January 8, 2008
UNB Saint John News Release:
Natasha St. Pierre, Communication Officer (506) 458-7969

Jayne Jones and Leanne Laracey, political science students at the University of New Brunswick in Saint John, have been awarded the 2007-08 Sandra Irving Scholarships, valued at $5,000 each.

“Leanne and Jayne demonstrated the maturity, poise and the broader range of interests that the scholarship hopes to recognize,” said Joanna Everitt, chair of the Sandra Irving Scholarship committee. “Given these two very strong candidates, the selection committee recommended two Sandra Irving Scholarships be awarded for the academic year.”

Saint John native Jayne Jones, a fourth-year political science student, is working towards an honours major in politics with a minor in history. During her time at UNB Saint John, Jones has been challenged to read more, write better and think harder. Upon graduation, she intends to remain a part-time student.

“If creative academic energy keeps one young and a more involved citizen, then that continues to be my pursuit,” said Jones.

Leanne Laracey graduated from Sir James Dunn Academy in St. Stephen and is currently in her third year of political science at UNB in Saint John. She also spent a semester abroad studying in Mexico at the Universidad de Las Americas-Puebla.

Upon graduation, Laracey plans to engage in some practical experiences working in Latin America for an organization that works to promote international cooperation and understanding. Eventually she hopes to continue her studies in education, international development or international project management.

“I’m so grateful in my heart for having been blessed with all the support, love and opportunities that I have had,” said Laracey. “I hope that by the time I leave this world, I will have contributed as many good things to the world as it has given to me.”

The political science program at UNB Saint John trains students to analyze how and why governments make decisions and to assess the impact those decisions have on populations in Canada and around the world. The Sandra Irving Scholarship is an annual scholarship open to students in the field of political science at UNB Saint John. Academic standing, career aspirations and a personal statement are all taken into consideration by the selection committee. The $5,000 scholarship is named for the donor, a UNB Saint John political science graduate, who created the award.

Students at UNB Saint John are generously supported by a number of scholarships and bursaries like the Sandra Irving Scholarship. For more information on scholarships and bursaries, visit www.unb.ca/scholarships.

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