UNB Alumni
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UNBeknownst Episode 19: Julia Wright on finding your path through trial and error, and journalism in challenging times
UNB Alumni
Posted: June 9, 2022 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: Young Alumni , Podcast , Inspiring Stories , UNB Fredericton
Julia Wright (BA’07) is host of CBC Information Morning on CBC Radio 1 in Saint John, and is also an award-winning writer and photographer. Born and raised in Saint John, New Brunswick, Julia was a contributor to Vice, Buzzfeed, and various local and provincial newspapers before taking on radio hosting duties in 2019. Earlier, she founded and edited two independent Saint John creative writing and art zines: Hard Times in the Maritimes and The Tempest. In her spare time, she loves...
UNB alumni among Top 50 CEO award winners
UNB Alumni
Posted: May 30, 2022 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: Inspiring Stories , UNB Saint John , UNB Fredericton
The Atlantic Business Magazine’s 2022 Top 50 CEO Awards recently recognized 11 UNB alumni. Since 1999, the Top 50 CEO Awards celebrates accomplished business leaders in the Atlantic region. Nominations are submitted by the magazine’s readers and nominees are judged according to corporate, community and industry involvement, as well as company growth and response to various managerial challenges. This year’s list recognizes UNB alumni in New Brunswick, Nova...
Cormac Stewart combined degrees to bring ideas to life
UNB Alumni
Posted: May 25, 2022 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: Computer Science , Young Alumni , UNB Fredericton , Inspiring Stories
It was Spring of 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic had just turned the world upside down and seven friends who met at UNB had plans cancelled. One of them was Cormac Stewart (BCS’21, BPHIL’21), who was supposed to be overseas doing an international internship as part of his studies with Renaissance College. Instead, he was home in New Brunswick, ruminating with friends about where to find somewhere to eat and what deals were happening at local restaurants and bars. In fact, a few of the...
Shyla O’Donnell is optimistic about Indigenous rights and culture and a sustainable future for Canadians
UNB Alumni
Posted: May 18, 2022 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: UNB Fredericton , Inspiring Stories
Unity. It’s what Shyla O’Donnell (BScF’07) is most proud of. For five years she worked to create and lead The Wolastoqey Nation in New Brunswick, a non-profit organization formed in 2017 to help coordinate and provide technical support and consultatory advice to the Wolastoqey Communities of New Brunswick on matters that relate to Wolastoqey constitutionally protected Aboriginal and Treaty Rights. “The organization was formed to bring unity to the six Wolastoqey...
Volunteer spotlight: Amber Corby (BRSS'12)
UNB Alumni
Posted: April 26, 2022 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: Kinesiology , Inspiring Stories , UNB Fredericton
Amber Corby (BRSS'12) - Fredericton, NB What is your most memorable moment from your UNB alumni volunteer experience? I was able to share perspectives of both my student and professional experiences through a Ten Thousand Coffees Office Hour webinar on my career in the not-for-profit sector. I was so impressed with the thoughtful and relevant questions from those in attendance which made me so proud to still be a part of the UNB community. Why did you decide to become a first-time...
Maria Sharpe (BScF'07) is helping to improve the culture of wildland fire in Canada as fire science manager
UNB Alumni
Posted: April 26, 2022 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: Inspiring Stories , UNB Fredericton
Maria Sharpe (BScF’07) didn’t fall far from the tree when she followed in her father’s footsteps to study in UNB’s faculty of forestry and environmental management. Now working as the Fire Science Manager with the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC) in Alberta, Sharpe is helping to improve the culture of wildland fire in Canada. In her role with CIFFC, Sharpe provides leadership to a diverse group of committee members representing the provinces,...
Janet Lin is transforming retail and financial services technology
UNB Alumni
Posted: April 25, 2022 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: Inspiring Stories , Computer Science , UNB Fredericton
If you live in Canada, you’ve probably collected PC Optimum points and used or seen the PC Mastercard for your retail purchases. What you probably don’t know is that those products are available because of UNB alumna Janet Lin (BCS’05) and the teams she worked with at Loblaw. Janet has made quite a name for herself in the IT and business worlds. She received the Oracle Global Innovation Award in 2019 while working with Loblaw and Shoppers Drug Mart for introducing the...
UNBeknownst Episode 17: Tom Liston on Bay Street and how the Canadian tech sector can help us overcome big global challenges
UNB Alumni
Posted: April 22, 2022 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: UNB Fredericton , Management , Podcast
Tom Liston (BBA’96) is one of the most sought-after minds in Canada’s tech investment sector. Tom currently serves on several Board of Directors for public and private technology companies, and he has a strong track record of shareholder value creation in that capacity. As chief investment officer of a leading technology-focused venture capital firm, he made investments in SaaS, FinTech, and healthcare IT fields – two of which were among the top exits in Canadian technology...
UNBeknownst Episode 16: Mike Harrison on emergency medicine during a pandemic, flight surgery and the long way to get to what you love
UNB Alumni
Posted: April 8, 2022 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: UNB Fredericton , Podcast
Mike Harrison (BScKin’02, MScExSS’05) is a flight surgeon, as well as an emergency medicine and critical care physician at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. He was recently one of the flight surgeons for SpaceX’s Crew-1 Dragon - which launched in 2020 and returned in 2021. Mike graduated from UNB with a Bachelor of Science in kinesiology and a Master of Science in exercise and sport science. We talk with Mike about his work as an ER and aerospace physician,...
Caitlin Doyle (BScKin’11) is supporting chronic health in the community
UNB Alumni
Posted: March 29, 2022 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: Inspiring Stories , Kinesiology , UNB Fredericton , Young Alumni
UNB alumna Caitlin Doyle (BScKin’11) didn’t stray far after graduating from UNB’s Faculty of Kinesiology in 2011. As the Recreation Services’ (URec) Clinical Exercise Physiologist on our Fredericton campus, Doyle supports individuals with chronic health conditions in her community, while also collaborating with the faculty that impacted her career. In addition to performing occupational assessments, Doyle is responsible for running URec’s silver series and...
UNBeknownst Episode 15: Alexandra Pope on Canadian Geographic, life balance and the polarization of media
UNB Alumni
Posted: March 25, 2022 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: Podcast , UNB Fredericton
Alexandra Pope (BPhil’06) graduated from UNB’s Renaissance College Bachelor of Philosophy in Leadership program and went straight to work in social media and journalism for local newspapers. She jumped to The Weather network and then joined Canadian Geographic as digital editor – a dream job. Recently, she was named Editor-in-Chief of Canadian Geographic magazine and its sister publication, Canadian Geographic Travel. Although much of her time is spent behind a desk editing...
UNB alum building a bridge to Asia for New Brunswick company
UNB Alumni
Posted: March 23, 2022 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: Inspiring Stories , Management , Young Alumni , UNB Fredericton
Jay Yang (BBA’16, MBA’18) is a prime example of why recruiting international students is a good growth strategy for New Brunswick. After working in a plywood export company in China, Jay decided to study in Shanghai, where he ran into a teacher from Montreal who had spent time in Oromocto. He encouraged Jay to apply to UNB for a business degree program, and Jay ended up travelling around the world to a place he hadn't heard of before. While studying for his BBA on the Fredericton...
Q&A: Reid Sutherland, UNB Alumni Student Leadership recipient
UNB Alumni
Posted: March 21, 2022 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: UNB Fredericton , Inspiring Stories , Young Alumni
Recipient of a 2021 Alumni Student Leadership Award, UNB Fredericton student Reid Sutherland shares how the award has positively impacted her UNB experience, how she contributes to student life on campus and why she enjoys studying in the faculty of science. Throughout her time on campus, Reid has immersed herself in campus activities, starting as a peer mentor in the Faculty of Science, serving as hall proctor in residence, and participating on UNB’s women’s rugby team....
UNB alumnae strive to #BreakTheBias
UNB Alumni
Posted: March 7, 2022 12:00:00 AM AST
Category: Inspiring Stories , UNB Saint John , UNB Fredericton
On International Women's Day, March 8, 2022, we celebrate all women, including these incredible UNB alumnae who are changemakers and community builders, and who strive to #BreakTheBias. 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 their communities and our world. Honourable Jill Balser (BSc’08, C-BA’10) Nova Scotia...
UNB Menstrual Health Society bolstering program with support from UNB Alumnae Association
UNB Alumni
Posted: March 7, 2022 12:00:00 AM AST
Category: UNB Fredericton , Young Alumni , Inspiring Stories
The UNB Menstrual Health Society is a brand-new society working to reduce period poverty on the UNB Fredericton campus and in the community. The society was co-founded by UNB students Caroline Stephen and Kate Palmer. Their vision is to promote safe and inclusive spaces on campus by working to eliminate stigma around menstruation through promotion, initiatives, and projects. The Society’s main work focuses on the UNB Menstrual Product Project, aiming to install free menstrual...
