Fredericton honourees

M - P

(d) = deceased

Residence Fellow Emeritus
Encaenia Ceremony B: May 17, 2001

Generations of students have been influenced by Neil MacGill.

As the devoted don of Neill House from 1961 to 1966 and resident fellow of Bridges House from 1966 until his retirement last year, the philosophy professor left an indelible mark. A member of the Residence Community Administrative Team, the resident fellow supports the mission of the residence community to contribute to the university experience by providing a supportive living environment conducive to learning, personal growth, respect for diversity and a responsibility for community life.

Prof. MacGill adhered to this code and much more.

Through his weekly Bridges House Forums, Prof. MacGill introduced students to the intellectual side of residence life. Due to his encouragement and unrelenting efforts on their behalf, he will, no doubt, long be remembered by those alumni with both affection and respect.

In addition to teaching philosophy and chairing the philosophy department for ten years, Prof. MacGill was a keen administrator. He was a dedicated member of the Board of Governors for 13 years and served tirelessly on the University of New Brunswick Senate for 30 years. He sat on countless committees and boards of professional bodies during his 39 years at UNB.

Prof. MacGill is an accomplished educator and his impressive research record includes over 80 publications and papers.

Throughout his career, he demonstrated great reverence for the traditions of the university. He approached each of his roles with commitment, sincerity and wit.


Professor Emerita in Nursing

Dr. Judith Arlene MacIntosh retired from the Faculty of Nursing in 2013 after serving with distinction since 1991 in the roles of Professor, Assistant Dean of Graduate and BN/RN studies; and Assistant Dean Research and Faculty Development, Curriculum Chair. In 2015, she became an Honorary Research Professor.

From the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing, Dr. MacIntosh has received two awards for excellent in nursing education and a third for accreditation services, and a lifelong membership in the Atlantic Region Association. She has been nominated three times for the Allen P. Stuart Excellence in teaching award and once for the UNB Teaching Professor award.

She has supervised 15 graduate students, and as a recognized Canadian expert in workplace bullying, she had published more than 50 peer reviewed papers, technical and research reports, and presented mat more than 70 national and international refereed conferences. She has been co-principal investigator on nine CHIR, SSHEC or NBHRT grants, a team member for nine other funded students primarily focused on fair and ethical treatment of vulnerable populations experiencing homelessness or violence.

Dr. MacIntoshs’s reputation and record of professional conduct as a teacher, researcher and administrator is recognized within both academic and policy making communities. Her honesty and commitment have represented extraordinary contributions to UNB and beyond. For her outstanding service and support to faculty and students, Dr. MacIntosh is very deserving of the status of Professor Emerita.


Professor Emeritus in Education
Convocation: October 22, 1995

Donald MacIver is known for his outstanding teaching, leadership and commitment to education.

He was appointed founding dean of the new faculty of education in 1972 with responsibility for negotiating the amalgamation of the three English-language teacher education programs in the province.

During ten years as dean, Dr. MacIver reorganized and developed the faculty's graduate programs, shaped the four-year bachelor's program, reviewed the administrative structure of physical education and was a role model as a scholar.

His extensive volunteer service to the university included a nine-year term as international liaison officer. Dr. MacIver, who retired in 1995, was one of two people responsible for UNB's largest international development project-the Kenya Teacher's College Project.


President Emeritus, 1978


Professor Emerita in Education
Encaenia Ceremony A: May 16, 2001

Dorothy MacKeracher stands out among academics, having made the study of teaching and learning not only a career but an important part of her life.

Since arriving at the University of New Brunswick in 1990, she almost single-handedly developed the Master of Adult Education program in the Faculty of Education. Under her guidance, adult education at UNB was expanded to include certificate, bachelor's, master's and doctoral programs.

Dr. MacKeracher was also a pioneer in the delivery of distance education courses at UNB. Thanks to her efforts and expertise in the area, adult education programs are available throughout New Brunswick and beyond.

Students of Dr. MacKeracher recall her true dedication, her facilitative skills, her comfortable classroom. They also remember the encouragement, the patience, the positive feedback.

In superb academic style, Dr. MacKeracher's research and publication record far surpassed the minimum expected of a scholar. Her book Making Sense of Adult Learning was a finalist for the Small Book Press Award of 1997. Dr. MacKeracher served on numerous committees including The Quality of Teaching Committee and the Advisory Committee for the Community College Instructor Development Program.

