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Stewart McKelvey, Atlantic Canada’s first regional law firm, today announced it is furthering its commitment to UNB law students with a leadership gift of $200,000. This donation will support the Frank Covert and Stewart McKelvey scholarships and create a new scholarship to promote and encourage diversity among the entering class.

UNB Dean of Law John Williamson is proud of the firm’s support. “These are some of the most valuable renewable scholarships for upper-year students and they represent just a portion of the support the firm provides our students. It is important to give our next generation of top lawyers a great start, and Stewart McKelvey is helping us achieve that goal.”

Student support is a significant part of UNB’s $110-million fundraising campaign, It Begins Here, which was launched in November. Fully one-half of the campaign goal – $55 million – will be dedicated to student financial support, funding scholarships, bursaries and programs to expand accessibility.

“I wish to thank Stewart McKelvey for this gift,” says Eddy Campbell, UNB president and vice-chancellor. “Increasing diversity is a priority for both the law school and Stewart McKelvey, helping us as we build strong, healthy and mutually beneficial relationships within the communities that we serve.”

UNB alumna and Stewart McKelvey CEO and Managing Partner Lydia Bugden confirms that the new scholarship reflects many of the firm’s core beliefs. “As a firm, we value diversity and are committed to providing a workplace that fosters a culture of awareness, appreciation and respect,” says Ms. Bugden. “We believe that diversity and inclusion enhance the delivery of legal services to clients and what better way to show this than to first-year law students. We want them to know that they are respected and valued in their perspectives, ideas and experiences.”

About Stewart McKelvey

Stewart McKelvey proudly celebrates over 25 years of innovative leadership as Atlantic Canada’s first and largest regional law firm. With a distinguished heritage reaching back to Canada’s confederation, the law firm has established an international reputation for generating results. Since becoming the first regional law firm over 25 years ago, Stewart McKelvey has grown to become one of the 20 largest law firms in Canada.

About UNB

The University of New Brunswick (UNB) is Canada's oldest English-language university. Founded in 1785, the multi-campus institution has a rich history and a dynamic focus on innovation, experiential learning and entrepreneurship. UNB has more than 10,500 students from nearly 100 countries while several thousand more take UNB courses online and at partner institutions around the world.

Media contacts

• Miriam Zitner: Director, Business Development and Client Service, Stewart McKelvey, (902) 490-8513, mzitner@stewartmckelvey.com
• David Stonehouse: Senior Manager, Communications, University of New Brunswick, (506) 458-7925, david.stonehouse@unb.ca