (REID) BABB DERMOT JAMES Aug. 29, 2012 Dec. 21, 2012 BSW’77, BA(Ed.)’73, DOWNEY ROXANNE MARY HOWSE DR. RAY DAVID GEORGE M.Ed’87 ALMA CHAPMAN BA(Ed.)’66, BA’71 B.Ed.’87, B.Sp.Ed.’87 GUY Feb. 27, 2013 (OSBOURNE) June 12, 2013 May 4, 2013 Honorary D.Litt.’01 BA(Ed.)’77 HEATHER JOY JOHNSON- DEBORAH I. DRAYCOTT May 14, 2013 DEREK ALEXANDER Nov. 26, 2012 BALLARD (NEE SMITH) HUTCHINGS ROBERTA DIANE BA’82, BN’82 LIONEL CHESLEY B.Sc.’75 BA(Ed.)’79 (WINDSOR) HALLETT Aug. 16, 2012 “CHURCH” CHURCHILL Aug. 8, 2012 Sept. 23, 2013 BA(Ed.)’69, M.Ed.’79 B.Comm.’73 WALTER STEPHEN MADELYN MARY DYER July 8, 2012 CERIDWEN HYNES Aug. 27, 2013 BILLARD (NEE PENNEY) BA’83, B.Ed.’83 ROBERT CHARLES MUC’45 PAUL CHURCHILL MUC’40 May 2, 2012 HAMLYN Sept. 18, 2012 BA’81 March 18, 2013 B.Sc.’71, BA’72 RONALD PATRICK HYNES June 25, 2012 DR. JOHN EDWARD FRANCIS JOSEPH Jan. 21, 2013 BA(Ed.)’64, BA’68 BISHOP SHARON JOY CHURCHILL EDWARDS Dec. 15, 2012 DR. JACK HAND MUC’37 BN’87 B.Ed.’83, B.Sc.’83 B.Med.Sci.’88, MD’90 DR. DOROTHY Aug. 12, 2013 Dec. 5, 2012 Dec. 31, 2012 June 6, 2012 CONSTANCE INGLIS WALLACE WHITFIELD MARY CLARKE DR. LORNE ELMS Honorary LLD’98 PAMELA TERESA BOONE B.Comm.(Co-op.)’79 B.Sc.’61 May 22, 2013 HANSON BA(Ed.)’76 Feb. 16, 2013 July 23, 2013 June 21, 2012 BSW’79 CHERYL (NEE BELL) NICHOLAS TERRANCE DR. RICHARD DOUGLAS Jan. 27, 2013 INKPEN DR. JAMES BRADLEY LAWLOR COATES FAGAN, MD BA(Ed.)’71 JOANNE HAPGOOD professor, dept. head, B.Eng.’10 B.Sc.(Hons.)’08, MD’12 Sep. 6, 2012 BN’90 Department of Philosophy Aug. 16, 2013 June 14, 2012 May 17, 2012 April 19, 2013 DR. LESLIE GORDON HON. DAVID ALEXANDER JAMES JOSEPH FINN JAEGER DAVID PAUL HARRIS DR. KATE BRIDE COLVILLE, PC, CC, ONS P.Eng. Honorary D.Engr.’94 PhD’10 Dip. in Engr. ’62 B.Eng.’90, MBA’97 Aug. 26, 2013 Honorary D.Litt.’81 Sept. 13, 2012 April 7, 2013 May 11, 2013 July 16, 2013 BRENDAN JOHN WILSON GEORGE HARRIS CHESLEY KENNETH CAVE SYLVESTER FLEMING JOHNSON GENEVIEVE COMEAU MUC’40 BROWN, PhD B.Eng.’77 B.Sc.’85, B.Ed.’86 (NEE LOCKE) May 11, 2013 MUC’47 B.Ed.’61 Aug. 27, 2013 Sept. 1, 2012 Feb. 3, 2013 Aug. 21, 2013 DR. JAMES ARTHUR DR. JOHN CHARLES MORGAN E. JOHNSON HEAD MAJOR ERIC BROWN HARVEY FORD, ONL BA(Ed.)’61, BA’66, Grad. STEPHANIE COONEY B.Med.Sci.’74, MD’76 BA(Ed.)’73 Honorary LLD’08 Dip. in Ed. Admin.’71 BBA’06 May 27, 2013 May 15, 2012 July 18, 2013 Sept. 24, 2013 Sept. 23, 2013 SUSAN MADELINE HEAD JOHN EDWARD DAVID FRANKLYN FORD ROBERT JOHN BRIDGET “BRIDE” (NEE COADY) BUCKINGHAM, SR BA’87, B.Ed.’87, M.Ed.’97 ALEXANDER JOHNSTON COSTELLO BA’94, Cert. in B.Comm.’74 June 28, 2012 MBA’12 MUC’41 Criminology ’95 June 4, 2013 Feb. 25, 2013 Jan. 10, 2013 Aug. 14, 2012 LUMINUS WINTER 2014 Vol. 36 No. 2
PAUL JAMES HERBERT JONES DR. R. SHELDON MACKENZIE PAUL JOSEPH O’BRIEN AUGUSTUS TAYLOR ROWE B.Sc.’91, Dip. of Tech.’95 (ret.) professor, Dip. in Engr.’70 (fmr.) professor, chair, June 29, 2013 Deptartment of Religious Studies March 25, 2013 Discipline of Family Medicine Dec. 27, 2012 July 20, 2013 KEITH A. KEATING ROSANNE THERESE O’DEA B.Eng.’78 JAMES “JIM” MARCH BA’74 REV’D DR. BRIGETTE SCHLOSS June 15, 2013 BA’88, B.Ed.’88, M.Ed.’05 Oct. 30, 2012 BA(Ed.)’65, Oct. 6, 2013 Aug. 20, 2013 DR. ROYSTON RUSSELL DR. PAUL JAMES O’NEILL, KELLEHER DR. WILLIAM HEXT MARSHALL CM, ONL KENNETH SIMMS BA(Ed.)’66, BA’67, M.Ed.’73 (fmr.) head and professor of Honorary LLD’88 BA’73, B.Ed.’73 (fmr.) professor, Faculty