“If you give to the extent that you know you can, that’s all anyone can expect... The important thing is to give and know you’re contributing something to a worthwhile cause.” - UNB Chancellor Emeritus Dr. Richard J. Currie on his $20-million gift (Fall 2010 issue of Alumni News)
Nov. 18 marked the launch of It Begins Here, the campaign for the University of New Brunswick. As president of UNB’s Associated Alumni, I was asked to join the campaign cabinet by President Eddy Campbell in 2014 -- an invitation I proudly accepted. Chaired jointly by Robert Quartermain (BSc’77, DSc’09) and David Ganong (BBA’65, LLD’12), the campaign includes 35 UNB alumni, who not only support UNB with their voices and active participation, but also financially through personal gifts toward the campaign’s impressive fundraising goal.
During the time leading up to the launch, I’ve recalled and referenced Dr. Currie’s words. To me, they reflect a relatable approach to giving to UNB and one that feels less overwhelming when asking first-time donors to consider making a gift to our alma mater. They also prompted me to strengthen my commitment to UNB by establishing a bursary, which will eventually be awarded to a future student from New Brunswick. I’m proud to join the generous group of UNB alumni who have made long-term gifts to our alma mater and hope that my gift inspires others to join this legacy of giving back.
Last month the Alumni Association, with support from the Devereaux Trust, launched UNB Talks, a new series focusing on UNB’s centres of excellence. The inaugural event in Toronto explored cybersecurity at UNB with Dr. Ali Ghorbani, dean of UNB’s faculty of computer science and Canada Research chair in cyber security. Later in Ottawa, alumni and friends joined Dr. Dhirendra Shukla, the J. Herbert Smith ACOA chair, to discuss innovation and entrepreneurship at UNB. The breakfast events were followed by evening receptions, where prospective students were also invited to connect with recruiters and learn more about UNB. Stay tuned for future UNB Talks in 2017.
If you live in Fredericton, or will be visiting the area, I hope you will make a point of seeing the Souterrain Impressions exhibition at the UNB Arts Centre. This new exhibition features 3D reproductions of carvings done by First World War soldiers living deep underground leading up to the Battle of Vimy Ridge. I have a personal connection to Vimy, having worked there as a tour guide while I was attending UNB and as a new board member with The Vimy Foundation. This exhibition provides a unique opportunity to experience the carvings that currently are not possible at the Vimy monument and tunnel.
Follow our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter feeds in the coming months. I’ll be posting updates on the Souterrain Impressions exhibition, our alumni gathering in Trinidad and Tobago and of course, the It Begins Here campaign.
Stay connected, be safe, and always be Proudly UNB.
Brooke
