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The University of New Brunswick and J.D. Irving, Limited are pleased to announce the 2025 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 1050 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 2025 recipients are Finley Chiswell, Koen Cooper, Jacob McLeod, Olivia O’Hara and Kathleen Woods. These outstanding New Brunswickers were selected for their academic achievement, leadership skills, and dedication to community and extra-curricular activities. All five will begin their studies at UNB in the fall.

Finley Chiswell of Hampton is a student at Hampton High School and is enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Engineering program at UNB Saint John. “To me, this scholarship means having the freedom to focus on my studies and making a difference in my community without the financial burdens of my education,” said Chiswell.

Koen Cooper of Quispamsis is a student at Kennebecasis Valley High School and is enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Engineering program at UNB Fredericton. "Receiving the J.D. Irving, Limited NB Leadership Scholarship brings reassurance to my education and allows me to continue focusing on my future. I am fortunate to be allowed to continue learning close to home and create a positive future for New Brunswick. I will use this opportunity to foster success for myself and others,” Cooper said.

Jacob McLeod of Saint John is a student at Simonds High School and is enrolled in the Bachelor of Business Administration program at UNB Saint John. “I was thinking about how the interview went when I saw a call from Fredericton on my phone display,” McLeod said. “I knew immediately who it was and answered it right away. When they told me I received the scholarship, the only thing I could say was thank you as I was so excited. I immediately called my family to share the good news and we went out to celebrate.”

Olivia O’Hara of Hillsborough is a student at Caledonia Regional High School and is enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Engineering program at UNB Fredericton. “Thanks to J.D. Irving, Limited, my future in engineering at the University of New Brunswick is now possible,” said O’Hara. “Thank you for investing and believing in me and paving the pathway to my education.”

Kathleen Woods of Miramichi is a student at James M. Hill Memorial High School and is enrolled in the Bachelor of Business Administration program at UNB Saint John. “I was filled with overwhelming gratitude upon learning that I had received the J.D. Irving, Limited NB Leadership Scholarship at UNB. Receiving this scholarship is an incredible honour that recognizes my hard work, dedication, and potential. It provides not only financial support but also a strong vote of confidence in my future. This opportunity motivates me to continue to strive for excellence in my studies and in giving back to my community,” Woods said.

“Our long-established partnership with JDI has consistently been guided by a mutual vision of regional progress and academic excellence,” said Paul J. Mazerolle, UNB’s president and vice chancellor. “We are immensely grateful for their continued investment in the development of future leaders. These scholarships allow JDI and UNB to collaborate in supporting outstanding young New Brunswickers as they pursue meaningful studies and careers close to home.”

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

The University of New Brunswick (UNB) is Canada's oldest English-language university, and New Brunswick’s only national comprehensive university. Founded in 1785, the multi-campus institution has a rich history as well as a dynamic focus on research, innovation, experiential learning and entrepreneurship. UNB welcomes more than 10,000 students from 100 countries to its campuses. With over 100 programs in 14 faculties, UNB helps students acquire the abilities needed to make an impact in their communities.

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
University of New Brunswick
talktous@unb.ca.