THE MEMORIAL University of Newfoundland’s St John’s Campus in Old Harlow celebrated its 50th anniversary over the weekend.

The Harlow Campus has been the international campus of Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada since 1969.

Celebrations marking 50 years at the Harlow Campus took place over the weekend.

YH went down on Friday afternoon to record a number of speeches form both sides of the pond.

Events included reunion breakfasts, a tour of the Newfoundland Garden, and an afternoon BBQ with alumni, friends and stakeholders of Harlow Campus along with a presentation of commemorative artwork to Harlow Council.

On Saturday, guests attended the midday production of “Come From Away” at Phoenix Theatre, London and a dinner at the Phoenix Artists Club.

The celebrations wrapped up on Sunday with a brunch on the Harlow Campus and the outdoor music festival, Linkfest 2019, in Harlow Town Park.

Dr. Noreen Golfman, Provost and Vice-President (Academic) of Memorial University, presented artwork commissioned by Memorial University on behalf of President and Vice Chancellor, Dr. Gary Kachanoski.

The artwork was presented to Harlow Council at the afternoon BBQ, and then placed in the Gibberd Gallery, Harlow Civic Centre.

In welcoming local partners and supporters, and Harlow alumni from all around the world, Dr Golfman noted the transformative experiences of the close to 4,500 Memorial University students from 26 disciplines who attended Harlow Campus for study, research and internships over the past 50 years.

Dr Goldman said: “The learning, the friendships, the support of the Harlow team, and the memorable travel opportunities within the UK, across Europe, and beyond – all of this contributed to an unforgettable experience for many that in some cases influenced major life choices and helped solidify paths to academic and career success.”

Memorial University, positioned on the edge of the North Atlantic, is one of the largest universities on Canada’s East Coast. It is one of only two Canadian universities with campus facilities in the United Kingdom. The university was established in 1925 as a living memorial to the Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who lost their lives on active service during the First World War.

It was later rededicated to also encompass the province’s war dead of the Second World War. With more than 18,000 students, as well as 5,000 faculty and staff, representing over 90 countries, Memorial provides a comprehensive range of undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs at five campuses and multiple sites.

Since the Harlow Campus opened, students spend a block of time, from a few weeks to a full semester, at Harlow to broaden their academic and cultural horizons and gain invaluable practical experience.