Professor Emeritus in Chemistry
Convocation: October 17, 1993

A protégé of the renowned University of New Brunswick researcher Karel Wiesner, Dr. Valenta joined the faculty of science in 1953 upon completing his PhD.

He became, over his 40 year career, one of Canada's foremost organic chemists. Dr. Valenta's accomplishments in the field of structure elucidation and synthesis of complex natural products have won him the respect of the international scientific community and have been acclaimed, among other forms of recognition, by the Merck Sharp and Dohme Award and election to fellowship in the Royal Society of Canada.

Dr. Valenta's colleagues and students have acknowledged his gift for teaching by nominating him for UNB's Allan P. Stuart Excellence in Teaching Award, the APICS/Northern Telecom Science Teaching Award, and the Union Carbide Award for Chemical Education. In 1987, most of his former students gathered at UNB for a seminar and celebration in honour of his 60th birthday.

Professor Emeritus in Civil Engineering
Encaenia Ceremony C, May 20, 2010

Throughout his 28 years as a professor of civil engineering at UNB, Arun Valsangkar has combined excellence in teaching, research, service and professional practise.

His research on soil structure interaction work has been published in more than 60 peer reviewed journal articles and he has presented at 53 conferences in 12 countries. He also designed UNB’s world-class geotechnical centrifuge, in collaboration with many of his former students.

A two-time UNB Merit Award recipient, Dr. Valsangkar has received two awards for excellence in teaching: the Allan P. Stuart Memorial Award and the Eric C. Garland Award. Some of his teaching success stems from his ability to bring into the classroom his vast experience as a senior consulting engineer on numerous national and international projects.

From 1990-95, Dr. Valsangkar served as the director of UNB’s geological engineering program. He has also supervised three PhD theses, 48 master’s students and 130 undergraduate senior reports.

Dr. Valsangkar is held in high regard by students, faculty members and practising engineers. He has served the university and the engineering profession with distinction, and has been recognized for his leadership and service by the Engineering Institute of Canada, the Canadian Geotechnical Society and the Canadian Society for Civil Engineering.

Professor Emeritus in Sociology
Encaenia Ceremony B: May 29, 2008

Will van den Hoonaard’s discourse on ethics is of worldwide importance and he is a Canadian champion of the emergence of qualitative contemporary social research.

An outstanding researcher, his range of work includes studies of the ethnic identity of the Dutch of New Brunswick, the Baha’i community’s social history and dynamics, gender differences in cartography, and the influence of formal ethical review boards on research outcome and academic freedom.

Dr. van den Hoonaard’s publication record includes six books, 42 book chapters and refereed articles and more than 130 presentations in some 13 countries on five continents. He is a gifted teacher, and students at both the undergraduate and graduate level have benefited from his excitement and dedication to his field.

His outstanding teaching, research and service have been honoured with a UNB President’s Medal, a Merit Award and the United Nations Association of Canada Global Citizen Award.

His generous contributions to mainstream media on topics as diverse as David Beckham’s impact on soccer in North America and the ethical use of human test subjects, effectively demonstrate how sociological perspective sheds light on a wide variety of issues.

Professor Emeritus in Physics
Encaenia Ceremony C: May 28, 2009

Jack Vanderlinde is a truly outstanding physicist, with a deep understanding of all branches of the field.

A successful and well-liked teacher, he mentored countless undergraduate and graduate students and earned a reputation for going the extra mile. Throughout his 34 year career, he proved capable of teaching any course in the physics curriculum, even those far from his usual areas of expertise.

His textbook, Classical Electromagnetic Theory, is a major contribution to pedagogy. Now in its second edition, it has been adopted throughout the world as a text for graduate and senior undergraduate courses.

Even in retirement, Dr. Vanderlinde is sought as resource by people in all fields of physics.

Dr. Vanderlinde has an enviable record of service to the University of New Brunswick, including two terms of exceptional leadership as chair of the physics department. He served the Association of University of New Brunswick Teachers and the Federation of New Brunswick Faculty Associations in many official capacities, including terms as president. His contributions to these organizations has had a profound impact on the entire faculty complement at UNB and extends to universities throughout the province.

Professor Emeritus in Geodesy and Geomatics Engineering
Encaenia Ceremony C: May 17, 2001

Petr Vanicek is recognized internationally for his technical contributions to geodesy, the branch of applied mathematics dealing with the shape and dimensions of the earth or large areas on its surface.

