Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland

Who is the Fry Family Foundation?

The Fry Family Foundation was founded and funded by Darryl and Marlene Fry, who were born and educated in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. In 1996, Darryl created five scholarships at Memorial University (MUN) to reward the accomplishments of the next generation and to recognize individuals who had inspired him. Establishing these scholarships inspired him to co-found the Fry Family Foundation with his wife Marlene in 1997.

The Fry Family Foundation helps to build stronger communities by supporting health, social causes, nature and the arts and by investing in the development of the future talent of youth through numerous scholarships. As Darryl Fry has said, "The foundation provides financial support and encouragement to passionate leaders and volunteers who do good things in the community.”

What is the Fry Family Foundation Student Leadership Initiative?

It has been shown that students who began to understand the complexities of leadership at an early stage in their university education were more likely to step forward to take a leadership approach to their own personal and professional development. The foundation of this initiative is that the Marine Institute will provide strategic opportunities for this to happen for their students. A commitment from the Fry Family Foundation in 2018 for 5 years will allow the Marine Institute (MI) to make this initiative a reality. Once the five years has been completed the Marine Institute will have fully embedded the components identified into their ongoing annual initiatives and it will be fully embraced and funded.

A Service Learning Initiative will have an approach that embraces experiential learning for students, with a particular focus on giving back to the community. Through various initiatives throughout the year there will be opportunities for students to provide service to various non-profit community groups, including learning contracts, reflective learning agreements and a focus on learning from both the student and the non-profit community agency.

What are the benefits?

MI Leaders…

• Have access to new opportunities that will allow them to expand their personal and professional development.
• Network and build relationships with staff, faculty, and community members.
• Can take part in team building activities and exercises.
• Gain transferable skills that will allow them to become a strong leader in the classroom, the greater community, and their future career.
• Volunteer to make a difference within their community.
• Have valuable experiences linked to experimental learning outside the classroom, which is an excellent addition to their resume.

What will I do as an MI Leader?

• Participants will be given numerous opportunities to observe leadership in various venues and learn more about their own skill sets and leadership styles.
• You will be exposed to a series of learning workshops, training sessions, volunteer opportunities, networking, team-building exercises and activities, personal reflection and more.
• Represent the Marine Institute at various on-campus recruitment events such as the Model Boat Race, Nautical Skills Competition, MATE ROV Competition, and more.
• MI Lead will inspire you to implement positive change in yourself, your community, and your classroom.

What is required of me?

• Must attend 5/6 sessions.
• 2-hour sessions once a month.
• Volunteer 4 hours per month (Details will be discussed during the first session)
• Reflection during each session.

How do I learn more?

We encourage you to view content on the MI Lead website and keep an eye on MI social media accounts for more updates as they become available. In addition, once registered for MI Lead, information on upcoming activities will be sent through email.

Who can I speak with?

Please contact StudentSupport@mi.mun.ca or visit Student Affairs (W3013) if you have any questions.

How do I sign up?

Email StudentSupport@mi.mun.ca to register. Please provide the following information in the email:

• Name
• Program
• Current Program Year
• Preferred Email Address

When does the program begin?

Program sessions will begin in November 2023.

Who can sign up?

MI Lead is open to all students currently enrolled as a Marine Institute student. The program is designed to ensure that students enrolled in a one-year program will have equal opportunities as students enrolled in a multiple year program.