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The $40,000 Arthur and Sandra Irving Primrose Scholarships reward outstanding local students

The University of New Brunswick (UNB) is proud to announce the 2023-2024 recipients of the Arthur and Sandra Irving Primrose Scholarship at UNB Saint John. This year’s recipients are Kate McLeod and Avery Thomas.

Valued at $40,000 over four years, the Arthur and Sandra Irving Primrose Scholarship 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 UNB’s president and vice-chancellor, Dr. Paul J. Mazerolle. “UNB is proud of our deep, enduring friendship with Sandra and Arthur Irving. We are honoured by their continued generosity to the future leaders of our community.”

Kate McLeod is a graduate of Simonds High School in Saint John, where she was a member of the students’ council and played volleyball and field hockey. Her wide-ranging volunteer experience in her community has seen her assisting with preschoolers, nursing home residents and individuals experiencing homelessness. She will begin a Bachelor of Business Administration degree program in September, and she has signed with the UNB Saint John Seawolves women’s volleyball team for the 2023-24 varsity season.

Avery Thomas of Hampton comes to UNB from Hampton High School, where she won numerous academic awards and participated in extracurricular activities, including the school’s climate action team and greenhouse and gardening club. Among her extensive volunteer experience is time creating and coordinating her school’s recycling maintenance education program and assisting with local elementary school events. She is passionate about teaching and has spent many hours, both within and outside of school, pursuing her passion and enriching her skills through a school co-op education opportunity. Thomas will begin a Bachelor of Arts degree program in September.

“Avery and Kate join a community of 46 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 very proud of these outstanding 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.”

Photo caption: Kate McLeod (left) and Avery Thomas.

Media contact: Kathleen McLaughlin, Media Relations Strategist talktous@unb.ca.