Calgary Affinity Dinner

Spirit of Newfoundland Celebration in Calgary!

It’s not hard to get Newfoundlanders to a party, and if you bring along a troupe as entertaining as the Spirit of Newfoundland, chances are people will be asking for an extra table.

That’s what happened in Calgary June 3, as the traditional Affinity Newfoundland and Labrador Dinner brought together alumni and friends of Memorial University. Over 250 people attended the event which took place at the Calgary Petroleum Club. "Again this year the event was well attended," said Karl Smith, a Memorial alumnus and chair of the organizing committee. "The affinity dinner is a success in that it serves to gather alumni and friends of Memorial University. The emphasis really is on friendship, and those who attended this event have seen ample evidence of that again this year," he said. Mr. Smith serves as President and CEO of Fortis Alberta.

The guests were welcomed by Ted Henley, the master of ceremonies and a well known voice of Calgary’s 660 News. Spirit of Newfoundland provided lively entertainment throughout the evening. Dr. Ray Gosine, Memorial's vice-president (research) pro tempore, provided the guests with a short update on university’s activities. He emphasized university’s rapidly expanding research capacity and warned that what stands in the way of further progress is lack of space. “Right now, what stands in the way of expanding our research activities beyond current levels is simply lack of space. That’s why we are embarking on a daring campaign that will provide Memorial University with remarkable opportunities to grow our research and provide more incredible experiences for our students,” he said. Dr. Gosine spoke to the role and support that alumni and friends provide to the university and urged everybody to remain connected and involved with their alma mater.

An auction featuring a mix of items from work of some of Newfoundland’s best loved artists to Calgary Flames memorabilia raised monies for Memorial scholarships. The Calgary Affinity Newfoundland and Labrador Dinner was sponsored by WestJet, Johnson Insurance, StatoilHydro, Chevron, Enmax, UTS, Leprechaun Resources, Husky Energy, Fortis Alberta, Talisman Energy, APPEGA, ConocoPhillips, Imperial Oil, Petro-Canada, Schlumberger, 660 News and the Idea Factory.

Alumni Affairs organizes many exciting and interesting alumni events such as art exhibitions, sporting challenges and musical performances, to name just a few. If you would like to participate in alumni events, be sure to regularly check the website at www.munalum.ca . Please contact the Office of Alumni Affairs at 709.737.2313 or helen.kelly@mun.ca if you have any ideas or suggestions for future activities. We would be happy to hear from you.