Dr. Leslie Harris, Memorial’s fifth president, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2008.

Dr. Harris was born in St. Joseph's, Placentia Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador, and was the first graduate of Memorial named president and vice-chancellor.

The presidential search committee, chaired by Dr. F. W. Russell, referred to Dr. Harris's “scholarly background, involvement with numerous national and local organizations, extensive administrative experience, in-depth understanding of the problems facing the university and the province and the overwhelming indication of support for him from within and external to the university” when recommending him for presidency.

The confirmation of this new assignment took effect on Sept. 1, 1981, after the search committee's unanimous decision to accept Dr. Harris.

Between 1945-58, Dr. Harris was a schoolteacher in Harbour Buffett, Port Hope Simpson, Bell Island, Badger's Quay, and St. John's. He graduated from Memorial in 1956 with a B.A. (Ed.), received his MA in 1959 in Newfoundland history, and secured a PhD concentrating in South Asian History, from the University of London in 1960.

From 1960-62 he was a director of a Tri-College Asian Studies program in Virginia, U.S., after which he returned to Newfoundland in 1963 to join Memorial's History department, of which was named head in 1964.

He was selected acting dean of Arts and Science in 1966, became dean in 1967, and vice-president (academic) and pro vice-chancellor in 1973.

Memorial celebrated the installation of Dr. Harris at a special convocation ceremony on Saturday, Feb. 20, 1982. Representatives of many Canadian universities honoured and extended greetings to the new president.

Premier A. Brian Peckford spoke at the installation, which he claimed was a “very momentous occasion in the life of any university.” Of Dr. Harris, Peckford said: “he brings to this new position a deep understanding of his native province, an enviable record of scholarship and proven leadership qualities in the academic community.”

During his inauguration speech, President Harris spoke of the future of the institution. “I take this stand simply because no modern society can survive in a vital form without access to that capital stock of knowledge and skills which it is the university's prerogative to preserve and disseminate, its mission to expand.”

Among the goals set by Dr. Harris were to preserve a high standard of teaching and research in the arts and sciences, to maintain quality training in professional areas such as nursing, education and business administration, and to continue research and development relating to the “present and potential of this province.” Reaching these goals “will allow us,” said Dr. Harris, “to continue to be who we are and where we are … Newfoundlanders in Newfoundland.”

After 30 years affiliation with Memorial University, 10 of which were spent as president, his successful and inspirational career as an educator, which started at the young age of 15, came to an end. President Harris retired Aug. 31, 1990.

The university saw many changes and much growth during President Harris’s career. It went from a small liberal arts institution to an important research facility. Its international ties grew exponentially and there were high levels of growth in professional schools of all disciplines. The modest president said, “I don’t know if I can take the credit for anything.”

In addition to his responsibilities at Memorial University, Dr. Harris influenced secondary education at the provincial and national level in several other roles: as a member of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council; as a member of the Academic Advisory Panel of the Canada Council; as director of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada; as a member of the executive council of the Association of Atlantic Universities, and as a member of the Corporate Higher Education Form.

After leaving the university, Dr. Harris served his province and his country in many capacities, as diverse as member and chairman of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, head of the Review Panel on the Northern Cod Stocks, chairman of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Complaints Commission, chairman of the Environmental Review for the Terra Nova (Offshore Oil) Project, and chairman of the Newfoundland and Labrador Heritage Fair.

“Dr. Harris’ legacy of service to this university and to this province is enormous,” said Dr. Eddy Campbell, acting president of Memorial University. “On behalf of our university community I send his family our deepest condolences.

"Dr. Harris believed in the value and importance of this institution, and in its potential to make Newfoundland and Labrador a better place. As head of the Review Panel on the Northern Cod Stocks he demonstrated his excellent scholarly work, and also his heartfelt love and concern for the future of his province."

Memorial’s policy centre is named after the former president. The Leslie Harris Centre of Regional Policy and Development co-ordinates and facilitates the university’s educational, research and outreach activities in the areas of regional policy and development.

Dr. Robert Greenwood is the centre’s director. He said they were very grateful that Dr. Harris agreed to have the Harris Centre named in his honour when it was established in 2004.

“In Newfoundland and Labrador, the name Leslie Harris immediately confers an appreciation of the commitment of Memorial University to contributing to the social and economic development of the province,” said Dr. Greenwood. “More than that, Dr. Harris personified the integrity and independence of the university, while making a practical contribution. These are the core values of the Harris Centre, as we advance our mandate of facilitating and coordinating the University's activities in regional policy and development.”

Dr. Harris was a spell-binding orator, added Dr. Greenwood, who somehow retained humility while inspiring all those around him.

“I feel privileged to have gotten to know him through the Harris Centre and we are committed to living up to his values and reputation every day in our work in connecting the university to the needs of the province.”

Dr. Campbell reiterated Dr. Greenwood's view. "It is fitting that we have the Leslie Harris Centre of Regional Policy Development to remind us his immense contribution to Newfoundland and Labrador,” said the acting president.

An Officer of the Order of Canada and recipient of numerous awards, Dr. Harris was living in retirement in St. John's with his wife of more than 50 years, the former Mary Hewitt.

Memorial University's flags will be lowered on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2008, from 1-4 p.m. to mark the passing of Dr. Harris.

Dr. Harris is resting at Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road, St. John’s, on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2008 and Friday, Aug. 29, 2008 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.

The funeral service is scheduled for 2 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 30, 2008, at the Anglican Cathedral of St. John the Baptist.

The Gown Room (PE-1007) will be open on Friday, Aug. 29, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. to accommodate people who wish to take part in the university procession.