Some of Memorial University’s best educators, researchers and staff members were honoured at a special ceremony on Tuesday, Nov. 20, at The Fluvarium in St. John’s.

The inaugural President’s Award for Exceptional Community Service was also introduced at this annual ceremony. Dr. Joan Oldford, Education, was named winner of the new award that recognizes the commitment of Memorial’s employees to helping build stronger communities in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Memorial employees were honoured at the reception for exceptional community service, outstanding research, distinguished teaching and exemplary service.

In addition, Dr. Geoffrey Rayner-Canham, a professor of chemistry at Memorial's Corner Brook campus, Sir Wilfred Grenfell College, was recognized for his achievement in being named a 3-M Teaching Fellow, recognizing him as one of the top university teachers in the country.

Dr. Elizabeth Murphy, Education, was the recipient of the President’s Award for Research, while Dr. Richard Rivkin, Ocean Sciences Centre, and Dr. Barbara Neis, Sociology, each received the distinction of University Research Professor.

The President’s Awards for Distinguished Teaching went to Dr. Christopher Sharpe, Geography, and Dr. Katherine Gallagher, Business Administration.

The five Memorial staff members who received the President’s Awards for Exemplary Service were: Greg Bennett, Computing and Communications; Linda Kirby, School of Medicine; Zita Murphy, Memorial University Bookstore; Sonja Knutson, International Student Advising Centre; and Gary Collins, Department of Biology.

More information on the awards and the ceremony, including biographical notes on award recipients is available online.