THE COMMUNICATOR

inside Publication Mail: 40062527

Graduating employees 3MI rockin’ ‘n’ running 4‘Charged up’ about working at Memorial 5Health, fitness and overall wellness 6-7

Research chair hits full stride 8Faculty of Medicine volunteers 9Life lessons 10What do you do at Memorial? 12

Memorial University’s Employee and Retiree NewsletterVol. 27 No. 2, Summer 2013

LOgAN HAMMONd and his family

have been part of Memorial’s community

garden since his birth in 2011. When

Logan was an infant, his mother Fatima

Hammond (pictured at right) was on the

board of directors during the garden’s first

season. She now works with Memorial’s

Faculty of Medicine. Logan’s father Brian

Hammond works in the Office of the

Registrar.

“Logan loves gardening and really has

grown with the garden,” says Brian. “He’s

two years old now and this will be his third

summer helping tend the family plot.”

Interest in the garden continues to

grow with more than 80 applications

this year for 14 available plots.

“A member can hold a plot for

three years and then it goes back

into the lottery,” explains Toby Rowe,

sustainability co-ordinator. “Right now,

there are 35 plots in total. The garden

board of directors would like to increase

the number of plots available and provide

this opportunity to more members of the

Memorial community.”

The board is planning to create a

universally accessible area in the garden

and also looking to expand.

Growingwith the garden

2 the communicator

“YOU CAN dO IT,” is what Carol Melay, staff accountant with the Department of Computing & Communications, believes. A lifelong learner herself, Carol recently earned a bachelor of education (post-secondary) degree at spring convocation.

“I’ve been encouraged by managers and colleagues since joining Memorial in 2004; they’ve been very supportive in providing me flexibility to do day courses and study as well as sharing their own experiences.”

Carol has earned numerous certificates, including certificates in supervisory skills, leadership and business administration but her big goal was to achieve a university degree.

“When I got down to the last 10 courses, I started the countdown,” she says. “Learning all I could and transferring that knowledge back to my current position has been very rewarding for me. I love my day job and I’m interested in teaching and business, so it all came together.”

Family support enriched the experience for Carol.

“My husband and two sons — both graduates of Memorial — have also been so encouraging,” she says. “They

understood the late nights in the den studying, researching or completing a paper.”

A big believer in managing her time and competing priorities, Carol stayed organized and focused throughout. She says the best part about finishing the degree was knowing how proud her mother would have been.

“Convocation was a very emotional day for me,” says Carol. “I wish my mother was alive to know I finally finished. She would have been so happy.”

Always focused on the future, Carol has already explored which direction and courses she will take next on her educational journey.

gOAL-SETTINg is an effective way to achieve ... at work or in our personal life. It requires us to identify and focus on a goal and do something everyday towards achieving it.

Convocation is a time to recognize achievement. Memorial students start their studies with a goal and a plan and move steadily toward it. They navigate challenges and accommodate change as they work toward success. Congratulations to all recent graduates; 17 of whom are employees.

The employee service awards recognition program is a time to recognize commitment. Career milestones are recognized each year. Congratulations to the 382 employees being formally recognized this year, two for 45 years of continuous service! Whether you’re brand new to Memorial and begin with the online new employee success program or have been here for many years and mentor new employees, we are all integral to developing a positive, productive community.

The President’s Awards recognize successful impact through exemplary service, teaching excellence, outstanding research and exceptional community service.

Goal-setting exercises both mind and body. Overall health and wellness is a priority at Memorial and is an important part of the foundation upon which our community is built. We offer preferred rate programs for gym memberships, free meditation sessions, wellness fairs, scenic campuses to explore and rejuvenate in and a comprehensive benefits program including access to employee assistance support. Sheppell offers a mental health first aid program with access to education, training and support and balance.

Again this year we expect over 100 members of the university community to participate as part of Memorial’s Team Tely 10 on Sunday, July 28. I am pleased to be part of the team and I have already established my own personal goals and specific training plan with the overall

goal of better health. I encourage everyone to participate in these and other wellness and community based initiatives at Memorial.

A goal toward continuous improvement is attainable. Whether your goals are health-related, career-oriented, financial, social or educational, take small steps each day toward getting what you want. There may not always be a finish line to cross but you will know success when you see it. Keep reaching, adjusting, evolving and celebrating the many small steps that will get you where you want to go this summer.

SUMMER IS the time of year when many students return home to their communities and many researchers leave the university to conduct research in the field. That’s why I believe that this is a particularly relevant time to emphasize Memorial’s commitment to public engagement.

Here at Memorial, public engagement emphasizes people inside and outside the university working together to enhance Memorial’s academic mission, with links to the other two core areas of the university — research, and teaching and learning. It is a two-way street that draws on the knowledge and resources of both parties, offering mutual respect, mutual contributions and mutual benefits for all involved.

The launch of the Public Engagement Framework this winter was just one of many new public engagement initiatives underway at Memorial. From the development of the Battery Hotel into public engagement space, to the Marine Institute’s expanding presence in Holyrood and Lewsiporte, and Grenfell Campus’s city initiative, public

engagement at Memorial is an exciting area, with incredible potential for students, faculty, staff and our public partners.

The university community — each of us — is responsible for fulfilling our special obligation to the people of this province. And I am proud of the people who work to make Memorial a nationally competitive teaching-research institution — a public university committed to the public good. I know we all look forward to what the future holds. For now, I wish all Memorial University employees a safe and happy summer.

fromthepresident

fromtheHRdirector THE COMMUNICATORMemorial University’s employee and retiree newsletter is published bythe Division of Marketing and Communications and the Departmentof Human Resources, Memorial University of Newfoundland

Editor Shannon O’Dea DawsonExEcutivE dirEctor Victoria Collins

contributors Courtenay Alcock, Nancy Burt, Melanie Callahan, Rebecca Cohoe, Mandy Cook, Ashley Forristall, Pamela Gill, Sharon Gray, Janet Harron, John Harvey, Naomi Osborne, Michelle Osmond, Marcia Porter, Kristine Power, Deena Riggs, Toby Rowe, Susan White-MacPherson

Graphic dEsiGn Helen HoustonphotoGraphy Chris Hammond, Lori Lee Hollett, Mark Bennett, HSIMS, Faculty of Medicine

production co-ordinator Patrick Tyler

Mail to Editor, The Communicator Department of Human Resources, Room A4030 Arts and Administration Building Memorial University of Newfoundland St. John’s, NL, Canada A1C 5S7 Telephone: 709 864 6199 Fax: 709 864 2700 Email: sodawson@mun.ca

nEw addrEss? stay connEctEd!If you’ve had a change of address, let Human Resources know (in writing) so they can ensure you keep getting The Communicator.You can update your address through: •EmployeeSelf-Serviceatmy.mun.ca •emailhumanres@mun.caor •writetotheDepartmentofHumanResources, (same address as above)

Thank you for staying in touch. Photos and story ideas are welcome.