Outside the university, she is active on boards and committees that reflect her continued concern for lifelong learning. While serving the faculty of education, Dr. MacKeracher was director of graduate studies for ten years and later became co-ordinator of the faculty's doctoral program. Throughout her career, Dorothy MacKeracher was a friend, a mentor, an inspiration and exceled in all areas of her academic life.


Professor Emeritus in Forestry and Environmental Management

Dr. David MacLean is an internationally recognized expert in forest ecology.

He joined UNB in 1999 as dean of Forestry and Environmental Management, after spending 21 years as a research scientist with the Canadian Forest Service. During his two five-year terms as dean, Dr. MacLean led the faculty in development the bachelor of science in environment and natural resources and the master in environmental management.

During his tenure as dean, graduate student numbers doubled and research funding increased dramatically. He has supervised more than 40 graduate students, many of whom are co-authors on more than 250 publications, which have been cited over 4,500 times.

Dr. MacLean has maintained a very active research program both during and after his terms as dean. He has received more than 60 research grants and has led numerous national and regional research networks. His research has been extremely influential in forest management.

A dedicated leader in his field, Dr. MacLean has served as president of the Association of University Forestry Schools in Canada, chair of the Canadian Model Forest Network and on the boards of nine national and regional organizations. In recognition of his contributions to the field of forestry, he was awarded the prestigious Canadian Forestry Scientific Achievement Award in 2008.

He has had a transformative impact on his field and on UNB and is most deserving of the recognition of Professor Emeritus.


Professor Emeritus in Computer Science Encaenia Ceremony D, May 19, 2011

David Macneil has had a truly remarkable career at the University of New Brunswick.

During his 21 year tenure as director of Computing Services, he became internationally recognized for building something that almost all of us use daily, the Internet.

He joined UNB in 1970 and four years later was appointed manager of user services in the Computing Centre, at a time when we still used punch cards, typewriters and white out. In 1979 Prof. Macneil took over as director and guided us through an information and communications technology revolution.

His leadership and vision allowed UNB to wisely choose the right technologies at the right time.

With a passion for computer networks and infrastructure sharing, he ensured that UNB was one of the first institutions in the country connected to the Internet and the very first to offer free email accounts to students.

Prof. Macneil served for seven years. Two as chair on the NATO Science Committee panel on Computer Networks, as well as serving on a variety of local organizations.

He was also a founding member of the Board of Directors of CANARIE, a major federal government initiative to construct a world-class research network infrastructure throughout Canada.

As one of the original inductees to the Canadian Internet Hall of Fame, he has helped ensure that UNB is well positioned to face this new century with a modern ICT infrastructure.


Professor Emeritus in History, 1974


Professor Emeritus in Administration, 1986


Professor Emeritus in Business Administration
Encaenia Ceremony B: May 18, 2016

Bob Maher is an outstanding educator, praised by students at all levels, regardless of whether they are first year students or graduating students. He has been nominated for, and received, many teaching awards. Tthe most prized by him are the awards nominated and determined by students.

Professor Maher has been involved in every aspect of students’ lives throughout his long and distinguished career at UNB. He has served as a resident fellow, recruited and advised students as an assistant dean, developed curricula designed to encourage the long-term retention of students, assisted students’ transition to employment and been involved with alumni long after their graduation.

Professor Maher has provided exemplary service on a large number of university and faculty committees over his 29 years at UNB, including 15 years as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Academic Pension Plan.

Professor Maher’s research interests have focused on current issues related to financial accounting and accounting education. He has a number of publications, including a successful accounting textbook. He has served on the highest levels of provincial, regional, and national professional accounting bodies. His contributions to accounting education in Canada have had a significant impact on students, alumni, colleagues, and the accounting profession as a whole. In recognition of the importance of his contributions, Professor Maher was named a Fellow of the Chartered Professional Accountants.


Professor Emeritus in Mathematics and Statistics
Encaenia Ceremony C: May 19, 2005

Gordon Mason distinguished himself as a teacher, researcher and administrator during his 35 year career at the University of New Brunswick.

A professor of mathematics and statistics, he is lauded by students and colleagues alike as a gifted and inspiring teacher. He played a major role in establishing the Teaching Centre at UNB and, for many years, chaired the Senate Quality of Teaching Committee.

In 1994, he was recognized with the Atlantic Association of Universities Instructional Leadership Award.

Dr. Mason was also instrumental in strengthening mathematics education in New Brunswick schools. An active researcher, he has made contributions to several branches of algebra. His work on near-rings has been influential and continues to be cited.

Dr. Mason has provided exemplary administrative service to UNB. He served as department chair for two terms, assistant vice-president (academic) for seven years, and assistant to the acting-president in 1997.