A professor of geodesy and geomatics at UNB from 1971 until his retirement in 1999, Dr. Vanicek's achievements were numerous. He supervised or co-supervised over 70 graduate students working toward their master's or PhD degrees. He also has an impressive research record, having either directly or indirectly attracted more than $2 million in research funding to the university.

Over the past 25 years, Dr. Vanicek worked closely with universities in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, Scandinavia and Australia. He has acted as an external reader of theses and graduate reports prepared by ten graduate students at other universities. All those who benefited from his tutelage would no doubt testify to his ability to instil clear thinking, originality and a hard-work ethic.

An author or co-author of more than 300 publications, Dr. Vanicek was awarded the J. Tuzo Wilson Medal for outstanding contributions to Canadian geophysics. The medal, awarded by the Canadian Geophysical Union, is the highest award an individual can receive in the field of geophysics in Canada. Dr. Vanicek's textbook, Geodesy: The Concepts, has been translated into several languages. It is the standard text for both undergraduate and graduate courses in geodesy worldwide.

Governor Emerita, 1989

Professor Emeritus in Mechanical Engineering, 2000

Professor Emeritus in Law
Convocation: October 23, 2014

A native of Scotland, Edward Veitch earned master of arts degree (honours in history) from the University of Edinburgh and bachelor of laws degree from the University of Edinburgh. He began his career at UNB in 1979 as dean of law. During Edward’s term as dean, he recruited a large cadre of law teachers, most of who would remain at UNB for the rest of their teaching careers.

His influence turned the faculty of law into a serious academic institution of high reputation. He oversaw the design and construction of the expansion to the Faculty of Law building to create additional classroom space and a much-needed extension to what is now the La Forest Law Library.

He has published 67 articles and commentaries, seven chapters in books and 42 book reviews. He has made six major addresses and, in 2003, was awarded the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Medal for legal services to Canada and the Distinguished Service Medal from the Canadian Bar Association. As both dean and colleague, Edward has encouraged junior faculty members in their work. Although now formally retired, he continues to serve UNB law as an active contract academic instructor.

Professor Emeritus in Physics
Convocation: October 25, 1998

Ram Verma is internationally known for his research in molecular spectroscopy.

Before joining the University of New Brunswick's department of physics in 1963, he worked and published with two Nobel Laureates. At UNB, Dr. Verma built and maintained a world-class laboratory at the forefront of spectroscopic technology, and attracted graduate students and visiting scientists from around the world. The principal founder of research and postgraduate work in the physics department, he made significant innovations to the undergraduate program.

Dr. Verma received National Research Council and NSERC support for his research throughout his career at UNB and was widely sought as a visiting professor and scientist.

Following his retirement in 1994, he was appointed an honorary research professor in recognition of his contributions.

Professor Emeritus in History, 2022

Professor Emeritus in Computer Science and Dean Emeritus
Convocation: October 24, 1999

Dr. Wasson has devoted his 41 year career to computer science education.

A true pioneer, he joined the University of New Brunswick in 1958. One year before the university purchased its first computer and went on to distinguish himself as first director of the Computing Centre, first director of the School of Computer Science, and first dean of the faculty of computer science.

Guided by his vision, UNB established Atlantic Canada's first master's, undergraduate, co-op and PhD programs in computer science and, in 1990, the first faculty of computer science in the country.

In recognition of Dr. Wasson's outstanding contributions to UNB and the computing industry in the province, he was presented with the New Brunswick Information Technology Award at the Premier's Forum on IT in 1997.

Professor Emeritus in Physics, 1977

Professor Emeritus in Mathematics, 1970

Professor Emeritus in Geodesy and Geomatics Engineering
Convocation: October 25, 1998

A three-time recipient of the University of New Brunswick's Merit Award, David Wells has been a driving force in the department of geodesy and geomatics engineering.

He founded the Ocean Mapping Group and helped to establish the Geodetic Research Laboratory. Both have international reputations.

The recently introduced curriculum in marine surveying, developed by Dr. Wells, has been called the "best hydrographic training program in the world" by the U.S. National Imagery and Mapping Agency.

A prolific and award-winning author, he has published over 250 technical papers and reports on precise positioning, marine positioning and ocean mapping.

Dr. Wells has supervised 27 graduate students from 12 countries, served as visiting professor or scientist in five countries and has an impressive record of professional service.

Professor Emeritus in Mechanical Engineering, 1974

Professor Emeritus in Biology and in Forestry and Environmental Management
Convocation: October 20, 2005

Dr. Norman Whitney is one of Canada's leading plant and forest pathologists.

