UNB Alumni
Telling our #ProudlyUNB stories
Engineering alum Adrian Tout keeps pushing at the edges of computing
UNB Alumni
Posted: August 18, 2023 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: Inspiring Stories, Engineering, UNB Fredericton
As a kid, Adrian Tout (MScE’97) drove his parents crazy with his curiosity. Turns out, that’s a key driver for changing the world. Adrian, now a Product Partnership Lead at Google with 25 years of entrepreneurial and computing innovation under his belt, says curiosity is fundamental to constantly challenging the status quo and pushing the edges of what we know. “I’ve...
Read the full postThe Canadian geneticist who isolated the cystic fibrosis gene looks back on the impact of her work
UNB Alumni
Posted: June 26, 2023 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: Inspiring Stories, Science, UNB Fredericton
When geneticist and senior scientist emeritus Dr. Johanna Rommens (BSc'80, PhD'86) was first featured in Alumni News magazine in 1996, she was riding the high of accomplishing breakthrough research that would change the fate of those diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF). It was a few years earlier, in 1989, that Dr. Rommens, as part of a small team at SickKids in Toronto, identified and cloned...
Read the full postUNBeknownst #30: Teresa Fowler on the need for a reckoning in Canadian hockey culture
UNB Alumni
Posted: June 6, 2023 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: Podcast, Education, Inspiring Stories, UNB Fredericton
Dr. Teresa Fowler (MEd’11) is a researcher who is diving into the sexism, misogyny and hypermasculinity of hockey in Canada and who is now working directly with Hockey Canada to try to correct the enduring problems. Teresa is an assistant professor at Concordia University of Edmonton in the faculty of education. Her research focuses on critical white masculinities and the implications of...
Read the full postTwo-time alum Haiping Fu (BBA’07, MBA’19) recognized as a woman of inspiration for her career in finance
UNB Alumni
Posted: May 29, 2023 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: Inspiring Stories, UNB Saint John
From the tropical island of Hainan, China to Saint John, New Brunswick, two-time UNB alum Haiping Fu (BBA’07, MBA’19) has established a successful career in finance. Recently recognized by Canadian Immigrant Magazine as one of their 2023 Women of Inspiration in Banking and Finance, Fu has spent the last 15 years growing her business and helping others feel confidant and secure in...
Read the full postWomen in Wood co-founder Lacey Rose (BSF’06) connects women in forestry across Canada and around the world
UNB Alumni
Posted: May 29, 2023 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: FOREM, UNB Fredericton, Inspiring Stories
It’s a Thursday afternoon and so far this week Ontario forester Lacey Rose (BSF’06) has planted trees, dealt with a boundary dispute, collected data and caught up on paperwork. And when she’s not in her dynamic role as the Renfrew County forester, or hosting the international web series Mighty Jobs, Lacey is helping to connect women foresters as the co-founder of Women in...
Read the full postSupporting housing in communities that need it most
UNB Alumni
Posted: May 26, 2023 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: UNB Fredericton, Renaissance College, Inspiring Stories
Catherine Pak (BPhil’11) has a driving mission. As a senior specialist with Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), she’s fully invested in the organization’s aspiration to house every individual in Canada by 2030. She says it’s complex and hard work, but extremely rewarding. Catherine has been working with CMHC for five years – on the front lines and now...
Read the full postUNBers dominate Atlantic Business Top 50 CEO list
UNB Alumni
Posted: May 26, 2023 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: UNB Saint John, Law, Inspiring Stories, Kinesiology, Engineering, Computer Science, Management, UNB Fredericton
Atlantic Business Magazine’s 2023 Top 50 CEO Awards were recently announced, and 16 UNB alumni and alumni of the UNB Wallace McCain Institute’s (WMI) Entrepreneurial Leaders Program (ELP) made the prestigious list. In its 25th year, the Top 50 CEO Awards celebrate accomplished business leaders in the Atlantic region. Over the past 25 years, they have recognized 552 Top 50 award...
Read the full postWelcoming the Class of 2023 into the #ProudlyUNB alumni family
UNB Alumni
Posted: May 23, 2023 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: UNB Fredericton, Inspiring Stories, Young Alumni, UNB Saint John
This spring we were thrilled to welcome 1,655 graduates into the #ProudlyUNB alumni family! During graduation ceremonies on the Fredericton and Saint John campuses May 17, 18 and 19, UNB celebrated the remarkable accomplishments of 1,322 graduates receiving bachelor’s degrees, 335 receiving master’s degrees, and 20 achieving the PhD. Among the 2023 graduates are...
