UNB honours top students
Seventeen University of New Brunswick students, including three law students, joined 138 students before them to be inducted into the Sir Howard Douglas Society of Scholars.
The award recipients volunteer their time and talent in a number of ways, both locally and internationally, and are all dean’s list students. Nominated by their faculties, the scholars must have completed two years of their bachelor’s degree program, achieved academic excellence and actively participated in co-curricular or extracurricular activities.
A dinner was held in their honour on Thursday, March 14, where the 2013 scholars were addressed by UNB alumni and former Sir Howard Douglas Scholars, Jon O’Kane and Ryan Brideau.
Members of the Sir Howard Douglas Society, which was formed in 2006, 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.
Born in Scotland, 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 was a founder and the first chancellor of King’s College Fredericton, predecessor to UNB.
UNB Faculty of Law’s 2013 Sir Howard Douglas Scholars are:
Jessica Hanna, Fredericton, N.B., Juris Doctor, UNB Fredericton, believes in a socially just society that understands and values human rights. This commitment has led her to take on a number of roles including program coordinator for the UNB Chapter of Pro Bono Students Canada, blogger with the Canadian Civil Liberties Association and volunteer with the Poverty Law Society.
Jennifer Petryshen, Fredericton, N.B., Juris Doctor, UNB Fredericton, strives to maintain a balanced life and to contribute to her community. She is vice-president of the Fredericton Legal Advice Clinic and has worked with the New Brunswick Legal Aid Services Commission to review New Brunswick’s Legal Aid Act. Outside of school, she lends her knitting skills to making toys for cats in shelters.
Ashley Savinov, St. John’s, N.L., Juris Doctor, UNB Fredericton, wants to contribute to the social fabric at the law school and make new students feel welcome. She has been a member of the Articling and Placement Committee, a group that assists students find a career in the legal field; is co-chair of Women and Law Society, and is a volunteer with Pro Bono Canada.
Pictured above, from left to right, are Dean John Williamson, Jessica Hanna, Jennifer Petryshen and Ashley Savinov.
For a complete list of 2013 Sir Howard Douglas Scholars and to learn more about this prestigious award, please see here.