This publication is printed on 100 per cent post-consumer recycled paper

116-694-05-13-4,350

Dr. Gary Kachanoski

President and vice-chancellor

Stephen Dodge

Director of Human Resources

3Memorial university’s newsletter

THE MEdIA SERvICES TEAM at Distance Education, Learning and Teaching Support (DELTS) had yet another successful season of convocation production for both Grenfell Campus and the St. John’s campus. During the spring and fall sessions, the team commits an impressive number of resources and time to capture the moment for hundreds of graduates.

This is not a new role for DELTS, as the unit has produced Memorial’s convocation ceremonies since the early 1980s. They also produce the annual graduation ceremony at the Marine Institute.

“Although convocation is a big event for us, we’ve been doing it for so many years that it’s no longer overwhelming,” says Donna Downey, manager of media services at DELTS. “It’s certainly one of our most involved and high-profile events, and our staff put a lot of time and effort into it.”

The effort begins months in advance when a producer works with the Division of Marketing and Communications to finalize the details and necessary equipment. It takes up to two days to prepare and set up the equipment,

which includes up to five cameras, a live mobile production unit, high definition recorders, hundreds of feet of cable and program monitors for the audience.

And when the big day comes, each ceremony requires a crew of at least eight staff.

The team also webcasts each ceremony live, then produces and provides DVD copies to the bookstore for purchase, and to Rogers TV for airing at a later date.

Capturing the moment

graduation success for lifelong learner

Roger Bath | MMSJohn Bonnell | BADiana R. Deacon, | Grad. Dipl. (Community Health)C. Darryl Francis | MMMJennifer Hart | M.Mus Carol Hedd | C.B.Ad. (Certificate in Business Admin)Lorraine Yvonne Jackson | BA

TOM BROpHY, director of Student Success Programs, has won the Award of Merit for Atlantic Association of College and University Services (AACUSS). This is the highest award for student affairs and services professionals in Atlantic Canada. Tom was recognized for his significant achievement and distinguished contribution to the development and promotion of Student Services in the Atlantic region, and for his active participation within the association itself. Congratulations!

welldone

Award of merit for Tom Brophy

Steve Lawlor | MBACarol Melay | B.EdViolet Moores | BARebecca Newhook | M.EdJohn Pond, B.Eng. | B.EdJai Ragunathan, | B. EdDavid Stokes | M.EdSusan Stuckless | PhDDarrell Wells | MSTMVivek Saxena | MBA, Dip. in PS Ed.

Congratulations, graduating employees! Memorial supports the efforts of these employees who have juggled the demands of work, study, family and life. Congratulations on your vision, persistence and achievement as you graduate!

4 thE coMmunicator

THE dIvERSITY Education Fund continues to provide resources to employees who wish to pursue meaningful learning opportunities to support Memorial’s inclusive working and learning environment. The funds are available to employees who work directly with or serve a diverse population who are seeking educational support to further enhance their effectiveness and potential.“Memorial is looking to increase our competency in diversity,” says Yvonne Collett, employment equity officer with the Department of Human Resources. “Assistance is available to identify diversity training opportunities which include cultural. Training applications can be for an individual or group and it can pay for invited or visiting experts to share their knowledge.” Employees who have recently gained and shared new

information include, from left, Bernadette Power,

Faculty of Education; Janice Parsons, School of Social

Work; Maura Hanrahan, special advisor to the President

for Aboriginal Affairs; Valeri Pilgrim, Aboriginal

Resource Office; and Teeba Alsafar, International

Student Advising Office.

Money well spent from the diversity Education Fund

June 30 – July 1: Canada Day Family Programs

July 13 & 14: Floral Art Show – Offered by the Floral Art Group (Newfoundland and Labrador Horticultural Society)

July 20 – 21: Seventh Annual Rose Show at the garden – Sponsored by the John Cabot Rose Society

AuG. 18: New Plant Showcase

Sept. 7: Friends of the Garden Fall Plant Sale

MUN BOTANICAL gARdEN is open daily, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; the Garden Cafe is open daily from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. For complete details on programs, events and workshops at the garden, ring 709 864 8590 or visit www.mun.ca/botgarden. Nature and Family Programs are available every Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

peopleprofile

5Memorial university’s newsletter

THE FACULTY OF EdUCATION is pleased to re-establish links with the Botanical Garden. Teacher candidates in science education classes will learn about the educational programs offered at the garden and meet with the environmental educators responsible for these programs.

This engagement with the Botanical Garden will enhance the environmental knowledge of teacher candidates and also assist them with creating fun and exciting educational activities for their future students.

The Botanical Garden currently has displays outside the Science and Technology Education Classrooms (ED 3049/3050) of the G. A. Hickman (Education) Building. These displays illustrate some of the flora, fauna and educational programs of the garden.

Earlier in the spring the Botanical Garden became a public engagement unit of Memorial allowing for even greater collaboration and participation. “Our garden is a strong research and teaching resource for Memorial students, faculty and staff,” said Liz Klose, director of the garden. “The horticulture, nature, research and public education pillars of the garden will continue to grow through our closer relationship with the university.”

Displays by the Botanical Garden are used by

science educators.

sustainabilitynewshealthyliving

THE MEMORIAL UNIvERSITY of Newfoundland Pensioners’ Association (MUNPA) memoir group is inviting submissions for a book of personal memoirs from the era 1950 to 1990 by retired Memorial University professors, librarians, instructors, technical and administrative staff.

“We think that the uniqueness of Memorial University and its challenging early decades could result in our memoirs being a valuable supplement to the literature about academic life in Canada,” says Dr. Stephen Riggins of the Sociology Department. “We also anticipate that alumni will enjoy reading this volume and believe it may even contribute to the community spirit of the university.”

