Twelve outstanding undergraduate students who excel academically while being an active member of the university and surrounding community were recognized as the 2017 Sir Howard Douglas Scholars.
Award recipients are nominated by their faculties and must have at least two years of their bachelor’s degree program complete, participated in co-curricular or extracurricular activities and be a dean’s list student.
These students are dedicated to improving our communities through volunteering their time and talent in a number of ways, both locally and internationally.
The scholars join 216 previous recipients as members of the Sir Howard Douglas society. Each member exemplifies the society’s motto – Non Nobis Solum: Not for Ourselves Alone. Sir Howard Douglas Society members have the opportunity to attend special events and connect with a rapidly growing network of phenomenal students.
Grace Allaby, Apohaqui, N.B., Bachelor of Science, Biology-Psychology, UNB Saint John, is a motivated and enthusiastic individual with a strong willingness to help others. Grace has travelled to Guatemala as a volunteer for Food for the Hungry, is a volunteer for The Promise Partnership and is president of the Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship.
Candance Assadpour, Toronto, Bachelor of Nursing, UNB Saint John, believes in the positive effect we can have on others and the importance of volunteerism. Candance is the co-founder and group leader of IV League Nursing, president of the Nursing Society and a volunteer with Saint John Police Force Victim Services.
Luke Duffley, Rothesay, N.B., Bachelor of Science, Honours in Biology-Psychology, UNB Saint John, is a firm believer that it is through giving that we receive. Luke volunteers with the Golden Key Society, World University Service of Canada and as a first responder. Luke aspires to become a doctor and work as a member of Doctors Without Borders and has travelled to Guatemala as part of a medical mission.
Michael Gilbert, Stephenville, N.L., Bachelor of Science, Honours in Medicinal Chemistry, UNB Fredericton believes that we are all products of our communities and that those in need should always receive a helping hand. As a Special Olympics track and field coach, a Shad Valley program assistant, peer mentor, Women in Transition House/Bed Push volunteer and Schulich Leader Scholar, Michael continues to improve the lives of those around him which he will continue to do as he pursues his medical studies at Memorial University.
Daniel He, Fredericton, Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Electrical Engineering, UNB Fredericton, is fulfilled through continuous learning and contributing to his community. Daniel is the president of the UNB Engineering Undergraduate Society, co-organizer of TEDxUNB, volunteer at the Pine Grove Nursing Home, Chalmers Hospital and White Ribbon, and has acted as chair of FREDTalks and co-founder and co-president of the UNB Mathematics Society.
Katie Kim, Moncton, N.B., Bachelor of Business Administration, Honours in Accounting, UNB Fredericton, realizes the importance of an education. As founder/president of the Debate Club, a page at the Legislative Assembly, arts editor for The Brunswickan and as volunteer tutor for Frontier College Katie has been able to help others reach their educational goals, and her own.
Shealyn MacLaughlin, Fredericton, Bachelor of Philosophy, UNB Fredericton, is a leader and a changemaker. Shealyn is committed to empowering others and does exactly that by acting as a Women’s Representative on the Student Union as well as a peer mentor for the Renaissance College Society. Shealyn also volunteers with Dots NB.
Crestina Matta, Brampton, Ont., Bachelor of Arts, Honours in Sociology and Honours in Gender and Women’s Studies, UNB Fredericton, is passionate about improving the well-being and quality of others. As an active mentor for newcomers, a translator of the Family Law Matters for Immigrants information booklet and as a sponsor of a refugee family, Crestina is driven to help newcomers feel welcome and to strengthen their roots in our community.
Cailie McGuire, Mississauga, Ont., Bachelor of Recreation and Sport Studies, UNB Fredericton, appreciates the life lessons learned by participating in varsity athletics – teamwork, hard work and commitment. Cailie gives back by volunteering with Right to Play, as a peer mentor in the Faculty of Kinesiology, as a teaching assistant at Loyola Catholic Secondary School and as a member of the new program - UNB Spring.
Nadine Nzirorera, Saint John, N.B., Bachelor of Science, Honours in Biology-Psychology, UNB Saint John, is a passionate community volunteer. Through work with Romero House, Saint John Health, Horizon Health Emergency Department and the Promise Partnership, Nadine has made a significant impact on the health and well-being of our city and our province.
Vuk Stajic, Becej, Serbia, Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, UNB Fredericton, is motivated to change the world around him and make it better. Vuk makes this happen as a member of Engineers Without Borders, as a UNB Green Champion, as team captain for the Special Olympics Motionball Marathon and as a Judo assistant coach and competitor.
ShuaiJin (Jenny) Wang, Saint John, N.B., Bachelor of Science, Honours in Biology-Chemistry, UNB Fredericton, sees the value of having a positive impact on the people in her community. Jenny applies the foundational believe that healthy communities should be all-inclusive as a volunteer for the Alzheimer’s Society, Pine Grove Nursing Home and as a tutor for Frontier College.
Born in Scotland, Sir Howard Douglas (1776-1861) was a distinguished soldier, military strategist and author.
Sir Howard Douglas served as lieutenant-governor of New Brunswick from 1823 to 1831. During his term he encouraged development, sought support for native peoples, improved communications and promoted education.
Sir Howard Douglas was a founder and the first chancellor of King’s College Fredericton, predecessor to UNB.
