From lab to legacy
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Shannon McCue (BSc'97) has built a remarkable scientific career on the educational foundation she received at UNB, so she has committed to giving back, both now and in the future.

Shannon is a clinical researcher whose work has made a difference. Asked if there are any career highlights of which she is particularly proud, she describes working on a drug for a rare, debilitating disorder called Behçet's disease. Following global clinical trials and drug approval, one day Shannon and her team received a letter from a patient, thanking them for developing the drug that had changed their life. "When you know that your work is having such an impact on people, and how it can change their lives for the better, that is one of the most rewarding things about drug development."

Now, at Marengo Therapeutics in Cambridge, Mass., Shannon works in oncology research. Her team's focus is an exciting new treatment that could treat a wide range of cancers. "It's early stages, but it could potentially help a wide range of patients in the future."

"UNB professors provide a more personalized experience by helping to support the needs of the individual students."

Before completing her PhD in cell biology at the University of Toronto, Shannon studied biology at UNB, and she credits her UNB experience – small class sizes, supportive professors, a close-knit campus community – with laying the groundwork for her science career. "At bigger schools, you often don't get the attention or immediate access to your professors. UNB professors provide a more personalized experience by helping to support the needs of the individual students."

This gratitude for her UNB experience prompted Shannon to give back by creating a scholarship, initially starting with a small annual donation early in her career. The Shannon McCue Scholarship, now valued at $2,000, is awarded annually to a student in the bachelor of science degree program. "I think education is so important, especially for young people – and now it is so expensive, so every little bit helps."

Shannon says the same motivations led her to continue her support by including UNB in her estate planning. "It's a great way to continue my legacy after my death – something still lives on. Hopefully others will benefit from it, and they'll keep the cycle going."

To her fellow alumni who might be considering including UNB in their will, Shannon's message is simple: "Do it! What have you got to lose? You'll keep helping people, help UNB, and give people the gift of education."

Find out how to give others the gift of education through your will or a bequest
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