UNB Law Presents Frank McKenna With Distinguished Graduate Award

Frank McKenna and J. Ernest DrapeauUNB Law Presents Frank McKenna With Distinguished Graduate AwardOn Friday, November 17th, 2006, the UNB Faculty of Law presented the Honourable Frank J. McKenna with the Ilsa Greenblatt-Shore Distinguished Graduate Award at a ceremony held at the Law School. UNB President John McLaughlin praised Mr. McKenna’s outstanding commitment to the service of the people of New Brunswick. The award was presented to Mr. McKenna by classmate and friend J. Ernest Drapeau, Chief Justice of the New Brunswick Court of Appeal. In attendance were numerous distinguished guests from the legal, business and government communities as well as students and faculty members.

The Ilsa Greenblatt-Shore Distinguished Graduate Award was created to recognize Law School graduates who have achieved excellence and brought honour to our Law School. The Award is given to graduates who have made significant contributions to public service, including service to the Law School, and who have achieved recognition in their chosen field.

Frank J. McKenna graduated from the Law School in 1974 and has gone on to excel in the fields of law, politics, government and business. Highlights of his career include serving as premier of New Brunswick from 1987-1997, serving as the Canadian Ambassador to the United States of America from 2005 to 2006, and playing leading roles in numerous provincial, national and international companies. Presently, Mr. McKenna is the Deputy Chair of TD Bank Financial Group.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Mr. McKenna has devoted significant time and effort to volunteering with numerous community organizations. Mr. McKenna was a past National Head of Career Edge, a member of the Fund Raising Committee for the National Ballet School and has been involved with a number of organizations including the Canadian Business Hall of Fame, National Adult Literacy Database, New Brunswick Foundation for the Arts and the C.D. Howe Institute, as well as the capital campaign of the University of New Brunswick.

In addition to Mr. McKenna, the following graduates have received the Distinguished Graduate Award:

1998 Ilsa Greenblatt-Shore (in memoriam)

  • 1999 Franklin O. Leger, Q.C.
  • 2000 J. Fernand Landry, Q.C. (in memoriam)
  • 2001 Donald M. Gillis, Q.C.
  • 2004 His Honour Judge Graydon Nicholas

The UNB Faculty of Law is honoured to list Frank McKenna among its graduates and was pleased to present him with the Ilsa Greenblatt-Shore Distinguished Graduate Award.

Posted November 22, 2006 at 8:22 AM