Impact of Giving

Professor Tom Evans was passionate about teaching history, and thanks to a scholarship he established in his parents’ names, generations of students will benefit from that passion.

Born and raised in Fredericton, Tom completed his bachelor of arts in history at UNB in 1960, taking part in many campus activities. His entry from UNB’s Up the Hill yearbook said of Tom, “his quiet and easy manner have made him well liked by all who know him.”

After graduation and with the aid of a Beaverbrook Postgraduate Overseas Scholarship, he went on to attain his master’s degree from King’s College London. Later, he also studied at the University of California at Berkeley. Studying in three different countries gave Tom a great variety of experiences which he remembered fondly, but throughout his life he identified strongly with UNB and Fredericton.

The majority of Tom’s career was spent at Memorial University of Newfoundland. He was a gifted lecturer whose great academic passion was the history of 17th century Britain.

It was in 2013 that Tom established the David and Ethel Evans Scholarship in History in honour of his parents. Thanks to a bequest of $425,000 there are now four scholarships, valued at $4,000 each, awarded annually to students honouring in history.

Retired UNB classics professor Bob Smith (BA ’59, MA ’61, BEd ’63) met Tom as a preschooler in Sunday school. “Tom and I had a lifetime of friendship, and knowing what both UNB and his parents meant to him, I am delighted but not surprised to learn he has honoured them in this way,” said Bob.

“The students who receive his support will have a lifetime of benefit. Hundreds, perhaps thousands of students will benefit from Tom’s generosity.”

History chair Dr. Lisa Todd expressed the department’s gratitude for the award. “The history department greatly appreciates the generosity of alumni like Prof. Evans. Investing in the next generation of historians would, I think, be a great source of pride for someone who devoted his career to education.”

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

Learn how you can make a bequest.

Read the full Donor Impact Report