Professor Emeritus in History
Convocation: October 19, 1997

T. William Acheson achieved national and international recognition as a history scholar very early in his career.

He began teaching at the University of New Brunswick in 1963 and in 1971 his PhD thesis resulted in a series of important articles in major historical journals in Canada and the United States.

Dr. Acheson has published extensively, including the prize-winning book Saint John: The Making of a Colonial Urban Community. A recipient of the Cruikshank Medal for Professional Historical Writing, he has held five fellowships and is a past president of the Canadian Historical Association.

Dr. Acheson supervised nearly 40 graduate theses, served as chair of the history department, and chaired every committee in the department before his retirement in 1995.

Chancellor Emerita
Convocation: October 8, 1992

The university conferred the honorary status chancellor emerita upon Lady Violet Aitken as an indication of its respect for her and as an expression of its appreciation for the distinguished manner in which she and the Aitken family served the University of New Brunswick.

Lady Aitken succeeded her husband, Sir Max Aitken, as chancellor of UNB in 1982 when he became seriously ill and felt he could no longer fulfill the duties of the office. Her acceptance of the appointment maintained the Aitken family's long and special association with UNB. Sir Max had succeeded his father, Lord Beaverbrook, who served as chancellor from 1947 to 1964.

In 1991, when Lady Aitken decided not to accept reappointment for a third five-year term, she said it was time for her "to move on to new challenges and time to open the door at UNB to contributions by someone else." Lady Aitken did accept at that time a six-month extension, expressing pleasure at being able to continue as chancellor through the centennial celebrations of the law faculty, which are a milestone for both the faculty and the university as a whole.

The faculty of law has frequently been a special focus in the Aitken family. The first Lord Beaverbrook was once enrolled as a student in the Law School and he remained a staunch supporter of it throughout his life. Among his many benefactions were two of the homes of the Law School, Beaverbrook House in Saint John (1953-59) and Somerville House in Fredericton (1959-69).

The university conferred an honorary doctor of laws degree upon Lady Aitken in 1990. As university orator Stephen Patterson said in Lady Aitken's honorary degree citation: "She has been loyal not only to the university but to the province as a whole. Through her role as director of the Beaverbrook Canadian Foundation, she has generously supported the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, The Playhouse, and the Aitken Bicentennial Centre in Saint John."

Lady Aitken's many charitable interests have been combined throughout her life with a keen sense of adventure. Her hobbies include powerboat racing and flying hot-air balloons. A graduate of Longstowe Hall and the School of Citizenship in England, she was a private secretary to several British MPs and at the London Sun Express before marrying Sir Max in 1951.

Professor Emerita in Nursing Convocation: October 16, 1994

A professor of nursing from 1970 to 1991, Shirley Alcoe has been a role model for colleagues and students alike.

She was the first in the faculty to earn a doctoral degree and to distinguish herself as a researcher. Her longitudinal study of breast self-examination received provincial and national funding as well as international recognition.

A founding member of the Canadian Nurses' Respiratory Society, Dr. Alcoe has a long record of university service, including terms on the Fredericton Senate and the Board of Governors. Among her many honors and awards are the Canada Volunteer Award-Medal of Honour, a Canadian Cancer Society 50th Anniversary Award for Outstanding Service, and a Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of Canada.

Professor Emeritus in History
Convocation: October 19, 1997

Gilbert Allardyce has been described by his peers as "one of the most outstanding and influential undergraduate teachers who has ever served the University of New Brunswick."

Recipient of the national 3M Teaching Fellowship and the university's own excellence in teaching award, Dr. Allardyce has also distinguished himself as a scholar. As a historian he has focused on the moral tragedies and ethical dilemmas of 20th-century European history.

Widely published, he has been an invited contributor to the American Historical Review, one of the most prestigious professional historical journals in the world. Dr. Allardyce played an active role in promoting graduate studies within the university and his department. He retired in 1995 with 29 years of service.