Roberta’s own first memories of Memorial include arriving on the Newfie Bullet in August 1964 and being met by the head of the English department, Dr. Ronald Seary, and his wife Gwen and

“how kind and welcoming they were to a nervous young new immigrant and faculty member.”

The deadline for submissions is Sept. 1, 2013. The editors request articles averaging 2,000 – 3,000 words with photographs if possible. Anyone interested in submitting an article should contacttheeditorsatrbuchana@mun.caorsriggins@mun.ca.

Dr. Stephen Riggins, at left, and

Dr. Roberta Buchanan are looking

for personal memoirs between 1950

and 1990.

Help Memorial remember

dURINg ExAM season this past spring, the Health Sciences Centre Library on the St. John’s campus let the dogs in.

Usually they’d be keeping the dogs out. These particular dogs were registered therapy dogs.

Library employees brought them to the library to help students through the stressful spring exam season.

The Queen Elizabeth ll Library and Memorial Chaplaincy had already successfully brought therapy dogs to campus during previous exam periods.

Lindsay Alcock Glynn, a public services librarian, thought it was such a great idea that she contacted St. John’s Ambulance, the agency that co-ordinates the dog therapy program.

Handlers signed up their dogs right away for the chance

to work with students.“It felt great to be able to do something to help ease

the stress for the students,” says Lindsay. “We see them working so hard during the year and exams are particu-larly hard on them in terms of anxiety. We wanted them to know that we recognize what they’re dealing with, and it was a pleasure to provide a positive and relaxing distraction.”

“It was really nice to see how excited the students were to visit the therapy dogs. It was contagious, like kids at Christmas,” says Amy Clark, a library assistant. “Everyone was all smiles and you could see them start to unwind. It didn’t take long before they were down on the floor hug-ging and petting them. I had a turn too and it made me smile for the rest of the night.”

Who let the dogs in?From left: Handler Jill Dwyer and her English Setter Reilly, Linda Barnett, Dion Fowlow, Joey the Mastiff and handler

Leslie Gallivan, handler Angela Martin with Maggie, a Husky/German Shepherd cross, Lindsay Glynn and Nancy Young.

Faculty of Education and Botanical garden collaboration

A NUMBER OF Marine Institute (MI) employees will take on a new challenge this fall.

A group of 18 runners from MI’s fitness group will travel to Montreal, Que., to participate in the Rock ‘n’ Roll Oasis Montreal Half Marathon on Sept. 22.

Led by MI’s health and wellness co-ordinator Rose Hatfield, the idea was born last fall when she set out to do the same half marathon along with two other runners. From there, the idea took root and their experience piqued the interest of their fellow running mates.

“I never put anybody through something before doing it myself. I have to feel what they will feel before I’m comfortable with asking them to endure it,” says Rose.

The half marathon event will be a first for Charlene Walsh, an instructional designer at MI.

“The group that attended the half marathon in Montreal last year talked quite a bit about the fabulous route through Montreal and the music, entertainment and energy of the event. That is quite a lot to look forward to and I am committed to doing it this year,” says Charlene.

Fellow colleague and runner Gary Harnum, an instructor of food safety in MI’s School of Fisheries, is no stranger to long-distance events. With three half marathons and two full marathons under his belt, he will travel to Montreal with his wife who will be competing in the full marathon event.

“My wife would run anywhere. She’s faster than me, she’s like the road runner!” says Gary. “I also have two brothers-in-law competing in this half marathon and my goal is to cross the finish line ahead of them.”

Left to right: Front Row; Rose Hatfield, Mary Pippy, Tommy Hawco, Kelly Moret, Kim Robertson, Dinah Helpert,

Valerie Piercey and Gary Harnum. Back Row: Sharon Hewitt, Charlene Walsh, Tina Lawlor, Darryl Budgell and

Geoff Whiteway.

Rockin’ ‘n’ running

power playTHERE’S A SpECIAL spark to Shane Lewis, electrical shop supervisor with the Department of Facilities Management. “I came here in 1983 as an electrical apprentice and feel connected to this place,” says Shane. “I feel like I belong here. Every day is new and the work is interesting. There has been such growth in infrastructure, upgrades and renovations over the past few years, I’m glad to be here.”

Shane was living in Winnipeg, Man., and working with the Canadian Air Force as an electrical technician in the early ‘80s and wanted to return to Newfoundland. He did electrical technology at the trades school and applied to Memorial as a maintenance helper.

“I just wanted a job in Newfoundland,” he says. “I didn’t know what my career path would be, but I knew I was interested in how things worked electrically. Always curious, I began taking everything apart as a child; I don’t know how my mother put up with me breaking everything!”

Shane is connected to Memorial in a way that makes him an excellent ambassador. He often attends recruitment and career fairs, searching for new talent.

“I see myself in the young apprentices,” he says. “It’s rewarding when a student phones me a couple of weeks after an event and asks more questions and wants to come here. I know I’ve done my job.”

Hard-wired to succeed, Shane is currently responsible for the main sub-station which controls all power for Memorial’s St. John’s campus, the Health Sciences Centre and Janeway, the Arts and Culture Centre and the National Research Centre. While built in 1956, it was upgraded in the ‘70s and is scheduled to be enlarged. Shane works with a team of up to 38 people who are charged with 32 million watts of electricity.

Shane Lewis is right at home among 66,000 volts in the main sub-station on the

St. John’s campus.

or it may be requested from the MUNPA

office by calling 864 6979 or by sending

an e-mail to munpa@mun.ca. Other

inquiries about the award process may

be directed to Maureen Dunne, chair of

the 2013 Tribute Awards Committee, at

mdunne@mun.ca. the deadline for submission of nominations is July 15, 2013.

