News

MI highlights new scholarships at annual ceremony
Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Glenn Blackwood, vice-president, Memorial University (Marine Institute) addressing the audience at MI's 2013 Autumn Presentation of Scholarships and Awards.

Students at the Fisheries and Marine Institute (MI) of Memorial University of Newfoundland were honoured at the institute’s annual Autumn Presentation of Scholarships and Awards on November 19.

Ninety-six scholarships and two awards were presented at the event on MI’s Ridge Road campus in front of donors, instructors, staff, parents, families and friends.

The ceremony was presided over by Glenn Blackwood, vice-president, Memorial University (Marine Institute); Dr. Doreen Neville, associate vice-president (Academic), Memorial University; the Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister, Advanced Education and Skills; Dr. Robert Shea, associate vice-president (Academic and Student Affairs), Marine Institute; and Angie Clarke, director, Student Affairs, Marine Institute.

“Our annual scholarship and awards ceremony is an opportunity to celebrate the success of our students and to honour their dedication to their post-secondary education,” said Blackwood. “We are very fortunate to have generous donors who provide our students a means of financing their education while bestowing them confidence in their studies.”

During the ceremony, MI presented three new scholarships: The L.C. Halfyard Scholarship for Women, Oceanex Scholarship and the Secunda Canada Scholarship.

The L.C. Halfyard Scholarship for Women, was established by Dr. Laura C. Halfyard, a former MI faculty member and alumna to encourage young women in their chosen career.

The Oceanex Scholarship, established by the company’s executive chairman and MI alumna, Captain Sidney J. Hynes, is awarded to high-achieving nautical science and marine engineering students with academic and work term performance.

The Secunda Canada Scholarship was established with an initial five year commitment from Secunda Canada LP (Secunda). Secunda manages a harsh-weather fleet of offshore support vessels servicing major oil and gas companies in Atlantic Canada. The scholarship is awarded to first year marine engineering and nautical science students with preference given to employment equity candidates.

“Secunda Canada is pleased to continue its tradition of investing in young people entering the marine industry,” said Colleen Alexander, director, Human Resources, Secunda Canada.  “Our scholarships recognize the importance of workplace diversity and excellence given the importance both play in strengthening our business.”

Two Secunda Canada scholarships were awarded at the ceremony to first year nautical science students Ryan House and Irving Powell.

“It’s a remarkable experience to receive such a substantial scholarship,” expressed Powell. “Not only has it aided me in continuing my education, Secunda Canada has also helped me make that connection to industry and get the conversation started on work term.”

MI scholarships and awards are provided by an assortment of organizations, companies, individuals and MI industry partners. The funding helps MI reward hard working students and plays a role in the institute’s ability to attract new students from across Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada and internationally.