Professor Emeritus in Sociology, 1979

Professor Emeritus in Administration
Encaenia Ceremony A: May 19, 2004

Francisco J. Arcelus has always set high standards for his students, his colleagues and himself.

A valued member of the faculty of administration since 1976, he taught a wide variety of courses to both undergraduate and graduate students. He was also instrumental in the development of the operations management and quantitative methods area, and today it stands as the faculty's strongest area in terms of robustness and research application. In addition, he played a significant role in the development of the faculty's MBA and international programs.

Dr. Arcelus has a consistent, high-quality research record that spans his entire career. He nurtured and collaborated with a number of his faculty colleagues in addition to promoting interdisciplinary research with other faculties. He has also been a mentor to young scholars, another aspect of his career that is exemplary.

He has served on numerous faculty and university committees, often playing the role of devil's advocate. "University governance is predicated on open and frank exchange," one colleague writes. "With Francisco around, exchanges are extremely open and brutally frank. His contributions in this regard are real and inarguable."

Professor Emeritus in Biology, 1969

Professor Emeritus in Business Administration
Encaenia Ceremony A: May 28, 2008

Wiktor Askanas’s career is outstanding in every dimension, and his excellence contributes to his faculty’s reputation.

The author of more than 80 books, articles and papers, he is frequently invited to lecture at premier business schools and associations in North America and Europe. He has held every important administrative position in the faculty, served on a variety of university committees and posts, and is the recipient of every teaching award available to business professors in Canada, including the prestigious 3M Fellowship.

Dr. Askanas championed the Centre for Entrepreneurial Leadership and was the driving force behind the establishment of UNB’s MBA programs in his native Poland and the Ukraine. Private sector boards and organizations benefit from his expertise, efforts and counsel, as do his church and the many immigrants he has helped to settle in Canada.

He holds UNB’s Distinguished Service Award and the Government of Poland’s Knights Cross of the Order of Merit, the Polish equivalent of the Order of Canada.

In 2007 he was appointed by the Government of Canada to serve on the Competition Tribunal of Canada for a seven year term.

Professor Emeritus in History, 1970

Professor Emeritus in Civil Engineering, 1985

Professor Emeritus in Computer Science

Dr. Virendrakumar Bhavsar is a highly-accomplished researcher and a prolific scholar. During his 33 years in the Faculty of Computer Science, he was an innovative administrator and a dedicate teacher and supervisor.

Dr. Bhavsar came to UNB in 1983 and during his tenure, he held several administrative and leadership positions and served on more 40 committees. For five years, he was Dean of Computer Science and served as Director of Graduate Studies for three years. In 2016, he was named Honorary Research Professor.

He has authored 38 journal papers, 129 conference papers, edited four volumes, and has written two book chapters and over two dozen technical reports. He has taught over 30 different undergraduate and graduate courses. For his dedication to his students and his faculty, Dr. Bhavsar received the UNB Merit Award twice – in 1992 and 1999.

Dr. Bhavsar organized the first international conference at the Faculty of Computer Science and established the first research group in computer science. He is also the founding director of UNB’s Advanced Computational Research Lab and is a founding member of the Atlantic Computational Excellence Network. He has brought in about $10 million into the UNB as a principal investigator or as a collaborator for research and advanced computing infrastructure.

During his long and distinguished career at UNB, Dr. Bhavsar inspired a large number of faculty members and students through his strong work ethic, dedication to teaching, remarkable research ability and scholarly work, and visionary leadership. He was part of a very talented and dedicated group of people who helped put in place the foundations that have made the Faculty of Computer Science what it is today.

Professor Emeritus in Mechanical Engineering, 2022

Professor Emeritus in Civil Engineering
Encaenia Ceremony D, May 30, 2013

Prof. Bisson was a valued member of the UNB family for more than 20 years. He joined UNB in 1983 as a professor of civil engineering and coordinator of UNB’s Transportation Group, one of the faculty’s leading research groups. He served in this role until 1994, when he was appointed chair of the Dr. J. Herbert Smith Centre for Technology Management and Entrepreneurship in the faculty of engineering.

