September 23, 2005 Source: Memorial University of Newfoundland:
http://www.mun.ca/univrel/news/index.php?includefile=showitem.php&id=899 Memorial University president pleased with Pepsi Centre recommendation Dr. Axel Meisen, president of Memorial University, is pleased that officials with the City of Corner Brookare recommending that the city accept the university’s proposal, made by GrenfellCollege, to operate the Pepsi Centre. On Sept. 21 city council agreed that, after the September 27 municipal election, contract negotiations should start between council and the university. “The decision by Corner Brook officials to choose the university is good for the community, Grenfell College and the entire university” Dr. Meisen said. “This is a fine outcome resulting from the teamwork involving Dr. John Ashton (principal of Grenfell College), Dennis Waterman (Grenfell’s director of administration and finance), Brian Colbourne (Memorial’s director of Financial Services), and Anne Richardson (director of The Works, Memorial’s recreation complex in St. John’s).” “Experience with The Works in St. John’s helped to develop the proposal, including the concept for the Pepsi Centre’s management structure. The proposed management structure will ensure strong community involvement so that the community’s interests are always addressed,” he said. Dr. Meisen said that the success of The Works has provided a good model, and he envisions the Pepsi Centre will enjoy a similar level of success. The Works is the name that refers to the Field House, Aquarena and other recreation facilities on the St. John’scampus. The Works is structured as a separately incorporated entity (SIE) and functions, under policies created by the university’s Board of Regents, with an autonomous board that reflects the interests of stakeholders. The Botanical Garden and the research consortium C-COREare also managed under the SIEmodel, as is the Genesis Group, Memorial’s, technology transfer arm. During 2004-2005, The Works experienced more than 1.3 million visits with over 19, 000 student visits in the month of January 2005 alone. In addition, the facility hosted a wide range of events including a national wrestling championship, a regional science fair, a national science fair and performances for FESTIVAL 500, an international choir festival which attracted 2,000 participants. - 30 - For further information, please contact Ivan Muzychka, manager, News Service, Memorial University, 709-737-8665or 709-687-9433.
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