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Throughout the last 50 years, UNB Saint John has developed and maintained strong connections with the community of Saint John, and has contributed significantly to the cultural, economic and social well-being of the region.

The 50^th Anniversary Gala Dinner, held on April 30^th, celebrated a half century of excellence at UNB Saint John while assuring its future by raising funds for the 50^th Anniversary Scholarship Fund. 

The money raised to date of a grand total of $133,345 is well over our goal of $100,000.  The success of the evening has allowed us to support UNB Saint John students beginning in September 2015 and for generations to come.

“UNB Saint John's faculty and students have transformed our university, this city, and the province,” said UNB Board Chair Kathy McCain

This was abundantly clear at the Gala Dinner as the sold out crowd of almost 300 gathered to hear the poignant and touching words of alumnus Ji Li and scholarship recipient Jaclynn Beckett.  Each had their own story to tell, but one message was clear – their lives had been transformed as a result of their time at UNB Saint John.

Jaclynn Beckett, a third year nursing student, is a current recipient of the Richard J. Currie Scholarship, one of the largest undergraduate scholarships in this country.

“The scholarship changed my life,” said Beckett.

“Being awarded my scholarship allowed me not only the opportunity to get through my schooling with no debt, but to also live in residence.”

“It has facilitated my growth in leadership as I began to get involved in extracurricular activities here on campus. This opportunity has been a gift.”

Ji Li came to Canada as a talented and ambitious immigrant. He applied to one university in Canada - UNB.  While completing a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Saint John, he opened Golden Leaf Market and won the Saint John Board of Trade’s Young Entrepreneur Award in 2007.

“I love UNB Saint John, for it gave me everything I need and more than I expected,” says Li. “I belong to UNB.”

The 50th Anniversary began in the fall of 2014 with festivities and a tremendous feeling of pride across the entire university. Over the course of the year several events were held to celebrate the rich history of our Saint John campus. These events brought together old friends and showcased just how far we have come.

UNB Saint John is a campus built by a community, and we are proud to have retained close ties to the city and region throughout the last 50 years.

We look forward to the next 50 years.