Gift of $1 million extends support for young scholars at UNB
Author: UNB Newsroom
Posted on Feb 1, 2023
Category: UNB Fredericton , UNB Saint John
The University of New Brunswick (UNB) is delighted to announce a $1 million gift from the Harrison McCain Foundation, extending the foundation’s long-standing support of early-career academics at UNB.
The Harrison McCain Young Scholars Awards provide up to $25,000 to support new or recently hired faculty who have received their highest degree within the last 10 years. The awards may be used for research projects, additional study, travel, equipment or other initiatives in support of establishing an academic career at UNB.
“This very generous commitment on the part of the Harrison McCain Foundation allows UNB to continue to make strategic investments in the research of our newest and brightest academics, those who have chosen to make UNB and New Brunswick their home,” said UNB’s president and vice-chancellor, Dr. Paul J. Mazerolle. “These scholars, in turn, bring a dedication and enthusiasm that inspires our students, their colleagues and the entire university.”
Since its inception in 2006, the Harrison McCain Young Scholars program has supported more than 100 young faculty, with tremendous impact across UNB’s campuses. Recipients have gone on to become deans and associate vice presidents at UNB, hold prestigious research chairs, head departments, and supervise countless graduate students and postdoctoral candidates. Harrison McCain Young Scholars also have extraordinary economic impact, generating millions of dollars in research funding toward research that contributes substantially to the economic and social well-being of New Brunswick communities.
“We are grateful for the Harrison McCain Foundation’s continued support of this visionary program,” said UNB’s vice-president (research), Dr. Dave MaGee. “The opportunities afforded by this funding for early-career researchers have a significant, positive impact on helping them establish innovative research programs, benefiting their careers, student learning and our communities.”
Ann Evans, chairperson of the Harrison McCain Foundation, expressed the foundation’s pleasure in its ability to support young scholars at UNB. “We are proud to continue our partnership with the University of New Brunswick on this important program,” Ms. Evans said. “For 17 years, the Young Scholars program has brought esteem to UNB and to the province of New Brunswick, and we look forward to watching the growth and impacts of future scholars in years to come.”
About the Harrison McCain Foundation
The Harrison McCain Foundation was established in 1997 to honour the memory of Harrison McCain, C.C., O.N.B, one of the founders of McCain Foods Limited. It champions a wide variety of causes, primarily in Atlantic Canada, where it has supported community initiatives; arts and culture groups; science, health and environmental projects; and provided students with access to scholarships and bursaries.
About UNB
The University of New Brunswick (Established 1785) is Canada’s oldest English-language university and one of the oldest in North America. It is UNB’s mission to inspire and educate people to become problem solvers and leaders in the world, undertake research that addresses societal and scientific challenges, and engage with our partners to build a more just, sustainable and inclusive society.
Photo: Dr. Amy Scott, Associate Professor and Chair of Anthropology, instructs a student in the field. Dr. Scott is project director of the UNB Bioarchaeology Field School program in partnership with Parks Canada at the Fortress of Louisbourg, NS and runs the UNB Bioarchaeology Research and Teaching (BART) lab. She is one of many recipients of the Harrison McCain Young Scholars Awards.
Media contact: talktous@unb.ca