Marine Institute graduation ceremony takes place Friday, June 17

The Fisheries and Marine Institute (MI) of Memorial University of Newfoundland will host its 2011 graduation ceremony on Friday, June 17 in the MI gymnasium

The graduation begins at 2 p.m., and the media is invited to attend.

The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, will bring greetings from the province. Dr. Gary Kachanoski, president and vice-chancellor of Memorial University of Newfoundland, will provide welcoming remarks.

Speaking on behalf of the Marine Institute will be Dr. Peter Fisher, head of MI’s Division of Academic and Student Affairs. “This is an important day for our graduates and their families. It marks the end of their time at MI but also signals the beginning of bright careers,” said Dr. Fisher. “With the education and training our graduates have received, they have the ability to maximize their potential in the oceans and marine fields, while helping to grow important and emerging industries in our province and around the world.”

Close to 180 graduates will receive Marine Institute technical certificates, diplomas of technology, post-graduate certificates and advanced diplomas during the ceremony. A presentation of the Governor General’s Academic Medal is also scheduled, as is the students’ address, performed this year by Meagan LeMessurier, a graduate who will receive a diploma of technology in Marine Environmental.

The graduation ceremony will be available via live webcast at www.distance.mun.ca/media/files/live. A reception in the MI cafeteria will follow Friday’s graduation ceremony. MI will also release its Annual Review 2010-11 prior to graduation, a publication that provides insight into the Marine Institute’s recent accomplishments in a number of areas, including new programs, applied research and industrial support, and student success.