Dr. Paul O'Neill Scholarship

Born in 1928 in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Paul O’Neill graduated from the National Academy of Theatre Arts in New York in 1948. He was a professional actor in the U.S. and England until 1954. He returned to Newfoundland and became a CBC producer, retiring in 1986. He is the author of The Oldest City – The Story of St. John’s, considered the definitive history of the city.

The Historic Sites Association established the Dr. Paul O’Neill Scholarship in 2003 to recognize his contributions to the study and promotion of Newfoundland and Labrador culture and history. The scholarship is valued at $1,000.00 and is awarded biannually to an undergraduate student at Memorial University enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts program. There is no restriction by major or minor, but students must show academic excellence, enthusiasm, and interest in some area of Newfoundland Studies as part of their degree program. The scholarship is awarded based on the recommendation of the Dean, Faculty of Arts.


2022 Winner - Alana Short

Alana has a passion for learning about Newfoundland writers and Newfoundland literature.

Alana has also been recognized as an Academic All Canadian, which is notably the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association’s most prestigious student-athlete honour.

Past Recipients

  • 2020 - Liam Andrews

  • 2018 - Jacob Elyk

  • 2016 - Daniel Rees

  • 2015 - Daniel Rees

  • 2014 - Nakita Ryan

  • 2013 - Kayla Carroll

  • 2012 - Tama Stephanie Fost

  • 2011 - Jennifer Newhook

  • 2010 - Megan S. Sheppard

  • 2009 - Carl Miller

  • 2008 - Sarah Pitcher

  • 2007 - Matthew Byrne

  • 2006 - Darryl S. Maddigan

  • 2005 - Victoria Barbour

  • 2004 - Susan Tobin

  • 2003 - Maria Hillier