His vast experience and breadth of knowledge make him stand out from his contemporaries. He established the first laboratory in Canada to study endophytic fungi in a co-ordinated way, and he has trained some of this country's most highly qualified plant and forest pathologists.

A leader in interdisciplinary education, Dr. Whitney played a major role in the development of interdisciplinary graduate degrees at the University of New Brunswick.

His lifelong interest in bringing different perspectives to his work also made him a pioneer in joint appointments. For many years he was jointly appointed to the biology department, which he first joined in 1964 and to Counselling Services. In 1985, he was promoted to full professor in biology and accepted a joint appointment with the department of forest resources, where he pioneered courses and research in forest pathology.

In addition to his many duties at UNB, Dr. Whitney has served as a United Church Minister for 41 years.

Since his retirement in 1991, Dr. Whitney has continued to teach and supervise students. He also heads the biotechnology laboratory at the UNB Wood Science and Technology Centre.

His impact on this university over the last four decades, however, goes far beyond the academic.

In the words of one colleague: "Dr. Whitney is an inspiration to all who believe that a modern university must deal with the entire humanity of our students and colleagues and not restrict ourselves to solely the intellect. Dr. Whitney led the way, and UNB is a much better place because of his contributions."

Professor Emeritus in Education, 2022

Professor Emerita in Anthropology
Convocation Ceremony: November 7, 2020

Dr. Melanie Wiber holds a Bachelor of Arts with distinction from the University of Lethbridge (1978), a Master of Arts from the University of Alberta (1981) and a Doctor of Philosophy in Anthropology from the University of Alberta (1986).

An internationally recognized Economic and Legal Anthropologist, Dr. Wiber began teaching at UNB in 1987 and has held the position of Professor of Anthropology since 1995.

She has published extensively in her areas of research, including natural resource management, property theory and action research. For the past 20 years, she has conducted community-based fisheries research across Atlantic Canada. In addition to other book projects, Dr. Wiber published a book on the Visual Imagery of Gender, Race and Progress in Illustrations of Human Evolution.

Dr. Wiber has served on the executive of the International Commission on Legal Pluralism since 1999, and currently serves as Associate Editor for the Journal of Legal Pluralism. She has received two Merit Awards from UNB as well as a Research Professorship.

She has held visiting researcher positions at the University of Wageningen in the Netherlands and Max Planck Institute for Social Anthropology in Germany, and has held 11 awards from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council.

Since 2006, Dr. Wiber worked on a number of collaborative research projects involving fisheries management, including the Coastal Community University Research Alliance, Oceans Management Research Network Working Group, NSERC Strategic Network Grant, the Ocean Protection Plan Research Grant (awarded through Fundy North Fishermen’s Association) and the Ocean Frontier Institute Research Grant (awarded through Memorial University).

Dr. Melanie Wiber is most deserving of the honour of professor emerita at the University of New Brunswick.

Professor Emeritus in Geology
Convocation: Oct. 23, 2003

Paul F. Williams' influence in the field of structural geology has been profound.

During his 23 year career at the University of New Brunswick, he established a world-class Structural Geology Group and his research has resulted in fundamental shifts in thinking within the Earth Sciences Community.

Dr. Williams has published over 80 journal articles, written seven book chapters and co-authored one major text. The latter, titled An Outline of Structural Geology, has been translated into Chinese, Spanish, Italian and Bulgarian. It is the standard structural geology text for undergraduates throughout the world.

Dr. Williams has also supervised more than 20 graduate students, many of whom have gone on to faculty positions at universities throughout North America.

His work in the field has taken him from Newfoundland to the Yukon, and has provided exceptional training for graduate students and undergraduate field assistants alike.

A past chairperson of the geology department, Dr. Williams has an extensive record of university and professional service. He has served as associate editor of no fewer than three publications, including the Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences and on the editorial board of three others.

In 1997 he was nationally recognized as a Distinguished Fellow of the Geological Association of Canada.

Professor Emeritus in Political Science
Convocation: October 16, 1994

A. Jeyaratnam Wilson taught political science on the Fredericton campus for 24 years from 1970 to 1994.

Four times chairperson of his department, Dr. Wilson was a pioneering member of the Third World Studies Program at the University of New Brunswick.

His impressive publication record included eight books and over 100 articles, most in refereed journals. He served as a consultant on South Asian problems to the State Department and immigration tribunals in the United States, and to the Canadian Refugees Advisory Board, the Ministry of Multiculturalism and the Canadian International Development Authority.