Nominate an amazing Memorial retiree today

THE BOARd OF dIRECTORS

of Memorial University Pensioners’

Association (MUNPA) invites you to

nominate an individual for a 2013

MUNPA Tribute Award.

www.mun.ca/munpa

The nomination form is available on

the MUNPA webpage at

campusnews

EMpLOYEES and students are invited to strut their stuff every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The Hot2Trots are part of Memorial’s walking group who meet outside The Landing in the University Centre at 12:30 p.m. and walk — rain or shine — around Long Pond. Walks generally take about 40 minutes, so be sure to start with the group on time. Grab your sneakers and wear appropriate outdoor clothing and remember sunscreen. You can also join a healthy lifestyle group for a bring-your-own lunch session every Thursday at 12:30 p.m. For inquires and to register for the Hot2Trot or the Healthy Lifestyle Program, please contact Travis Mercer with the WellnessProgramattdlmOO@mun.ca

or 709 864 2659. Join Patricia Coady, intermediate secretary in the counselling centre, Student Affairs and Services, shown here, and many others who walk around the pond.

thE coMmunicator6 7Memorial university’s newsletter

I ALWAYS felt proud wearing the Sea-Hawks jersey. As a Newfoundlander, I felt lucky to be able to represent both my home province and my university doing something I loved — playing soccer. My experience with varsity athletics at Memorial has definitely contributed to the overall pride I have for Memorial. I feel lucky and proud to be working here.

Some of my closest friends today are those I played with during my five years with the program. We often reminisce about how it was such a great experience, and laugh at all the stories we share. Also, balancing the high demands of

both my academic and athletic responsibilities required a lot of discipline, and taught me all kinds of important life skills.

After I completed my five years as a player, I helped Memorial’s women’s soccer coach Walt Mavin as his assistant for another five years. I didn’t want to leave the program, but I pursued an employment opportunity abroad. I remain connected today by following the team. This upcoming season will be the first season I’ve been in the country since I left the program as an assistant coach. I’m really looking forward to watching the home games.

Mindfulness sessions benefit employees at Grenfell campus

pEACE, calm and focus is what you’ll find more of at Grenfell Campus following employee participation in the recent Mindfulness Lunchtime Learning program.

A four-week introduction to mindfulness, and its connection to the reduction of stress and the development of resilience at work, was recently offered to employees at Grenfell Campus.

Mindfulness is a form of sustained present moment awareness of yourself, others and the world around you. Mindfulness, or, the practice of intentionally paying attention to the present moment, has been around for more than 30 years as a means to reduce stress and anxiety. Increasingly, it is being used in clinical settings. It is also being applied in the workplace.

“Mindfulness is increasingly being used in a wide range of organizations: banks, media companies, industry, law and accountancy firms, the police and the military,” says instructor Dr. Michael

Newton, a faculty member who has been teaching mindfulness as part of religious studies courses and to the general public through community education programming.

Characteristics of a mindful workplace include lower levels of stress and illness-related absenteeism, more employee engagement, greater productivity, less conflict, higher levels of job satisfaction and lower levels of employee turnover.

“From a human resources perspective, offering such a program to employees is logical,” says Jessica Couture, manager of Human Resources at Grenfell Campus. “There was a great demand from employees to learn more about mindfulness, and we are hopeful that they will use some of what they have learned in their jobs to deal with stress and anxiety.”

KEvIN REdMONd, professional associate with the School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, has been teaching for 30 years. But he has another passion he’s been pursuing even longer. Kevin started paddling when he was a teenager and hasn’t stopped since. In fact, he’s a Paddle Canada master canoe instructor and certified to teach the highest levels of lake water, white-water and canoe tripping.

“It started at summer camps. They were looking for someone to teach the canoeing program so they sent me off for a 10-day course. The following year, I attended two more 10-day courses, one in Ontario and one in Nova Scotia, to achieve my lake water and canoe tripping certifications.”

Kevin completed teaching a Paddle Canada canoeing course, which included several advanced levels and a mentorship for one candidate to achieve his advanced lake water instructor trainer certification.

“Paddling provides a connection to place, where we live and where we explore. It is slow enough to reveal intimate details of where you are and provides the opportunity to paddle wilderness areas that few people explore. Often times the fishing and photography in these places are exceptional.”

Kevin says the camaraderie that happens with paddling also keeps him interested.

“Paddling is co-operative, not competitive and, although 10 people may be on the same trip, each individual brings something different and special to the experience for others.”

are you hot2trot? hidden talent

Three former Memorial varsity athletes and current staff members recall their varsity experiences fondly and continue to have connections to competitive sport.

pLAYINg BASKETBALL for Memorial meant a great deal to me. I was proud to represent the university and the province, especially when wearing the MUN logo and colours off-island.

I loved playing the sport but I think I learned early on that it was actually not about the basketball. It was about getting out there and experiencing life, making friends, seeing things. Basketball was an excellent means to that end. It kept me fit, active and plugged in to MUN and life. I made great friends and realized I wanted

to see and explore other places. It led me to study overseas and later pursue an international career. So I guess it had a lot to do with where I am today.

I mostly stay connected now through chasing my two boys around sports venues. They are both active in basketball and soccer as well as other sports – no shock they are both sports nuts like I was. I still play ball and am a season ticket holder for the Sea-Hawks basketball team and love taking the boys to games.

Then and Now sarah arnott | project manager, Computing & CommunicationsVarsity soccer player 1997-2001

Mental wellness in the workplace: leading by example

CLOSE TO 100 leaders throughout Memorial came together on April 29 to participate in a leadership forum on mental wellness in the workplace. Keynote speaker Dr. Linda Duxbury kicked off the day by sharing research findings about mental health in the workplace. The session closed with a round table with experts, shown here, discussing experiences, treatments, national standards and plans for creating a culture of mental wellness

in the workplace. Emily Wooley with the Department of Human Resources moderated the round table session while Jeremy Bennett, Dr. Peter Cornish, Lisa Adams and Curt Hillier answered questions from the group. Addressing mental wellness on university campuses is a priority; other workshop-style sessions will be offered in the fall to a wider audience. Stay tuned for more information.

team tely 10Exercise your mind and cheer for team Memorial on Sunday, July 28.

JanicE Galliott | wellness educator, Grenfell Campus Varsity swimming 1994-98

REpRESENTINg MEMORIAL as a student-athlete was a truly amazing experience. I had a tremendous sense of pride in representing the institution in the pool during training sessions and competitions, as well as in everyday life as a student.

As an athlete I learned valuable skills. Balancing academics, training and competition schedules, employment and family life helped me develop time management skills. This ability to prioritize and to be in the moment is important in helping me manage my

responsibilities at work and home. I am still involved with sport through

my three young children and my own running and triathlons. Working at Grenfell Campus gives me the opportunity to stay connected to sport. I value and understand the importance of sport and I feel very honoured to work at Memorial with the awesome students, staff and faculty.