of Education immunology; (fmr.) director of Aug. 12, 2013 Sept. 13, 2013 June 7, 2013 Clinical Immunology Diagnostics Laboratory DAVID OSMOND PATRICIA SING (NEE MANNING) AGNES "NANCY" KELLY (NEE Sept. 19, 2013 B.Comm.’73 BA(Ed.)’81 SMITH) Sept. 1, 2013 March 13, 2013 (fmr.) regent, Board of Regents MOYA KATHLEEN MASON June 23, 2012 BA’96 REX THEODORE PARSONS GENEVIEVE SINGLETON July 7, 2012 Dip. in Engr.’55, B.Sc.’55 MUC’44 ANNA CECILIA KELLY April 10, 2013 July 17, 2012 B.Ed.’73, BA’73 MUNTASIR MAWLA Aug. 19, 2013 BBA’09 ALTON LEE PAYNE HILDA ELEANOR SMITH (NEE Oct. 23, 2013 B.Sc.’89 COTTON) BRYAN EDWARD KELLY Oct. 14, 2013 M.Sc.’71 BA’79, BSW’81 JOSEPH GERARD MCGRATH (fmr.) instructor, Faculty of Science ROBERT DAVID PETERS May 3, 2012 BA’70, BA(Ed.)’73, M.Ed.’78 Dec. 24, 2012 June 19, 2013 BA(Hons.)’62, B.Comm.’62, MA’65 PHYLLIS MAY KENNEDY March 10, 2013 ROD SNOW MUC’30 REVERAND CLAYTON B.Sc.’73 CHRIS PICKARD Jan. 28, 2013 MENCHIONS April 3, 2013 MUC’45, BA(Ed.)’54, BA’71 (fmr.) coach, track and cross country, SISTER MARY PERPETUA May 12, 2013 Athletics LAURIE ANN STRANGE KENNEDY Oct. 11, 2012 B.Ed. (Primary/Elementary)’04 (ret.) professor, Faculty of Education, RAYMOND GEORGE MICHELIN Oct. 29, 2012 Grenfell Campus Dip. in Voc.Ed.’87 ERNEST ALEXANDER WILLIAM May 7, 2013 Jan. 29, 2013 PIKE DR. FRANCIS WILLIAM SUMMERS BA(Ed.)’64 MUC’46 DERMOT GREGORY KING RUBY MILLS March 29, 2013 (fmr.) professor and first dept. head, BA(Ed.)’73, BA(Hons.)’80 BN’82 Department of Geography DR. THOMAS KENTON PITT April 25, 2013 Jan. 1, 2013 March 25, 2013 MUC’47, PhD’76 MURIEL FRANCIS KING JOHN DANIEL MOSHER April 5, 2012 RAYMOND FREDERICK TAYLOR B.Sc.’62, BA(Ed.)’63 (fmr.) associate professor, Business BA’75 WALTER JOHN “JACK” POND Aug. 22, 2012 Administration, Grenfell Campus July 11, 2012 March 5, 2013 BA(Ed.)’71, BA’81 DR. WAYNE F. KING Aug. 14, 2012 RUBY CAVELL TAYLOR B.Comm.(Hons.)(Co-op.)’68 STEPHEN CECIL MUISE BA(Ed.)’74, BA’76 JAMES AUSTIN POWER (fmr.) associate professor of Dip. of Tech. ’09 May 1, 2013 entrepreneurship, Faculty of Dec. 19, 2012 BA’97 Business Administration June 8, 2013 VIVIAN THOMAS (NEE YOUNG) HOPE DARAL (NEE HIGGINS) Dip. in Community Health Nov. 2, 2012 JAMES PROWSE (LCDR RET’D), CD MURPHY Nursing’83 BA’71, BA(Ed.)’71, M.Ed.’75 SWE-YEN LAM Dip. Mntl. Hlth & Psych. Nurs.’76, June 1, 2012 B.Sc.’01, BN’07 BN’78 March 17, 2013 FLORENCE MARY TORRAVILLE March 30, 2013 Feb. 10, 2013 MYRA BARBARA PURCHASE (BARNES) (NEE CHAFFEY) DONALD E. LANGDON DR. HELEN K. MUSSALLEM MUC’36 MUC’44 BA’70, B.Ed.’70 Honorary D.Sc.’69 July 23, 2013 March 8, 2013 Dec. 17, 2012 Nov. 9, 2012 ROY JAMES RALPH DR. MINNIE VALLIS MONA MABEL (DYKE) (CUMBY) MARY SUSAN MYRICK B.Sc.’66 Honorary LLD’10 LEDREW MUC’45 March 24, 2013 July 26, 2013 Dip. Mntl. Hlth & Psych. Nurs.’81, Jan. 11, 2013 DOUGLAS ROY RANDELL MARY (RYAN) WAKEHAM Dip. in Voc. Ed.’89, B.Voc.Ed.’90 BA’75, B.Ed.’75 BA(Ed.)’72, BA’76 Feb. 7, 2013 WAYNE NESBIT, ONL (fmr.) professor, Faculty of Education May 2, 2012 Jan. 9, 2013 JENNIE IRENE LEFEUVRE Sept. 27, 2012 ELWOOD J. REID DR. JOHN WALSH BA(Ed.)’78 B.Eng.’75 Dip. in Engr.’66 Oct. 9, 2013 DONALD NOBLE Dip. in Engr.’57 June 2, 2012 professor emeritus, Faculty of CATHERINE EARLE LEGGE (NEE Oct. 19, 2012 DOROTHY B. ROBBINS (NEE Engineering and Applied Science DAWE) RICKETTS) Feb. 14, 2013 BA(Ed.)’86, B.Sp.Ed.’88 MARIE NOBLE (NEE