In the words of one of his colleagues: "Everyone who has worked with Gordon knows the strength of his commitment and dedication, and has experienced the strengths of his values. It is the overall package of accomplishments, combined with the strength of his character that distinguishes Gordon's contribution to UNB."


Professor Emeritus in Chemistry
186th Encaenia Ceremony A: May 28, 2015

Dr. Saba Mattar has had a distinguished career at UNB, and currently holds an honorary research professor position at the university. Throughout his 27 years at UNB, his research program was always highly innovative and he continues to maintain an active research program, even after retirement. He has been an enthusiastic researcher and has always been eager to share with his colleagues new equipment or hardware that he had designed and built.

During his time at UNB, Dr. Mattar received the UNB Merit Award twice for his service. For 20 years, he was a member of the Level II Assessment and Promotions Committee. He served as a Senate member, representing the faculty of science and was chair of the Senate Library committee. He was also a member of the Senate Computer Users’ committee, Senate Safety and Senate Awards and Scholarship committees, and served as vice-president, president and past president of the Association of University of New Brunswick Teachers at various points between 2004 and 2012.

At the department level, Dr. Mattar served as chair of the chemistry department’s Safety and Technical Services Committee and was also director of Graduate Studies for one academic year until his retirement. From 2005 to 2007, he served as director of the UNB Centre for Laser, Atomic and Molecular Sciences.

Dr. Mattar taught a variety of undergraduate and graduate courses. He has supervised five Master of Science students and six PhD students through to completion.

Throughout his career, Dr. Mattar continuously held an NSERC Discovery grant. He has 67 publications in highly reputable peer reviewed journals such as the Journal of Chemical Physics, Chemical Physics Letters, Journal of Physical Chemistry and the Journal of Magnetic Resonance. Dr. Mattar has also been a reviewer for six national research-granting agencies. In addition, he has given more than 100 presentations at conference proceedings.

IBM’s Visions Magazine featured his research on General Theory of Total Equivalency of Atoms in Molecules that resulted in ‘Mattar’s Rule’.

Dr. Mattar has served the UNB community and his faculty well. He is most deserving of the honour of professor emeritus at the University of New Brunswick.


Professor Emeritus in Geology, 1985


Professor Emeritus in Psychology
Convocation: October 24, 1999

Dr. McDonnell has distinguished himself by publishing widely in two very different areas: clinical psychology and experimental psychology.

He has received international recognition for his research as well as support from national and international granting agencies.

Throughout his 31 year career at the University of New Brunswick, Dr. McDonnell was a professional child clinical psychologist. His practice is viewed as a model for others in the field and through more than 80 invited talks and workshops, he has enhanced the impact of clinical psychology in New Brunswick and helped parents and professionals alike.

Dr. McDonnell's professional and academic endeavours have been critical to the development of the university's graduate program in clinical psychology. A popular and award-winning teacher, he continues to be sought as a supervisor by graduate students.


Professor Emeritus in Civil Engineering, 1986


Professor Emeritus in Geodesy and Geomatics Engineering and President Emeritus
Encaenia Ceremony D, May 19, 2011

The word transformative echoes through everything John McLaughlin has accomplished.

As professor and chair of the department of geodesy and geomatics engineering, he introduced the first program in land information management in the world. He has supervised and co-supervised nearly 100 graduate students, and authored or co-authored more than 200 publications.

With international agencies such as the World Bank and the UN, he has worked in more than 40 countries on the development of property systems.

During the 1990s, Dr. McLaughlin helped to redefine the geomatics industry in Canada, chairing two national geomatics studies. He was a driving force behind the establishment of UNB’s Centre for Property Studies and co-founded two successful companies.

His accomplishments and outstanding record of professional service at the provincial, national and international level led to his being named a Fellow of the Instituto Libertad y Democracia in Peru and of the Canadian Academy of Engineering.

As president and vice-chancellor of UNB from 2002 to 2009, he was successful in raising the bar for UNB and changing the way that we, and others, view this university.

During his presidency, UNB undertook the largest fund-raising campaign in the history of Atlantic Canada, had one of the largest increases in research funding of any comprehensive university in the country, dramatically strengthened its standing in national rankings, and significantly enhanced the quality of its academic programs and student experience.

Under his leadership UNB also played a key role in building a new culture for innovation and creativity in the region: through the 21 Inc Young Leaders program, the formation of the NB Business Council, the creation of the Wallace McCain Leadership Institute and a series of related initiatives.

He was twice recognized as one of Atlantic Canada’s top CEOs, and received the Lieutenant-Governor’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration, the Order of New Brunswick and the Order of Canada.

