Recipient of a 2025-2026 Alumni Student Leadership Award, Islay Hayward has devoted her time to many different corners of the UNB community. In addition to working as a residence assistant and a records assistant in the Development and Donor Relations Office, Islay has served as events coordinator with the LBR House Committee, events coordinator with Girls Supporting Girls and as a UNBSU SET member. Islay has also committed her time and energy to the ForEM Society as treasurer and merchandise coordinator, and to the Wetland Conservation Society as president. Her impact is felt across campus.

What inspired you to enrol in UNB’s Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management program? 

My love for the environment started with my grandfather, who worked in forestry for several years and told me stories about how great an experience it was to work in the woods. Those stories were a huge inspiration for me. When I began researching universities, UNB immediately stood out to me. The small student-to-faculty ratio in the Faculty of Forestry and Environmental Management meant I’d be able to form real connections with my professors and learn from them academically and professionally. Plus, I was drawn to how hands-on the program is. In my plant identification class, for example, our labs took place in the UNB Woodlot, and we had the opportunity to observe the species we were learning about. That kind of experiential learning made deciding to come to UNB an easy decision for me.

What has been the most rewarding or exciting part of your academic studies? 

The most rewarding part of my academic studies has been the opportunity to apply my learning to student life on campus. This February, I formed the UNB Wetlands Conservation Society - a campus chapter of Ducks Unlimited Canada. Our society is dedicated to the conservation, restoration, and education of wetlands in New Brunswick, and we host various events during the school year that reflect these values. This year, I had the opportunity to apply the knowledge I have gained during my studies to teach elementary and middle school students about wetlands and how we can work together to protect them. I am also one of the co-presidents for the Forestry and Environmental Management Undergraduate Society. This opportunity has allowed me to foster deep connections with my peers and learn about the traditions of one of the university's first faculties. I am excited to bring back some of our old traditions that have been lost over the years, such as the Bushman’s Ball this year. In addition to these roles, I am also a residence assistant and provide support to first years as they transition into independent living and university life. My extracurricular involvement on campus has provided me with immense fulfillment and some of my favourite memories at UNB.

How has receiving the Alumni Student Leadership Award positively impacted your UNB experience? 

I have been independently funding my education since I started university at UNB, and I can honestly say that without scholarships and awards like the Alumni Student Leadership Award, I would not be here. University was always the goal for me; however, growing up, I was never sure if I would have the opportunity to make that dream come true. Financial barriers have always been a real struggle for me, and I am just so thankful to have received this award so that I can focus more on my schooling and extracurricular activities this year. Before my mother passed away in 2021, she and I would often talk about what I wanted to be when I grew up and how excited I was to attend university. The amazing scholarship incentives at UNB made that dream a reality, and I’ll never be able to put into words how grateful I am for that.

What makes you Proudly UNB? 

I’m proudly UNB because I know firsthand how much support is available for students at the University of New Brunswick. Whether it be in-person counseling services, health appointments, academic support or job opportunities through the work study, there is truly every support you could think of at UNB. When I came to UNB in my first year, I was so nervous about university life; however, from day one, I felt supported and knew that if I needed help, there would be someone available to support me, no matter the issue. Additionally, the community in the Faculty of Forestry and Environmental Management between the students and the professors is incredible. It truly is a faculty where your professors know you and care about your success, both in the classroom and after you graduate.

What are your future plans once you’ve completed your undergraduate degree? 

After graduation, I’d like to stay in the environmental non-profit sector, specifically outdoor education. This summer, I worked at the Conservation Council of New Brunswick as one of their education and engagement interns; during this time, I taught youth ages 8 to 17 about local plants and animals, and how we can help protect them. Working outside and seeing how excited children were to learn outdoors fostered my appreciation for outdoor education and taught me how valuable it can be to learn outside of a classroom.  For long-term goals, I’d like to see myself in the position of executive director of a nonprofit one day: however, I’m more focused on the journey than the end goal.

How do you hope to continue staying connected to UNB in the future as an alum? 

Once I am an alumn, I hope to participate in the forestry alumni hockey games, as they have been some of my favourite memories. Seeing people who graduated 20-something years ago still all come back together to play hockey with the current undergraduates and tell us stories about UNB really demonstrates how close our faculty is. I also hope to come back and participate in guest lectures and show our students female representation in environmental management. UNB has provided me with so many great opportunities, and I am very excited to give back once I become an alum.