UNB Engineering News

Photo (from left to right): Paul Morrison, Martina Verboom, Alan Lloyd, Kade Kirkbride, Dale Bray, Ben McGuigan, Jeff Rankin and Stephen Wheatley.

The silver medal known as the “Ketchum Medal” was established in 1897 in honour of Henry G. C. Ketchum, a University of New Brunswick alumnus, and a well-known railway engineer who conceived of and developed plans for the Chignecto Ship Railway to transport ships between the Bay of Fundy and the Northumberland Strait. The Ketchum Medal is a prestigious award at UNB, honoring the top civil engineering student in their final year of the program, celebrating both academic excellence and dedication based on the work in the final two terms of the student’s regular program.

Dale Bray (BScCE’63, MScCE’65), Ketchum Medal winner from 1963 and retired professor of Civil Engineering at UNB, recalls, "When I was awarded the Ketchum Silver Medal, I did not know much about the award or about Henry George Clopper Ketchum. I was certainly honored to have received the medal." Dale's career at UNB spanned 35 years, including a tenure as Chair of the Department of Civil Engineering. His post-retirement work with a civil engineering consulting firm provided him with practical insights that aligned with Ketchum’s legacy of real-world problem-solving. "I was reminded about the vision, energy, and commitment of Henry Ketchum and how these attributes contributed to my role as an academic and as a professional engineer," Dale reflects.

Paul Morrison (BScCE’74, Eng’78), another notable recipient of the medal in 1974, describes his initial reaction, "I recall being advised by faculty that I had won the Ketchum Medal and saw the recognition in our graduation program. I was very pleased and proud of this recognition given that we had some very smart young engineers in our graduating class." Paul emphasizes the unexpected benefits of winning the medal, especially in terms of employment opportunities. "What I didn't realize is that the Ketchum Medal winner was flagged by a number of potential employers."

Kade Kirkbride, the newest recipient in 2024, graduated in May with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering through the Civil Engineering program at UNB. "Academically, it is incredibly validating and humbling to receive recognition for my hard work over the last four years. To not only receive my degree but be recognized for my academic performance makes me feel like my hard work really paid off," Kade shares. He values the opportunity to join the Ketchum Medal Winners Club network. "I feel extremely lucky to be a part of this group. It is truly amazing to see the list of previous winners, knowing how many of them became highly respected and successful in their careers."

The Ketchum Medal Winners Club was established in November 1973 by Albert Stevens, 1947 winner and faculty member in the Department of Civil Engineering at UNB. He renewed the prominence of this award and the fraternity surrounding it in the 1990s. While the medal is officially awarded by the University, the club meets once every five years for a formal dinner, to present the medal in person to the annual recipient, and to share stories. During the interim years, a few of the local winners join the Department for a luncheon presentation to the current year's winner. Dale notes, "I looked forward to meeting the winners of the medal and to sharing stories of their life as an undergraduate at UNB and to learn of the contributions made by the winners." It’s an esteemed event that brings together civil engineering alumni in a tradition that fosters respect, community, and pride.

Paul also highlights the importance of these gatherings, "It is magnificent that UNB Civil Engineering has this unique academic award, the oldest award at the oldest engineering program in Canada, that was established by a very noteworthy New Brunswick engineer who demonstrated technical excellence and innovative thinking." Kade, reflecting on the recent award ceremony, adds, "What I remember most from the award ceremony is listening to the tales told by the members, talking about different moments in their careers and projects that they worked on."

The influence of the Ketchum Medal extends beyond initial recognition. Paul shares, "As I moved into senior management, we regularly would try to recruit Ketchum Medal winners. Being a Ketchum Medal winner has always been a point of immense pride for me to be able to stand beside my colleagues in this exclusive and exceptional group of men and women."

In essence, the Ketchum Medal is more than an academic award; it is a testament to a legacy of excellence and innovation in civil engineering. For recipients like Dale, Paul, and now Kade, it has shaped their careers, instilled a sense of pride, and fostered a community of professionals who continue to uphold the values of Henry G. C. Ketchum.