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Involvement in their university and community, plus excellent grades, has earned 16 University of New Brunswick students the distinction of being inducted into the Sir Howard Douglas Society.

The award recipients are all dean’s list students who volunteer their time and talents in a number of ways, both locally and internationally.

“Our students are the future and I am very proud of what they have accomplished on campus, in their communities and around the world,” said UNB President Eddy Campbell.

“The Sir Howard Douglas Scholars are a shining example of what young people can achieve through dedication, kindness, and willingness to help others.”

Nominated by their faculties, the scholars must have completed two years in 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 2014 scholars were addressed by Sandra Irving, UNB alumna and philanthropist.

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 communication 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 171 members including this year’s inductees.

UNB’s 2014 Sir Howard Douglas Scholars are:

Blair Doolaege, Olds, A.B., Bachelor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Leadership Studies, UNB Fredericton, believes that education opens the door to choices and that choices provide opportunities for equality. She is a committee member of Relay for Life at UNB, committed to raising awareness for cancer. She is a UNB Student Ambassador with the Pond-Deshpande Centre and also a residence proctor at Neville Jones House. 

James Fowler, Fredericton, N.B., Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, UNB Fredericton, is passionate about sports and enjoys sharing his knowledge with young developing players and seeing their improvement, and so, serves as the assistant coach for the Junior Varsity Girls Soccer team of Fredericton High School. He is also the medical co-chair of UNB Fredericton’s Leadership Team and a volunteer at the Stan Cassidy Center for Rehabilitation.

Anna Fricker, Groves Point, N.B., Bachelor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Leadership Studies, UNB Fredericton, believes every individual has the potential to be a catalyst for positive change, and she helped UNB students make commitments to contribute to peace, tolerance and environmental sustainability as a Global Youth Ambassador for Active8. She was the coordinator of the One Match event at UNB promoting the Canadian Bone Marrow Donor Registry and is also a volunteer at Chrysalis House.

Marissa Gale, Rothesay, N.B., Bachelor of Science (Biology), UNB Saint John, believes empathy enables her to help those in need. She is committed to various volunteer tasks in order to be a giving individual within her community, including volunteering at the Saint John Regional Hospital. Every year, she raises money and participates in Xerox Curl for Cancer and Walk for MS.  She is also a mentor with the UNB Saint John Promise Partnership.

Brittany LeBlanc, Moncton, N.B., Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, UNB Fredericton, wishes to be a role model, especially to young children. She is a volunteer with KIN Kids and a mentor with the Pediatrics Lifestyle Management Program, encouraging physical activity among children. She also serves as a volunteer at Priestman Street School, a Kinesiology peer mentor and UNB House Committee member.

Ian Miller, Fredericton, N.B., Bachelor of Arts (Classics), UNB Fredericton, is dedicated to raising others’ awareness about secular humanists in New Brunswick. He is the creator of Fredericton Freethinkers, which participates in community outreach. He is a tutor of Latin and Greek at UNB and a member of the Lac Vieux Desert Band of Chippewas and wishes to raise the profile of Native scholars.

Steven Morrison, Saint John, N.B., Bachelor of Science (Biology and Psychology), UNB Saint John, is passionate about research and is constantly seeking new ways to expand his experiences while positively contributing to the community. He serves as the vice-president of research for the UNB Saint John AIDS/HIV Initiative, working to raise awareness for the prevention and transmission of HIV. He is also a mentor with the UNB Saint John Promise Partnership and a volunteer at the Saint John Regional Hospital.

 Amos Muir, Saint John, N.B., Bachelor of Business Administration (Marketing), UNB Saint John, is dedicated to providing support to those in need at a global level. He is an administrative volunteer at the SIL Togo-Benin, a linguistic NGO, which helps minority language communities. As a member of the Grand Bay Baptist Youth Group, he helps the program provide a safe space for youth. He is also a volunteer with the Canadian Red Cross as well as the Refugee Settlement.

Zachary Price, Fredericton, N.B., Bachelor of Science (Biology), UNB Fredericton, is determined to commit nothing less than his absolute best efforts towards all of his academics, volunteering commitments and leadership initiatives. He is a peer mentor with the UNB faculty of science and a member of the Global Brigades UNB Leadership Team. He is also a volunteer with Jobs Unlimited, which facilitates job placements for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Brandon Rosvall, Rothesay, N.B., Bachelor of Science (Biology and Psychology), UNB Fredericton, has a passion for working with youth. He was a role model for young children as a mentor with the UNB Saint John Promise Partnership. He is also a Waterski Camp youth counsellor and instructor and a volunteer at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital. He is a Student Representative of the Golden Key Society consisting of students striving to make a positive impact within the community. 

Joseph Sanford, Saint John, N.B., Bachelor of Arts (Political Science), UNB Saint John, believes in the rewarding experience of giving back to our youth. He is a coach for Saint John Soccer and teaches young children lifelong skills such as teamwork and positive social skills. He is a volunteer Medical First Responder with the St. John Ambulance and is also involved with the UNB Saint John AIDS/HIV Initiative as vice-president of research, working towards helping to reduce the stigmatization of people suffering from this disease.

Mitchell Small, Fredericton, N.B., Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, UNB Fredericton, appreciates the importance of being involved. He aspires to contribute to the success of those around him. He serves as the advisor for the 14^th Fredericton Venturer Scouts Company and wishes to instill commendable values among youth. He is also the vice-president of the Mechanical Engineering Student Society and the organizing committee chair of the Annual UNB Fredericton Robotics Competition.

Rebecca Stieva, Hanwell, N.B., Bachelor of Arts (History), UNB Fredericton, is dedicated to ensuring that the youth who face difficult situations in life find a place where they may be accepted. She is a volunteer with the children’s ministry at the Smythe Street Cathedral, where she helps young children realize their potential to promote change. She is an executive member of the Intervarsity Christian Fellowship and also the editor-in-chief of Timepieces, working to allow the journal to reflect the talent and ability of history students at UNB.

Lee Thomas, Whitecourt, A.B., Bachelor of Arts (English and Political Science), UNB Fredericton, is passionate about various causes, including mental illness, gender identity and sexual identity discrimination, racism, sexism, sexual violence and other social issues, and dedicates her energy to raising awareness about these issues. She is the LGBTQ representative on the UNB Student Union and serves as the voice for issues that affect all students. She is also the arts editor of The Brunswickan, residence proctor at Harrison House and a peer mentor with the Faculty of Arts.

Benjamin Whitney, Saint John, N.B., Bachelor of Business Administration, UNB Fredericton, is passionate about being involved within the community in order to improve its state. He has put forth various efforts towards accomplishing that goal, including serving as a co-founder of the Campus Wellness Challenge, helping other individuals get motivated to better their lives. As the president of the UNB Student Union, he contributes to internal and external policy reforms and provincial and federal lobbying efforts for the betterment of the academic experiences of all students at UNB.

Felix Zhou, Fredericton, N.B., Bachelor of Science (Biology), UNB Fredericton, believes that a proper education is the most crucial step in the foundation of a community and is passionate about helping youth develop valuable skill sets for life. He is the coach for the Leo Hayes High School’s Junior Varsity Men’s Soccer team and the camp leader for the Summer Reading Club at Keswick Valley Memorial School. He volunteers at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital and served as a coordinator for the All Science Challenge.

To arrange a media interview, please contact Kelsey Seymour.