LANE) BA’68, BSW’85, MSW’91 KIERAN ALPHONSUS WHELAN Sept. 22, 2013 BA(Ed.)’74, BA’79 Feb. 21, 2013 Oct. 13, 2013 B.Sc.’74, B.Voc.Ed’84, Dip. in SHIRLEY LEWIS (PARSONS) Industrial Arts’86 ANTHONY PAUL NOSEWORTHY JAMES DOUGLAS ROBERTS BA(Ed.)’71, BA’75 B.Mus.Ed.’88, B.Mus.’88 May 1, 2012 March 22, 2013 BA’81, B.Ed.’81, Cert. in Criminology ’92 Sept. 19, 2012 G. ROY WILLIAMS MADONNA MARY LIVELY Jan. 12, 2013 DR. KENNETH ROBERTS MUC’42 BA(Ed.)’78 (fmr.) physician, professor and first Oct. 28, 2013 Oct. 27, 2013 DR. MICHAEL C. NURSE B.Sc.’66 associate dean, Faculty of Medicine Oct. 1, 2013 Dec. 17, 2012 FEATURE32 FEATURE
Entrepreneurial alumna nabs spot in Canada’s Next 36
By MELISSA BERKSHIRE Samantha Phelan
Samantha Phelan, B.Comm.(Hons.)’12, and then, after a visit back home, it was Once she was selected, Ms. Phelan was is no stranger to adventure: her latest on to Africa where she took on climbing assigned to a team with fellow program involves packing up and moving one of the seven summits, Mount participants, Josh Levitan and Nigel to Toronto, Ont., to participate in Kilimanjaro, for Young Adult Cancer Gutzmann. Using the capital, resources The Next 36, a business accelerator Canada. It was while in Brazil that Ms. and mentorship provided through The program for young Canadian Phelan heard about The Next 36. Next 36, they developed ConqRit, a entrepreneurs. mobile platform that allows companies “It came at an opportune time as I was to reach and engage their employees A graduate of Memorial’s bachelor of trying to decide what my next steps through an interactive community. commerce program in 2012, Ms. Phelan would be once I returned to Canada. The early months of the startup knew early on that she wanted to seek Travelling was exhilarating because I consisted of each of the three team experience abroad. could do things on my own schedule members working remotely on the and those decisions were driven by my venture. All participants then packed “Travelling for me has been about the own interests. From reading some of the up and moved to Toronto to dedicate 16 sights, sounds and smells of a place, insights about this program I thought weeks to the project. which tie the threads of my memories there was a lot of correlation between and experiences together,” she said. what I enjoyed about travelling and As for lessons learned throughout her what it meant to be an entrepreneur, so participation in The Next 36, there have “When I graduated, I asked myself: Did I applied hoping this program could be been many. “I’ve learned that a lack of I want to take up an opportunity that an extension of that.” resources is by no means an excuse as offered me international experience? to why someone should not pursue an Heck yes. Was I interested in putting The Next 36 is a Canadian entrepre- opportunity. I’ve learned how important myself into an uncomfortable neurial leadership program started by failing is. Failing creates tension, which environment where I would be forced entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs. Thirty- motivates people to release that tension to overcome unexpected challenges? six undergraduate students from across by doing better the next time around. Absolutely. Would I want to pack up Canada are selected to participate in And I’ve learned how to ride the roller all of my life into one suitcase and the program each