UNBeknownst Episode 14: From Artsy to Shopify, Ash Furrow on compassionate software development and separating yourself from your work
UNB Alumni
Posted: March 3, 2022 12:00:00 AM AST
Category: UNB Fredericton , Computer Science , Podcast , Young Alumni , Inspiring Stories
Ash Furrow (BCS’09) is a compassionate software developer from the small town of Woodstock, New Brunswick. He started building iPhone apps in 2009 while still a computer science student at UNB, which launched his career as a mobile software developer. After graduating, Ash and his partner moved to Toronto, then Amsterdam, and then New York, where he joined Artsy as it was just beginning to grow into the world’s largest online marketplace for art. He finally moved home to New...
WeAreUNB: Q&A with alumnus Reg Woods (BSF'03)
UNB Alumni
Posted: February 23, 2022 12:00:00 AM AST
Category: UNB Fredericton , Inspiring Stories
Why did you decide to study forestry? It was an easy decision because I grew up with it. My father was a forester from UNB, and we spent every waking hour we could in the woods, whether it was tagging along with him at work or working on the weekend in our private woodlots. It was a natural extension of what I loved to do from a very young age. That really drove home where I wanted to end up. I guess you could say it was in the genes. If you could give incoming students one piece of advice,...
Chris Ryan (BPhil’05, MEd’18) is working on integrating a model of community centered education in the NB public school system
UNB Alumni
Posted: February 22, 2022 12:00:00 AM AST
Category: UNB Fredericton , Inspiring Stories
Two-time alumnus and current UNB PhD student Chris Ryan (BPhil’05, MEd’18) spent thirteen years of his career inside the classroom as a New Brunswick teacher. So there is no better fit for this educational leader to help explore change in the province than through his recent appointment as research associate with the Mount Allison University Research Partnerships for Education and Community Engagement (R-PEACE) Group. Awarded a three- year New Brunswick Innovation Foundation...
Renaissance College alumni spotlights
UNB Alumni
Posted: February 22, 2022 12:00:00 AM AST
Category: Inspiring Stories , UNB Fredericton , Young Alumni
Over the past couple of years, UNB’s Renaissance College has posted a collection of alumni spotlights on their Instagram page, celebrating some of their incredible grads. Renaissance College is a program at UNB developing leaders that inspire positive change in their communities and beyond. These alumni are just a few of the inspiring grads, making their mark on the world. All stories were originally posted on the Renaissance College Instagram page (@renaissance_college). Alec...
UNBeknownst Episode 13: James Gitau on the dangers and rewards of leading humanitarian work with UNICEF around the globe
UNB Alumni
Posted: February 17, 2022 12:00:00 AM AST
Category: UNB Fredericton , Management , Podcast
James Gitau (BBA'87,MA'89) came from Kenya to Canada in the 1980s to study at UNB and later returned to Africa to cultivate an esteemed career with UNICEF across the globe. He’s part of UNICEF’s senior leadership and operations group, and over the years has developed cross-cultural team leadership skills and has gained international experience within the humanitarian and development context. He’s currently Deputy Representative, Operations for Yemen. In this...
Driving road safety in Costa Rica
UNB Alumni
Posted: February 11, 2022 12:00:00 AM AST
Category: Inspiring Stories , UNB Fredericton , Engineering
Javier Zamora-Rojas (MScE’11) came to the University of New Brunswick from Costa Rica in 2009 to complete a master’s degree in the globally recognized transportation engineering program. He came for the program, but loved the whole experience. “It was a thrill to come from the tropics to the snow. I loved it, and I loved the city and the university and the people. It was wonderful to study under Eric Hildebrand and others in the department focused on road safety.”...
Deep learning at Amazon
Deep learning at Amazon
Posted: February 9, 2022 12:00:00 AM AST
Category: Inspiring Stories , Computer Science , UNB Fredericton
You probably don’t always think about all the work that goes on behind the scenes when you’re searching for that must-have book, latest gadget or feel-good movie on Amazon. Weiqi Zhang (MCS’13) does. Since 2015, Weiqi’s been one of the software developers and managers behind the fancy technologies that bring the right products in front of your eyes at the right time. He worked on search technologies and customer experience for six years - first in China, then in...
UNBeknownst Podcast Episode 11: Asif Hasan on the entrepreneurship ecosystem, and the role of businesses and individuals in building a diverse, flourishing community
UNB Alumni
Posted: January 20, 2022 12:00:00 AM AST
Category: UNB Fredericton , Podcast
UNBeknownst Episode 11 Asif Hasan on the entrepreneurship ecosystem, and the role of businesses and individuals in building a diverse, flourishing community Asif Hasan is an alum from UNB’s Electrical and Computer Engineering and TME programs, and the CEO and co-founder of SimpTek Technologies, a Fredericton startup company that helps residential homeowners and electric utility companies to better understand, engage and predict energy usage. He’s a world citizen - born...
Fine tuning resilience beyond neurosurgery
Cynthia Percival
Posted: January 13, 2022 12:00:00 AM AST
Category: Kinesiology , UNB Fredericton , Inspiring Stories
Written by Cynthia Percival (BPE'78) After graduating from UNB with a Physical Education degree in 1978, I coached downhill skiing for 40 years. Living in rural Ontario I participated in ongoing outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, kayaking and both XC and downhill skiing in winter. My lifestyle was (and is) about making healthy choices and enjoying vigorous social relationships. I never fathomed that at age 57 I would suddenly become gravely ill. During my...
Kinesiology alumnus part of recovery crew for returning astronauts
UNB
Posted: January 13, 2022 12:00:00 AM AST
Category: Inspiring Stories , UNB Fredericton
When a student graduates from UNB, the world is truly in the palm of their hands. Where a UNB grad may end up can stretch far across the globe and out of this world. This is the case for kinesiology alumnus, Mike Harrison (BScKin'02, MSESS'05), who had the opportunity to be part of the SpaceX recovery team monitoring the physical health of four astronauts once they landed back on earth and stepped out of their space capsule for the first time after a five-month long space mission. The...
Four UNBers appointed to the Order of Canada
UNB Alumni
Posted: January 13, 2022 12:00:00 AM AST
Category: Inspiring Stories , UNB Fredericton , UNB Saint John
Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, announced 135 appointments to the Order of Canada. The new appointees include two Companions (C.C.), 39 Officers (O.C.), one honorary Member and 93 Members (C.M.). The Order of Canada is one of our country’s highest civilian honours. Its Companions, Officers and Members take to heart the motto of the Order: DESIDERANTES MELIOREM PATRIAM ("They desire a better country"). The four UNBers listed below...
UNBeknownst Podcast Episode 9: Matt Anderson and Chris Simpson on leading healthcare in a pandemic and adapting to change
UNB Alumni
Posted: December 16, 2021 12:00:00 AM AST
Category: Podcast , UNB Fredericton
UNBeknownst Podcast Episode 9 Matt Anderson and Chris Simpson: Leading healthcare in a pandemic and adapting to change Matt Anderson (BA’92) and Chris Simpson (BSc’90) took very different routes to get to top executive positions in healthcare in Canada. Matt graduated with an arts degree and began his career in data analytics and IT. He went on to earn a master’s degree in Healthcare Administration and Management from the University of...
From exercise science to habit-forming tech, Darren Steeves is committed to helping people
UNB Alumni
Posted: November 18, 2021 12:00:00 AM AST
Category: Kinesiology , Inspiring Stories , UNB Fredericton
Darren Steeves (BEd’94) never imagined when he graduated from UNB with an education degree majoring in physical education and minoring in mathematics that he’d end up as an entrepreneur in the tech arena. But that’s exactly where he is now, as co-founder and CEO of JackHabbit, a Growth Management System that he calls “the next evolution beyond learning management.” Based in Halifax, Darren wanted to take his years of experience and success in sport science and...
2021 Alumni Holiday Gift Guide
UNB Alumni
Posted: November 17, 2021 2:00:00 PM AST
Category: Insights , UNB Fredericton , UNB Saint John
Share your UNB alumni pride this holiday season! In the spirit of the upcoming holidays and supporting ‘local,’ we’ve created a gift guide to help you find unique gifts for the special people in your life. Along with UNB merchandise, this list highlights exciting products and businesses by our very own #ProudlyUNB alumni. Around the world, UNB alumni are creating, innovating and contributing exciting things to their communities. Get your holiday shopping done from the...
