Close to 450 alumni and friends in the hearts of Western Canada and Southern Ontario celebrated their Memorial roots and raised money for student scholarships during a pair of events earlier this month.

The ninth annual Calgary Affinity Newfoundland and Labrador Dinner took place at the Calgary Petroleum Club on June 8. Three hundred alumni and friends, industry leaders, business executives and corporate partners attended the sold-out event.

“Affinity is a perfect name, because it captures the ties that bind all of us – a shared affection and connection to Newfoundland and Labrador and Memorial University,” said Aiden Walsh, chair of the Calgary Affinity Organizing Committee and an alumnus of the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science. “All proceeds from our event go to the Calgary Affinity Scholarship. I am proud to say that due to the contributions from the dinner, this is one of the largest endowed scholarships at Memorial University. Over half a million dollars has been raised since we started. That pays full tuition for six students every year.”

Acclaimed musician, author and Memorial alumnus Alan Doyle was set to deliver a keynote address but was fogged out and unable to make it to the event in time. Comedian Trent McClellan, also a Memorial graduate and the original emcee, took centre stage, delivering a hilarious standup routine that filled the entire room with laughter. Alumnus Keith Wellon, an honorary board member, took over as emcee for the dinner.

Two nights later, 130 guests made up of alumni and friends, key players from the finance and business community, CEOs and corporate partners took over Rodney’s Oyster Club for the 10th annual Toronto Affinity Newfoundland and Labrador Celebration. Award-winning CBC journalist and alumnus Tom Harrington was this year’s emcee while legendary bluesman Denis Parker entertained the crowd.

“We have an incredibly strong alumni base in the GTA along with very loyal friends of Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Peter Carver, chair of the Toronto Advisory Board and a bachelor of commerce graduate. “Our event is the premier opportunity for alumni and friends to celebrate in the GTA while helping support student scholarships. Once again our guests were treated to a fantastic evening of music, friends and camaraderie.”

Memorial hosts similar affinity celebrations in Halifax and Ottawa.

This year’s Halifax Affinity Newfoundland and Labrador Celebration takes place Sept. 24 aboard HMCS Preserver on the historic Halifax waterfront. It will be emceed by funnyman Tony Quinn with a live performance by Fergus O’Byrne.

Award-winning actor, writer and proud Newfoundlander and Labradorian Allan Hawco will be the keynote speaker at the Ottawa Affinity Newfoundland and Labrador Dinner on Nov. 26, at the famous Château Laurier.

To date, the national Affinity Newfoundland and Labrador program has supported scholarships for 46 students.