year. The application coaster that is being an entrepreneur; leave my family and friends behind? and selection process for the program for all of the lows that you experience, That was my only hesitation, so with is intensive, beginning with general the highs will be so exhilarating that it’s that I booked a plane ticket before information and essay questions, almost always worth the fall.” I could talk myself out of it.” followed by a video interview, and finally, selection weekend. That plane ticket led her to Brazil where she spent three months teaching English ccampusam connectionspus33 Enactus Memorial (formerly SIFE Memorial) Non-profit student organization focuses on improving communities through Group leader Christian Hynes is a Memorial University bachelor positive power of business of commerce co-operative student. by Sharon King
Did you ever think that a student Bottlepreneur, we strive to help the In the past year alone, Enactus organization could change the people we work with each and every Memorial’s community projects have lives of nearly 7,000 people and day,” said Hynes. helped start 50 businesses, create 62 jobs win national awards along the and generate more than $1.6 million.” way? That’s exactly what Enactus Part of Enactus’ social enterprise Memorial has been doing for 21 program aims to offset the province’s Being a member of the Enactus years here at home and abroad. unemployment rate for new Canadians Memorial team allows Ms. Hynes to as it is designed to give immigrants an connect and build relationships with Memorial’s team is one of the 1800 opportunity to work independently many inspirational people. She also from universities and colleges across the through a supportive, organized credits Memorial’s Faculty of Business globe who count themselves as part of program as they begin to make this Administration for their support of Enactus. This international non-profit province home. Enactus Memorial. organization mobilizes student-led teams to develop outreach projects “This wave of new Canadians often “The dean has instilled confidence in that improve communities through face daunting challenges and come to Enactus Memorial and the programs we the positive power of business and by the province with the hope of a safer, deliver, plus our faculty advisor, Lynn supporting entrepreneurship. more prosperous life for themselves Morrissey has been with the program and their families,” she noted. “While through all six national titles and the Christian Hynes is the group leader for no comparison to what many had world title,” said Ms. Hynes. World at Work, one of the Memorial experienced, these recent immigrants team’s newest social enterprise projects. often still experience lower standards “I would recommend this program to Working together with her fellow of living. The difficulty in obtaining all students. Working with the Entactus team members, she has seen the many sustained employment impacts their Memorial team has introduced me to benefits of this organization to overall quality of life.” people from different cultural, financial the lives of participants. and educational backgrounds. Although Enactus Memorial’s efforts haven’t gone our goals weren’t always the same, we “World at Work helps offset the unnoticed. Their community outreach had a common objective of improving difficulties participants experience