WUSC Memorial University

As we approach the end of the year, the WUSC Memorial Local Committee extends our warmest holiday wishes to you. This has been a year of steady progress, renewed energy, and meaningful milestones for our Student Refugee Program (SRP) community.

This year reminded us that determination, creativity, and collective commitment can transform limits into possibilities. Together, we not only upheld our mandate—supporting the arrival, transition, and integration of SRP scholars—but strengthened the relational fabric that makes this program thrive at Memorial.

Highlights from 2025

- Successful completion of first-year sponsorship:
Our 2024 SRP Scholar completed their first year with remarkable resilience and is now thriving in their post-sponsorship studies. Their journey reflects what is possible when support, mentorship, and community come together.

- Welcoming the 2025 SRP Scholar:
This fall, we welcomed our newest scholar, who has already begun building relationships across campus and settling into both academic and community life in St. John’s. Their arrival is a powerful reminder of what access to education can make possible.

- Celebrating student leadership:
Our outgoing LC Chair, Charvi, received the YWCA St. John’s Circle of Distinction Award (Equity at Work – Youth Category) — a tremendous recognition of the leadership, advocacy, and social impact that WUSC students bring to Memorial.

- Strengthening the future of the LC:
As Charvi prepares to graduate this December, we are excited to welcome Yar Malual, a former SRP Scholar (2022 cohort), as the incoming LC Chair for 2026–2027. Yar’s lived experience, leadership, and commitment to community make her an inspiring steward for the next chapter of our work.

- Dinner with Dr Janet Morrison, President of Memorial University
Keeping our tradition, the WUSC Staff Advisor cooked for all the local committee members. We were delighted to find Dr. Janet Morrison, the President and Vice Chancellor of Memorial, among us. This year, our Faculty Advisor Dr. Sinclair cooked and invited the entire Local Committee members to her home for the holiday dinner! This shows how we approach this work - relationship first.

Each act of support, each partnership, and each expression of solidarity helps ensure that the Student Refugee Program remains sustainable and impactful for years to come. As we look to the new year, we are hopeful. We are committed. And we are grateful for the ongoing support of faculty, staff, students, and community partners who make this work possible.

Thank you for being part of our journey.

Wishing you a restful and joyful holiday season,
WUSC LC - Memorial University

Today, we honour Survivors of residential schools, the children who never returned home, and the families and communities forever impacted.

Reconciliation is an ongoing process. It begins with truth — listening, learning, and acknowledging the impacts of colonialism, and committing to action.

📚 Here are some resources to learn more and reflect today:

https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/national-day-truth-reconciliation.html

https://orangeshirtday.org/

Every Child Matters.🧡

First Local Committee Dinner of Fall 2025!

We are proud to announce that our Chair, Charvi Manchanda, has been awarded the Equity at Work Award (Youth) at the YWCA St. John’s Circle of Distinction Awards! Charvi, we couldn’t be prouder of you, your dedication to advancing equity, inclusion, and meaningful educational opportunities for all. We are fortunate to have you on our team. Congratulations, Charvi! 🥳

We are so happy and excited to welcome our new scholar to Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador. We’ve been having a grand ole time moving in, we’ll let you have a peek into how our weekend’s been 👀