Prof. Bisson is an innovative thinker. Both in his role as educator and as chair, he worked tirelessly to advance the way engineering was taught. He was instrumental in overhauling the TME program, through the introduction of new programs and moving much of the program online.

Prof. Bisson was held in very high regard by his students and his colleagues. In recognition of his teaching excellence and his service to UNB, Prof. Bisson received both UNB’s Dr. Alan P. Stuart Memorial Award for Excellence in Teaching and the Distinguished Service Award.

Prof. Bisson’s service to the university also included representing faculty members on UNB’s Board of Governors and serving on the board of INCUTECH and Enterprise UNB.

Prof. Bisson is a strong believer in providing youth with opportunities to enrich their lives and in giving them the tools they need to succeed. While at UNB, he was actively involved in bringing the Shad Valley Program to the university and became its first director in 1985.

In 2005, Prof. Bisson took an early retirement from UNB to take on the role of president of Shad Valley International. While at Shad Valley he also taught for a few years at the Conrad Business, Entrepreneurship and Technology Centre at the University of Waterloo.

Prof. Bisson’s record of accomplishment exemplifies the qualities of excellence and exceptional merit that are important criteria for the achievement of professor emeritus status.

Professor Emeritus in Mechanical Engineering
Encaenia Ceremony C: May 17, 2007

David Bonham helped shape the University of New Brunswick department of mechanical engineering and contributed to its national reputation for outstanding research and teaching.

He established the Manufacturing Technology Centre, the Student Society of Mechanical Engineering, annual faculty retreats, mechanical engineering nights, and the legendary Coaster Car Derby - which all improved and enriched student life, involved the university in the off-campus community and kept the department focused on its goals and objectives.

Dr. Bonham was instrumental in securing a departmental NSERC Design chair and initiated and maintained UNB's leading role in CAD/CAM education. He received one of the first Association of Professional Engineers of New Brunswick engineering awards, was honoured with a University Service Award, and named Professor of the Year by his students seven times.

Professor Emeritus in Physics, 1980

Professor Emeritus in Chemistry
Convocation: October 22, 2000

In a distinguished career highlighted by several prestigious awards, not to mention an honorary degree from his alma mater, the University of Hull, the designation of professor emeritus might not seem so significant. But it is the University of New Brunswick's highest honour for one of its own faculty and Frank Bottomley is a most deserving recipient.

He joined the department of chemistry in 1969 following completion of a PhD at the University of Toronto. Over the ensuing 30 years, he discovered the first member of a class of new compounds called organometallic oxides; published 101 papers; supervised 44 honours and graduate students; presented 41 invited lectures in Canada, the United States, Europe and Asia; held several prestigious fellowships for overseas study; and - despite a known aversion to meetings - served on a number of key committees for the Natural Science and Engineering Research Council.

If this were not enough, he also received the Alcan Award from the Canadian Society of Chemistry; was named a Fellow of the Chemical Institute of Canada; was recognized as one of the world's most often cited scientific writers; and was responsible for obtaining one of the largest grants - nearly half-a-million dollars - that UNB has ever received from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council.

Professor Emeritus in Civil Engineering
Encaenia Ceremony C: May 20, 2004

Having Dale I. Bray as a professor at the University of New Brunswick meant you were inspired.

He taught numerous civil engineering courses in his 35 years at the university and worked to develop the hydrotechnical branch within the department. Dr. Bray established elective and graduate courses in surface and groundwater resources, inspiring many students to pursue careers in hydrotechnical engineering.

He also initiated a partnership with the University of Costa Rica with which a thriving undergraduate exchange program now exists.

