Impact of Giving

Marilyn Garland considered herself “small but mighty.” A force to be reckoned with, she easily held her own in the company of UNB’s basketball teams, which she so loved.

A steadfast donor to UNB during her life, upon her death in 2018 Marilyn (BT 1979) left the university a generous bequest of $100,000, divided evenly between an athletics scholarship for New Brunswick students and an engineering scholarship she established in her late husband’s name.

A teacher by profession, Marilyn is remembered as a caring, passionate individual with a love for people, travel, and the environment. She was a busy volunteer, giving her time to the UNB Faculty Women’s Club, St. Paul’s United Church, Beta Sigma Phi, Fredericton Art Club and CFUW Fredericton, along with many book clubs.

Marilyn came to UNB from Moncton in the 1950s with her husband Eric (BSECE 1954, BSEME 1955), one of the university’s longest-serving teachers and administrators. Dr. Eric Garland began his career at UNB as professor of engineering and retired in 1994 as Associate Vice- President (Administration). Eric passed away in 1997.

Among Marilyn’s many interests, none was stronger than her love for UNB basketball. She was a fixture at Varsity Reds games, most notably at the annual Eric Garland Basketball Tournaments, when players would seek her out before the games in order to receive hugs and encouragement.

She loved meeting and cooking meals for scholarship recipients and formed lasting relationships with many.

“She was a passionate supporter of our program,” said Reds men’s basketball coach Brent Baker, recalling how, just a few months before her death, Marilyn watched from home as UNB won the championship title and excitedly emailed the team with praise for individual players.

The Eric C. & Marilyn M. Garland Athletic Award is awarded to a student entering UNB from a New Brunswick high school who is a member of a UNB varsity team and shows exceptional leadership qualities. In 2020-2021, this scholarship is valued at $2,000.

The Eric C. Garland Scholarship, valued at $1,000, is awarded annually to a student enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Civil) program. This award is given primarily on the basis of demonstrated leadership or community involvement – qualities of great importance to Marilyn Garland.

A $50,000 gift in your will can establish a $2,000 scholarship for students forever.

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