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Twenty two students at the University of New Brunswick have achieved distinction as the 2010 recipients of the Sir Howard Douglas Award.

The award recipients are all dean’s list students who volunteer their time and talent at the university, in their communities and around the world.

“Sir Howard Douglas Scholars see opportunity where others see obstacles,” said UNB President Eddy Campbell. “They want to build a world where dignity and character come first. They are a shining example of what we can achieve at UNB.”

Nominated by their faculties, the scholars must have completed two years of their bachelor’s degree program, achieved academic excellence and actively participated in co-curricular or extracurricular activities. Recipients are inducted into the Sir Howard Douglas Society of Scholars.

At a dinner in their honour, the 2010 scholars were addressed by alumnus Gururaj (Desh) Deshpande. Dr. Deshpande graduated from UNB in 1975 with a master’s degree in electrical engineering and received an honorary doctor of science from UNB in 2001. He is chairman of A123 Systems, Sycamore Networks, Tejas Networks, Sandstone Capital and HiveFire.

Members of the Sir Howard Douglas Society have the opportunity to participate in special university events and become part of a network of outstanding students. As the honour society grows each year, new members will have the opportunity to meet and interact with past recipients of the Sir Howard Douglas Award.

Born in Scotland, Sir Howard Douglas served as lieutenant-governor of New Brunswick from 1823 to 1831. During his term, he encouraged development, sought support for native peoples, improved communications and promoted education. Sir Howard was a founder and the first chancellor of King’s College Fredericton, predecessor to UNB.

Established in 2006, the Sir Howard Douglas Society of Scholars has 110 members including this year’s inductees.

UNB’s 2010 Sir Howard Douglas Scholars are:

Shannon Amey – Brampton, Ont., bachelor of education, UNB Fredericton – takes the experiential learning that she developed at Renaissance College and applies it to helping students of all ages and backgrounds, both locally and internationally. While studying at UNB, Shannon has volunteered with the Volunteer Network and the Student Union Council. She has also been a student ambassador and has worked with Preventative Action for Community Kids.

Terry Cormier – Moncton, N.B., bachelor of nursing, UNB Moncton – is passionate about making a difference in the lives of others. He is a peer mentor and a member of the Healthy Community Committee. Academically, he is an outstanding scholar and adult learner who holds various awards and achieves top marks.

Philippe Couturier – Fredericton, N.B., bachelor of science in engineering (mechanical), UNB Fredericton – is a well-rounded individual with a thirst for knowledge. He has exceptional technical skills and an unwavering knowledge of crucial lifesaving abilities. Through the Quest 4 Girls Club, he is able to excite younger students about science and engineering.

Meghan Fox – Fredericton, N.B., bachelor of science in kinesiology, UNB Fredericton – is a leader among the youth of New Brunswick, helping them to better understand themselves. She is a peer mentor for other UNB students and works with a local school. In touch with her spiritual and musical side, Meghan teaches flute and is a pianist for two choirs.

Ash Furrow – Woodstock, N.B., bachelor of computer science, UNB Fredericton – is committed to helping ease the troubles of UNB computer users. His extracurricular activities focus on engaging computer science students outside of the classroom. Ash is an active member of the UNB Programming Club, where he uses creative thinking to solve problems.

Matthew Hall – Windsor, Ont., bachelor of science in engineering (mechanical), UNB Fredericton – is trying to create a better world. He is an executive member of Engineers Without Borders, helping others to better understand the world around them, and is a tireless crusader for sustainable energy.

Matthew Havenga – Wood Islands, P.E.I., bachelor of science, honours in biology, UNB Fredericton – is a people person. He works with both the elderly and the young, keeping them active through various wellness activities. As a hall proctor for residence, Matthew is responsible for helping students adjust to university life.

Nicholas Howard – Charlottetown, P.E.I., bachelor of philosophy in leadership studies, UNB Fredericton – understands the importance of communication. He has spent two years as an opinion columnist and one year as the copy editor for UNB Fredericton’s student newspaper, The Brunswickan. Nicholas has also been a member of UNB’s poverty reduction research team.

Janet Jorgensen – Olds, Alta., bachelor of philosophy in leadership studies, UNB Fredericton – thinks globally, but acts locally. She is involved with Engineers Without Borders, the New Brunswick Africa Association forum, and helps international students with their taxes. She has taught English overseas to youth at risk and disabled children, and has volunteered on an ecological reserve.