His dedication to research and problem-solving is another area in which Dr. Bray excels. He has published over 80 papers in leading professional journals and has been active in his support of graduate students. His pioneering research into river engineering is often cited by researchers in the field of river and environmental hydraulics.

Dr. Bray provided steady and open leadership to his colleagues when he served as chairperson of his department in the 1990s. He also co-founded the UNB Groundwater Studies Group and served as its co-ordinator from 1988 to 1996.

For exemplary service to his profession, Dr. Bray has received numerous awards and the recognition he deserves.

Professor Emeritus in Civil Engineering
Encaenia Ceremony C: May 20, 2004

PFew civil engineers would dispute the ravages of salt on concrete, especially if Ted Bremner were in the room.

PThroughout his three-plus decades at the University of New Brunswick, Dr. Bremner impressed students and colleagues with his extensive knowledge of material science and his true love for concrete. Some would say his influence in this area has spanned the theoretical, laboratory testing, design and inspection aspects of lightweight concrete technology.

PSince his arrival at UNB as an assistant professor in 1969, Dr. Bremner has made his mark. He taught engineering materials courses at the undergraduate core and graduate levels, and was instrumental in the development of a common course in materials for all engineering students in Canada.

PDr. Bremner's enthusiasm for teaching is matched by his enthusiasm for research. He had published 145 journal articles and conference papers, and has received several national and international awards for his research accomplishments.

PIn addition to establishing research relationships across disciplines at UNB, Dr. Bremner has forged linkages with many international researchers at institutes in Mexico and Russia. An entire symposium held last year in Greece was dedicated to him and his research.

Professor Emeritus in History
Convocation: October 19, 1997

During his 30 years at the University of New Brunswick, Wallace Brown contributed much to the field of North American and international Loyalist history.

His work has helped Loyalist studies to be recognized as a valid area of historical research. Dr. Brown's two major books, The King's Friends and The Good Americans, are regarded as classics of historical scholarship. He has also authored over 40 journal articles for publications in Canada, the United States and throughout the world.

One of the few Canadians elected Fellow of the Royal Historical Society, Dr. Brown played a major role in bringing the Loyalist Papers Project to fruition. As a result, the Harriet Irving Library is one of four repositories in the world for a major Loyalist collection.

Professor Emeritus in History, 2000

Vice-President (Academic) Emeritus
Convocation: October 13, 1991

In recognition of his outstanding contribution and dedicated service to the University of New Brunswick, Robert E. Burridge was named vice-president (academic) emeritus.

He retired in the summer of 1991 with 36 years of service, the last 11 as vice-president (academic).

A native of Plaster Rock, N.B., Dr. Burridge received his early education in that community and earned a B.Sc. in electrical engineering from UNB in 1953. After two years in England as an Athlone Fellow with the British Thomson-Houston Co., he joined UNB's department of electrical engineering in 1955. He received an MScEE from Wisconsin University in 1962 and a PhD from McGill in 1969.

First appointed as vice-president (academic) in 1980, Dr. Burridge had already served as chairperson of his department from 1970 to 1975 and as dean of the faculty of engineering from 1976 to 1980. In 1985 he was appointed to a second vice-presidential term following an overwhelmingly positive response to his first. James Downey, UNB's president for 10 of Dr. Burridge's 11 years as vice-president, called him an outstanding colleague. "His personal integrity, institutional commitment, sound judgment, good humour and prodigious capacity for hard work were important factors in the success and stability UNB enjoyed during his years in office."

Throughout a demanding administrative career, Dr. Burridge continued to teach one or two courses a year. "To me, teaching is the real business of the institution," he enthused. "Apart from that, I enjoy it. Even after all these years I still get excited before going into the classroom and generally require five or 10 minutes to recover after a class, simply because of the pitch of interest and the level of activity it requires."