Read the full postUNBeknownst #29: Lea Nicholas MacKenzie on championing Indigenous human rights
UNB Alumni
Posted: May 11, 2023 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: UNB Fredericton, Arts, Podcast, Inspiring Stories
Lea Nicholas-MacKenzie (BA’91) is a trailblazer for Indigenous rights: she’s the former Special Advisor for Indigenous Issues to the UN, former Chief of Staff to then Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, the Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould, and past Chief of Staff to the National Chief at the Assembly of First Nations. She also served as Director of Aboriginal...
Read the full postDebbi Amirault has made a big impact in nursing in New Brunswick by bringing clinical experience to the classroom
UNB Alumni
Posted: May 8, 2023 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: UNB Fredericton, Nursing, Inspiring Stories
Debbi Amirault (BN’78, MN’01) was one of those people who knew from a young age what she was meant to do. Her sister Shannon experienced complex medical challenges from birth and the family spent a large chunk of time at Montreal Children’s Hospital, where Shannon endured over 30 surgeries. The experience for Debbi was eye-opening. “Nursing fascinated me. There was this...
Read the full postSponsorship spotlight: Unlock Your Mind Mental Health Conference
UNB Alumni
Posted: April 24, 2023 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: Young Alumni, UNB Fredericton, Inspiring Stories
The UNB Associated Alumni provides annual sponsorships to a wide range of student organizations, associations, groups, athletic teams and clubs in support of the university and its students. The Unlock Your Mind Mental Health Conference, led by a talented executive team of UNB alumni and students, brought together individuals with personal experience, professionals with clinical...
Read the full postProviding the joy of entertainment
UNB Alumni
Posted: April 21, 2023 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: UNB Fredericton, Inspiring Stories, Computer Science
Luke DeWitt (BCS’06) has been known to enjoy a good baseball game along with a craft beer. But what he enjoys even more is building platforms that allow people to be entertained. Luke is the Director of Web Services for REDspace, a software development company in Halifax that builds custom, innovative and scalable platforms for media, entertainment and gaming clients such as Warner...
Read the full postVolunteer spotlight: Erin Stafford (BSc'08)
UNB Alumni
Posted: April 17, 2023 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: Inspiring Stories, UNB Fredericton
A dedicated and longtime volunteer at UNB and in her community, alum Erin Stafford (BSc'08) enjoys giving back her time as an Associated Alumni councillor, connecting with alumni as a volunteer at chapter events in her province, and supporting incoming and current UNB students. In honour of National Volunteer Week, Erin reflects on her time at UNB and why volunteering is important to...
Read the full postUNBeknownst #28: Mark Leger on the future of local journalism and its importance in building communities
UNB Alumni
Posted: April 13, 2023 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: UNB Saint John, Inspiring Stories, Podcast
Mark Leger (MA’11) was editor of Huddle, the popular Maritime online business news publication, from 2017 to early 2023, and was also director of news content for parent company Acadia Broadcasting, which owns and operates 15 radio stations in Ontario, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. A journalist for more than 25 years, Mark began his career as a reporter and editor with the...
Read the full postPreserving the past and making connections on the Miramichi
UNB Alumni
Posted: March 29, 2023 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: UNB Fredericton, Arts, Inspiring Stories
Christine Jean (BA’21) loves to study people and nature – and the connection between the two. An anthropology graduate and current master’s student at UNB, her research focus is on human-nature relationships along the Miramichi River, in particular from Boiestown to Blackville, in the hopes of bettering understanding the community and providing ecologically, socially and...
Read the full postUNB Associated Alumni celebrates the UNB Saint John 2023 Graduating Student Leaders
UNB Alumni
Posted: March 23, 2023 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: UNB Saint John, Young Alumni, Inspiring Stories
Twenty one graduating students from the UNB Saint John campus have earned 2023 Graduating Student Leadership awards for the remarkable initiative they’ve taken during their time at UNB. The award recognizes students in their final year of studies who have made outstanding voluntary and extracurricular contributions to the campus, their academic program, and the university...
Read the full postQ&A: Callum Hunter, UNB Alumni Student Leadership recipient
UNB Alumni
Posted: March 16, 2023 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: UNB Fredericton, Young Alumni, Inspiring Stories
Recipient of a 2022-23 Alumni Student Leadership Award, Callum Hunter is a Renaissance College student and has been heavily involved in her faculty and in campus life. She has served as a residence proctor, as a member of the Renaissance College Society (RCS), as a volunteer on the UNB Student Union's Student Experience Team, and has represented UNB in the community through her volunteer...
Read the full postUNBers receive NB government award for excellence in championing gender equality
UNB Alumni
Posted: March 13, 2023 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: UNB Saint John, UNB Fredericton, Inspiring Stories
In celebration of International Women’s Day, the New Brunswick minister responsible for women’s equality has announced the recipients of the third annual Minister's Awards for Excellence in Championing Gender Equality – VIVE. VIVE is an award that promotes gender equality in our lives, workplaces and government. The VIVE Awards were created as a way to highlight and...
