UNB Alumni
Telling our #ProudlyUNB stories

A leader in supply chain contributing to community growth in New Brunswick's Port City

UNB Alumni

Posted: February 22, 2023 12:00:00 AM AST

Category: UNB Saint John, Inspiring Stories



Shannon Blanchard (BBA’00) grew up in the New Brunswick city built around its harbour and port. Now she goes to work every day as a leader in the supply chain sector, contributing to the community through her role at Port Saint John, one of the primary catalysts for economic development in the region. As Director of Supply Chain Innovation, Blanchard’s responsible for Port Saint...

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From experiential learning at UNB to San Francisco startup success

UNB Alumni

Posted: February 20, 2023 12:00:00 AM AST

Category: UNB Fredericton, Computer Science, Inspiring Stories



When Spanish-born-and-raised Mikel Cármenes Cavia (BCS’09) landed in Fredericton to begin his undergraduate studies in computer science at UNB back in 2005, he probably didn’t realize just how much the experience would influence his life. Mikel had graduated from an American high school in Dubai and got the itch to go to university in North America. But his mother was having...

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The mindset shift needed for an inclusive community

UNB Alumni

Posted: February 20, 2023 12:00:00 AM AST

Category: UNB Fredericton, Kinesiology, Inspiring Stories



Sarah Wagner (MASRS’11) has leaned into a big challenge in New Brunswick. As executive director of Inclusion NB, her task is to take the lead in creating opportunities for people with an intellectual or developmental disability to live full and valued lives in all aspects of society. Sarah says that the non-profit organization is a one-stop-shop in providing support and advocacy...

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A second career uncovering and retelling history in Atlantic Canada

UNB Alumni

Posted: February 14, 2023 12:00:00 AM AST

Category: UNB Fredericton, Engineering, Inspiring Stories



Graham Nickerson (MScEng’02, MA’22) is passionate about researching untold Black history in the Maritimes and hopes that one day, “Black history will simply be history.” Nickerson, a native of Shelburne, Nova Scotia, came to UNB for a master’s degree in survey engineering and geology after having graduated from Saint Mary’s University in the same field. After...

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UNBeknownst #26: Deborah Lyons on being an Ambassador and UN representative in Afghanistan – and why education for women is critical for global stability

UNB Alumni

Posted: February 8, 2023 12:00:00 AM AST

Category: UNB Fredericton, Arts, Podcast, Inspiring Stories



Ambassador Deborah Lyons (BA’71, DLitt’15) is a diplomat with 21 years of professional experience in political affairs, international cooperation and economic development. Her most recent assignment was as special representative and head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, having served prior to that as Ambassador of Canada to Israel and before that as...

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Q&A: Houda El Hajjaoui, UNB Alumni Student Leadership recipient

UNB Alumni

Posted: February 1, 2023 12:00:00 AM AST

Category: Young Alumni, Engineering, UNB Fredericton, Inspiring Stories



Recipient of a 2022-23 Alumni Student Leadership Award, Houda El Hajjaoui is an international student, studying chemical engineering, who has been actively involved on campus and in the community. She is the Communications Director for Shades of Change, an organization designed to advocate for a kinder and more respectful environment for people of colour. Houda has also taken on many...

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