Colin Macdonald - Dwight, Ont., bachelor of science in forestry, UNB Fredericton – is an outdoor enthusiast. As a student in forestry, he has a unique knowledge of our forests and is interested in making them sustainable. Colin is actively involved with organizing the UNB Woodsmen Competition. When not studying, Colin enjoys camping, canoeing, white water kayaking and travelling.

Scott McKinnon - Saint John, N.B., bachelor of arts and bachelor of education, UNB Saint John – is an advocate for youth. He is actively involved with the Boys and Girls Club of Saint John where he has held various positions, including after school counsellor, member of the Board of Directors and planning committee member. He has also worked at a number of youth camps.

Jonathan O’Kane – Saint John, N.B., bachelor of science, major in physics, UNB Fredericton – is helping to make the student experience a great one. Through his work as the Student Union president and member of UNB’s Board of Governors, he advocates for and promotes student rights. Jon also has a passion for theatre and has been involved in 14 productions, in both leading and supporting roles.

Sarah Olsen – Ottawa, Ont., bachelor of recreation and sport studies and bachelor of education, minor in French, UNB Fredericton – has strong organizational skills. As the co-producer of UNB’s production of The Vagina Monologues, she is responsible for budgets, cast and logistics. Sarah balances this with tutoring, her own studies, and part-time work. In her free time, Sarah likes to read and write, and collect, listen to and create music.

Taryn O’Neill – Saint John, N.B., bachelor of science, major in biology, minor in chemistry, UNB Saint John – is co-president of the Biology Society and is a science representative for the Students’ Representative Council. When she’s not in class, Taryn organizes, composes and acts in chemistry tutorial videos. Taryn holds an NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award to study the biological activity of certain plant species.

Leah Richardson – Saint John, N.B., bachelor of science, major in biology, UNB Saint John – is vice-president of student affairs with the Students’ Representative Council. Leah is impacting the lives of children as a Children’s Ministry co-ordinator and through her work with the Children’s Summer Backyard Book Program.

J. Kyle Roherty – Atholville, N.B., bachelor of science, honours in biochemistry, UNB Fredericton – was chosen as one of Rising Stars of Research top 100 undergraduate science and engineering researchers in Canada. He is actively involved in the community through his work with Habitat for Humanity and his work as a paediatrics volunteer at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital.

Saghar Sadeghi – Saint John, N.B., bachelor of science, UNB Saint John – is the founder of the Circle K International Club at UNB Saint John. Saghar is an active member of the university where she is involved with more than 10 clubs, societies and groups. She is also a member of the local Bahá’í community.

Amanda Sadleir – Quispamsis, N.B., bachelor of arts, honours in politics, major in international studies, UNB Saint John – is a leader in time management. She holds two part-time jobs, is a Saint John Board of Trade student intern and volunteers for the Canadian Cancer Society. She is also the president of the Political Science Students’ Association and is a faculty of arts representative for the Students’ Representative Council.

Katelyn Trecartin – Quispamsis, N.B., bachelor of arts and bachelor of education, UNB Saint John – has a passion for music, both as a musician and as a teacher. She has had many opportunities to work with youth, through music, as a nanny and with the Boys and Girls Club, all of which are preparing her for her career as a teacher.

Lauren Vail – Sussex, N.B., bachelor of business administration, honours in accounting and concentration in human resources management, UNB Fredericton – is actively involved with UNB orientation and is planning the 36th Shinerama Campaign. She is also a student senator, liaising between the Senate and the UNB Student Union, and a peer mentor.

Tashina Van Vlack – Golden, B.C., bachelor of science in kinesiology, UNB Fredericton – is an Academic All-Canadian, excelling in both academics and sport. When Tashina isn’t playing basketball, she is working as a breast cancer research assistant. In her spare time, she volunteers at the Stan Cassidy Rehabilitation Centre where she provides assistance to physiotherapists.

Amanda Whitehead – Fredericton, N.B., bachelor of philosophy in leadership studies, UNB Fredericton – is working as a teaching assistant, evaluating international internship programs. Her interest in international development has led her to a 10-week internship in Ecuador and her involvement with Engineers Without Borders. She contributes locally by tutoring UNB students.