Professor Emeritus in Biology
Convocation: October 18, 1996

A recipient of the APICS/Northern Telecom Teaching Award, he has instructed 19 different undergraduate courses and supervised over 50 graduate students. Dr. Burt's extensive service to the university, which includes 11 years as chairperson of the biology department, is eclipsed only by service to his community and to innumerable national and international organizations. Past president of the World Federation of Parasitologists, he has also served as president of the Canadian Society of Zoologists.

Among the many honours Dr. Burt has received are three UNB Merit Awards, a NATO Senior Scientist Research Award, the Wardle Award of the Canadian Society of Zoologists and the Gordin Kaplan Award of the Canadian Federation of Biological Sciences for outstanding contributions to public awareness of science and technology.

Although Dr. Burt officially retired in July 1995, after 33 years at UNB, he has remained active in the biology department as an honorary research professor. He also serves as associate director of the Huntsman Marine Science Centre in St. Andrews, N.B., and director of its academic programs.

Professor Emerita in Psychology Convocation: October 22, 2000

It would be difficult to find a faculty member more intimately involved in the life of the University than Ann Cameron.

Psychology professor, department chair, associate dean, residence fellow, co-acting director of the Muriel McQueen Fergusson Centre, role model and mentor - Dr. Cameron has done it all, and done it with commitment, enthusiasm and distinction.

In nominating her for this honour, her colleagues wrote, "Above all Dr. Cameron is an excellent role model for students and young faculty....[She] has provided critical leadership and mentoring to younger women academics. She proved that excellence in scholarship and teaching is possible at a time when women were not provided support for their dual role of professor and mother."

Indeed, Dr. Cameron's career at UNB Fredericton began in 1969 as a part-time professor precisely because of her family responsibilities. By 1975 she was a full-time, tenured faculty member and her record of scholarship has grown exponentially in the 25 years since then. She has held some 46 research grants, several valued at more than $100,000. Her work, contained in 44 papers and 76 conference presentations, has had an impact on a number of domains in developmental psychology including cognition, language and family violence. In fact, she continues to hold a number of grants and her pace shows no sign of diminishing in retirement.

Dr. Cameron has also been an outstanding teacher, developing curriculum, fostering a rich learning environment in which students are encouraged to reach their highest potential and sharing with them, through the development of top-flight laboratories, the benefits of her research grants.

Vitality, initiative, and creativity are words that have been used to describe Dr. Cameron - qualities that suit her unequivocally for the designation of professor emerita.

Professor Emerita in History
Encaenia Ceremony C: May 19, 2016

A socio-political historian expert in quantification, demography and statistics, Dr. Gail Campbell is the leading specialist in the history of 19th century New Brunswick.

Her numerous publications draw upon a research database meticulously compiled by Dr. Campbell herself over many years. They analyze the economic, political, religious and kinship networks that shaped New Brunswick communities and illuminate the experiences of the men and women who lived in them. Her book on New Brunswick women diarists, currently in press, is only the most recent of Dr. Campbell’s many significant scholarly contributions.

Since her arrival at UNB in 1983, Dr. Campbell’s passion for social history has inspired generations of students to think carefully and critically about how societies—past and present—actually work. She taught Canadian history at every level, and has supervised many graduate theses. Her remarkable ability to make complex problems clear was especially manifest in her graduate seminars on the philosophy of history, but also in her patient mentoring of countless colleagues.

Dr. Campbell has served UNB’s Acadiensis, Canada’s premier journal of regional history, in various capacities, including as editor and chair of the editorial board. She was a highly respected UNB Senator, the chair of the Student Services Committee, a sexual harassment officer and supported the wider community of historians in Canada through committed service to the Canadian Historical Association.

An early and tireless supporter of the Women’s Studies Program and of gender equity, Dr. Campbell was instrumental in advancing a culture of fairness and respect at UNB.

