Marine Institute salutes Class of 2011

The Fisheries and Marine Institute (MI) of Memorial University of Newfoundland honoured its Class of 2011 today with a graduation ceremony in the MI gymnasium

Friday, June 17, 2011

Close to 180 graduates received Marine Institute technical certificates, diplomas of technology, post-graduate certificates and advanced diplomas during the ceremony.

The Governor General’s Academic Medal for highest academic standing was presented to Jonathan Day, while Institute Bronze Medals for Academic Achievement were presented to 13 MI students. The students’ address was offered by Meagan LeMessurier, a graduate who received a diploma of technology in Marine Environmental.

“On behalf of the faculty and staff at the Marine Institute, I want to congratulate all of our graduates for their achievements. This is a major milestone in both their careers and their lives and it is important to recognize the efforts and sacrifices they made during their time at MI,” said Glenn Blackwood, executive director, Marine Institute. “With the education our graduates have received at the Marine Institute, they have the ability to make immediate and lasting impacts in the oceans and marine sectors, while helping to solidify and grow emerging industries in our province.”

The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, was on hand to bring greetings from the province. Dr. Gary Kachanoski, president and vice-chancellor of Memorial University of Newfoundland, offered the ceremony’s welcoming remarks.

Speaking on behalf of the Marine Institute was Dr. Peter Fisher, head of MI’s Division of Academic and Student Affairs. The ceremony was special for Dr. Fisher in that it was his last MI graduation before his upcoming retirement. Dr. Fisher has worked within Memorial University for close to 41 years and has played a major role in shaping and defining the Marine Institute’s programs and academic structure. He is credited as playing an instrumental role in bringing MI’s four master’s degrees to fruition.

“I have no doubt I will miss the everyday buzz and excitement of working with the students, faculty and staff of MI, in particular days like this one when we honour our students’ achievements,” said Dr. Fisher. “I am proud to have been part of many advancements and upgrades at MI over the years and have enjoyed working closely with the faculty, staff and students who have come through our halls. Although I am retiring in the near future, I look forward to watching the Marine Institute continue its climb toward becoming the leading world oceans institute.”

MI also released its Annual Review 2010-11 at the graduation ceremony, a publication that provides insight into the Marine Institute’s recent accomplishments in a number of areas, including new programs, applied research, industrial support and student success.

"Titled Dream Builders, the Annual Review displays how the Institute has taken its long-term goals and aspirations and made them realities,” said Dr. Fisher. “There are articles about MI programs and research that at one time were just ideas on a piece of paper. Today, these ideas have become innovative programs, leading-edge research initiatives and substantial contributions to the industries we work so closely alongside.”

The graduation ceremony was available via live webcast and was also filmed by Memorial University’s Distance Education, Learning and Teaching Support (DELTS). The graduation will be broadcast on Rogers community channels in St. John’s and Corner Brook on Saturday, June 26 at 9 p.m.