Meaghan Donahue Wies shares her path to Canadian Sport Centre Atlantic
Meaghan Donahue Wies
Posted: November 17, 2021 12:00:00 AM AST
Category: UNB Fredericton , Kinesiology
SPOTLIGHT SERIES: WOMEN IN KINESIOLOGY, RECREATION AND SPORT MANAGEMENT Written by Meaghan Donahue Wies (MBA'11) My name is Meaghan Donahue Wies and I am the Athlete Services Manager and Game Plan Advisor with the Canadian Sport Centre Atlantic. The path that led me to this role is a winding one, but it comes as no surprise to those who know me that I have landed in the sport sector. I have always been a sport person - playing, watching, managing fantasy...
UNBeknownst Podcast Episode 7: Eric Cook on Industry 4.0 and automation
UNB Alumni
Posted: November 17, 2021 12:00:00 AM AST
Category: UNB Fredericton , Podcast
UNBeknownst Podcast Episode 7 Eric Cook: Industry 4.0 and automation Eric Cook is executive director and CEO of RPC, New Brunswick’s provincial research organization that provides science and engineering services to over 1100 clients annually. Eric’s career spans leadership in the application of science and technology in sectors including advanced manufacturing, space science, aerospace, and wireless communications. He’s served as the project engineer for...
Q&A: Katie Herrington, UNB Alumni Student Leadership recipient
UNB Alumni
Posted: November 15, 2021 12:00:00 AM AST
Category: UNB Saint John , Young Alumni , Inspiring Stories , UNB Fredericton
Recipient of a 2021 Alumni Student Leadership Award, UNB Saint John student Katie Herrington shares how the award has positively impacted her UNB experience, how she contributes to student life on campus and why she enjoys studying in the faculty of arts. Throughout her seven years on campus, Katie has volunteered with The Promise Partnership Program, served as writer and editor of the campus newspaper, and initiated several student-led drives to support local non-profits in the Saint John...
UNBers inducted into New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame
UNB Alumni
Posted: November 15, 2021 12:00:00 AM AST
Category: Inspiring Stories , Kinesiology , UNB Fredericton , Law
The New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame Inc. was established in 1970 to recognize and honour those athletes, teams and builders who have achieved outstanding success, and those who have made a significant contribution to the advancement of competitive sport in this province. On October 15, 2021, seven UNBers were inducted into the NB Sports Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2021. Mike Flannery (BSc’74) and Chuck Kingston...
Four UNB alumni named to the Order of New Brunswick
UNB Alumni
Posted: October 25, 2021 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: Young Alumni , Inspiring Stories , UNB Saint John , UNB Fredericton
Four UNB alumni have been named to the Order of New Brunswick for their outstanding work in the province. The Order of New Brunswick was established in 2000 to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of excellence and achievement in their field. Since 2002, more than 170 accomplished individuals have been invested with the order for their dedication and service to the province, its people and communities. Congratulations to the four alumni recipients: David Christie (BSF'66),...
Five ways to make your workplace more sustainable
UNB Sustainability
Posted: October 25, 2021 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: UNB Saint John , Insights , UNB Fredericton
COVID-19 has impacted our lives in inconceivable ways, but it has also shown us how resilient and open to change we can be. We added masks to our wardrobe. We mastered social distancing. We conquered virtual life. Now let’s keep making changes... Start making small, sustainable changes to your daily workplace routine and encourage your friends and colleagues to do the same. Your small actions can start a...
The women of UNB: Recognizing UNB firsts for Women’s History Month
UNB Alumni
Posted: October 25, 2021 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: UNB Fredericton , Inspiring Stories , Law , Engineering , UNB Saint John
In honour of Women’s History Month, we dug into the UNB Archives, with help from Archives & Special Collections staff members and alumnae Patti Auld Johnson (BOM’91) and Leah Grandy (MA’04, PhD’10), to share the stories of some of the women from UNB’s history. These women are trailblazers and important figures in our long and storied history. From the first female graduate of UNB, to the university’s first librarian,...
BBA alum joins forces with current business students to increase recruitment and retention of newcomers
UNB Alumni
Posted: October 19, 2021 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: Management , UNB Fredericton , Inspiring Stories
Young alum Nicole Andrade (BBA’20) has only just begun her career, but she's already doing exciting and meaningful work as part of FLIP, the Fredericton Local Immigration Partnership. Not only is she using the skills she learned in the sales accelerator program in the Faculty of Management, she’s also drawing on her own experience of being a newcomer to New Brunswick. Nicole moved to Fredericton in 2016 from Quito, Ecuador to study business, after encouragement from her mother to...
An alumnus and former co-op student comes full circle
UNB Alumni
Posted: September 29, 2021 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: Engineering , UNB Fredericton , Computer Science , Inspiring Stories , Young Alumni
Fredericton native Mike Harrington (BScSwE’15) instantly loved software engineering when he began the program at UNB. During his time as a student, he took part in five co-op work terms to gain experience while studying. “My goal was to try out different jobs to see what I liked. I worked with one company on a pricing app, then went to IBM for two terms and worked on software applications, then found Populus. It was a very small team of only five or six people, so I got to work on...
Get to know your Associated Alumni president: Jill Jeffrey
UNB Alumni
Posted: September 27, 2021 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: UNB Fredericton , UNB Saint John , Inspiring Stories
Raised in Fredericton, N.B., Jill Jeffrey has a lifelong connection to UNB and is a proud alumna, along with several members of her immediate and extended family. She has served on the Associated Alumni Council since 2016 as an incredible ambassador strengthening connections with our alumni around the world and helping future students discover our university. She brings great passion and commitment to her new role as president. What is the best thing about being an alumna...
Julia Hurst: Navigating a seller's real estate market
Julia Hurst (BBA'11)
Posted: September 27, 2021 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: Young Alumni , UNB Saint John , UNB Fredericton , Insights , Management
At the height of the pandemic, young alumna and Saint John REALTOR® Julia Hurst (BBA'11) shared her insights and advice with us on buying or selling a home during COVID-19. Now over a year later, she provides her updated tips for buying and selling during a fast-paced seller's market and what you can do to best prepare. What should sellers think about when considering listing their home in today’s high-priced seller’s market? Sellers have a few things to consider when...
UNB nursing student Emma Stephen receives UNB Alumni Legacy Award
UNB Alumni
Posted: August 17, 2021 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: Inspiring Stories , Young Alumni , UNB Fredericton , UNB Saint John
A University of New Brunswick nursing student has been selected as the second recipient of the Alumni Legacy Award, established and presented by the UNB Associated Alumni. The 2021-2023 recipient, Emma Stephen, is a shining example of the values outlined by this scholarship. Throughout her two years at UNB, she has shown immense pride for our institution, dedication to her faculty and fellow students, and a commitment to carrying on the UNB alumni legacy. Valued at two-years of tuition and...
Shelley Francis challenges us to understand the historical context of Indigenous Peoples in Canada
Shelley Francis
Posted: June 15, 2021 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: Inspiring Stories , UNB Saint John , UNB Fredericton
This story is part of the Voices of UNB Alumni series and is written by Shelley Francis (BN'91), UNB alumna and current master of nursing student.It is critical for all Canadians to understand the historical context of Indigenous People for there to be true reconciliation, peace, and friendship between Nations. I have spent my entire nursing career lifting the voices of Indigenous Peoples, providing non-judgmental, culturally safe, and compassionate care to all citizens. I have...
'Learning and Preserving' Indigenous languages through illustrations
Breana Andrews
Posted: June 9, 2021 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: UNB Fredericton
This story is part of the Voices of UNB Alumni series and is written by Breana Andrews (BScKin'21) My name is Breana Andrews, I am from Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador and I recently graduated from UNB in May 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. While the human body has always been a passion of mine, art and storytelling have also always been there. Since I was a young girl, I had been creating art in some form. One moment that sticks out in particular, is sitting...
Vice-President Saint John, Dr. Petra Hauf, shares UNB's ambitious vision for the new Integrated Health Initiative
Dr. Petra Hauf, Vice-President Saint John
Posted: May 18, 2021 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: UNB Saint John , Inspiring Stories , UNB Fredericton
The Integrated Health Initiative by Dr. Petra Hauf, Vice-President Saint John Growing up in a small town and being raised by a village, a sense of belonging and deep commitment to community is part of my DNA. The shared value of community is exactly what drew me to UNB and the opportunity to serve as the campus vice-president in Saint John. There is much to like and admire about UNB Saint John, especially its longstanding relationship to the community. Being responsible for both the...
Jennifer Splane (BSc'11, BN'15) creates her path as a nurse practitioner and healthcare researcher
UNB Alumni
Posted: May 17, 2021 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: UNB Fredericton , UNB Saint John , Young Alumni , Inspiring Stories
Jennifer Splane (BSc'11, BN'15) is a current MN.ANP candidate and soon-to-be three time UNB alumna. She recently defended her thesis "Transitioning from Pediatric to Adult Healthcare: Exploring the Practices and Needs of Care Providers" and takes a moment to share why she is passionate about healthcare. Did you always know you wanted to study nursing? I actually did not know that I would end up in this field. I was always interested in science, in particular the human sciences. It...