Credited with piloting the department of political science through its formative phase, Dr. Wilson was known for his skills as a negotiator on campus and abroad. He died May 31, 2000.

Vice-President (Research and International Co-operation) Emeritus
Convocation: October 19, 1997

An outstanding administrator and teacher, Frank R. Wilson has devoted nearly 30 years to serving his alma mater, his profession and the community.

He received emeritus status for the vice-president (research and international co-operation) position he held from its inception in June 1992 until August 1997. During those years, his initiatives contributed significantly to UNB's reputation as an exceptional institution, strong in research and a major force in the New Brunswick economy and community.While vice-president, Dr. Wilson developed and refined research services and outreach to industry and government.

He initiated and implemented the program to establish research centres and chairs at UNB, which now number 25. His ability to organize and make the best use of contacts assisted the creation of the network of family violence research centres across the country and the Muriel McQueen Fergusson Centre for Family Violence Research at the University of New Brunswick.

By creating within his office two international liaison offices, one in Fredericton and one in Saint John, and by establishing FOCAL Atlantic in 1994, Dr. Wilson redefined the international mandate of the university. These structures have enabled the university to have a stronger impact not only regionally but also overseas. Dr. Wilson was also a major player behind the scenes in the university's most successful fund-raising campaign, the Venture Campaign.

The mutually beneficial association between the man and the university began in the late '50s. After teaching in public school, surveying with Maritime Marshlands Administration, and working with the installation of early warning radar systems in the far north, Dr. Wilson enrolled in the civil engineering program as a mature student. He started teaching in the department of civil engineering in 1967. Except for study in the United Kingdom as a Beaverbrook scholar and a short time at the University of Maine, he spent virtually his whole career at UNB in teaching, research and management.

Over the course of three deanships, a record-breaking number at UNB, he developed and refined a legacy of building and excellence. While dean of engineering for eight years, he was the driving force in getting M. Patrick Gillin Hall built to house the growing faculty, and he oversaw the establishment of 11 funded research chairs in engineering. While serving as dean of students for three years, he developed the health centre and counselling services, which have benefited students for more than 20 years. During his three years as dean of graduate studies and research, he promoted widespread recognition and appreciation of research in the university community.

The engineering profession has also received many contributions from the energetic academic. Dr. Wilson served as president of the Association of Professional Engineers of New Brunswick, on the Safety Committee of the Transportation Association of Canada and several committees of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, chair of the Canadian Council of Professional Engineers Human Resources Board, and as associate editor of the Canadian Journal of Civil Engineering.

No matter what his administrative position, Dr. Wilson managed to maintain touch with the twin functions of teaching and research. A specialist in accident investigation and top-notch researcher, he co-founded the Transportation Group and attracted almost $3 million in research funding, most of which was directed to the support of graduate students. Dr. Wilson continued to teach throughout his career, often on Saturday mornings to the chagrin of his students. He also established a remarkable publication record of close to 100 refereed items and a book.

Despite his hectic schedule, Dr. Wilson never lost his interest in people and the community. He is well known for helping family, friends, colleagues, and anyone who needs assistance. Countless students in particular have come to him for a listening ear and advice. In the community, he is known for his efforts to strengthen the relationship between town and gown.

Officially retired, Dr. Wilson continues to pursue his research interests as an honorary research professor in the faculty of engineering.

Professor Emerita in Nursing
Encaenia Ceremony A, May 18, 2011

The faculty of nursing has benefitted enormously from Judith Wuest’s wisdom and her commitment to excellence.

Dr. Wuest first came to UNB in 1975 and was instrumental in building a culture of teaching and research within the faculty of nursing.

Throughout her career, she has been a dedicated educator of undergraduate and graduate students teaching courses in both programs.

In 1997 Dr. Wuest helped develop the Centre for Nursing Research and her own program of research has focused on the areas of women’s health, partner violence, violent relationships and care giving. A clear ethical stance, integrity and commitment to excellence characterize her research and many collaborative efforts.

She was instrumental in developing an accessible research-based master’s program and served as its director. She initiated our annual Nursing Research Day, an event that continues to grow bigger and bigger every year.

She is first recipient of the New Brunswick Investigator Salary Award from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and has received a University Research Scholar Award from UNB.

An internationally renowned and grounded theorist, Dr. Wuest has published over 70 peer-reviewed articles or book chapters, several considered landmark publications.

Professor Emeritus in History, 1988