Each year, UNB’s community members go the extra mile.
UNB students in particular are known for their outstanding work and contributions to the community, both in Canada and internationally.
Involvement in the university and community, plus excellent grades, have earned 12 UNB students the distinction of being inducted into the Sir Howard Douglas Society.
The award recipients volunteer their time and talent in a number of ways, both locally and abroad, and are all dean’s list students.
“Our students are the problem-solvers of today and tomorrow,” says UNB President Dr. Eddy Campbell. “The Sir Howard Douglas Scholars are a shining example of what can be achieved through dedication, compassion, and a willingness to help others. At an early stage in their lives, these students are already making a difference.”
Members of the Sir Howard Douglas Society have the opportunity to participate in special university events and become part of a network of outstanding students. As the honour society grows each year, new members will have the opportunity to meet and interact with past recipients of the Sir Howard Douglas Award.
Herbert Bempah is another UNB student recognized nationally for his academic prowess and business acumen.
Bempah, a fourth year BBA student, won the top prize at the Great Canadian Sales Competition, hosted at Google headquarters in Toronto this past spring.
“For me, as a business student, I thought that this would be an opportunity to develop the skill of trying to sell something that you’re passionate about and something that you believe in,” says Bempah.
Before reaching the final round of the competition, Bempah had to pass two qualifying rounds. For the first he had to submit a video pitch on anything of his choice. He chose to persuade people that Disney’s best movie was The Lion King. Out of 3,000 competitors he was shortlisted with a group of 25.
In the semi-final round, the competitors were paired with one of the Fortune 500 Canadian companies that sponsor the event. Bempah was matched up with Bunzi which provides food and retail packaging, cleaning supplies and equipment, safety products and industrial packaging. The task was to pitch a value proposition and solve an issue for a fictional company.
In the final round, 25 students from across Canada were flown to Toronto to deliver their pitches. Bempah was named one of five finalists and was awarded the top prize of $7,500.
“Listening, observing, learning from others and trying to form my own ideas and platforms too that are worth sharing is of interest to me. I suppose this is what influenced me to try out this competition, to gain more experience, to test this interest and to explore if it was a plausible career path as a business student.”
