UNB News
News and stories from one of Canada’s top universities

If you only had 11 minutes, what would you say? Some of New Brunswick’s most interesting people will have 11 minutes on stage. They’ll be using 11 muscles to talk. 11 Minutes/11 Muscles was conceived and is organized by students in the University of New Brunswick’s Masters of Business Administration professional development class to help support Muscular Dystrophy Canada. This evening of inspiring, captivating and entertaining short talks will take place tonight at 7 p.m. at the new Fredericton Convention Center. "The students wanted to do something meaningful,” said Ian LaPoint, MBA candidate and event chair.  “For many, this is their first experience working with a charity. Seeing the impact their skills, knowledge and initiative has been deeply satisfying and induced a passion to contribute more to our community." Inspired by the TED talks featured on ted.com, 11 Minutes/11 Muscles will be an evening of short dynamic talks followed by a silent auction and reception. The evening will feature the following speakers: Graydon Nicholas, Lieutenant-Governor of New Brunswick; Freeman Patterson, photographer and writer ; Rachel Pulfer, international program director, journalists for human rights; Stanton Friedman, nuclear physicist, ufologist and one of the original investigators of the UFO Roswell incident; Brian Duplessis, executive director, United Way; and David Adam Richards, author, playwright  and St. Thomas University writer in residence. Daniel Coleman, the dean of the Faculty of Business Administration at UNB Fredericton says he’s very pleased to see the MBA students undertake this project. “It reinforces a number of learning goals for the program including working with others, thinking creatively and critically inside and outside the classroom,” said Dr. Coleman. “It’s obviously a very important cause and will hopefully benefit our community. It also demonstrates our focus on social responsibility, a vital characteristic for businesses and their managers.”  Muscular Dystrophy Canada (MDC) is a not-for-profit organization that provides help and support for the estimated 50,000+ Canadians living with neuromuscular disorders.  Over time, persons with neuromuscular disorders may lose the use of their hands, feet, legs, speech and eventually their ability to breathe.  These disorders can be fatal and there currently is no cure. As a result of the generosity of donors, Muscular Dystrophy Canada is able to make a real difference in the lives of people affected by muscular dystrophy. Tickets are $50 (general admission) or $30 (students). All funds raised by ticket sales and the silent auction will be donated to Muscular Dystrophy Canada and will be used to help the Fredericton Chapter of MDC assist those in the region living with neuromuscular disorders. For more information, contact: Ian LaPointe Steering Committee, Chair (MBA Candidate) ian.lapointe@unb.ca 476.7319