Premier Williams Honours Dr. John Ashton:
�A Bold and Irrepressible Champion of Grenfell College�

The Honourable Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today honoured the late Dr. John Ashton, the immediate past president of Sir Wilfred Grenfell College, describing him as �a bold and irrepressible champion of Grenfell College whose generous commitment to Corner Brook�s university campus has generated unprecedented educational opportunities for students and nurtured Grenfell�s unimpeachable reputation for excellence.�

Dr. Ashton, who passed away on September 20 following a lengthy illness, served at Grenfell for 26 years as a highly-respected professor of folklore, head of the Division of Social Sciences and, since 2004, principal of the college.

Premier Williams said, �Working with Dr. Ashton in his capacity as principal of Grenfell College was a privilege.  The breadth of his vision was enormous, his enthusiasm was contagious, and his resolve to bring Grenfell into its own was unwavering.  Others will carry forth his vision as his legacy continues to take shape in the years ahead.�

�We are deeply grateful that Dr. Ashton invested virtually his entire academic career in Grenfell College and left our university strong, vibrant, ambitious and optimistic about its future.  For generations to come Grenfell students will benefit enormously because of Dr. Ashton�s attitude, his approach and his unswerving determination to ensure Grenfell would grow in stature to achieve its true potential.  Western Newfoundland is far stronger because of the time and energy he invested here, and for students and academic leaders around the world, this region will be a bright beacon of excellence in post-secondary education,� said the Premier.

�On behalf of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, I express our deepest sympathies to the Ashton family.�

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2008 09 22                                            6:30 p.m.