UNB alumni recognized by Atlantic Business Magazine’s 2021 Top 50 CEO Awards
UNB Alumni
Posted: May 14, 2021 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: Inspiring Stories , UNB Fredericton , UNB Saint John
The Atlantic Business Magazine’s 2021 Top 50 CEO Awards recently recognized 11 UNB alumni. Since 1999, the Top 50 CEO Awards celebrates accomplished business leaders in the Atlantic region. Nominations are submitted by the magazine’s readers and nominees are judged according to corporate, community and industry involvement, as well as company growth and response to various managerial challenges. Non-Profit/Not-for-Profit or Industry AssociationDr. Bernard Lord,...
Nicki MacPherson (BN’14, BScKin'14) chooses to use her skills to provide care and education for students at UNB
UNB Alumni
Posted: May 12, 2021 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: Inspiring Stories , UNB Fredericton
Nicki MacPherson (BN’14, BScKin'14) is a registered nurse who currently works at the UNB Student Health Centre on the Fredericton campus and has been instrumental in the COVID-19 student-isolation project since the pandemic began. She took a beat to talk to us about her journey to get here and what it means to her to support students. Did you always know you wanted to be a nurse? I knew I wanted to be a helper of some kind and thought it would be between teaching or nursing. My mom was...
A non-traditional path for Joan Kingston (BN’78) where nothing is unattainable
Dr. Lorna Butler
Posted: May 7, 2021 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: Inspiring Stories , UNB Fredericton
Written and submitted by Dr. Lorna Butler, Dean of UNB's Faculty of Nursing. Joan Kingston's (BN’78) career pathway as a Registered Nurse is neither linear nor traditional. Rather it reflects her character and the results of numerous initiatives that not only changed peoples’ lives but altered the landscape of their communities so others could thrive. Her career accentuates the power of what being a Registered Nurse means. Ms. Kingston began as a staff nurse and continued to...
Passion and intensity have fuelled Jody Glidden’s exciting career path in tech startups
UNB Alumni
Posted: April 28, 2021 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: Management , UNB Fredericton
Jody Glidden (BBA’06) believes that bringing passion and intensity to what he does has been his ticket to winning the tech startup game. He’s got the track record to back that up: Introhive is the fourth company he’s been involved in founding and building, and over the past year, it’s expanded its customer base by 52% and grown to almost 300 employees. Entrepreneurship and “messing around with computers” have been part of Jody’s world since he was a...
Alumnus hopes to improve immunization rates in seniors
UNB Alumni
Posted: April 26, 2021 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: UNB Fredericton , Inspiring Stories
Older adults living in long-term care homes and retirement residences are increasingly vulnerable to COVID-19, the flu, pneumonia, and other diseases. Proper tracking of immunizations is important for knowing who is protected and when a booster is needed. This is where Dr. Kumanan Wilson (BSc’92) comes in. In 2011, Dr. Wilson founded ImmunizeON, a digital immunization tracking system for parents to stay up to date with their children’s vaccinations, which expanded...
Overcoming illness to shine in the fitness and sport industry
UNB Alumni
Posted: April 21, 2021 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: UNB Fredericton , Kinesiology
Jane McKeown's (BPE’99) life ever since she was young revolved around sport and fitness. She came by it honestly, coming from a family of athletes that included her parents as well as her brother Mark Jeffrey (BBA’86), who played for and coached UNB hockey, and her sister, who coached Saint Mary’s University basketball. So, when she graduated from Fredericton High School, Jane wanted to continue with her own basketball career. But after returning from a year at...
Volunteer Spotlight: Camila Ugarte
UNB Alumni
Posted: April 20, 2021 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: Young Alumni , Inspiring Stories , UNB Fredericton
Camila Ugarte (BPhil'08) - Saint John, NB What is your most memorable moment from your UNB alumni volunteer experience? I loved how supportive and encouraging the experience was in addition to how well organized everything was. I felt comfortable going into the experience and passionate about the subject matter. Why did you decide to become a first-time volunteer? The opportunity to represent my organization, but also speak on behalf of a topic I feel so passionate about. I loved...
Volunteer Spotlight: Shawn Quinlan
UNB Alumni
Posted: April 20, 2021 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: Inspiring Stories , Management , UNB Fredericton
Shawn Quinlan (BBA'94, MBA'96) - Fredericton, NB What is your most memorable moment from a UNB alumni volunteer experience? My most memorable moment was when I realized that a new hire at my office was a student I first met while serving as a table panelist during a Career Talks event at the Wu Centre. What are some of the volunteer roles you have participated in with UNB? I was on the advisory board of the Faculty of Administration for approximately 15 years and more recently I have...
Volunteer Spotlight: Haley Bungay
UNB Alumni
Posted: April 19, 2021 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: Inspiring Stories , Management , Young Alumni , UNB Fredericton
Haley Bungay (BBA'13) - Fredericton, NB What is your most memorable moment from a UNB alumni volunteer experience? My most memorable moment from my alumni volunteer experience definitely has to be the first Career Talks I attended! Being able to share a bit of my career experience with students currently attending UNB was incredible. I’ve always enjoyed being able to connect with students attending UNB to support them in their education and their future careers. Meeting with them...
Volunteer Spotlight: Hansika Gunaratne
UNB Alumni
Posted: April 19, 2021 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: Inspiring Stories , UNB Saint John , UNB Fredericton , Young Alumni
Hansika Gunaratne (BSc'12, BA'13) - Toronto, ON What is your most memorable moment from a UNB alumni volunteer experience? My most memorable moment from a UNB alumni volunteer experience was presenting to a group of prospective students at the Transition to UNB event held in Toronto in 2016. It was great to reminisce and share details of my wonderful experiences at UNB with some of the youth considering joining the UNB family. What are some of the...
UNB Women in Sport conference ‘first of many’
UNB Alumni
Posted: April 19, 2021 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: UNB Fredericton , Kinesiology , Young Alumni
This story was first published in the Fredericton Daily Gleaner on April 12th, 2021, written by attributed to Bruce Hallihan. The UNB Alumni Association was a proud sponsor of the UNB Women in Sport Conference. Mikaela Dodig hopes the first UNB Women in Sport Conference “proves to be the first of many.” The former UNB Reds women’s basketball all-star planned to launch the conference in 2020, as an in-person event, but the COVID-19 pandemic forced its...
Maria Boyle: Five reasons to move your body
Maria Boyle (BScKin'16)
Posted: March 19, 2021 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: Young Alumni , UNB Fredericton , Insights , Kinesiology
Photo: Lilian Archer Photography A chiropractor at Town Health Solutions in Saint John, N.B., and at Align KV Wellness in Quispamsis, N.B., Dr. Maria Boyle (BScKin'16) has been very engaged in her community and in the profession since joining the NBCA in 2018. She currently serves on the NBCA external affairs committee, and maintains a prominent and active social media presence promoting self-management and health. In 2020, she was recognized with the NB Chiropractors Association's Recent...
Returning to New Brunswick to propel entrepreneurs to great heights
UNB Alumni
Posted: March 16, 2021 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: UNB Fredericton , Inspiring Stories
Kathryn Lockhart (BPHIL ’04) has an MBA from Harvard Business School and has worked around the world - from Toronto to Munich to St. John’s – but feels that coming back home to New Brunswick is where she can make the biggest impact. Growing up in Bath, N.B. with parents who met at UNB and siblings that attended UNB, Kathryn thought she’d break the mould by accepting a scholarship to the science program at Queens University and the Royal Military College. But after...
Q&A: Hannah Sharpe, UNB Alumni Student Leadership Recipient
UNB student, Hannah Sharpe
Posted: March 15, 2021 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: UNB Fredericton , Inspiring Stories , Young Alumni
Recipient of a 2020-21 Alumni Student Leadership Award, UNB Fredericton student Hannah Sharpe shares how the award has positively impacted her UNB experience and how she contributes to student life amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout her time on campus, Hannah has thoroughly enjoyed her studies in the environmental geochemistry program and is excited to be starting her Masters this summer at UNB. What inspired you to enroll in UNB Fredericton’s environmental geochemistry...
From hardware to software: proof that skills are transferable
UNB Alumni
Posted: March 10, 2021 12:00:00 AM AST
Category: Inspiring Stories , Computer Science , Engineering , UNB Fredericton
When Lan Liu (MScEE’03) and her husband Richard Liu (MCS’02) came to Fredericton from Beijing, it was a bit of a culture shock. “We flew in on a tiny plane from Montreal and all I saw was trees,” Lan laughs. “I had no idea what I was getting myself into! It was a hot summer week when we arrived, and in China we often use an umbrella to shade ourselves from the sun on hot days. When I walked on the sidewalks of Fredericton with my umbrella, people looked at me...