Professor Emeritus in Education
Convocation: October 23, 2014

Ellen Carusetta has a bachelor of arts degree from McMaster University, a master of education degree from Brock University and a PhD from the University of Toronto. She began her career at UNB in 1993 as an assistant professor and was promoted to associate professor in 2000 and professor in 2006. Ellen served as acting, followed by associate dean for graduate programs and research for the faculty of education from 2005, through to her retirement in 2011, and was interim dean of education from July 2009 through June 2010. She also served as interim director of the Centre for Enhanced Teaching and Learning in 1999 and 2000. In addition to her administrative and teaching responsibilities, Ellen has guided new graduate programs through UNB’s and the MPHEC’s approval processes. During a year of administrative leave in 2010-11, she coordinated the Canadian Society for the Study of Education (CSSE) section (the largest section) of the Congresses of the Social Sciences and Humanities held at UNB.

Ellen has supervised and co-supervised six MEd and six PhD students and has been a member of 11 other MEd, PhD and MBA supervisory committees. She was nominated for the Allen P. Stuart Award for Excellence in Teaching in 1996, 1998 and 2000. Ellen has had 16 articles published or accepted for publication in refereed journals, such as Adult Education Quarterly, Journal of Faculty Development and Journal of Higher Education, and has participated in 34 refereed conference proceedings. She has also authored 10 non-refereed publications.

Along with holding various administrative roles, she has served the University through membership on various senate and search committees.

Professor Emeritus in Classics, 1972

Professor Emeritus in History, 1985

Professor Emeritus in Electrical and Computer Engineering, 2021

Professor Emeritus in Civil Engineering and Dean Emeritus
Convocation: Oct. 21, 2004

John Christian is an internationally recognized expert in construction engineering. He came to the University of New Brunswick in 1987 to take up an appointment as the first holder of the M. Patrick Gillin Chair in Construction Engineering and Management. Among his accomplishments as chair holder were the development and delivery of industry seminars on project engineering, and the establishment of the diploma in construction engineering program for industry personnel.

A prolific author, Dr. Christian is widely recognized for his contributions to construction research. He is a Fellow of the Canadian Society of Civil Engineers and of the Institute of Civil Engineers. He also serves as an external examiner for the University of West Indies.

In addition to teaching undergraduate, graduate, diploma and continuing education courses, Dr. Christian has supervised 66 graduate students in civil engineering.

He is known in the faculty of engineering for the leadership he provided as associate dean, acting dean and, finally, as dean of engineering from 1999 to 2003. Throughout his tenure, no matter what the issue, he remained composed, and, without fail, found fair and equitable solutions to the challenges facing the faculty. The word 'gentleman' aptly describes his demeanor and character as dean.

Following his official retirement in 2003, Dr. Christian was appointed an honorary research professor. He holds an NSERC Discovery Grant and continues to be an asset to the department of civil engineering.

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

Since 1964, Adam Chrzanowski has been instrumental in building the international reputation of the department of geodesy and geomatics engineering.

A former department chair, he is recognized throughout the world as an expert on mining and engineering surveys. Dr. Chrzanowski has consulted on research and industrial projects in seven countries and held visiting professor appointments in six others.

The associate editor of Geomatica, he has authored over 200 papers and coauthored several books on geodetic, engineering, urban and mining surveys. Dr. Chrzanowski is a co-founder of the International Society of Mine Surveying. In 1996, he was awarded the Knights' Cross of the Order of Merit by the president of the Polish Republic for fostering scientific exchanges between Canada and Poland.

Professor Emeritus in Psychology
Encaenia Ceremony C: May 19, 2016

Dr. David Clark is an internationally acclaimed leader in the field of clinical psychology.

Dr. Clark received his PhD in psychology from the University of London in the UK in 1984. After working as a clinical psychologist for several years, he was appointed to the department of psychology at UNB in Fredericton in 1994.

