UNB to celebrate students and faculty at 2026 Encaenia and Spring Convocation Ceremonies
Author: UNB Newsroom
Posted on May 22, 2026
Category: Press Releases
The University of New Brunswick will celebrate students, distinguished faculty and honorary degree recipients during the 2026 Spring Encaenia and Convocation ceremonies from May 27-29.
UNB will celebrate the achievements of 1,827 graduates from across Canada and the international community*. This includes 1,500 students receiving their bachelor’s degrees, 296 earning master’s degrees and 31 achieving the highest level of academic achievement, the PhD.
- Kayley Gregoire, bachelor of science in biology (honours)
- Subeen Jang, bachelor of nursing
- Emma Mattinson, bachelor of science in engineering
- Tanvi Pothukuchi, bachelor of business administration (honours)
- Emma Disselkamp Royo, bachelor of philosophy in interdisciplinary leadership
The Douglas Gold Medal
Awarded to the undergraduate student with the best composition in prose or verse in the Greek, Latin or English languages, on any subject within the regular course of study pursued in the university. This year, the medal will be awarded to Francis Barss, who will receive a bachelor of arts degree.
The Governor General's Silver Medal
Awarded to the undergraduate student who achieves the highest academic standing in an undergraduate bachelor’s degree program. This year, the medal will be awarded to Francis Barss, who will receive a bachelor of arts degree.
The Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick Silver Medals
Awarded to full-time or part-time students who are the most outstanding students based primarily on the last half of their program. This year:
- Francis Barss will receive the medal for arts and will earn a bachelor of arts degree (honours)
- Owen Crawford will receive the medal for engineering and will earn a bachelor of science in engineering degree
- Dominique Drost will receive the medal for kinesiology and will earn a bachelor of kinesiology degree (honours)
- Chelsey Golding will receive the medal for business and will earn a bachelor of business administration degree
- Kayley Gregoire will receive the medal for science and will earn a bachelor of science degree (honours)
- Kate Griffin will receive the medal for science, applied science and engineering and will earn a bachelor of nursing degree
- Colin Ingraham will receive the medal for arts and will earn a bachelor of arts degree
- Samantha Landry-Leblanc will receive the medal for forestry and environmental management and will earn a bachelor of science in environmental management degree (honours)
- Katelyn LeBlanc will receive the medal for the school of integrated health and will earn a bachelor of health degree (honours)
- Julie Martin will receive the medal for nursing and will earn a bachelor of nursing degree
- Alexi Melanson will receive the medal for management and will earn a bachelor of business administration degree (honours)
- Eva Palmer will receive the medal for the school of leadership studies and will earn a bachelor of philosophy in interdisciplinary leadership degree
- Laura Pitts will receive the medal for law and will earn a juris doctor degree
- Francesca Stewart will receive the medal for computer science and will earn a bachelor of science in software engineering degree
The City of Saint John Award
Awarded to the academically outstanding graduating student who completes their degree while registered in a Saint John campus program. This year, the award will be presented to Colin Ingraham, who will receive a bachelor of arts degree.
The UNBSJ Student Leadership Award
Awarded to students on the Saint John campus who have demonstrated outstanding campus leadership in student activities and/or university activities. This year, the award will be presented to Isaac Groom, who will receive a bachelor of health degree.
These honorary ranks are awarded upon or after retirement from active duties to professors who have served the university with great distinction. This year’s professors emeriti are:
- Allen Curry, faculties of science and forestry and environmental management
- Eric Hildebrand, faculty of engineering
- Carmen Poulin, faculty of arts
- Huining Xiao, faculty of engineering
Honorary degrees are granted to individuals who exemplify the values cherished by our academic community. This year, honorary degrees will be awarded to the following:
- Dr. Habib Dable, doctor of letters
- Andrea Feunekes, doctor of science
- Dr. Donald McAlpine, doctor of science
- Anna Maria Tremonti, doctor of letters
*Graduate list is subject to approval by the board of governors