by projects have guided them to six lives. I feel blessed to work alongside providing them with the opportunity national titles in eight years. Competing an amazing team of volunteers who to work independently and make use of against teams from other universities want to help individuals from all walks their skills by delivering quality services. across Canada, timed presentations of life recognize and reach their full Whether it’s helping our country’s are delivered to a panel of top business potential. Our mission is to create veterans become entrepreneurs through executives, who evaluate the programs local solutions to global economic The Prince’s Operation Entrepreneur, and their success. In 2008, then as challenges.” or helping people who push carts and SIFE Memorial, the team won the collect recyclables create a household International World Cup Title. recycling service through Project FEATURE34 FEature
Young Adult Cancer Canada A social entrepreneur reaches out
by JENNIFER BATTEN, B.Comm.(Co-op)’05
When Young Adult Cancer Canada Anxious to dedicate himself full-time to Hospital. Sharing his experience and (YACC) executive director and a new business in Internet consultancy, cultivating a community of supporters founder, Geoff Eaton, BBA’98, got he switched to the bachelor of business via email became part of his positive started in business, he knew his road administration program and completed approach to fighting cancer. would be an entrepreneurial one. his academic studies a year earlier. He However, he didn’t know he would credits then associate dean Dr. Gary “On June 20, 1999, I made a become a social entrepreneur. Gorman for supporting him as he made commitment, in my journal to myself, the transition between programs and that I would start the organization His business plans took a turn guiding him through the process. within a year — expecting that my from corporate tech to social doctors told me I’d need a year or so to entrepreneurism after a life-changing “If I stayed in my original program, get back to feeling like myself. On June cancer experience. Today, he leads a I would have been in my final term 15, five days early, we started YACC.” national team dedicated to helping and trying to fight cancer while young adults with cancer “live completing my studies,” he said. The sharing and storytelling YACC has life, love life” while enjoying his become known for included a great first own family life as a husband and Diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia year of connecting with young adults. father of three in St. John’s. just six months after graduation, he received most of his treatment at the “Connecting them to those email A graduate of Memorial’s Faculty of Health Sciences Centre in St. John’s. messages and talking to them Business Administration, Mr. Eaton Mr. Eaton later received bone marrow about challenge and dealing was initially enrolled in the bachelor transplants at Toronto’s Princess with cancer as a young adult of commerce co-operative program. Margaret Hospital and The Ottawa was a tremendous first year.” “We are building a community and by building a community we are giving back to a community. This is a core part of our impact: we bring Duncan De Young De Duncan young adults out
Geoff Eaton connects and inspires through events such as Shave for the Brave. PHOTO: of isolation.”
