As economic uncertainty continues to plague public discourse throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, and as the funding of Memorial University continues to come under scrutiny, the worst thing we can do as a province is think myopically about the future. We need a long-term plan to grow our population and prosperity, one that is global in its approach and places culture at the heart of every decision.
In response to the Letter to the Editor titled “MUN should cut programs that don’t match NL job market” published by The Telegram on July 7, I feel compelled to reply with resounding disagreement.
If we curtail the program offerings at Memorial University to address the labour market needs of this province alone, we completely undermine the immeasurable value of Memorial University to the future prosperity of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Without a comprehensive and visionary university, Newfoundlanders and Labradorians would be forced to leave in search of educational opportunities consistent with the global job market, one that increasingly values the creativity and passion, resourcefulness and perseverance inspired by the arts and humanities. The students who stay would no longer be competitive outside the province. Therefore, we would no longer reap the benefits of having our students succeed on the world stage.
The majority of young people who move to Newfoundland and Labrador do so for the accessibility and excellence of Memorial University, many to pursue programs in the arts and humanities. How can we expect to attract young people from across Canada, and indeed around the world, to settle here if we do not have a global perspective guiding the administration of Memorial’s programs?
In response to the pressure of increased demands for student services, I suspect these demands would continue to increase dramatically in the absence of the arts and humanities on campus. The myriad opportunities for artistic expression and enjoyment afforded to students at Memorial is crucial to success.
I refute the notion that Memorial should focus only on educating Newfoundlanders and Labradorians in order to access the local labour market. Memorial University serves to bring students together from across the province and around the world, to open our minds, and to help us change the world for the better. Memorial University is N.L.’s greatest resource in developing a plan for our collective future.
Michael O’Keefe
MUN Class of 2018
St. John’s