Learning technical and soft skills in a multi-cultural environment through co-op
UNB Alumni
Posted: March 10, 2021 12:00:00 AM AST
Category: Computer Science , Inspiring Stories , UNB Fredericton
We chatted with 2nd-year Computer Science graduate student Priyal Chandrakant Jawale, who has been working at an 8-month co-op term with Teledyne-CARIS in Fredericton since September 2020, to find out more about her experience. Q1. Why did you choose to study CS? As a child, I loved solving puzzles and playing board games. During high school, I developed an application on a large scale using basic programming languages such as Java and MySQL, which was a spark of dedicating my...
UNB alumnae #ChooseToChallenge
UNB Alumni
Posted: March 8, 2021 12:00:00 AM AST
Category: UNB Saint John , Young Alumni , Inspiring Stories , UNB Fredericton , Management
On International Women's Day, March 8, 2021, we celebrate all women, including these 10 incredible UNB alumnae who are changemakers and disruptors, and who #ChooseToChallenge. While this is just a small sample of the great work being done by alumnae all over the world, we acknowledge the work of these women and celebrate the strides they have recently been making in their fields. Jenica Atwin (BA'09, MEd'15) Member of Parliament for Fredericton and the first Green Party MP...
Community fuels great projects and even greater dreams
Thandiwe McCarthy
Posted: February 16, 2021 12:00:00 PM AST
Category: Young Alumni , Inspiring Stories , UNB Fredericton
My name is Thandiwe Jelani McCarthy and I graduated from UNB in May 2020 with a degree in Recreation and Sport Studies with a major in Community Wellness. I think my graduation was unique in that due to the pandemic outbreak myself and many other students didn’t get to have one. Not only that but moments after finishing my degree in recreation and community wellness the entire recreation sector was shut down. Communities were being fined hundreds of dollars if they were caught...
A voice for Black history in New Brunswick
Dr. Mary McCarthy-Brandt
Posted: February 16, 2021 10:00:00 AM AST
Category: UNB Fredericton , Inspiring Stories
I write this essay with much pleasure and feelings of gratitude. I am a 2007 graduate from UNB Master's of Education in Critical Studies program. I am also a Black woman, 6th generation and my roots go back before the province was formed, to 1783. The province was formed in 1784. Taking the Critical Studies program and writing my thesis was a very gratifying and important time in my life, and perhaps I could even say one of multiple intersections in my life. My MEd thesis named...
Volunteer spotlight: Travis Bergin
UNB Alumni
Posted: January 26, 2021 12:00:00 AM AST
Category: Engineering , UNB Fredericton , Inspiring Stories
One of the most challenging tasks Travis Bergin (BScCE’02, D-TME’02, MScCE’04) is faced with as a UNB Associated Alumni councillor, also happens to be the one he values and cherishes most of all. He says serving as chair of the scholarships and awards’ committee, and learning about the remarkable accomplishments of UNB students and alumni, has been one of greatest highlights of his time on council. A three-time UNB alumnus and Fredericton native, Bergin has...
UNB PhD candidate helps develop Black history resource for New Brunswick teachers
UNB Alumni
Posted: January 26, 2021 12:00:00 AM AST
Category: UNB Fredericton , Inspiring Stories
Alicia Noreiga-Mundaroy (BEd’11, MEd’16) came to New Brunswick from Trinidad and Tobago in 2018 to pursue her PhD in education at UNB. Two years later, she says that she could see herself making the province her new home. “It’s so quiet and peaceful here.” She does admit though, that moving to New Brunswick did, and still does, have its challenges for her as a...
Alumnus Jason Goldlist takes the road less travelled to tech success
UNB Alumni
Posted: January 25, 2021 12:00:00 AM AST
Category: Inspiring Stories , UNB Fredericton
Jason Goldlist (BPHIL’06) has always been someone who wanted to do things differently. It was the reason he chose to leave Toronto and head to New Brunswick for university when his friends were going to Western or McGill. He was looking for a different kind of program, and the new Bachelor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Leadership at Renaissance College fit the bill. “I’ve always been one to go against the grain, so this program was perfect for me. It was...
Q&A Josée Richard, Forty Luxe The Label
Josée Richard (BA'17)
Posted: January 25, 2021 12:00:00 AM AST
Category: UNB Fredericton , Young Alumni
Since graduating from UNB Fredericton in 2017, young alumna Josée Richard (BA'17) followed her love for fashion, health and fitness. In August 2020, she launched Forty Luxe the Label, an online leisurewear brand. Here, she shares more about her inspiration behind the clothing line, what it's been like as a new entrepreneur and her future hopes for the business. Tell us a little bit about Forty Luxe, your products and your target audience. Forty Luxe is a leisurewear (and...
From UNB to Dragon’s Den and beyond
UNB Alumni
Posted: January 20, 2021 12:00:00 AM AST
Category: Engineering , Inspiring Stories , UNB Fredericton , Young Alumni
Curtis Kennedy (BScME, DTME) has been busy in the last few years. He recently pitched his product, Vertiball, on CBC’s Dragon’s Den and accepted a deal from dragon Arlene Dickinson. But there’s been a lot more going on behind the scenes. Curtis has been working since 2017 to develop and pitch his simple idea to ease chronic pain. “It’s been a lot of work and long hours but I hope that it’s helping people. It’s been a really exciting...
Mother-daughter renaissance college alumni tackle systemic discrimination in Canada
UNB Alumni
Posted: January 18, 2021 12:00:00 AM AST
Category: Inspiring Stories , UNB Fredericton
Josie McKinney (BPHIL’04) came by her dedication to community and Indigenous issues naturally. Her mother, Patsy McKinney (BPHIL’07), has always been a passionate organizer and advocate in the Mi'kmaq and Maliseet communities, and Josie had grown up taking part in daily conversations around the kitchen table in her Harvey, N.B. home about politics and rights issues. “My whole extended family have been leaders in Indigenous issues. My upbringing has been the driving force...
Materials engineer goes digital
UNB Alumni
Posted: January 15, 2021 12:00:00 AM AST
Category: UNB Fredericton , Engineering , Inspiring Stories
Fredericton native Donna Dykeman (BScME’99, MScME’01) always enjoyed the sciences, so when she started her undergraduate degree at UNB she chose Mechanical Engineering because she discovered she enjoyed learning about and working with structural materials for mechanical design. “I remember enjoying the project work we did in undergrad where we were designing for the real world. Our visits to plants and production operations and having alumni speak to us in class opened my...
An unexpected career path for a mechanical engineering alumnus
UNB Alumni
Posted: January 11, 2021 12:00:00 AM AST
Category: Inspiring Stories , UNB Fredericton , Engineering , Young Alumni
Who knew that a mechanical engineer could end up in an innovation role at one of Canada’s big banks? Malcolm Nwokotubo (BScME’16, DTME’16) sure didn’t when he first came to study at UNB. Growing up in Nigeria, Malcolm was always interested in problem solving, math and engineering. He decided he wanted to study in Canada because of the country’s reputation for being welcoming and friendly. Although he’d never heard of New Brunswick, he won a scholarship that...
A sterling donation with historical significance
UNB Alumni
Posted: January 4, 2021 12:00:00 AM AST
Category: UNB Fredericton
No one knows exactly how it was first acquired, but a unique sterling silver tea service donated to the university has been in the Tibbits family for at least four generations. And given the Tibbits family’s long and historic connection to UNB and the province, its return to New Brunswick is cause for a bit of celebration, if not a full-fledged formal tea. It all began with the Honourable James Tibbits (1804-1890), a successful operator, manufacturer and shipper of lumber, initially...
Lauren Holden: Holiday recipes
Lauren Holden (BSc'17)
Posted: November 24, 2020 12:00:00 AM AST
Category: UNB Fredericton , Insights
UNB young alumna Lauren Holden (BSc'17) is the face behind Lau's Healthy Life, a food and lifestyle blog featuring a healthy and delicious recipe index, as well as an e-cookbook. Originally from Prince Edward Island, Lauren later graduated from UNB's faculty of science and now lives in Toronto, where she is pursuing further studies. Passionate about living a healthy lifestyle, Lauren's blog was born from her Instagram page, where she first started sharing her favourite...
NB Chiropractors Association recognizes UNB young alumna
UNB Alumni
Posted: November 24, 2020 12:00:00 AM AST
Category: Young Alumni , Kinesiology , Inspiring Stories , UNB Fredericton
This month, UNB young alumna Dr. Maria Boyle (BScKin'16) was recognized by the NB Chiropractors Association with the Recent Graduate Award. This award recognizes the tremendous contributions of a recent graduate under five years, who has demonstrated success transitioning from school into practice, as well as a commitment and dedication to advancing the profession or their community. "I was shocked and honoured to get recognized this early in my career," says Dr. Boyle. "When I first...
