A ferry ride and a more than 450 kilometres drive didn’t stop Roy Dwyer from proudly coming back to Memorial for a special ceremony on Sunday, Oct. 18.

Mr. Dwyer was among 150 alumni and friends who attended the third annual President’s Golden Celebration, an event to honour graduates marking 50 years or more since graduation. Alumni accepted special commemorative pins during the ceremony in the D.F. Cook Recital Hall, which included musical performances.

“It wasn’t yesterday that I graduated,” Mr. Dwyer said with a hearty chuckle. He and his wife Christine jumped at the chance to make the trek from Tilting on Fogo Island to St. John’s. “I have been looking forward to this for a while and getting the chance to see some old friends.”

“It is wonderful to reconnect with everyone,” he added. “I began the first year of my education at the old Parade Street campus before coming to the Elizabeth Avenue campus when it opened in 1961.”

An alumnus of the class of 1965, Mr. Dwyer holds both Bachelor of Arts (Education) and Bachelor of Arts degrees from Memorial. Since his retirement from teaching, he has worked as a commercial fisherman and sealer. He’s also a successful author, storyteller and performer who has written several books about the history and heritage of Fogo Island and Newfoundland and Labrador. He was recently featured on the hit CBC show Still Standing, hosted by alumnus Jonny Harris. Mr. Dwyer says his Memorial education helped set the foundation for his future careers.

“Coming to Memorial was an eye opener for someone who came from the outports,” he said. “Memorial was a melting pot. I made wonderful contacts and have kept track with some people.”

The celebration was hosted by President Gary Kachanoski and emceed by Dr. Maureen Volk, dean, pro tempore, School of Music.

After the ceremony, guests mingled over light refreshments and reminisced about their early days at Memorial.

The President’s Golden Celebration is one of the many events taking place during MUNdays, Memorial’s annual spirit week.