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The University of New Brunswick and J.D. Irving, Limited are pleased to announce the 2024 recipients of the J.D. Irving, Limited NB Leadership Scholarship at UNB.

Valued at $10,000 per year and renewable for up to four years, the J.D. Irving, Limited NB Leadership Scholarship at UNB is among the university's most prestigious awards.

“Providing talented young New Brunswickers with training, education, and rewarding careers right here at home is central to our business and our partnership with UNB,” said Linda Speedy, VP, Human Resources for J.D. Irving, Limited. “We are proud to employ over 900 UNB alumni at JDI and we look forward to increasing that number by encouraging more talented individuals, like this year’s scholarship recipients, to join us and advance their careers.”

The 2024 recipients are Matthew Brosens, Tanor Gautreau, Mikaya Hoyt-Hogan, Julia LaPointe, Jack Raymond and Ashley Richard. These outstanding New Brunswickers were selected on the basis of their academic achievement, leadership skills and involvement in community/extra-curricular activities. All six will begin their studies at UNB in the fall.

Matthew Brosens is a student at Fredericton High School and is enrolled in the bachelor of science in engineering program on UNB’s Fredericton campus. “Being granted the JDI Leadership Scholarship is the best way I could have pictured starting my university career. Receiving the call that I was selected for the scholarship was such an amazing feeling that it left me speechless. I was driving at the time and had to pull over because I was shaking with excitement. It was truly a moment I will cherish forever. I would like to thank J.D. Irving, Ltd. for honouring me with this distinguished scholarship, giving me the opportunity to pursue my academic dreams,” said Brosens.

Tanor Gautreau of Nerepis is a student at Harbour View High School and is enrolled in the bachelor of science in engineering program at UNB Saint John. “I was walking my cat when I got the news; all the giddy screaming after the call ended had scared her. I was and still am incredibly honored to be a recipient of the JDI Leadership Scholarship. It gives me the privilege to center my focus on my education and chase my dreams, which means the world to me," said Gautreau.

Mikaya Hoyt-Hogan is a student at Fredericton High School and is enrolled in the bachelor of science in engineering program at UNB Fredericton. "Being selected for the J.D. Irving, Ltd. NB Leadership Scholarship means so much to me. It will allow me to dedicate my focus entirely to my studies in engineering and my pursuits in cross country skiing while relieving some financial pressures of university. I am immensely grateful for J.D. Irving, Ltd.’s support as I transition into the next stage of my life and follow my long-awaited education in engineering," Hoyt-Hogan said.

Julia LaPointe of Quispamsis is a student at Kennebecasis Valley High School and is enrolled in the bachelor of business administration program on UNB’s Saint John campus. “I am beyond grateful to JDI for giving me this opportunity and I am honoured to be granted this prestigious scholarship. Receiving this scholarship will allow me to focus on my studies and pursue a career, all right here in New Brunswick,” said LaPointe.

Jack Raymond of Waterford is a student at Sussex Regional High School and is enrolled in the bachelor of science in engineering program on UNB’s Fredericton campus. “This evening I was informed I'd received this scholarship; I was amazed to say the least! To know that my years of work were being recognized in such a generous way, was the highlight of my year! Thanks to JDI and UNB, I'll be able to continue my community leadership, and hopefully extend that into my career too,” said Raymond.

Ashley Richard of Quispamsis is a student at Kennebecasis Valley High School and is enrolled in the bachelor of science in engineering program at UNB Fredericton. Richard said, “Receiving the J.D. Irving, Ltd. NB Leadership Scholarship was an honour that I was thrilled to be chosen for! This scholarship allows me to pursue my dream career in engineering without financial concerns. I’m dedicated to completing my engineering degree in my home province. I am making the most of this opportunity and will continue striving for excellence in my studies and beyond!”

“We are tremendously grateful to JDI for their support of our future leaders,” said UNB’s president and vice-chancellor, Dr. Paul J. Mazerolle. "UNB and JDI share a longstanding tradition of addressing technical and societal issues, united in our dedication to improving New Brunswick. These scholarships enable JDI and UNB to collaborate in supporting outstanding young New Brunswickers, helping them flourish while studying and working in their home province."

The J.D. Irving, Limited NB Leadership Scholarship at UNB is open to high school students who are New Brunswick residents entering UNB. Preference is given to those enrolling in business, computer science, engineering or forestry degree programs. Recipients may be offered employment opportunities with JDI throughout their degree program and upon graduation.

About UNB

Established in 1785, the University of New Brunswick (UNB) is Canada’s oldest English-language university and New Brunswick’s only comprehensive university. With more than 75 undergraduate and graduate programs across its Fredericton and Saint John campuses, UNB serves over 10,000 students from more than 100 countries. A full 50% of high school applicants receive scholarships. UNB is responsible for 70 per cent of all publicly funded research in the province of New Brunswick and attracts more than $50 million in external research funding annually. The University of New Brunswick is committed to enhancing educational attainment across the community.

About JDI

J.D. Irving, Limited was founded in 1882. Today, with more than 18,000 full-time employees, JDI has business units in agriculture, construction and equipment, consumer products, food, forestry and forestry products, retail and distribution, shipbuilding and industrial fabrication, and transportation and logistics. Over the past 135 years, JDI has grown into a diverse group of performance-driven enterprises. JDI believes in investing and building business with the skills of great employees, producing excellent products, giving superior service to valued customers - and then reinvesting again. JDI is giving back to our community by investing in the future. Investing in the next generation of the workforce is part of that commitment.

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

Photo caption (left to right): Matthew Brosens, Tanor Gautreau, Mikaya Hoyt-Hogan, Julia LaPointe, Jack Raymond and Ashley Richard.