Article contentVIBRANCY AND VIABILITYArticle contentI’ve dedicated my career to the post-secondary sector because I have an unwavering confidence in its ability to foster personal, economic and social transformation. My experience has cemented one universal truth: foundational to every institution’s success is its academic quality and an exceptional student experience. To deliver these commitments, our learning community must be both viable and vibrant.Article contentA university that isn’t financially viable can’t sustain its mission. A university without intellectual, cultural, and human vibrancy may survive on paper, but will be hollow at its core.Article contentAgain, two things can be true. I reject that viability and vibrancy are competing forces or mutually exclusive.Article contentOUR SHARED PURPOSEArticle contentAs public debate grows around the role and impact of post-secondary institutions, I find myself reflecting on the book, “Moral Ambition,” by Rutger Bregman (2025). He argues that the measure of success isn’t what we accumulate, but what we contribute — specifically in relation to tackling global challenges. Bregman talks about impact in relation to the people we serve and about success as a measure of societal benefit.Article contentArticle contentThat resonates with me, particularly as I begin a new chapter at Memorial, a university born in tribute, committed to service and leading with purpose into the future. It aligns with a quote I love from Thornstein Veblen (1918), who described the university’s purpose as “… the cultivation and care of the community’s highest aspirations and ideals.”Article contentFor 100 years, Memorial has delivered personal and social outcomes by holding space for complexity and the co-existence of seemingly opposite truths. We will leverage that experience as we move forward to — simultaneously:Article content· Honour tradition and evolve for the future.Article content· Protect our past and take bold risks to reimagine what’s next.Article content· Prepare students for meaningful work and responsible citizenship.Article contentTHIS IS OUR MOMENTArticle contentThis is a time of unprecedented disruption for post-secondary education across Canada. I believe our next chapter will be written by those who are bold enough to ask difficult questions, open and empathetic enough to listen across lines of difference, and courageous enough to lead with purpose.Article contentThe choices we make now — about our purpose, our values, and our priorities — will shape Memorial University’s next 100 years.Article contentThis is our moment. Together, we will architect this great university’s future.Article contentArticle contentDr. Janet Morrison, president and vice chancellor of Memorial University, Newfoundland and LabradorArticle contentArticle contentArticle content
OP-ED: Holding space for the past and the future at Memorial University