To stay connected to the Sea-Hawks of today, “like us” on Facebook www.facebook.com/memorialseahawks, follow us on Twitter @munathletics or visit www.goseahawks.ca.

bill chislEtt | director, MI InternationalVarsity basketball player Grenfell 1984-86, Memorial 1986-87, 1988-90

8 the communicator

THREE MEMBERS of the Faculty of Medicine have received awards from the Student Volunteer Bureau for their activities in 2012. Dr. Michael Woods, Discipline of Genetics, was named Faculty Volunteer of the Year; medical student David Jerome won Student Volunteer of the Year; and neurosciences research technician Mahmud Hasan received Staff Volunteer of the Year.

Michael serves as chair of the board of directors of the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) Newfoundland and Labrador Division and sits on the Canadian Cancer Society’s national board of directors and national council. He was also assistant coach to the Memorial Sea-Hawks men’s basketball team and a member of the executive for the St. John’s Amateur Basketball Association.

Michael first began volunteering with the CCS five years ago. He received a postdoctoral fellowship from the CCS in 2002 and then a New Investigator Award from the CCS in 2006 when he joined the Discipline of Genetics.

David’s award for Student Volunteer of

the Year involves service both as a graduate student and a medical student. He is now a first-year medical student and was previously a M.Sc. student in the Faculty of Medicine, supervised by by Dr. Qi Yuan.

As a graduate student, David was the graduate student representative on Academic Council and the Engagement Framework Expert Working Group. He is currently the elected class president of the medical school’s Class of 2016, and volunteers with a number of medical school interest groups such as the Gateway Program. He is also a volunteer operator with the Newfoundland and Labrador Sexual Assault Crisis Line and a member of the board of the St. John’s Farmers’ Market Co-op.

Mahmud Hasan, who is a research technician in the laboratory of Dr. Jackie Vanderluit, has been in Newfoundland for seven years. “I have really tried to be involved within residence life at Memorial and the community-at-large,” he says. “I believe that the university is more than just for academics. When I was an undergraduate at MUN, I always

looked for new opportunities to explore and volunteer. Now, having finished graduate school, I feel like taking more of a leadership role and creating an environment for others to contribute to their communities.”

Mahmud is the residence co-ordinator at Squires House. Last September he founded the Squires Community Outreach Program, for residents from on-campus housing who want to participate in various community outreach initiatives. The group has raised close to $6,000 during the past year for various charities.

MASTER IN applied social psychology student Danielle Stennett doesn’t pull any punches about her passion. “I know it sounds weird but I live and breathe evaluation,” she admits.

It’s a good thing that she does because for many people, the idea of collecting and analyzing complex data and numbers

is a bit daunting. Her program, an offering of the Department of Psychology, is designed to emphasize the practical uses of social psychology. As Danielle explains; “It’s not like experimental master’s programs which are research based. Our work is applied to everyday situations.” The expertise of graduates could be

applied in a wide range of settings, from business and not-for-profit organizations, to government and health-care settings.

One of the most recent beneficiaries of her expertise was the planning committee for Engage Memorial 2013, a week of activities celebrating the launch of the new Public Engagement Framework. To put it simply, Danielle’s job was to look at what the committee had set out to achieve, and figured out whether they were successful.

Her measurement approach included person-to-person surveying, gathering participation

numbers, staff debriefings and post-event surveys. Once all the data had been received, she sliced and diced the numbers, assessing the success of the event (“Pretty good!” she says), and offering suggestions to improve next year’s Engage Memorial events. “It was interesting to work collaboratively to create an evaluation suited to the committee’s needs. Most places underestimate the importance of evaluation practices. This was not one of those places.”

One thing that struck her over the course of her work was the depth of public engagement expertise and activity at Memorial. From work in Labrador related to climate change, to community-development projects on the west coast of the province, the range and depth of work impressed her. In fact, public engagement seems to have made an impact. Danielle’s next course project, documenting the impact that long-distance commuting has on senior citizens left at home, is a community-identified research idea submitted at a Harris Centre regional workshop. “I’m really looking forward to bringing together public engagement and evaluation as I continue in my career.”

TIME IS TICKINg for Luciano Radelich, the local director of Aramark Canada Ltd. and the person leading the changes on the St. John’s campus as its new food service supplier.

“The transition has been going better than expected,” he says. “It’s such a big help that the staff are experienced and motivated. Faculty, staff, retirees, students and visitors to campus will notice a lot of familiar faces as we prepare healthy and culturally diverse food options. We offer quality service and great value.”

Aramark provides student residence dining, retail and catering services. They

service five cafeterias and kiosks across campus, but not the University Centre. Aramark assumes the collective agreement currently in place, with all terms and conditions of employment for unionized workers remaining the same. The contract runs until 2018, with the possibility of renewal for a further five-year term.

Catering and conference services will streamline processes using an online quoting system; event profiles will be kept for future reference. One of the biggest differences to students on campus will be the anytime dining. R. Gushue Hall will open each morning at 7:30 a.m. and offer

fresh food stations until 7 p.m.Specializing in food service on univer-

sities and colleges, Aramark operates in 10 provinces and employs more than 12,000 Canadians. Welcome and bon appetit!

Luciano Radelich welcomes a new

beginning in food services.

9Memorial university’s newsletter

WELCOME ABOARd. All new employees are invited to an online certificate called the New Employee Success Program. You will learn about the organization, governance, key policies and procedures, culture, employee resources and so much more. Being better prepared makes for a promising start to an excellent employment relationship.

This program is self-paced, flexible and engaging and offers a tool kit of information to help employees succeed at Memorial. The program includes short in-class workshops on diversity awareness, sexual harassment education and awareness and privacy rules, as well as a number of online welcome and informational videos and e-learning webinars.

Registration for the new program is easy! Employees can register at each orientation session or by contacting Elaine Healey, Learning and Development, atehealey@mun.caor7098643074.

Aramark moves in and prepares to impress

WITH a growing number of computer viruses, phishing emails and password security issues, you can feel vulnerable or unprotected online. To better protect you and your work, at Memorial and at home, Computing & Communications (C&C) launched an online program in April to increase computer and information security awareness. Within the first two weeks more than 300 faculty, staff and students at Grenfell Campus, the Marine Institute and the St. John’s campus had enrolled in the course through Distance Education, Learning and Teaching Support’s (DELTS) Desire2Learn Learning Management System.