Innovating the restaurant of the future
UNB Alumni
Posted: November 19, 2020 12:00:00 AM AST
Category: Inspiring Stories , UNB Fredericton , Management
Everyone knows restaurants are a tough business in the best of times. These are not the best of times. The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on the restaurant industry globally, and New Brunswick is no exception. When the lockdown happened in March of 2020, the owners of Pomodori Pizzeria in Saint John worked quickly and innovatively to be able to not only stay afloat but turn out even more of their delicious Neapolitan-style wood-fired pizzas. Being innovative is nothing new for co-founders...
Returning to New Brunswick to work from home
UNB Alumni
Posted: November 18, 2020 12:00:00 AM AST
Category: Inspiring Stories , Management , UNB Fredericton , Kinesiology
There’s an interesting trend happening these days. Real estate in New Brunswick is a hot commodity and there’s a migration of young people into the province instead of out. The COVID-19 work-from-home movement, along with the safe reputation of the Atlantic Bubble and housing prices that are affordable, have created the perfect storm that’s attracting many New Brunswickers back home again. One of those is Nathan White (BBA’05). Nathan grew up in Fredericton as a big...
Alumni holiday gift guide
UNB Alumni
Posted: November 16, 2020 12:00:00 AM AST
Category: UNB Saint John , Insights , UNB Fredericton
Share your UNB alumni pride this holiday season! In the spirit of the upcoming holidays and supporting ‘local,’ we’ve created a gift guide to help you find unique gifts for the special people in your life. Along with UNB swag items, this list highlights exciting products and businesses by our very own #ProudlyUNB alumni. Around the world, UNB alumni are creating, innovating and contributing exciting things to their communities. Get your holiday shopping done from the comfort...
Volunteer spotlight: Beverly Guimond
UNB Alumni
Posted: October 28, 2020 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: Inspiring Stories , UNB Saint John , UNB Fredericton
For UNB Saint John alumna Beverly Guimond (BBA’04), volunteering time to her alma mater as treasurer of the Associated Alumni has been a positive and rewarding experience. A chartered professional accountant in Saint John, Beverly first moved to Canada from her home in Zimbabwe to travel and study abroad in the faculty of business at UNBSJ. Though there are many things she treasures about her UNB experience, one of those is reflecting on the early days of her academic career - from...
Organizational change boils down to three ingredients
Kevin Ferguson, BBA'92, BA'93
Posted: October 26, 2020 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: Insights , UNB Fredericton
“Hey gang, before we break, I just wanted to let you know that I’ll miss our afternoon call today. A friend I’ve known for 25 years passed away yesterday from Covid and I have to go see his family. Please keep safe everyone – this is real.” Regardless of where we live or what we do, at some point in the past 7-10 months, any one of us could have been hearing or telling this sobering story. This has had universal impact, globally. I’ve been involved...
The future of surgical robotics is here - and this alumnus is creating it
UNB Alumni
Posted: October 23, 2020 2:00:00 PM ADT
Category: Young Alumni , Engineering , Inspiring Stories , UNB Fredericton
Jason Currie (MSE’15) may be working from his San Francisco Bay Area home these days because of the pandemic, but he’s still hugely excited to log in each day and tackle his current project – a general-purpose surgical robot. Jason is a senior robotics and controls engineer with Auris Health, Inc., now owned by Ethicon, part of Johnson & Johnson’s medical devices companies. Since 2018, he’s tackled this technical lead role within a huge team working on...
How a UNB alumnus became the official rink engineering consultant of the NHL
UNB Alumni
Posted: October 23, 2020 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: Inspiring Stories , UNB Fredericton , Engineering
When Ian Storey (BScME’96) left UNB with a mechanical engineering degree in hand, he never imagined he’d become an entrepreneur. Ian had developed an interest in energy efficiency and energy systems early on in his bachelors’ program and geared his courses toward a career at an energy utility. But after graduation, with few prospects for that kind of work available, he took a job in the aerospace industry managing international engineering contracts. After a few years of...
The fast-paced world of transportation cybersecurity
UNB Alumni
Posted: October 23, 2020 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: Computer Science , UNB Fredericton , Engineering , Inspiring Stories
When we think about cybersecurity, we typically think of our phones, computers and personal data being hacked. But Mike Vanderveer (BScCMPE’02) says heavy vehicles carrying dangerous goods are also a big cybersecurity concern. Mike, who graduated from UNB with a degree in computer engineering, is a transportation cybersecurity consultant with his own firm, Deep Micro, in Ottawa. He says that it is not easy to hack into our cars and car company security systems are continually improving....
A rising star’s journey from Trinidad to Fredericton to Toronto
UNB Alumni
Posted: October 21, 2020 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: UNB Fredericton , Inspiring Stories , Management , Young Alumni
When Cilise (Legendre) Connell (BBA’12) made the move from her home in Trinidad and Tobago to Fredericton in 2009, her goal was to finish her business degree at UNB – (which she began through the UNB-ROYTEC partnership program) then return home to the small Caribbean Islands to find work. Eleven years later, she’s still in Canada. “I had such an amazing experience in Fredericton and at UNB that I didn’t want to go home,” she recounts. “I went back...
Renaissance College alumna advocating for post-secondary students amid COVID-19 pandemic
UNB Alumni
Posted: September 23, 2020 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: Inspiring Stories , UNB Fredericton
UNB alumna Kalin McCluskey (BPhil’07) discovered her love for public policy through her education at Renaissance College. Since now working in the post-secondary space as Executive Director of the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA) in Ottawa, she has applied the learning outcomes studied in the program to help her adapt as the COVID-19 pandemic drastically shifted the way they work to support students. CASA is a non-partisan, not-for-profit organization composed of student...
Greater Moncton's Top 20 Under 40 recognizes three UNB alumni
UNB Alumni
Posted: September 22, 2020 4:00:00 PM ADT
Category: UNB Fredericton , Young Alumni , UNB Saint John , Inspiring Stories
Three UNB alumni were celebrated virtually on Sept. 17 as winners of the 2020 Greater Moncton Top 20 Under 40. Organized by the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Moncton and the Hub City Young Professionals Network, the program highlights 20 individuals making a difference in the community. The winners were selected by an advisory board of judges from a list of 120 nominations.Meet the UNB alumni recognized as Top 20 Under 40 winners. Chad Blakney (BScE’07), has...
Internship program sparks strong mentorship between UNB student and alumna
UNB Alumni
Posted: September 22, 2020 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: Inspiring Stories , UNB Fredericton , Young Alumni
When alumna Kate Ross (BPhil’05) first recommended Renaissance College to now-UNB student Callum Hunter, little did she know they would later become reconnected through the college’s Canadian internship program. Throughout the eight-week placement this summer, the two shared a positive learning experience and developed a strong mentor-mentee relationship that they look forward to growing throughout Callum’s academic career at UNB. Challenged to find an internship during the...
UNB alumni recognized by Atlantic Business Magazine’s 2020 Top 50 CEO Awards
UNB Alumni
Posted: September 21, 2020 12:00:00 PM ADT
Category: UNB Fredericton , UNB Saint John , Inspiring Stories
The Atlantic Business Magazine’s 2020 Top 50 CEO Awards recently recognized seven UNB alumni. Since 1999, the Top 50 CEO Awards celebrates accomplished business leaders in the Atlantic region. Nominations are submitted by the magazine’s readers and nominees are judged according to corporate, community and industry involvement, as well as company growth and response to various managerial challenges. This year’s list recognizes UNB alumni in New Brunswick, Nova...
Young alumna brewing a new marketing strategy at Picaroons Brewing Company
UNB Alumni
Posted: September 17, 2020 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: Management , Inspiring Stories , Young Alumni , UNB Fredericton
Experience counts when you’re developing growth and marketing strategies for companies. Kate McPherson (BBA’19) has it – even though she’s only 23. Kate graduated with a business degree from UNB’s Faculty of Management in 2019 with a ton of experience under her belt. First, she opted to take advantage of the exchange program and studied at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore for a year, doing a lot of focused market research directly with Asian-based...
LuminUltra to supply COVID-19 test chemicals across Canada
UNB Alumni
Posted: June 30, 2020 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: Engineering , UNB Fredericton , Inspiring Stories
New Brunswick’s LuminUltra Technologies, headed by Patrick Whalen (BScChE’03, left), is increasing its production to supply chemicals for essential COVID-19 testing across the country. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on April 15 that LuminUltra is one of the companies that has signed a contract with the Canadian government to provide supplies needed in all provinces. Many regions have faced testing backlogs as they lacked certain chemicals needed to complete the tests. "We...
