Executive Council
Advanced Education and Skills
October 8, 2014

Supporting Post-Secondary Students

Premier Officially Dedicates New Residence at Memorial University

The Honourable Paul Davis, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, officially named the new 500-bed residence complex in St. John’s today. Premier Davis was joined by the Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills, and Dr. Gary Kachanoski, President and Vice-Chancellor of Memorial University.

“I am honoured to be here today to take part in the naming ceremony of the new state-of-the-art residence complex, Macpherson College. Our government continues to demonstrate its commitment to provide affordable post-secondary education and on-campus housing. More students are pursuing post-secondary education in Newfoundland and Labrador than ever before, and more are coming from other parts of Canada and around the globe. This new residence provides a home away from home for many students as they embark on their academic careers and build memories that will last a lifetime.”
- The Honourable Paul Davis, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

The names chosen for the new complex commemorate the efforts of three Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who served during the First World War. The complex, Macpherson College, was named for Dr. Cluny Macpherson, who invented the gas mask used by British/Newfoundland troops, and whose family farm once occupied the land on which Memorial University’s St. John’s campus sits today.

Cluett and Shiwak Halls are named for Frances Cluett, one of Memorial’s earliest alumnae who served with the Voluntary Aid Detachment, and John Shiwak, an Inuit hunter who came to be known as one of the best snipers in the British forces. The names were chosen after extensive consultation, and align with the broader commemoration activities within Memorial’s WW100 program.

“This government recognizes the value of post-secondary education for students, communities and the whole province. I was pleased to have the opportunity to tour this modern residence, which has been named to honour three Newfoundlanders and Labradorians that served during the First World War. It is evident that the complex was developed with students’ comfort, accessibility, and safety in mind.”
- The Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills

Since 2010, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has invested $133.8 million to support the construction of new student residences and upgrades to the existing residences at Memorial University’s St. John’s Campus and Grenfell Campus in Corner Brook.

“Whether it’s building new residences or designing new labs, investment in education is all about offering superior teaching and learning opportunities. These investments allow us to set the stage for individual success now and for future generations of students, and ultimately for the continued success of Newfoundland and Labrador.”
- Dr. Gary Kachanoski, President and Vice-Chancellor of Memorial University

Macpherson College provides students with independent living accommodations along with guidance and support from the in-house Residence Life team, in order to encourage a successful transition from life at home. Each wing of the complex has a full complement of Residence Life staff, including a residence co-ordinator, resident assistants, and an academic assistant.

For more information about student residences at Memorial University visit mun.ca/hfcs .

QUICK FACTS

• Today, the Honourable Paul Davis, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, participated in the official naming ceremony for the new 500-bed residence complex at Memorial University in St. John’s.
• The complex and its two wings were named after three Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who served during the First World War – Dr. Cluny Macpherson, Frances Cluett and John Shiwak.
• The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has invested $65 million for the construction of the new 500-bed residence in St. John’s.
• Each residence suite consists of two private bedrooms with a shared washroom, and each floor includes a community lounge and meeting/study space.

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2014 10 08                                            10:20 a.m.