The complete program includes 30 short lessons on identity theft, viruses, phishing attacks, password security and more. The total program is 75 minutes long but can be completed in shorter segments, as well. Visit https://online.mun.ca and log in with your MUN login username and password to access the courseware.

“Everyone has a role to play when it comes to online security,” says Ken. “Only by knowing what to look for, and what practices to follow and avoid, can we protect ourselves and the university.”

Learn how to protect yourself online.

Meet Jessica CoutureFOR THE pAST YEAR-ANd-A-HALF,

she’s been responsible for employee

and labour relations as the manager of

human resources at Grenfell Campus.

Jessica is the first employee at Grenfell

to have full-time human resources

responsibilities, which is a welcome

addition to the campus. Employees

appreciate the opportunity to sit down

one-on-one to chat with a human

resources representative.

Jessica’s role is new and still

evolving. She is working on numerous

initiatives including the implementation

of a comprehensive employee

orientation program and improved

staff professional development

opportunities for Grenfell employees.

Jessica has a bachelor of business

administration from Bishop’s

University and is a certified human

resources professional. Prior to

working at Grenfell, she worked in the

manufacturing and industrial sector.

She is enjoying the new experiences

and challenges that come with human

resources in post-secondary education.

Jessica has lived in Newfoundland

and Labrador for seven years and

is enjoying exploring all the island’s

nooks and crannies with her four-year-

old son and family.

Come meet Jessica. She’s currently

located in AS278 at Grenfell Campus

or can be reached at jcouture@grefell.

mun.ca.

campusnews

public engagement by the numbers

protect yourself online

Ken Forward, C&C’s IT security officer,

demonstrates online courseware to

protect you and your information.

THE dEpARTMENT of Human Resources is committed to offering professional development opportunities that will enhance the career development and professional goals for university employees. Together with Computing & Communications, employees are offered the opportunity to choose among 1,400 courses at the popular online training site www.lynda.com.

Courses are free, self-directed and available anywhere you have an Internet connection. Licences are offered on a two-week rotational basis. If you would like to find out more or to register, contact the C&C service desk at 7098644595orhelp@mun.ca.

Trying to fit training into a busy work

schedule is often tricky. The ability

to train online with Lynda.com at a

time that works for me makes it a very

valuable tool.

Search engine rankings are essential

to a web site redesign and Lynda.com

courses have been a great help to me

in learning the latest search engine

optimization (SEO) information and

techniques.

Lynda.com is an excellent learning

resource. It’s like having your very

own teacher working alongside, going

at just the right pace.

Learn in your pJs at Lynda.com

“

you can learn from anywhere, anytime

as these employees explain:

FROM NOT HAvINg a clue to now holding one of the most prestigious posts at the Faculty of Business Administration (FBA), Dr. Jeffrey Pittman says he’s stumbled along in his career on a path to finding his true passion.

“I love to teach, even now,” he says. “In many ways, it’s the most enjoyable part of the job. Although I love that research is so intellectually stimulating, it can be very isolating. Teaching in many ways is the polar opposite in that you have extensive interaction with students, hopefully helping to shape their education at Memorial.”

Jeff, who is the CMA professor of accounting and was named the FBA’s first research chair in April, didn’t get started in accounting until his second year at Memorial.

He was preparing for a second year of general studies when a chance encounter with a former high school classmate who had recently joined the commerce program piqued his interest in that field. The next day, he walked into Dr. Gary Gorman’s office, a long-time business professor who later became dean of the faculty.

“So I walk in off the street, not a clue what I wanted to do in my life. He was

super nice and very supportive. Instead of recommending that I start in the faculty the next September, Gary said, ‘Well, why don’t you start tomorrow?’”

Jeff graduated with honours from the bachelor of commerce program in 1989 and went on to work in public practice for four years before returning to Memorial to do a master of business administration degree. Partway through his studies, a professor suggested that he give lecturing a try.

“And I thought, ‘Oh, my gosh, why are they asking me of all people? I haven’t got a clue how to teach!’”

But it turns out Jeff had a natural affinity for being in front of the classroom.

“I absolutely loved it. I knew that I had found my calling in life.”

Jeff soon hit a roadblock: in order to

continue teaching at the FBA, he would need to obtain a doctorate. Although he describes himself as a good student, Jeff had little research experience and limited studies in mathematics and economics, two key subjects for a PhD in accounting. Plus, he was a newlywed and the prospect of moving to a new city was not appealing.

In the end, his desire to continue in the classroom prevailed and, along with his new wife, Tracey, he moved to Waterloo, Ont. From the start, he felt over his head. The program was challenging. Jeff admits that he even considered dropping out early on. Again, an encounter with a friend kept him going.

“I confided that I was thinking of giving up, and he said all new students feel that way. He was very supportive, and that was a turning point that made me buckle down.”

Jeff completed his PhD in 2001 and returned to teaching at Memorial. He still teaches on a regular basis but now, as a senior faculty member, sees his role extending beyond students to his colleagues as well.

“One thing that has changed is I’m trying to spend more time mentoring junior faculty. I try to take more of a leadership role with research as well,” he says. “I like to think that I’ve always tried to help; now, I’d like to shift even more in that direction.”

Jeff lives in St. John’s with his wife, Tracey, who is interim co-ordinator, Vice-Presidents’ Council at Memorial, and their three children.

‘I found my calling in life’New research chair loves the classroom

Volunteering is an important part of the lives of Mahmud Hasan, Michael Woods and

David Jerome.

volunteer awards for three members of Faculty of Medicine

campusnews

“

“

“

“ “

Little fingers, little toes

ElisE ruth wicks

collinGwood was born

on Feb. 17 to proud parents

Heidi Wicks and Chris

Collingwood. Heidi works as

a communications co-ordinator

with the Teaching and

Learning Framework,

Office of the Provost.

billiE rita bEaton cutlEr

was born on March 1 to proud

parents Nancy Beaton of

Distance Education, Learning,

and Teaching Support, and

Craig Cutler. Billie is the first

grandchild of Marilyn Beaton,

who recently retired after 39

years on the faculty at the

School of Nursing.

Miranda Mary nEll

MiddlEton was born on

Feb. 24 to proud parents

Virginia and Matthew

Middleton. Virginia works as a

communications co-ordinator

with the Faculty of Medicine.