Dr. Clark is world-renowned for his creative and innovative contributions to our understanding, assessment and treatment of anxiety and depression, especially obsessive-compulsive disorders. His research record is truly outstanding. He has published 11 highly acclaimed books, many used to train professionals in mental health, as well as more than 150 journal articles and book chapters. As the expert in his field, Dr. Clark is sought after to provide guest lectures, keynote addresses and clinical workshops.

Dr. Clark was also an outstanding teacher and mentor to undergraduate and graduate students. He made important contributions to UNB’s department of psychology, most notably through his leadership in the development of our accredited doctoral program in clinical psychology. He has contributed to the well-being of countless individuals experiencing depression and anxiety. He has done this both through his work as a practicing clinical psychologist as well as by training students and mental health professionals in New Brunswick and around the world to provide effective treatment.

Dr. Clark’s contributions have been recognized through several prestigious awards including the Aaron T. Beck Award for Significant and Enduring Contributions to Cognitive Therapy, election as Fellow of the Canadian Psychological Association and the Academy of Cognitive Therapy, and appointment as a UNB University Research Scholar. UNB has been incredibly fortunate to have him amongst our ranks - few people can claim such a far-reaching impact of their work.

Professor Emeritus in English
Encaenia Ceremony B: May 20, 2004

Robert H. Cockburn can look back on his 36 years of teaching English at the University of New Brunswick with the knowledge that he taught outside the box.

In addition to teaching courses in Canadian and American literature, Prof. Cockburn moved to non-traditional offerings in the latter part of his career. He extended the department's curriculum by developing highly popular courses such as Literature of the Outdoors, Travel Literature, Sports and Literature, and the Literature of Fear and Suspense.

Prof. Cockburn was an outstanding instructor who inspired his students to strive for excellence. He was always passionate about his material and sought to cultivate in his students a regard for language as it is used by others and themselves.

In addition to teaching, Prof. Cockburn chaired the department of English for 10 years and served on numerous committees. Especially noteworthy was his 31-year tenure as coach of the University Rugby Football Club, a responsibility he took on on a voluntary basis, and which allowed him to supervise over 1,000 students between 1968 and 1999.

Prof. Cockburn has an impressive record of scholarly achievement, including poems published in 22 journals and six anthologies.

Professor Emeritus in English, 1983

Professor Emeritus in Geodesy and Geomatics Engineering
Convocation Ceremony: November 7, 2020

Dr. David Coleman holds both a Bachelor and Master of Science in Engineering in Surveying Engineering from the University of New Brunswick (1976, 1988), and a Doctorate in Surveying and Spatial Information Science from the University of Tasmania (1994).

He worked in UNB’s Department of Geodesy and Geomatics Engineering since 1993, and enjoyed serving five years as Department Chair and then 10 years as Dean of the Faculty of Engineering. He has been a member of both the UNB Senate and UNB Board of Governors.

Dr. Coleman has long been fascinated with map-making, and has been an active contributor to the transformation of paper maps and property records into the online services we use today. The author of nearly 200 articles, papers and reports, Dr. Coleman’s research examines technical, social and management issues associated with online mapping and geographic information systems. He has instructed 15 different courses, supervised over 40 Masters or PhD students from 16 countries and continues to volunteer his time to both GGE and UNB’s Technology Management and Entrepreneurship Program.

He served extensively with professional associations, societies and boards outside UNB. Past roles include Invited Member of the Mapping Sciences Committee of the US National Research Council, President of the Canadian Institute of Geomatics, and Chair of the National Council of Deans of Engineering and Applied Science.

Dr. Coleman is a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering, Engineers Canada, and the Royal Canadian Geographical Society.

Dr. David Coleman is most deserving of the honour of professor emeritus at the University of New Brunswick.

Professor Emerita in History
Convocation, Oct. 21, 2010

A distinguished historian, Margaret Conrad came to UNB in 2002 as the university’s first female Canada Research Chair in Atlantic Canada Studies.

