News
Friday, November 24, 2023
The Marine Institute community gathered to celebrate the Fall presentation of $108,000 in scholarships awards, and bursaries to 74 undergraduate and graduate students this week.
The Institute’s scholarship program recognizes academic performance, service, and student dedication to interests in the oceans sector, campus life and community.
Sixty-eight family, corporate, and individual donors presented their scholarships during a ceremony at the Marine Institute, providing students an opportunity to meet the people who are helping to define the industries where they will spend their future careers.
Dr. Paul Brett, vice-president, Memorial University (Marine Institute) presided over this fall’s presentation. “It’s always a proud moment for our campus community when we can celebrate student success. We are beyond grateful for the tremendous community of donors and supporters who believe in our students,” said Dr. Brett.
New Scholarships
Among the donors was Glenn Blackwood, former vice-president, Memorial University (Marine Institute), who presented the Blackwood Family Scholarship, one of three new scholarships offered for the first time at this year’s ceremony.
The Blackwood Family Scholarship will be awarded annually to a student in the second year of the Diploma of Technology in Nautical Science at the Marine Institute with preference given to a student from a rural community in Newfoundland and Labrador.
“For generations our family has made their livelihoods in the fisheries and marine transportation sectors. During my career at the Marine Institute, I witnessed the incredible impact that scholarships have upon our students has they begin their careers,” said Mr. Blackwood. “Both of our sons graduated from MI and were fortunatetoreceive scholarships during their academic programs. I truly believe that the strength of the Marine Institute scholarships lies in its strong connections to the people and industries who are the backbone of our oceans economy. Our family is proud to join this wonderful group of donors, who have inspired us over the years. Through this scholarship we look forward to recognizing and assisting the next wave of young people entering the oceans sector.”
Other scholarships awarded for the first time included the Fisheries Council of Canada Conference Scholarship, established by a generous donation through funds collected at the Council’s annual conference. The scholarship is awarded to a masters or PhD student in the Institute’s Fisheries Science (Stock Assessment) program.
Established by the Canadian Women in Ocean Industries Leadership (CWOIL), the Judith Bobbitt Memorial Scholarship is awarded to two full time self-identifying female undergraduate students. As a female physical oceanographer, Judith was a leader and an inspiration to women. She was a visionary in oceanography and oil and gas and spent her final years searching for a cure for cancer. Her company Oceans Ltd. built a reputation for providing ocean research and analysis services in the areas of physical oceanography, marine weather forecasting and environmental effects monitoring.
The Institute holds two scholarships presentations in each academic year. The spring presentation of scholarships, awards and bursaries will take place in March 2024.
Giving Tuesday
From November 26-28, 2023, everyone is invited to take part in Memorial University’s GivingTuesday event.
All donations made during these three days to the Marine Institute, the Thriving Student Fund or any other area at Memorial will count towards the GivingTuesday total and qualify for a gift match up to $55,000. The matching portion of the gift will go to the Thriving Student Fund, doubling the impact for students. No matter where you direct your gift, 100% of your donation will go to the area you choose to support and benefit Memorial's students, their education and future.
Gifts can be made online at www.mun.ca/give/givingtuesday/, by phone or in person at Memorial’s Office of Development and Alumni Engagement.