This was also the start of community- happy to help them. We will consult when asked about his vision for the building efforts with a young domestically or internationally.” brand and community he has built. adult focus that Mr. Eaton and his team have become known for. While many young adults are first “In 10 years, this is what YACC is introduced to YACC through their doing: more of everything! More “We are building a community and by oncologist or social worker, others find programs, higher revenues, more building a community we are giving the organization by connecting online great partners and more donors — back to a community,” he said. “This with others who are experiencing a ambitious, but this is how we like it!” is a core part of our impact: we bring cancer diagnosis. YACC also works young adults out of isolation. This is with physicians, nurses and healthcare Mr. Eaton began his career using the number one issue they face.” leaders to share knowledge and technology and networking savvy to ensure that healthcare professionals build business relationships in the YACC has not only built a community learn more about the needs of their technology sector. It is those same but also formed an important young adult cancer patients. tenets of connectivity and community resource for helping young adults that have positioned him and his YACC through the oncology experience. Mr. Eaton and his team have a crew as influencers and advocates. bold, long-term plan for YACC. This network is built for support. “We have an expertise around helping Pursuing exponential growth means It’s a place for young adults afflicted young adults. Organizations, in continuing to community build by cancer to connect and share, Canada, or in other parts of the world through their programming model and especially when they need it most. that want to deliver support programs growing their information hub. His for young adults call and we are entrepreneurial spirit shines through LAST36 LAST WORD WORD A MOST VALUABLE RESOURCE
By keelin o’leary, BA’79, Vice-President of Entrepreneurial Services, Genesis Centre Keelin O’Leary
It seems to me that for the first time is the mother of creativity! So the Another important feature of the 500-or-so years on this wonderful but environment of the past few decades business incubator (as the Genesis rugged rock we call home, most folks has been conducive to developing Centre is known) is the proximity were focused on surviving. As a result, entrepreneurial vision, to pushing the it offers to entrepreneurs. Increased those who did survive here came to bar for success beyond just survival. proximity leads to synergy and excel at endurance, perseverance and And since the province has shed innovation. The recent attention given resourcefulness. Thriving was beyond the “have-not” label, the increased to encouraging regional clusters as a the imagination; success equalled confidence of her citizens should be the way of stimulating industry sectors survival. We were used to being ultimate fuel for entrepreneurial vision. recognizes this. I wonder if, conversely, knocked down, for example by a our dispersed population in much storm, and then picking up the pieces Memorial University operates the of Canada presents a challenge to and starting over. Genesis Centre, a support network fostering synergy and innovation. for entrepreneurs pursuing high- At least all the new communication I always marvel at the stoicism of the growth, technology-based ventures. technologies should increase interaction. fisherman who, being interviewed I’ve led the development of the centre after a big storm and asked how he since its opening in 1997, and have Although entrepreneurial vision can feels about having all his equipment enjoyed witnessing the remarkable add value everywhere in our economy, washed away, says only, “Ohhh … not growth in entrepreneurial activity on the combination of entrepreneurship too good.” There usually seems to be campus and off. A key principle for the and innovation has the most potential an attitude of “no point in getting Genesis Centre is selecting applicants for providing big leaps forward in our upset about it; it’s what you learn who have entrepreneurial vision, standard of living. Memorial is a very to expect when you live next to the and then reinforcing that vision by likely source of that innovation. You’ve North Atlantic.” Great training for immersing the entrepreneur within a got all kinds of research into new areas, developing perseverance, an important community of like-minded people. (Mr. expert knowledge, youthful enquiry entrepreneurial trait, but not really Brendan Paddick chaired our Selection and powerful tools — all in a significant conducive to a vision of thriving! Board, and Dr. Tyler Wish is a client; cluster. Even further validation of both are profiled in this issue.) The Memorial as one of our province’s most As we were able to take survival more reinforcement is important, because valuable resources. for granted, and move up the hierarchy there are lots of headwinds and storms of needs, there were more opportunities along the way that can make a fledgling to explore and think big. Necessity may entrepreneur doubt his or her vision. be the mother of invention, but free @
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