Her contributions to the history department, the faculty of arts, and to UNB are widely recognized, highly respected, and of lasting character. Her commitment to political history has made her one of Canada’s most astute and trenchant commentators on current Canadian politics.

Believing that historians need to reinsert themselves into the public policy debate, she devoted much of her time at UNB to improving the knowledge capacity of the Atlantic provinces to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

Throughout her career, Dr. Conrad published research on the Atlantic region’s early settlers and 20th-century political economy, made sources for research more accessible through old and new media, produced highly-popular textbooks, and forged connections between academics and the public. She was the driving force behind the Atlantic Canada Portal, designed to support research on the Atlantic region.

Dr. Conrad also helped to lay the foundation for Women’s Studies in Canada. A founding editor of Atlantis: A Women’s Studies Journal, she is co-author of No Place Like Home: The Diaries and Letters of Nova Scotia Women, which changed the way we understand women’s work and family life.

She is a fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, a recipient of the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal, and an Officer of the Order of Canada.

Professor Emeritus in Computer Science

He joined UNB in 1975 and spent 41 years contributing to computer science, the university and the community through exemplary teaching, research and service. Prof. Cooper was involved in course creation in computer security, information systems and drug design. He was awarded the faculty’s Teaching Award three times and served as the student ombudsman for eight years.

Prof. Cooper was an international reviewer for the United States’ National Science Foundation. Hi interdisciplinary research included work with the RCMP, aerospace companies, New Brunswick’s department of health and colleagues in chemistry, mechanical engineering and philosophy. He advised and co-chaired committees on the security of critical infrastructure and cyber-security for the provincial government.

An active member of the university community, Prof. Cooper served as don of UNB’s Aitken House residence for almost ten years and twice took on the role of assistant dean of computer science. He did this in addition to supervising doctoral and master’s students, and publishing books, conference papers and journal articles. He also serves as an adjunct professor of Howard University.

Prof. Cooper has been a shaping force in taking computer science from a department, to a school, and finally to a faculty. He is truly deserving of the recognition of Professor Emeritus.

Librarian Emerita
Convocation: October 18, 2007

Prior to her appointment in 1976, the University of New Brunswick law library had not enjoyed the benefits of a full-time professional librarian.

In the capable hands of Anne Crocker, a small collection of legal materials became a large, modern, professionally managed, full-service, academic law library. She was quick to provide helpful technology to library users and contributed to her field through professional associations, published articles, conferences and workshops.

By 1984 the library needed more room to accommodate its growing collections and to provide space for individual and group study. Ms. Crocker supervised the design and construction of the addition.

Thanks to her efforts, the Gerald V. LaForest Law Library is nationally recognized as innovative, responsive, service-oriented and attractive.

Her personal concern and professional expertise led her to play a pivotal role in the creation of the Muriel McQueen Fergusson Centre for Family Violence Research and she remains an active member of the board. In recognition of her outstanding work in this area, she was inducted into the Order of Canada in 1997.

Professor Emeritus in Education
Encaenia Ceremony A: May 18, 2005

James Clifford Croll has made an outstanding contribution to the field of education in New Brunswick.

A professor in the faculty of education for 20 years, he developed UNB's Learning Centre for children with learning difficulties and served as its director from 1982 to 1988. During those years he also co-ordinated the Diploma of Advanced Undergraduate Studies program.

Dr. Croll published numerous articles in scholarly publications and served on the editorial board of the Canadian Journal of Special Education for 10 years.

However, his most noteworthy contribution is his dedication to graduate students. He touched the lives of so many as the director of graduate studies - first for his department, then for the faculty of education - as a supervisor, as a committee member, and as a mentor and friend.

As one colleague said: "What truly distinguishes Jim's career at UNB is his service to students at all levels."

Although he retired in 2002, Dr. Croll is still committed to UNB and its students. He continues to serve on graduate thesis and dissertation committees, and to teach courses in both the faculty of education and the faculty of kinesiology, where he is an honorary research associate.