Management students hitting experiential learning out of the park
UNB Alumni
Posted: June 30, 2020 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: UNB Fredericton , Inspiring Stories , Management , Young Alumni
It may have been one of the strangest and most challenging semesters at UNB because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the winter 2020 term ended with some good news for students in the Master in Quantitative Investment Management (MQIM) program. Just as exams were ending, they learned two of their teams placed high in two global competitions: one team tied with Rutgers for third place out of 58 universities in the MATLAB competition, hosted by the Professional Risk Managers’ International...
A life in service to vulnerable children
UNB Alumni
Posted: January 16, 2020 12:00:00 AM AST
Category: Inspiring Stories , UNB Fredericton , Management
James Gitau (BBA’87,MA'89) has never been one to shy away from a challenge. In 1982, Kenya was embroiled in an attempted coup, which led to the indefinite closure of the sole University of Nairobi. James’ high school advised students who could afford it to seek further studies abroad. He was given a list of potential universities in Canada, the U.K and the U.S: James and his family chose to apply to Canadian Universities. Based on his ‘A” levels examination...
UNB Associated Alumni awards the inaugural Alumni Legacy Scholarship
Young Alumni
Posted: July 17, 2019 4:00:00 PM ADT
Category: UNB Fredericton , Management , Young Alumni , UNB Saint John , Inspiring Stories
A University of New Brunswick student was announced as the inaugural winner of the Alumni Legacy Scholarship, established and presented by the UNB Associated Alumni. This year’s recipient, Laura Palmer, is an outstanding example of the values outlined through the scholarship – fiercely proud of the institution, dedicated to making a difference on campus and committed to carrying on the UNB alumni legacy for years to come. Valued at two-years of tuition and fees, the scholarship...
Coming 'back home' was a step forward for this engineering alumna
UNB Alumni
Posted: May 1, 2019 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: UNB Fredericton , Inspiring Stories , Engineering
Anna Robak (BScCE’01) is a proponent of always moving forward and conquering new things. So the decision to move ‘back home’ to Fredericton from New Zealand, where she had spent the last thirteen years working in global asset management, was not made lightly. A Fredericton native, Anna had gone through UNB’s civil engineering program concentrating in transportation and economics. “I wanted a career that was versatile and offered many opportunities,” she...
Meet the 2019 Proudly UNB Young Alumni Achievement Award recipients
Alumni Office
Posted: March 7, 2019 3:30:00 PM AST
Category: UNB Saint John , UNB Fredericton , Inspiring Stories
The 2019 Proudly UNB Awards will recognize six distinguished alumni, two honorary members and one alumni group at an award's dinner on April 5. In the short time since graduating from UNB, Krystle Steeves (BScKin ’05) and Kenneth Fox (BBA’07) have both taken the world by storm in their respective fields of physical therapy and finance, and will be celebrated with Young Alumni Achievement Awards for their outstanding service and accomplishments. As a physical therapist,...
Amazing stories of humanitarianism around the globe
UNB Alumni
Posted: March 6, 2019 12:00:00 AM AST
Category: Engineering , UNB Fredericton , Inspiring Stories
You would certainly be correct in calling Eugene Lewis (BScEE’64) an engineer, a professor and an entrepreneur. But beyond all of those things, the title that seems to truly fit him is humanitarian. Dr. Lewis, who taught at UNB for 37 years and Chaired the Electrical Engineering Department for 22 of them between 1980 and 2006, spent many years guiding students to think critically and problem-solve. All the while, he was applying those skills himself to solve pressing problems around the...
Problem-solving in an exciting high-profile career
UNB Alumni
Posted: August 24, 2018 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: Inspiring Stories , UNB Fredericton , Engineering
Ian Naish (MEng’71) has a face that might seem familiar. That’s because as a transportation consultant and former director at the Transportation Safety Board of Canada, he’s a media go-to spokesperson for train derailment and other major transportation news stories. Ian’s been in the transportation field since 1969 when he came to UNB fresh off a civil engineering degree from the University of London. One of his professors in London told him that transportation...
Desk Diaries: Q&A with Client Solutions Managers at Facebook Canada
Young Alumni
Posted: July 9, 2018 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: Young Alumni , UNB Saint John , UNB Fredericton
Our young alumni have transformed their UNB degrees into careers around the world. Whether their office is at a desk, on stage, in the outdoors or always on the move, we love taking a glimpse into their daily life. As Client Solutions Managers in the Global Sales Organization at Facebook Canada located in Toronto, two of our very own UNB young alumni, Farhad Aghaie Mibody (BBA'09) and Bobby Hennessey (BBA'08), tell us about their bright and creative workspaces, and the collaborative...
Desk Diaries: Q&A with Canadian Geographic's digital editor
Young Alumni
Posted: March 13, 2018 5:00:00 AM ADT
Category: Young Alumni , UNB Fredericton
Our young alumni have transformed their UNB degrees into careers around the world. Whether their office is at a desk, on stage, in the outdoors or always on the move, we love taking a glimpse into their daily life. As digital editor for Canadian Geographic magazine at their head office in Ottawa, young alumna Alexandra Pope (BPhil’06) tells us about her always-interesting (and Instagram worthy) career. Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in photography? I pursued photography...
Recognizing exceptional young alumni with Proudly UNB Awards
Young Alumni
Posted: March 13, 2018 5:00:00 AM ADT
Category: UNB Saint John , UNB Fredericton , Inspiring Stories , Young Alumni
Two remarkable young alumni will be celebrated at this year’s Proudly UNB Awards dinner on April 6 for their outstanding service and achievements. In the short time since graduating, Kaitlyn Adair (BN’11) and Firat Güder (BScCMPE'06) have taken the world by storm in their respective fields of nursing and engineering. Kaitlyn Adair graduated from UNB's Faculty of Nursing in 2011 and went on to pursue her passion for harm reduction and social justice. Soon after...
Combining their love of travel, food and blogging
Young Alumni
Posted: February 22, 2018 4:00:00 AM AST
Category: Young Alumni , UNB Fredericton
Taking their UNB degrees across the globe shortly after graduating, Luke Martin (BSc’16) and Sabrina Davidson (BSc’16), embraced more than just their love of travel. While teaching English as a foreign language in Taiwan, the New Brunswick couple explored the diverse Taiwan food scene, documenting their discoveries on their blog. Chopstick Travel, Martin and Davidson’s travel food blog and YouTube channel, takes viewers through the streets, and to...
CAMH Difference Makers in Mental Health: Lee Thomas
Young Alumni
Posted: November 14, 2017 4:00:00 AM AST
Category: Young Alumni , Inspiring Stories , UNB Fredericton
The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) launched a cross-Canada call for nominations of people influencing change in mental health and recently announced their 150 Difference Makers, a list which includes recent UNB grad, Lee Thomas (BA'15). As a student, Lee started the #MyDefinition campaign at UNB, which is a mental health anti-stigma poster campaign. Now, Lee is an entrepreneur, a motivational speaker on mental health and stigma reduction, an instructor for Mental...
A look at Kayley Reed's productivity and self care tips
Young Alumni
Posted: November 13, 2017 4:00:00 AM AST
Category: UNB Fredericton , Young Alumni
Kayley Reed (BPhil'14) is the co-founder and CEO of Wear Your Label, a fashion brand dedicated to ending the stigma around mental health. Kayley is also a passionate mental health advocate, writer, public speaker and founder of Blogger's Brunch. She has been recognized nationally and internationally for her work, including receiving a 2017 Proudly UNB Young Alumni Achievement award, the 2016 Notable Young Entrepreneur award and being named one of top 10 entrepreneurs to...
Staying organized and motivated: Work productivity tips from young alumnus Feiber Omana
Young Alumni
Posted: November 8, 2017 4:00:00 AM AST
Category: UNB Fredericton , Young Alumni
2017 Proudly UNB Young Alumni Achievement award recipient, Feiber Omana (BBA ’06), came to Fredericton as an international high school student from Colombia and, in such a short time since graduating from UNB, has taken his academic and professional career by storm. Now as the vice-president of Corporate Development and Capital Markets for Shaw Communications, Feiber is accountable for overseeing a wide variety of activities within Shaw's corporate development and strategy planning...
Young alumna places ninth in the Grand 2 Grand Ultra marathon
Young Alumni
Posted: October 31, 2017 5:00:00 AM ADT
Category: UNB Fredericton , Young Alumni , Inspiring Stories
UNB young alumna Kelsey Hogan (BPhil'16) placed second among women and ninth overall in last month's Grand 2 Grand Ultra Marathon (G2G). Facing her toughest ultra marathon to date, Hogan tackled the 273 kilometres from the North Rim of the Grand Canyon to the summit of the Grand Staircase as not only one of eight Canadians, but also as the race's youngest competitor. The Grand 2 Grand Ultra is a six stage, seven day footrace through the Utah and Arizona desert, and is the...
