June 25, 2009
UNB News Release: 09-104

A farewell dinner for University of New Brunswick President John McLaughlin has raised $45,000 for student bursaries.

The sold out dinner was held to celebrate the accomplishments of outgoing UNB President John McLaughlin, who will be retiring this summer after seven years in the post. More than four hundred guests attended the event.

Proceeds from the event will help fund the newly established McLaughlin Family Bursary. The bursary will support UNB students in financial need.

“Maggie and I, along with the rest of my family are honoured that so many of our friends came out to the dinner and have given so generously to help students in need," said Dr. McLaughlin.

Dr. McLaughlin is UNB's 17th president and vice-chancellor and a professor of engineering. Prior to his current post, Dr. McLaughlin served as both vice-president (research and international cooperation) and vice-president (academic) at the university.

Over the past seven years of Dr. McLaughlin’s presidency, UNB undertook the largest fund-raising campaign in the history of Atlantic Canada, had one of the largest increases in research funding of any comprehensive university in the country (coupled with an outstanding record of commercialization), dramatically strengthened its standing in the national rankings (including Maclean’s), made the largest capital investments in its more-than-two-century history, and significantly enhanced the quality of its academic programs and student experience.

Under his leadership, UNB has also played a key role in building a new culture of innovation and creativity in the region: through the 21inc Young Leader program, the formation of the NB Business Council, the creation of the Wallace McCain Leadership Institute and a series of other related initiatives.

For the past two years, Atlantic Business Magazine has recognized Dr. McLaughlin as one of Atlantic Canada’s top CEOs. In 2007 he received the Lieutenant-Governor’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration.

More information about supporting UNB is available online at www.unb.ca/donations, by phone at 1-877-UNB-GIVE or email giving@unbfutures.ca

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