Sixteen students at the University of New Brunswick have achieved distinction as the 2011 recipients of the Sir Howard Douglas Award.
The award recipients are all dean’s list students who volunteer their time and talent in many ways.
“These 16 individuals are remarkable students,” said Eddy Campbell, president and vice-chancellor of UNB. “These young men and women excel academically and also invest a significant amount of time making a difference on campus, in their communities and around the world.”
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 2011 scholars were addressed by Pauline Lordon who is the department head of Allied Health at the New Brunswick Community College in Saint John. She holds three degrees from UNB.
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 126 members including this year’s inductees.
UNB’s 2011 Sir Howard Douglas Scholars are:
Andrew Barrett, Victoria, B.C., Bachelor of Philosophy in Leadership Studies, UNB Fredericton, believes in the power of political engagement and giving youth a voice. Andrew has volunteered with Elections NB and is founder of a student services program at Sherubtse College at the Royal University in Bhutan. He is also the founder of a music program in Nepal.
John Boldon, Fredericton, N.B., Bachelor of Science, Honours in Biology and Chemistry, UNB Fredericton, is a well-rounded individual with a thirst for knowledge who enjoys giving back to the community. He is a student senator at UNB in Fredericton, a volleyball coach and volunteers much of his time at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital.
Ryan Brideau, Miramichi, N.B., Bachelor of Science, Major in Physics and Bachelor of Science, Honours in Economics, UNB Fredericton, is a leader and student advocate. He is vice-president external for the UNB Student Union in Fredericton, has served on a number of committees and boards, and lobbied politicians in the provincial legislature and in Ottawa on behalf of students. He also served with Engineers Without Borders Canada in Ghana.
Caitlyn Carpenter, Rothesay, N.B., Bachelor of Science, Major in Biology, Minor in Chemistry, UNB Saint John, is committed to giving back to her community and making a difference in the lives of others. She is president of the student volunteer unit with the UNB Student’s Representative Council in Saint John, and volunteers in Paediatrics at the Saint John Regional Hospital and the Backyard Book Club.
Mircea Davidescu, Bucharest, Romania, Bachelor of Computer Science, Bachelor of Science, Major in Biochemistry, UNB Fredericton, is dedicated to global outreach and helping others. He is a peer mentor in UNB’s faculty of computer science in Fredericton and a volunteer webmaster for IT Revolutions. He has also produced educational videos on Balkan History, a project designed to promote diversity and the region’s rich culture.
Joanne Delaney, Harbour Grace, N.L., Bachelor of Science, Major in Medicinal Chemistry, UNB Fredericton, is passionate about science and sharing her love of learning with young children. She is a volunteer at the Bee NB Summer Camps and the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital. In touch with her musical side, Joanne is also a cellist with the Fredericton Chamber Orchestra and the UNBF String Orchestra.
Erica Forward, Saint John, N.B., Bachelor of Science, Major in Biology and Psychology, UNB Saint John, loves to be involved and aims to enhance the community and student life at the University of New Brunswick. She is a member of the Golden Key Honours Society and the UNBSJ Seawolves Varsity Woman’s Basketball team. She volunteers with the Backyard Book Club, Best Buddies, and the Saint John Regional Hospital.
Isatu Johnson, Saint John, N.B., Bachelor of Nursing, UNB Saint John, is the founding member and volunteer director of multicultural events at the All Women Empowerment Development Association. Her goal is to empower immigrant women to improve their lives and the lives of others. Isatu is also a peer mentor, Sunday school teacher assistant, class representative, and member of several campus clubs.
Xu Liang Li, Wuhan, P.R. China, Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Chemical), UNB Fredericton, is an outstanding scholar who holds various awards and achieves top marks. Xu has served as vice-president of finance for Engineers Without Borders, treasurer of the University Women’s Centre and secretary, treasurer and social director with the Overseas Chinese Students Association. Xu has achieved Dean’s List standing every year of her chemical engineering undergraduate degree at UNB.
Katriena McKay, Island View, N.B., Bachelor of Science, Honours in Biology, UNB Fredericton, engages children, youth and older adults through teaching, sharing and learning experiences locally and internationally. She is a volunteer with the Veterans’ Health Unit at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital and Let’s Talk Science. She was also a participant in the CISV International People’s Program, We Dare to Care.
Ellen Snyder, Fredericton, N.B., Bachelor of Arts, Honours in Anthropology, and Bachelor of Science, Honours in Biology and Chemistry, UNB Fredericton, plans to help others by using her talents to become a medical researcher and practising physician. She is a volunteer at the Veterans’ Health Unit at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital, a peer mentor in the faculty of science at UNB Fredericton and founder of the Society of Arts and Science Students.
Caroline Spindler, Lower Sackville, N.S., Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, UNB Fredericton, uses compassion and enthusiasm to help those living with physical disabilities. She is a volunteer in the physiotherapy department at the Stan Cassidy Centre for Rehabilitation and co-president of the Kinesiology Society at UNB Fredericton. She is also a peer mentor in the faculty of kinesiology and planning assistant for the 80th Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences.
Holly Steeves, Saint John, N.B., Bachelor of Science, Major in Mathematics and Statistics, UNB Saint John, has put her mathematic skills to the test by participating in the APICS Math Competition and Conference. She also uses this passion for math and science to tutor other students and grade assignments for professors. When not working with numbers, Holly is volunteering with the Heart and Stroke Foundation, and serving as youth co-ordinator for Second State Safe Haven Housing.
Joanne Westall, Fredericton, N.B., Bachelor of Education, Major in Adult Education, UNB Fredericton, is an adult learner and outstanding scholar who knows how to juggle her time. She serves as vice-president of promotions and vice-president of finance for Adult Learners, Part- time Students (ALPS). She also volunteers at the McAdam Avenue School library and the Allergy and Asthma Information Association.
Madeleine Whalen, Fredericton, N.B., Bachelor of Arts, Honours in International Development and Spanish, Minor in Theatre, UNB Fredericton, has put her multi-language skills to good use. She is a community liaison worker with the Multicultural Association of Fredericton for francophone schools and co-vice-president of events and outreach with Engineers Without Borders. She ties in her love of drama by volunteering with Theatre UNB in Fredericton.
Ashley Wile, Leminster, N.S., Bachelor of Science, Major in Psychology, UNB Fredericton, is helping to make the student experience a great one. Through her work on the UNB Senate and Student Union as vice-president internal, she advocates for and promotes student rights. She is also a dedicated UNB Redshirts volunteer.
