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

The first building that students at the University of New Brunswick in Saint John will see when they arrive on campus will be the Hans W. Klohn Commons.

The commons, a state-of-the-art, student-centered learning and social space, officially opened today, Sept. 7.

The $25-million project was made possible through financial contributions from all three levels of government, members of the community, alumni, faculty, staff, corporations and friends.

The federal government contributed $8 million through the Government of Canada’s Knowledge Infrastructure Program (KIP).

“Investing in science and research is vital to Canada’s future economic growth,” said the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology). “Our government’s investment in new and renovated research and academic facilities has created jobs, while giving researchers and students the tools they need to become the best in the world.”

The provincial government invested $10.3 million in the project.

“Our public universities and their graduates play a key role in the economic development of our province and our communities,” said the Honourable Martine Coulombe , Minister of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour. “Education and research remain priorities for our government. The Hans W. Klohn Commons Building is an important and strategic asset for Saint John and New Brunswick. This is why our government committed to this project.”

The City of Saint John also contributed $2 million, making it the largest gift UNB has received from a municipal government.  The municipalities of Quispamsis, Hampton, and St. Martin’s also provided significant support to the project.

The Hans W. Klohn Commons is the essential gathering place for students. It offers them the latest in technology, writing and library services, as well as high-quality learning and research facilities. Its key components are: a student technology centre; writing, math and statistics tutoring centres; and classroom and conference rooms.  It integrates IT, information services, the computing centre and library in a single, user-friendly meeting place for the entire community.

A library of the future, the commons will hold artworks from around the world and feature areas that can be transformed in minutes from seating spaces to guest lecture halls and back again.

“The Saint John campus has grown considerably over the years and the needs of our students have changed,” said UNB President Eddy Campbell. “We know that learning doesn’t just take place in a classroom or behind a book, it happens in study groups, common areas and on the Internet. That’s what the commons does, it brings together, under one roof, the essential technology and learning opportunities that our students need to be successful in their academic careers. I’m also proud to say that the commons is an entirely green building. This building would not have happened had it not have been for the generous support of donors and our government partners.”

The commons is the cornerstone of the Tucker Park enhancement project, which includes the refurbished Canada Games Stadium, the Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick facility, and the New Brunswick Community College’s Allied Health building.  As a regional centre of excellence, it will be a central resource for the university’s partners.

The Hans W. Klohn Commons is named for prominent New Brunswick businessman Hans W. Klohn who is well known for his many contributions to the steel fabrication and construction industry in Atlantic Canada, New England and beyond.

-30-

Contact:

Gary Toft
Office of the Honourable Gary Goodyear
Minister of State (Science and Technology)
(613)-943-7599

Marc Angers
Communications
Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour
(506) 453-2537.

Natalie Montgomery
UNB Communications and Marketing
(506) 458-7215 (o)
(506) 461-2449 (c)