UNB and Irving Oil announce inaugural engineering scholarship recipients
Author: UNB Newsroom
Posted on Sep 4, 2026
Category: Press Releases
The University of New Brunswick and Irving Oil are pleased to announce the inaugural recipients of the Irving Oil Engineering Scholarship at UNB.
Valued at $20,000 over two years, the Irving Oil Engineering Scholarship is awarded to five New Brunswick students who have completed the minimum requirements for the second year of the Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree program in either the electrical, chemical or mechanical paths, with preference given to students enrolled in the engineering co-op program.
The inaugural award recipients for the 2026-27 academic year are Emma Coakley, Sophie Dubé, Riley Somerville, Noah Versloot, and Zoe Yuill.
“At Irving Oil, we believe in investing in the potential of the next generation. We are proud to celebrate Emma, Sophie, Riley, Noah, and Zoe as the inaugural recipients of the Irving Oil Engineering Scholarship and we look forward to their contributions to our community, our province, and their profession,” says Lisa Harlow, Irving Oil’s Vice President, Talent & Total Rewards.
Emma Coakley of Saint John is in the fourth year of the Bachelor of Science in Engineering (mechanical) degree program. “I was honoured and excited to learn I had received the Irving Oil Engineering Scholarship, said Coakley. “It not only eases the financial burden of my education, but also motivates me and gives me confidence to pursue leadership roles and make the most of my education.”
Sophie Dubé of Fredericton is also a fourth-year student in the Bachelor of Science in Engineering (mechanical) degree program. “Finding out I received the Irving Oil Engineering Scholarship left me shaking with disbelief and excitement. It is a tremendous financial relief for my family and me as I head into the second half of my degree. More than anything, it is an incredible honour to be chosen for a leadership scholarship like this. As someone local to the province, I've seen firsthand how involved Irving is with the community, and their support is a true inspiration as I work toward completing my degree,” Dubé said.
Riley Somerville of Fredericton is also in the fourth year of the Bachelor of Science in Engineering (mechanical) degree program. “When I learned I had been selected to receive the Irving Oil Engineering Scholarship, I was thrilled. It was refreshing to see that the effort I put into work, school and my personal life was recognized in such a big way. I'm really grateful to UNB and Irving Oil for investing in students like me to empower us to keep pushing forward,” said Somerville.
Noah Versloot of Island View is a third-year student in the Bachelor of Science in Engineering (mechanical) degree program. “I’m very grateful to receive the Irving Oil Engineering Scholarship. It inspires me to continue working hard and pursuing opportunities to grow as an engineer,” Versloot said.
Zoe Yuill of Island View is in the third year of the Bachelor of Science in Engineering (chemical) degree program. “Receiving this scholarship is an incredible honour as I pursue a degree in chemical engineering,” said Yuill. “As a young woman in STEM, this recognition from Irving Oil motivates me to continue challenging myself, working towards my goals, and helping inspire more young women to see themselves in these fields. I’m truly grateful and excited for what lies ahead."
“On behalf of UNB, I extend warm congratulations to Emma, Sophie, Riley, Noah, and Zoe on this recognition of their exemplary achievements on the path to careers in engineering,” said UNB’s acting president and vice chancellor, Dr. Kathy Wilson. “We are immensely grateful to Irving Oil for this investment in our shared future, as we work together to support outstanding young New Brunswickers in building an innovative, resilient future for all.”
UNB Engineering is Canada’s longest-standing engineering faculty. Its mission is to develop world-class engineers, inspire leaders, conduct impactful research and advance engineering knowledge to address societal challenges.