Proud grandmother Mary

Sturge is retired from the

Health Sciences Library.

ryan pEtEr curran

was born on Feb. 11 to

parents Peter and Peggy

Curran. He is the first

grandchild of Connie

Hatcher, manager of

payroll, Dept. of Human

Resources.

olivia ElizabEth parab

was born on Feb. 22 to

proud parents Danielle Percy

and Milan Parab. Danielle

is a graphic designer in the

Division of Academic and

Student Affairs, Marine

Institute.

olivEr todd woodMan

was born on Aug. 16 to proud

parents Amy Todd and Peter

Woodman. Amy works as a

teaching consultant with

DELTS.

JanEt duprEE retired on April 8 after 37 years with Memorial

University. Her first job was as a science technician in the

laboratory of Dr. Bruce Sells; she completed her certificate in

animal care in August 1981 and worked as an animal technician

until 1987 when she took a job as stores clerk in the Office of

Purchasing in the Faculty of Medicine. Janet was well-known

around the medical school, cheerfully delivering materials

wherever needed!

nancy FaGan, assistant to the dean with the School of

Graduate Studies, began her career with Memorial in 1987 and

has worked in her current position for the past 16 years. Nancy

has been a valuable asset to the unit and will be missed by her

co-workers once she begins her retirement on July 5. Best wishes

for a happy retirement!

MariE rowE, mathematics learning instructor with the

Mathematics Learning Centre, and her husband Donald are

pictured enjoying a slice of retirement cake on Feb. 1. Long-time

friends and colleagues joined in the celebration and send off

with a presentation and a Skype call with her son and family in

Germany. Marie’s retirement began with a three month European

vacation visiting family and backpacking. Congratulations!

pat rahal, Yaffle Support with The Harris Centre, retired

earlier this year. As one of the earliest stewards of Yaffle,

Memorial’s public engagement tool, Pat was an editor, curator

and quality control co-ordinator extraordinaire during her five

years with the Centre. Her incredible attention to detail and

dedication to both Yaffle and the Harris Centre will be missed!

Pictured with Pat are colleagues Lisa Charlong and Bojan Furst.

brucE FaulknEr, tendering clerk with Financial &

Administrative Services (FAS), always had a good time at work,

helping to co-ordinate many employee and retiree social

events. Hired in Nov. 1981, Bruce joined FAS a few months

later and enjoyed his career there. He was treated to a proper

send off with colleagues and friends on April 5. Enjoy your

retirement, Bruce!

sharon MorGan, intermediate clerk stenographer

with Housing, Food and Conference Services worked with

Memorial for 36 years and retired on May 17. Colleagues and

friends wished her well at a get-together on May 24.

All the best in your retirement, Sharon!

HOpE is what Suzanne Craig with Student Success Programs, Student Affairs and Services, and Pam Reid with the MUN University Bookstore feel most of all. Both survived stage 2 breast cancer and double mastectomies. Both were released from the cancer clinic on the same day: March 18, 2012.

“People do survive and get a second chance,” says Suzanne. “I’m thankful to be here. I did what I had to do; I’m no different than anyone else. Thanks to family and friends support, I felt empowered and determined to survive, and I felt this overwhelming strength from God which made me very grateful it was me and not my children or anyone else I loved.”

“Cancer has made me a stronger person,” says Pam. “It’s a horrible, amazing experience that everyone handles their own way. I looked for positive people to talk with and felt determined to fight and survive.”

Suzanne, who has a son and a daughter, was diagnosed in March 2009. She was 36 years old with no history of cancer in the family. There was no lump, but she did have an indentation, which she didn’t think anything of. “I just thought it was changes in my body,” she says. “I had never heard of estrogen-related breast cancer.” She began chemotherapy in April 2009 which continued with radiation in September 2009 and returned to work in October 2010.

Pam, who has two daughters, had just turned 40 when she was diagnosed. Her cancer was ultimately detected by a mammogram in January 2008. Pam received chemotherapy from May to August 2008 and then began radiation treatments. She returned to work on Nov. 1, 2010.

While Suzanne and Pam were colleagues and friends within Student Affairs and Services, they had no idea how much they would come to support each other. “We now have a bond which will be with us for a lifetime,” says Pam. “We are each other’s biggest supporters.” And they both appreciated the support Memorial provides through health benefits, insurance and other programs. “It helped make the ordeal easier to deal with,” Pam says.

“We have lost friends to cancer,” reflects Suzanne. “We realize how precious and wonderful life is and we try to not compare our experience with others. Cancer becomes a part of you that you can’t let go of. At the beginning I didn’t want to listen to anyone else’s experience; I had to feel it for myself. Now I think it’s comforting for people to know our stories and know there’s hope.”

“We all get a cross to bear,” says Pam. “It’s how you handle it that’s important. I’ve pushed myself to do things I used to think were impossible. I am more health conscious now. My biggest motivation is my two beautiful girls. I have to be here to see them grow up.”

Both Suzanne and Pam think of cancer as a test they had to experience. They tried to learn a lesson or find a purpose along the way. They learned everyone is different: some like to reach out while others prefer to keep to themselves. “Do not compare yourself with others” is a lesson they’ve both learned. They say they feel lucky to be here and try to make a difference. They’re available if anyone has any questions or just needs someone to listen; they would love to hear from you. Hope lives.

10 thE coMmunicator

transitions

KATE BRIDE, per-course instructor with the

Department of Gender Studies, passed away

on April 7. She was 44.

DEANNA BYRNE, employee with the Division

of Computing and Communications at

Grenfell Campus, passed away on March 13.

She was 39.

MARY (JERI) CLARKE, retired employee with

the Department of Human Resources, passed

away; a funeral mass was held on March 17.

She was 56.

MAURICE GOOD, retired faculty member in

the Division of Fine Arts’ theatre program at

Grenfell Campus, passed away on May 10.

He was 80.

SISTER MARY PERPETUA KENNEDY, retired

faculty member in Education from Grenfell

Campus, passed away on May 7. She was 90.

DAN MOSHER, faculty member at the

Division of Social Science at Grenfell Campus,

passed away on March 5, 2013. He was 60.

S.P. SINGH, retired professor of mathematics,

passed away on March 27. He was 84.

DON STEELE, professor emeritus of the

Department of Biology, passed away on

March 16, 2013. He was 81.

WILLIAM FRANCIS SUMMERS, retired

professor and first head of the Geography

Department, passed away on March 25. He

was 93.

JOHN WALSH, professor emeritus with the

Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science,

passed away on Feb. 14. He was 76.

