Founding Principles
The Andrews Initiative for Advanced Learning has been an idea under consideration since the University of New Brunswick received a major undesignated gift from the estate of J. William Andrews in 2005.
From the outset, the Initiative has been seen as one component in a strategy for engaging society’s rapidly increasing cohort of those over 50 (especially the “Baby Boomers”), not only through collaboration with existing programs and services (College of Extended Learning; traditional degree paths; the Associated Alumni), but also through a variety of new directions and partnerships.
The overarching goals for this strategy were seen as threefold: to contribute to the intellectual and personal well being of the new generation of learners over 50; to take advantage of their experience and expertise in supporting the university’s mission; and to engage an entirely new cadre of students in the university.
In addition to its obvious connection to lifelong learning, the Initiative supports several of the university's strategic goals, including leadership in discovery, innovation and entrepreneurship; building a better university; and building a better province.
President Emeritus John McLaughlin set aside funds from the bequest of alumnus J. William Andrews to establish the Andrews Initiative, named in honour of our benefactor. Dr. McLaughlin chairs a small steering committee that oversees the development of the program.
