Memorial University recognized its top first-year students at a scholarship luncheon Oct. 21. This is the university's premier event to recognize the outstanding academic achievements of the entrance scholarship winners. Almost 600 students from across Newfoundland and beyond attended the luncheon held in the Main Dining Hall, R. Gushue Hall.

“The goal of the scholarship luncheon is to show students we value them and recognize their achievements,” said Lilly Walker, dean, Student Affairs and Services. “At the luncheon, scholarship recipients get the opportunity to sit with donors and faculty members, and interact with fellow students. We hope they will be proud of their decision to come to Memorial.”

For Stacey Delaney, scholarship recipient and student speaker at the luncheon, becoming a part of life at Memorial has been very rewarding so far.

“My decision to attend Memorial was easy. It was where I wanted to be because I heard so many good things about the people here and the programs,” Ms. Delaney said. “I congratulate all of my fellow students for their success and would like to thank Memorial for recognizing the hard work that it took to get here. I also encourage students to get involved in life at Memorial, whether through the Centre for Student Life or the Volunteer Bureau, and give something back.”

Ms. Delaney was one of about 550 students who received a scholarship. One hundred students attending Sir Wilfred Grenfell College will also receive scholarships at a ceremony to be held in Corner Brook on Thursday, Oct. 28, for a total of 650 entrance scholarships to be awarded. The total value of this year's scholarships exceeds one million dollars. The number of scholarships awarded has grown dramatically from 1996-97 when only 135 scholarships were given out. New scholarships for this year include the Memorial University of Newfoundland International Entrance Scholarships and the Judge Higgins Memorial Entrance Scholarship. The growth in the scholarship program is a direct result of the generosity of donors - individuals, companies, associations and the provincial government.

Celebrate Memorial is an annual celebration of Memorial's connection to the community. What began in 1999 with the Festival of Anniversaries, highlighting Memorial's 50th anniversary as a degree-granting institution, has today become a celebration of the contributions that Memorial's students, faculty, staff and alumni make to Newfoundland and Labrador. For more information about scheduled events, please visit www.mun.ca/celebrate.