Impact of Giving

Bob Young (BBA’74) and Pat Neill both know firsthand the challenges that come from supporting oneself through university – both came from economically challenged backgrounds and worked to fund their own educations. While this was rewarding they say, it was also challenging. “We want to make this a little easier for future students.”

Bob and Pat have established the Robert (Bob) Young and Pat Neill Bursary at UNB Saint John, awarded based on financial need to upper-year bachelor of arts or bachelor of business administration students. Along with funding the bursary in their lifetimes, they have also included it in their estate planning, ensuring support for struggling students for generations to come.

As a member of UNB Saint John’s first class of business graduates, Bob says he has always felt a strong sense of connection to UNB and to his graduating class – he and Pat would attend reunions every five years during two and a half decades spent in Toronto. While not an alumna herself, Pat also built strong friendships with Bob’s classmates, ultimately easing the couple’s eventual move to Saint John. “I have always felt a need to give back to the school that has had such an impact on my life,” says Bob.

It’s important to both Pat and Bob that they support organizations that have enriched their lives, and part of that is via gifts that will live on through their estate.

“We were given an opportunity early in life to obtain an education that served us well during our working years. We want to help students have the same opportunity we have had, and not be restricted by the financial constraints of today’s costs.

“When you receive letters of appreciation from scholarship recipients that tell you about the impact that the bursary has had on their personal and educational experience, you know it’s the right thing to do. Providing a legacy donation allows this to continue well beyond your lifetime.”

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