Today, we are pleased to honour him as professor and president emeritus.


Professor Emeritus in Civil Engineering, 1987


Professor Emerita in Nursing, 1976


Professor Emeritus in Forestry and Environmental Management and Dean Emeritus
Encaenia Ceremony C: May 18, 2000

Ian Methven has always taken his responsibilities as an educator at the University of New Brunswick very seriously.

Whether it was his abiding interest in establishing new undergraduate programs in the faculty of forestry and environmental management or his dedication as dean of the faculty from 1991 to 1997, he has distinguished himself among his peers both at the university and in the forestry profession.

During his tenure at UNB, Dr. Methven won a total of 60 grants and research contracts and also served as chair of the university's Renewal Task Force. In addition to successfully fulfilling his duties as a faculty member, he served as a director of graduate studies and a departmental chair.

Dr. Methven is well known and respected in environmental organizations at regional, national and international levels. He is currently an honorary research professor at UNB.


Professor Emeritus in Psychology
Special Ceremony: Oct. 10, 2003

Designation awarded posthumously.

Harutune H. Mikaelian was the epitome of a university professor.

A scholar with very broad intellectual sympathies, he served the university as a teacher, administrator and dedicated researcher.

Dr. Mikaelian, known as "Mike" by most who knew him, was recruited to chair the psychology department at the Unuversity of New Brunswick in 1975.

A dedicated experimental psychologist, he taught a range of undergraduate courses from introductory psychology to sensation and perception. He also taught graduate courses in perception and cognitive science, designed a course in the principles of experimental science for the department's experimental PhD program, and pioneered the course on human sexuality.

His broad-ranging psychological knowledge and sympathies made him a valued mentor for experimental and clinical students alike. He was a dedicated supervisor of many honours, master's and doctoral students. Many of whom are now academics themselves.

Dr. Mikaelian was a member of many professional associations and was a Fellow of the Canadian Psychological Association. His numerous publications, presentations and reports addressed a variety of topics on vision and hearing, including VDT induced visual fatigue.

When Dr. Mikaelian was diagnosed with cancer over a decade ago, he responded with determination, not just by fighting the illness, but by applying for a new NSERC operating grant and an equipment grant. He earned both awards. This determination provided more than another decade of research and teaching productivity. Dr. Mikaelian died in the spring of 2001, soon after his official retirement.

It is with the greatest respect that the university bestows the professor emeritus designation posthumously upon Dr. Mike Mikaelian.


Professor Emerita in Classics, 1988


Professor Emeritus in History, 2021

Professor Emeritus in Mathematics and Statistics

Dr. Barry Monson was a full-time faculty member in the department of mathematics and statistics from 1979 until his retirement in 2016, but even in his retirement, he remains very much involved in research and scholarly life at UNB, and continues to be active in the mathematical community in Canada and internationally. He has been appointed an Honorary Research Professor.

Dr. Monson’s contributions to the university have been recognized in 2015 by the President's Medal for Distinguished Service.

Dr. Monson obtained his doctorate at the University of Toronto under the supervision of the world-renowned geometer H.S.M. Coxeter. He has held NSERC funding throughout most of his career at UNB, and has been invited to present his research at numerous conferences and workshops.

Dr. Monson's teaching has been recognized through the Faculty of Science Excellence in Teaching Award in 2003, and a nomination for the Allen P. Stuart Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2009.

He has served on the Fredericton Senate as Faculty of Science representative, and on a broad range of Departmental and Faculty committees that have benefited from his sound and considered advice.

In addition to his substantial contributions to teaching, research, and service, Dr. Monson has been a leader in outreach and mentoring. His dedication to students at all levels, from middle school outreach through graduate school, has been truly exemplary and continues to be an inspiration.


Professor Emeritus in Chemical Engineering
Convocation: October 16, 1994

David Morris has been described as "one of those gifted individuals with strength in all areas of academic life."

A professor of chemical engineering for 26 years, he retired in 1992. During his career at the University of New Brunswick, Dr. Morris established an active and successful research group which studied metallurgical processes and, in recent years, the development of cheap and reliable electrochemical sensors for gases, such as oxygen and hydrogen. He also supervised over 30 graduate students.

"He combined a fine teaching record with excellent research and solid academic, professional and community service," states a letter in support of his nomination. Following his official retirement, Dr. Morris continued to be actively involved in the department.