Read the full postUNBeknownst #27: Balarama Holness on education, politics and confronting systemic racism
UNB Alumni
Posted: March 9, 2023 12:00:00 AM AST
Category: UNB Fredericton, Inspiring Stories, Podcast, Education
Balarama Holness (MEd’16) is a former CFL athlete turned social entrepreneur, community organizer and anti-racism activist. A native of Montreal, he played professional football for the Montreal Alouettes, with whom he won the Grey Cup in 2010. He’s also well educated, having earned a Master’s in Education from the University of New Brunswick and a Bachelor of Civil Law and...
Read the full postRecognizing UNB alumni on International Women's Day
UNB Alumni
Posted: March 8, 2023 12:00:00 AM AST
Category: UNB Fredericton, Inspiring Stories, UNB Saint John
On International Women's Day, March 8, 2023, we celebrate all women, including these incredible UNB alumni who are changemakers, community builders, and who uplift other women in their communities.While this is just a small sample of the incredible work being done by alumni all over the world, we acknowledge these outstanding women and celebrate the impact they are making on our...
Read the full postCarolyn Campbell returned to New Brunswick to operate on the world stage
UNB Alumni
Posted: March 7, 2023 12:00:00 AM AST
Category: UNB Fredericton, Inspiring Stories, Engineering
When Carolyn Campbell (BScCHE’04) graduated from UNB she jumped from a classroom in her home province to nuclear power plant floors in Ontario. Her 16-month internship with the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) was an “eye-opening” experience – she had never even been on a plane prior to traveling to Ottawa and had never experienced big city living or...
Read the full postKimberley Clarke is creating solutions for sustainable agriculture
UNB Alumni
Posted: March 6, 2023 12:00:00 AM AST
Category: Inspiring Stories, Engineering, UNB Fredericton
One of the most pressing challenges in our world today is building a sustainable agriculture industry that will feed a growing population with nutritious food while not harming the environment with toxic chemicals, soil quality depletion, and over-consumption of water and non-renewable energy. The UN estimates that the world population will grow to 9 billion by 2050. To meet this demand,...
Read the full postQ&A: Emma Stephen, Alumni Legacy Award recipient
UNB Alumni
Posted: March 3, 2023 12:00:00 AM AST
Category: UNB Fredericton, Young Alumni, Inspiring Stories, UNB Saint John
Reflecting on two years as the Alumni Legacy Award recipient, what has been most rewarding or exciting about your time at UNB? As I reflect on my time as the Alumni Legacy Award recipient, I think about how it has influenced my personal and professional growth. My participation in different organizations has helped me build new connections and develop valuable skills that will serve me in my...
Read the full postA 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...
Read the full postFrom 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...
Read the full postThe 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...
Read the full postA 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...
Read the full postUNBeknownst #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...
Read the full postQ&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...
Read the full postA community forest of the past and future
UNB Alumni
Posted: January 23, 2023 12:00:00 AM AST
Category: FOREM, Inspiring Stories, UNB Fredericton
Chris Gruenwald (BSF’04) grew up in the forest. Now, he gets to work in one and manage it every day. Chris is the Director of Forestry for Mission Municipal Forest, a community-managed forest that was the first of its kind in Canada. Since 1958, the City of Mission, British Columbia – about an hour east of Vancouver - has managed its forest resources for the benefit of the community...
Read the full postRelationships and hard work led to success for this SIF alum
UNB Alumni
Posted: January 22, 2023 12:00:00 AM AST
Category: Management, Inspiring Stories, UNB Fredericton
Sean McNulty (BBA’07) is principal and co-founder of XIB Financial Inc., a Toronto-based capital markets advisory and asset management business. A BBA graduate member of the Student Investment Fund (SIF) program at UNB’s Faculty of Management, Sean says that his career path was both serendipitous and the result of hard work and building good relationships. “I had top...
Read the full postUNBeknownst #25: John Leroux on what it means to love a place and why architecture and art are so important in attracting and inspiring people
UNB Alumni
Posted: January 10, 2023 12:00:00 AM AST
Category: Podcast, UNB Fredericton, UNB Saint John, Arts
John Leroux (PhD’20) is an architect, art historian and currently Manager of Collections and Exhibitions at the Beaverbrook Art Gallery in Fredericton, New Brunswick. John has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the fields of art history, architecture, visual art, curation, and education. He holds a Bachelor of Architecture from McGill University, an M.A. in Art History from Concordia...
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