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UNB names residence after its first female president

Author: Communications

Posted on Sep 29, 2011

Category: UNB Fredericton

The University of New Brunswick’s 16th president and vice-chancellor Dr. Elizabeth Parr-Johnston was honoured today for her many contributions to the university community. UNB Fredericton's new suite-style residence, located at 34 Mackay Dr., will now be known as the Elizabeth Parr-Johnston Residence. “Liz made a tremendous impact on the University of New Brunswick,” said UNB President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Eddy Campbell. “She worked tirelessly on a renewal plan to bring the university into the 21st century and dedicated her time to making this the university of choice for students, faculty, staff and donors. Whenever she visits our campus in the future, we hope seeing her name on our newest residence fills her with a sense of pride and accomplishment.” The Elizabeth-Parr Johnston Residence offers its 171 residents the opportunity to live independently with all the benefits of being located on campus. The residence features two- and three-bedroom suites.  Each has a furnished living room, washroom and full kitchen, complete with all major appliances, including a microwave and dishwasher. There are also a number of one-bedroom suites that are wheelchair accessible. These suites are available to graduate students and to third-and fourth year undergraduates. “Having this residence named after me is a huge honour. I’m particularly pleased it’s a residence primarily dedicated to graduate students,” Dr. Parr-Johnston said. “I firmly believe that my own life wouldn’t have gone the way it did if it hadn’t been for my graduate experience. I’m pleased to know that in some way I’m contributing to others having a similar experience through the fellowship and now, through this residence.” After Dr. Parr-Johnston retired, a graduate student fellowship was created in her name. It’s awarded at the masters or doctoral level to a student in the faculty of arts. It’s valued at $5,000, renewable over three years and is something Dr. Parr-Johnston still supports today. Dr. Parr-Johnston was installed as UNB president in 1996. During her tenure, the Muriel McQueen Centre was completed, a new wing was added to the Biomedical Engineering Building, and the Maggie Jean Chestnut House was given a new lease on life as Renaissance College. The renewal process she launched paved the way for many of the projects funded under UNB’s Forging Our Futures campaign. In 2004, she was awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters from UNB for her contributions to the field of education. She was honoured further in 2008, when she was named to the Order of Canada. For more information, contact: Jennifer Gavin Communications & Marketing University of New Brunswick 506-453-4990 jgavin@unb.ca

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