UNB grad takes on the Toronto Independent Film Festival and the Atlantic Film Festival with screenings of his short film
Young Alumni
Posted: September 11, 2017 5:00:00 AM ADT
Category: Inspiring Stories , UNB Fredericton , Young Alumni
Film director and UNB young alumnus Gordon Mihan (BBA ’15) will participate in the Toronto Independent Film Festival Tuesday Sept. 12, and again later this week at the Atlantic Film Festival in Halifax, with screenings of his short film The Wakefield Will. The Toronto Independent Film Festival and the Atlantic Film Festival showcase the creative talents of micro and no-budget films from around the world. “I love having a vision and getting a group of people together to help...
Reflections from past-president: Brooke Yeates
Young Alumni
Posted: August 29, 2017 5:00:00 AM ADT
Category: UNB Fredericton , UNB Saint John
Brooke Yeates served on alumni council for eight years, before taking on the president's role in 2015. During her term as president, several new initiatives were implemented including new governance processes, the launch of our U35 Young Alumni Network and the introduction of UNB Talks, an event series highlighting research and innovation at UNB. Her term also coincided with #ItBeginsHere, UNB's most ambitious fundraising campaign. As her term concludes and she begins a new chapter as...
Getting to know your Associated Alumni President: Jill Jollineau
Young Alumni
Posted: August 22, 2017 5:00:00 AM ADT
Category: UNB Fredericton , UNB Saint John
There are few as #ProudlyUNB as new Associated Alumni President, Jill Jollineau. Jill comes from a deep family history at UNB and has been a long-time volunteer with the alumni office. She has served on the Associated Alumni Council since 2009 as an incredible ambassador strengthening connections with our alumni around the world and helping future students discover UNB. She brings great passion and commitment to her new role as president, and we can't wait to see where she'll...
The stars are aligned for UNB alumnus vying to become Canada s next astronaut: Alex Delorey
Young Alumni
Posted: February 9, 2017 4:00:00 AM AST
Category: Inspiring Stories , Engineering , UNB Fredericton , Young Alumni
Childhood dreams of space travel may very well become a reality for UNB young alumnus, Alex Delorey (BScE’07), who has earned his spot as one of 72 candidates still in the running to become the next Canadian astronaut. Last summer, 3,372 applications were submitted to the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) for two astronaut positions that will be filled this year. The latest shortlist was announced last week, leaving Delorey, a Riverview New Brunswick native, excited and eager for what’s...
Fredericton native making waves in the Canadian film scene
Young Alumni
Posted: December 5, 2016 4:00:00 AM AST
Category: UNB Fredericton , Young Alumni , Inspiring Stories
UNB young alumnus, Ryan O'Toole (BA '13), is attracting the attention of the Canadian film industry with his talent and creativity. O'Toole recently participated in the 16th annual Silver Wave Film Festival with screenings of his short films, Sour World and Brookside Mall, included in the event-filled weekend. This year's festival was held Nov. 3-6 in Fredericton and has grown to become an important cultural event for Atlantic Canada, featuring films and documentaries shot in the...
UNB alumna named NB Young Humanitarian of the Year
Young Alumni
Posted: December 5, 2016 4:00:00 AM AST
Category: Young Alumni , Inspiring Stories , UNB Fredericton
Innovator, leader, entrepreneur – just three of the many words that represent New Brunswick’s Young Humanitarian of the Year, Jessica Brennan (BPhil ’15). For her commitment to helping foster leadership and volunteerism in youth, Brennan received the much deserved honour by the Canadian Red Cross on Nov. 9, alongside Humanitarian Award recipient Mahesh Raju. The Canadian Red Cross awards one Humanitarian Award and one Young Humanitarian Award annually in each of the four...
Fredericton to Rio: Alumna blogs her volunteer experience at the 2016 Olympics
Young Alumni
Posted: August 22, 2016 5:00:00 AM ADT
Category: Inspiring Stories , UNB Fredericton , Engineering , Young Alumni
While most of the country spent the past few weeks with eyes glued to the television, this was not the case for UNB young alumna, Olivia Babcock (BScEng '16), who experienced the thrill of the games up close and personal as a volunteer at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. From beach volleyball and men's soccer, to Sugarloaf Mountain and Dois Irmaos, Babcock documented her 20 day Brazilian experience in a blog, Without & About, that will surely make you want to...
Q&A: Ash Furrow
Young Alumni
Posted: August 22, 2016 5:00:00 AM ADT
Category: UNB Fredericton , Young Alumni , Computer Science
From Fredericton and Toronto, to Amsterdam and New York, Ash Furrow (BCS ’11) has taken his computer science degree to creative lengths around the globe, publishing computer science books and developing iOS apps. He talks to us about his journey and lends great advice for fellow young alumni. Q: Did you come to UNB knowing which degree program and career path you wanted to explore? Not really. I knew I wanted to do something with computers and after learning the basics of programming...
Craig Bell Estabrooks named 2016 YMCA Leader to Watch
Young Alumni
Posted: April 8, 2016 5:00:00 AM ADT
Category: Young Alumni , UNB Fredericton , Inspiring Stories
With a strong sense of pride for his hometown and province, UNB young alumnus Craig Bell Estabrooks (BA '08) was announced the YMCA of Greater Saint John's 2016 Leader to Watch for his commitment and volunteer efforts within the community. He will be honoured alongside John K.F. Irving, the recipient of this year's Red Triangle Award, at an awards gala on May 3 at the city’s new YMCA. As part of the YMCA's Red Triangle Awards program, the Leader to Watch recognizes...
Q&A: Josh O'Kane
Young Alumni
Posted: April 8, 2016 5:00:00 AM ADT
Category: Young Alumni , UNB Fredericton
UNB young alumnus Josh O'Kane tells us about his journey from UNB, to working for the Globe and Mail to writing a book on Canadian musician, Joel Plaskett. Released on April 1, O'Kane's book is entitled Nowhere with You: The East Coast Anthems of Joel Plaskett, The Emergency and Thrush Hermit. Q: Did you come to UNB knowing which degree program and career path you wanted to explore? In high school, I was 100 per cent certain I was going to be a doctor, so I enrolled in science. That...
From the V-Reds to the Maple Leafs: Young alumnus makes his mark
Young Alumni
Posted: February 11, 2016 4:00:00 AM AST
Category: Management , Inspiring Stories , UNB Fredericton
What began as a marketing project in the BBA program became much more for UNB young alumnus, Andrew Brewer (BBA '08). As Assistant Coach for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Brewer works on and off the ice in a hockey career he has always dreamed of. From the Aitken Centre, to the Olympic stage and now the NHL, the Fredericton native is making his mark on the sport. Brewer joined the Leafs in June of 2015, alongside Coach Mike Babcock, where he brings an eye for detail to the team. Analyzing...
Young alumna helping Syrian refugees immigrate to Canada
Young Alumni
Posted: February 11, 2016 4:00:00 AM AST
Category: UNB Fredericton , UNB Saint John , Inspiring Stories , Young Alumni
Two-time UNB young alumna, navy Lieutenant Sheena Teed (BA ’06, BN ’13), has taken her nursing degree across the globe to Beirut, Lebanon. As a Nursing Officer for the Canadian Armed Forces, navy Lt. Teed oversees the lab section of an immigration medical exam clinic, which processes tests for Syrian refugees immigrating to Canada. Patients entering the clinic receive blood and urine testing, and undergo behavior analysis as part of the immigration...
Young alumna raises mental health awareness through clothing line
Young Alumni
Posted: November 12, 2015 4:00:00 AM AST
Category: Inspiring Stories , UNB Fredericton , Young Alumni
From the classroom to the runway, UNB young alumna Kayley Reed (BPhil ’14) and Kyle MacNevin have given fashion a new meaning through their clothing line Wear Your Label (WYL). Launched in the summer of 2014, WYL is turning passion into impact with clothing designs that spark positive conversations around mental health. The brand includes a collection of t-shirts, sweatshirts and leggings, which sport phrases such as “Sad But Rad” and “Self-Care Isn't...
Q&A: Nathan Munroe
Young Alumni
Posted: November 9, 2015 4:00:00 AM AST
Category: Management , Young Alumni , UNB Fredericton , UNB Saint John
Whether you're a recent grad or an experienced professional, there's no better time to be thoughtful about your professional life and career. Two-time UNB young alumnus, Nathan Munroe (BBA '12, MBA '14,) shares his experiences since graduating and chimes in with great advice for fellow alumni. Q: Did you come to UNB knowing which degree program and career path you wanted to explore? Like many, I came to UNB pretty unsure of what my future had in store. I finished high-school with grades...