UNB announces Arthur and Sandra Irving Primrose Scholarship recipients for 2021-22
Author: UNB Newsroom
Posted on Jul 22, 2021
Category: UNB Saint John
The University of New Brunswick is proud to announce the 2021 recipients of the Arthur and Sandra Irving Primrose Scholarship at UNB Saint John. This year’s recipients are Colby Arsenault, Benjamin Talbot and Patrick Talbot.
The Arthur and Sandra Irving Primrose Scholarship, valued at $40,000 over four years, recognizes outstanding students for their academic achievement, community involvement and athletic leadership. The scholarship is supported by Arthur Irving, O.C., O.N.B. (DLITT ’09), and Sandra Irving, C.M. (BA'95, DLITT ‘09).
“For more than two decades, the Arthur and Sandra Irving Primrose Scholarships have rewarded outstanding leadership by top high school students entering the University of New Brunswick in Saint John,” said Dr. Paul J. Mazerolle, UNB president and vice-chancellor. “UNB is proud of our longstanding friendship with Sandra and Arthur Irving, and we are honoured by their transformative investment in our community’s future leaders.”
Colby Arsenault of Saint John is a graduate of Simonds High School, where he was captain of the swim team, a member of the grad class executive and the school’s 2021 recipient of the Governor General’s Academic Medal. He tutors younger students in math and teaches children’s karate lessons. A young entrepreneur, Colby started his own lawn care business in 2018 and has since grown his clientele substantially. He is enrolled in the bachelor of science program at UNB Saint John.
Benjamin Talbot of Quispamsis graduated in June from Saint John’s Centre scolaire Samuel-de-Champlain. Benjamin plays piano and is an elite gymnast, competing nationally at the Canadian Gymnastics Championships and the Canada Games. In March, he placed first in the Concours de mathématiques Poincaré, a provincial mathematics competition. Along with strong academics, Benjamin volunteers at the Fundy Gymnastics Club, where he also works as a recreational gymnastics coach. Benjamin will begin the bachelor of computer science program in September.
Patrick Talbot, Benjamin’s twin brother, is also a graduate of Centre scolaire Samuel-de-Champlain. Patrick, also an elite gymnast, has competed at the Canada Games and represented Canada internationally as part of the Canadian Men’s Artistic Gymnastics Junior National Team. He has played piano for more than a decade and works part-time at the Fundy Gymnastics Club. Patrick was his high school’s 2021 recipient of the Governor General’s Academic Medal. He will begin classes in September in UNB Saint John’s bachelor of science program.
“Patrick, Benjamin and Colby join a community of 38 previous Primrose Scholars who have gone on to become doctors, engineers, nurses, scientists, business leaders, artists and community leaders,” said Sandra Irving. “Arthur and I are delighted and proud of these three impressive young people who have already accomplished so much, both academically and through their chosen pursuits. We look forward to watching them grow over the next four years and beyond.”
Media contact: Kelsey Pye
Photo: Benjamin Talbot, Colby Arsenault and Patrick Talbot have been named UNB Saint John’s Arthur and Sandra Irving Primrose Scholarship recipients for 2021-22.