Norm Burry announced as Memorial University recipient of AUS PepsiCo James Bayer Memorial Scholarship Award

(HALIFAX, N.S.) Atlantic University Sport is pleased to announce Memorial Sea-Hawks men's basketball student-athlete Norm Burry as Memorial University's recipient of the AUS PepsiCo James Bayer Memorial Scholarship Award. 

Beginning this year, Atlantic University Sport is recognizing one student-athlete from each member university as a recipient of the prestigious award, highlighting outstanding achievement in academics, athletics, leadership, sportsmanship and citizenship. 

Each recipient receives a $500 scholarship in recognition of their accomplishments. 

Established in 1985, the James Bayer Memorial Scholarship Award is one of Atlantic University Sport's premier student-athlete honours. 

A Master of Science in Community Medicine student at Memorial University, Burry has distinguished himself through excellence in athletics, academics and community leadership. 

Joining the Sea-Hawks in 2024-25 after three seasons with the UNB REDS, Burry has made an immediate impact on the court at Memorial. This season, he led the team in rebounding, averaging 6.5 per game, while finishing second in team scoring with 14.9 points per game. 

Burry is a two-time AUS second team all-star, having earned the honour in 2022-23 and 2023-24, and was named AUS Rookie of the Year in 2021-22. 

This season, Burry was named the recipient of AUS men's basketball's Student-Athlete Community Service Award before going on to earn the national U SPORTS Ken Shields Award. 

Burry has achieved U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian status in every year of his playing career. He currently holds a 4.0 GPA in his graduate program and earned the highest academic average in his program last year. 

Beyond his athletic and academic accomplishments, Burry has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to community service and leadership in St. John's. 

Recognizing a need for accessible basketball opportunities, he helped establish and now leads a Special Olympics basketball program that serves approximately 25 athletes. Through weekly practices and skill development sessions, he has created an inclusive environment that provides opportunities for physical activity, social connection and personal growth through sport. 

Burry also volunteers with the Easter Seals Wheelchair Basketball Program and the Memorial University Campus Food Bank. As a Canadian Blood Services Team Champion, he has helped generate more than 130 blood donations through the Sea-Hawks community. He also serves as co-founder and co-chair of the Sea-Hawks Student-Athlete Council, leading initiatives that promote inclusion, wellness and social responsibility while organizing outreach efforts such as holiday food and clothing drives. 

Burry becomes the fourth student-athlete to be announced as a 2026 AUS PepsiCo James Bayer Memorial Scholarship Award recipient. Acadia's Leah Adams, Cape Breton's Ellie Lancaster and Dalhousie's Melina Collins have also been announced as recipients. The remaining seven recipients will be announced over the coming days. 

James Bayer taught education and physical education at both high school and university levels. He served as supervisor and consultant for the Nova Scotia Department of Culture, Recreation and Fitness. 

At Acadia University, he served as dean of recreation and physical education and as director of athletics from 1978-1985. As an administrator in the AUAA and the CIAU, he was a key player in the establishment of intercollegiate athletic policy. 

The PepsiCo James Bayer Memorial Scholarship Award is presented annually by PepsiCo Beverages Canada.