Civil engineer Sheila (Caughey) Washburn (BScCE'59, MEng'80) was honoured this month with the UNB Engineering Distinguished Alumni Award and a place on the faculty's Wall of Fame.
"Sheila represents the qualities we work to instill in every UNB engineer," says Josh Leon, dean of engineering. "Her professional achievements, volunteer work and commitment to her community set a powerful example for our students."
Sheila's career and volunteerism have benefited her profession and the province of New Brunswick. After earning her undergraduate degree from UNB, she worked in construction in Ottawa at the National Research Council's Construction Research Centre and in Montreal with Shawinigan Engineering.
This was followed by a master's degree in civil engineering from UNB, a term as councillor for Barker's Point in the City of Fredericton, and a decade of owning and managing Aries Construction Ltd., which specialized in residential renovations. She then went on to work for Siskin Management and later, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.
In 2004, Sheila and her husband, Owen (PhD'69), established an engineering scholarship in memory of their son, Thomas Washburn, a chemical engineer. The award supports graduates from Fredericton-area high schools who pursue engineering studies at any qualified Canadian university. Administered by the Fredericton Community Foundation, the scholarship has supported many students, most of whom chose to study at UNB. One of those recipients, Mitchell Small (BScE'16, D-TME'16), spoke at the celebration.
Sheila has also been a strong advocate for environmental conservation. She and her husband both served as presidents of the Nature Trust of New Brunswick. Along with her brother, Dr. Michael Caughey (BScEE'58), the family donated land inherited from their father in Charlotte County to the Nature Trust to ensure its permanent protection.
Sheila is part of a family of engineers whose legacy reflects the lasting impact engineers can make through leadership, generosity and service to the community.