Retirements

11Memorial university’s newsletter

Suzanne Craig, left, and Pam Reid are connected through cancer survival.

Second chance at life is sweet

Lives lived

goodnews

IT WASN’T actually Philmona Kebedom who got the call in 2007 about a job at the QEll Library with the Digital Archives Initiative division, but she happened to be standing next to the lucky person who did. Thanks to that connection and the need for an additional hire, Philmona also got a job and has since made Memorial her second home.

Philmona is from Zimbabwe and was a student of Memorial at the time. Fast forward six years to 2013 and you will find six other students from Zimbabwe working in the archives — all recruited by Philmona. Their job is to scan material that will eventually be used in the creation of digital reproductions of vital library resources.

“When we come here, we leave our families, but then we arrive and meet new people and we become like a team,” says Philmona. Teamwork is not something new to the Zimbabwean students. It is a quality they bring with them from their African country and it is something they find in common with their Newfoundland and Labrador colleagues. Don Walsh, a digitization technician and supervisor of the students, says they are all like a family, albeit a unique family.

“These students are almost like my kids. I worry about them come exam time. When someone graduates, we all celebrate with a chicken dinner,” says Don with a chuckle.

While the jovial atmosphere is palpable when everyone is together, the work the students do is equally as important to them and aligns with their future career goals.

“We can work flex time and this plays a huge factor in our ability to do our school work and still manage a job,” says student Nyasha Mugoro, who is completing a BBA from Memorial.

Philmona, who has a B.Sc. (biochemistry) and a diploma in applied ethics from Memorial, also points out how having a strong sense of responsibility is crucial to working in the Digital Archives Initiative. “The world is going to look at the work we do.”

A home away from home

Top left to right: Charlotte Chitaimani, Jennifer Mutimbidziri, Lorraine Zimunya,

Nyasha Mugoro, Philmona Kebedom, Don Walsh. Bottom left to right: Mariam

Ismail, Hanna Kebedom

FREd pERRY, systems administrator with the Department of Physics and Physical Oceanography, has been interested in photography for about five years. With digital photography, he says he can take 500 photos and be confident he’ll like at least one. His key subjects are scenery and nature because of the challenge they present.

“I like taking pictures of living things — sometimes very small — that have to be photographed quickly before they move,” he says.

Fred says he doesn’t go far without his camera and takes most of his photos around town. Some of his favourite pictures were taken in his own backyard.He started displaying his work last year in the QEII Library’s First Space Gallery. He was encouraged by the sale of his first print and hopes to be involved with the gallery again this summer. His pictures have also appeared in Downhome magazine. He says he also likes sharing his photos on Facebook and with friends and colleagues at work.

“When I look at a picture I took that turns out just right it feels great, especially if it was a challenging picture to take,” says Fred. “It is very satisfying when everything falls into place and a shot comes out exactly the way, or even better than, I hoped.”

Fred Perry in front of one of his

panoramic photos of Quidi Vidi gut.

photographic nature

dO YOU KNOW this Memorial athlete? He’s an all-time best three-point shooter? This photo was taken in the MUN Gym in 1990 as the Memorial men’s basketball team hosted the University College of Cape Breton in AUAA basketball.Sendyourguesstosodawson@mun.caormailittous (complete mailing address on page 2) for a chance to win. The contest is open to all faculty, staff and retirees. The deadline for entries is July 5 — one entry per submission. Be sure to include your name, contact number and your department. All correct guesses will be included in the prize draw on July 8.

Congratulations to Karen Morris, undergraduate officer with the Department of Biology, who correctly guessed the Days Gone By mystery photo in the 2013 spring edition. The photo (at right) shows an exuberant Mac Furlong who was working with MUN Radio in 1972. There were a record number of guesses for this familiar face!

A huge thank you to Linda White, Archives and Manuscripts Division, QEII Library, who provides photos for this contest. This photo is brought to us by MUN Athletics, School of Human Kinetics and Recreation.

12 thE coMmunicator

daysgoneby streeter

whatdoyoudoatMemorial?“I FEEL that my job is special, not just as a part of Memorial, but in terms of the national magazine industry as well. We add to MUN’s cultural engagement initiatives and goals, and the university’s support allows us a stability and creative freedom few publications enjoy. And this is helping us grow.

I have an extensive background in writing and editing but one thing that brought me to this position was returning to campus as a student in my 40s to finish my BA. It was a good decision — and I encourage others to try it! Anyone interested in the culture, art and history of Newfoundland and Labrador should find the NQ a worthwhile read — that’s our goal. (It makes a nice gift, too — just saying.)”

Joan sullivanManaging editorNewfoundland Quarterly

“I enjoy running with my co-workers at lunchtime around Long Pond and Kent’s Pond as we train for the Tely 10. Our campus offers many recreational activities: walks/hikes around Pippy Park, rounds of golf at the nearby courses and social club events such as Friday barbeques and surf and turf dinner.”

KIMBERLEY ROBERTSON instructor, School of Fisheries, Marine Institute

“Ah, summer! Time to forget the indoor workouts and to make time for kayaking, camping, hiking, biking and my most recent summer activity – wild mushroom picking. I’ve always enjoyed berry picking and last year I tried mushroom

picking and I totally enjoyed it. I am so excited to head back to my secret mushroom patch. Hooray for summer!”

NORA LUNDRIGAN secretary to the associate vice-president (Grenfell Campus) academic

“My friends and I some- times bring our sea kayaks to Long Pond for an evening paddle. It has that wonderful paradox of urban escapes: you know you are in the heart of the city but the illusion of being in the wilderness is surprisingly great from certain areas of the pond. It’s a crown jewel of the campus.”

DENNIS FLYNN manager of information technology, Faculty of Business Administration

“I love the smell of the flowers and sitting outside, enjoying the sunshine and fresh air. It’s a great time to get together with co-workers and friends.”

MAUREEN PORTER administrative support, finance and administration, Faculty of Arts

Mystery photo challenge

Michelle Osmond describes Mauzy on YouTube

One of MUN’s own in provincial tourism commercial

Meditate at Memorial video on YouTube and at www.mun.ca/isa/meditate/Looking for quiet, peace and focus that’s free and doesn’t require any experience or equipment? Then join in and meditate each weekday 12-12:45 p.m. in UC-2001.

What do you enjoy most on campus during the summer months?