University research professor at Memorial University, Ronald Rompkey is highly respected for his work as a biographer, editor and reviewer. This scholar has made important contributions to the study of his province through his writings on Sir Wilfred Grenfell and as founding director of the J.R. Smallwood Foundation for Newfoundland and Labrador Studies. An outspoken defender of arts and culture, he has provided leadership to numerous organizations, such as the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council, the Canadian Conference of the Arts and CultureNet. With vision and enthusiasm, he has helped to raise our national awareness of regional arts, culture and history.