Memorial's connection to the community was highlighted Sept. 8 during the awarding of the first Order of Newfoundland and Labrador by Lieutenant Governor Edward Roberts at Government House in St. John's.

Among the nine men and women recognized with the first of the province's highest honour were several with long and deep connections with the university.

The members are Edgar Baird, Gary Graham, Paul Johnson, Joanne MacDonald, Susan Patten, Linda Peckford, Henry Shouse, Dr. James Tuck and Dr. Otto Tucker. An advisory council chose them from among the more than 100 nominations submitted from all regions of the province.

Among his contributions, Gary Graham has served as a volunteer organist at Memorial's convocation in Corner Brook.

Often cited as one of the greatest philanthropists that Newfoundland and Labrador has ever produced, Paul Johnson was awarded an honorary doctor of laws degree from Memorial University in 1994.

A well-known educator in Newfoundland and Labrador and graduate of Memorial University, University of Alberta and University of Toronto, Dr. Otto Tucker served with the Faculty of Education at Memorial University until his retirement in 1995. He was awarded an honorary doctor of laws degree from Memorial University in 1997.

Dr. James Tuck is credited with helping to sustain the communities of today, while delving into the roots of cultures that have inhabited Newfoundland and Labrador over thousands of years. As a driving force of the Archaeology Unit of Memorial University, he has helped shape the careers of many aspiring archaeologists from all over the globe. In fact, for many individuals in the field, the name Dr. James Tuck is synonymous with archaeology. He is also the Henrietta Harvey Chair at Memorial University of Newfoundland.

Linda Peckford is a student at Grenfell College as well as a graduate (BA(Ed)'80). Henry James Shouse is also a graduate of Memorial (BS'82).

The objective of the Order is to recognize individuals who have demonstrated excellence and achievement in any field of endeavour which benefits in an outstanding manner Newfoundland and Labrador and its residents. Any person or group may nominate an individual for recognition by the Order. The president of Memorial sits on the selection committee.