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What a day!

NBA star and philanthropist Pascal Siakam swept through the area on Sept. 3 on his way to collect an honorary doctor of letters at the University of New Brunswick’s (UNB) Fredericton campus.

UNB recognized Siakam’s outstanding achievements on and off the court. His PS43 Foundation, in partnership with the McKenna Institute, has established scholarships at UNB of up to $8,000 for one year for students from his native Cameroon pursuing programs related to computer science. Several students are already benefiting.

REDS meet an NBA star

His busy day didn’t start on the stage of the Richard J. CURRIE CENTER, however.

Early in the morning, Siakam met with members of the UNB REDS men’s and women’s basketball teams.

He advised them to work hard and compete with their teammates, but also to form strong bonds with them for ultimate success.

“You have to have a combination of competing against each other, really pushing each other, and also having a bond,” he said.

“As great as you are, you know you can’t do it alone.”

(Kyle Rogers/UNB REDS)

Siakam didn’t start playing basketball until he was in his late teens. He then found himself competing against those who had played since they were small children.

“The way I saw it was just as an opportunity to work harder than everyone,” he said.

Siakam told the REDS that he had chosen UNB to be the home for his scholarships in part due to an "amazing conversation" he had with Frank McKenna, founder of The McKenna Institute.

“I wanted to find a way to help the youth through education. That’s always been my goal.”

(Kyle Rogers/UNB REDS)

‘Data Dunkers’ get a big surprise

The day continued with a trip to Gagetown School to meet with students involved in the Data Dunkers program, which integrates data science and basketball to engage students in grades 5-12.

The PS43 Foundation and Dell Technologies are partners in Data Dunkers, and the McKenna Institute has promoted its use in schools.

The students at Gagetown School, and others joining on a video call from Sunny Brae Middle School in Moncton, expected Siakam to appear via video to hear about their projects. Much to their surprise and excitement, Siakam strolled through the back door.

Siakam listened with interest to the students’ stories about their Data Dunker projects.

He later told the students of his journey from Cameroon to the NBA, emphasizing the importance of family support, perseverance and education.

He recounted moving to the United States at 18 to play college basketball, being drafted by the Toronto Raptors and the pride he felt in winning an NBA championship with them.

He was candid about overcoming the loss of his father, Tchamo, a driving force in his life and career and a theme to which he returned several times over the course of the day.

“When my dad passed away, it was the hardest moment of my career, but I turned that challenge into a purpose.”

He encouraged the students to dream big, work hard and value education as a foundation for life beyond sports.

“You can accomplish anything you put your mind to, as long as you work hard at it,” he urged them.

“Education is the most important thing to me. It will take you further than sports ever can.”

Becoming Dr. Pascal Siakam

That evening, Siakam appeared on the stage of the Richard J. CURRIE CENTER to receive his honorary doctorate from UNB chancellor H. Wade MacLauchlan and president and vice chancellor Paul Mazerolle.

Introducing Siakam, provost and vice president academic Petra Hauf emphasized his perseverance and commitment to empowering youth through education and mentorship.

She highlighted his foundation’s impact and the inspiration he provides by turning ambition and hard work into transformative success.

“This is an almost unimaginable success story. It’s a testament to what is possible when ambition and self-belief are met in equal part by hard work and dedication,” Hauf said.

Siakam—now Dr. Pascal Siakam (DLitt’25) and a member of the UNB family—reflected again on his late father’s influence, the value of education and the importance of giving back.

He encouraged all to dream big, persevere and uplift others.

“Today is the proof that when you put in the work, doors open. That’s what education is all about,” he said, noting that his own journey has been about more than basketball.

“No dream is too big when you believe in yourself and have the right roadmap.”

Siakam also passed through the lobby of the Richard J. CURRIE CENTER, where he signed autographs for a throng of delighted young fans.

Fireside with Frank McKenna

The evening concluded with a fireside chat with McKenna. Siakam reflected on his upbringing, as well as the challenges he faced when leaving home at a young age to attend school.

Siakam emphasized the importance of remembering one’s roots, working hard and leading with compassion. Siakam believes that his impact comes not just from financial generosity but from inspiring and empowering others to create positive change.

“My dad was just such an inspiring person in my life,” he told McKenna in explanation of why he set up the PS43 Foundation.

“He always thought education was the most important thing. And for me, once I had a platform, I always thought that I would pay that forward and make sure that it’s my way of honouring him.”