Since I became involved with the UNB Associated Alumni, I’ve been struck by the number of ways our organization works to connect fellow alumni to each other, to UNB and to current students. The office does tireless work throughout the year organizing a variety of programming, such as chapter events, reunions, homecoming, student sponsorship, scholarships and bursaries, young alumni initiatives, affinity partnership benefits, Alumni News publications and more.
One of my favourite events is the Proudly UNB Awards dinner, held each spring, where we have the distinct pleasure of honouring alumni who have distinguished themselves through their profession, their community and service to their alma mater. This year’s PUNB Awards will be held Friday, April 3, on the Fredericton campus. Please take a few moments to learn about our 2020 award recipients and join us in celebrating these remarkable alumni who make us all proud.
The first months of each year happen to be the time when many graduating high school students make one of the most important decisions of their lives. When I was considering applying to engineering, Dr. Frank Wilson (BScE’62, MScE’63) offered to share his thoughts on the program and took the time to show me around Head Hall. I still think of that day often, as Dr. Wilson’s small gesture had such a large impact on my decision to choose UNB.
If given the chance, please share your UNB story with a student who might be considering UNB, and encourage them to visit unb.ca/alumnireferral to take advantage of recruitment events, campus tours, financial aid and the chance to win free first-year tuition. There are no better UNB ambassadors than our alumni.
I want to take a moment to thank everyone who participated in our recent alumni engagement survey. The importance of hearing directly from our alumni cannot be overstated. Your feedback is invaluable, as our council continues its work toward a revised strategic plan designed to better serve our members. Highlights from the survey can be viewed here.
Finally, I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out that UNB has some exciting sporting events coming up. Show your Red & Black pride by cheering on your Reds and Seawolves this season!
AUS Track and Field Championships: Feb. 21 - 22, UNB Saint John, Saint John, NB
AUS Basketball Championships: Feb. 27 - March 1, Scotiabank Centre, Halifax, NS
ACAA Volleyball Championships: Feb. 28 - March 1, Mount Allison University, Sackville, NB
ACAA Basketball Championships: March 6 - 8, Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, NS
U SPORTS University Cup Hockey: March 12 - 15, Scotiabank Centre, Halifax, NS
Peter Syroid (BScEng'98, D-TME'98, MBA'03)