Professor Emeritus in Classics and Ancient History

Dr. James Murray is a fixture of the UNB community. He earned his BA in Political Science and MA in Classics at UNB, and received his PhD in Classics from the University of Pittsburgh before returning to UNB as a faculty member in 1984. Aside from serving for many years as the chair of Classics and Ancient History, he was also the Dean of Arts for two terms.

Dr. Murray has contributed great things to UNB and to the field of Classics. He has published important articles on subjects ranging from Plato’s philosophy to the New Testament, and has now undertaken the task of recording the history of the discovery of Plato’s Academy in Athens, a remarkably fascinating story.

He has represented UNB well by serving as president and past-president of the Classical Association of Canada, and offering staunch support for the Canadian Institute in Greece. He also championed the foundation of UNB’s Centre for Hellenic Studies.

As a teacher, he has educated generations of Arts students at UNB, earning teaching awards and adoring students along the way. His evening classes on subjects such as the Early Church contained a diverse student body that seemed a snapshot of Frederictonians and New Brunswickers.

A pioneer of the Arts Travel Study Program, Dr. Murray introduced countless students and members of the community to the art, archaeology, and culture of Greece and Turkey and paved the way for today’s many vibrant travel study programs. He is most deserving of this honour.


Professor Emeritus in Administration and Dean Emeritus
Encaenia Ceremony A: May 17, 2000

As an intellect, he is formidable. As an educator, he is regarded highly by his students and colleagues alike.

Kunhiraman Nair has left his mark at the University of New Brunswick, having made substantial contributions to the development of courses in the bachelor of business administration program. As dean of the faculty from 1983 to 1989, Dr. Nair also played a pivotal role in developing the MBA program.

A consistently productive researcher, he is well known for his contributions in the areas of quality control, location theory and multi-objective programming, to name only a few. His papers have been published in well-respected journals and are cited widely.

Dr. Nair has received several research grants and in 1977 was awarded the prestigious Canada Council Leave Fellowship.


Professor Emerita in Sociology
Encaenia Ceremony C: May 30, 2019


Professor Emerita in Sociology

Dr. Linda Neilson is an award winning internationally recognized scholar in the socio-legal field.

Over the last 20 years of her stellar research career at UNB, Dr. Neilson has conducted comprehensive analysis on the operation of legal systems in domestic violence cases nationally and internationally. In 2009, she published Domestic Violence and Family Law in Canada: A Handbook for Judges, with introductory comments by Justice John McGarry. This peer-reviewed bench book, now in its third edition, has been acclaimed as an exemplary model, one that other national jurisdictions have followed.

Her work on domestic violence in multiple legal systems, focused on enhancing safety, was published by the Department of Justice in Canada and republished for judges in California. Currently, Dr. Neilson is finalizing a manual for the Canadian Legal Information Institute tentatively titled, Responding to Domestic Violence in Family Law, Civil Protection and Child Protection Cases.

Popular amongst students in Sociology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Dr. Neilson was recognized for her socio-legal expertise and her ongoing commitment to students. She was an excellent undergraduate teacher and a sought-after mentor for graduate students.

Early in her career, Dr. Neilson founded the multi-disciplinary legal studies program, Law in Society, housed within the Faculty of Arts. Beyond the academy, Dr. Neilson’s work has influenced the development of domestic violence policies and practices for front line professionals, judges and government policy experts.

It is with much enthusiasm that we, the members of the Department of Sociology, put forward the nomination of Dr. Neilson for Professor Emerita. She is most deserving of this honour.


Professor Emerita in Geodesy and Geomatics Engineering
185th Encaenia: May 29, 2014

As an expert in land administration, gender rights and access to land, aboriginal and first nations’ ownership rights, maritime policy and marine boundary delimitation, and land registry reform, Susan Nichols’ contributions to UNB’s Center for Property Studies have been invaluable.

Throughout her long career at UNB, Dr. Nichols’ drive, intelligence, passion and commitment to the university has earned her a number of awards and promotions.

A UNB alumna, Dr. Nichols began teaching at UNB in 1980 and has held several administrative positions in the Faculty of Engineering, including director of graduate studies in geodesy and geomatics engineering.

During her career at UNB, Dr. Nichols received over 50 research grants, contracts and awards. She has been invited to speak at conferences on five continents, and has authored or co-authored more than 100 publications. She developed and taught undergraduate and postgraduate courses in land administration and cartography, and has supervised five PhD students, 21 master’s students, and more than 75 senior undergraduate reports and theses.

She chaired the Engineering Faculty Graduate Committee for close to 10 years, and served on other UNB and professional committees. Her expertise in land administration systems and user requirements was recognized and sought by the United Nations, the World Bank, and other international development organizations and she brought several important international training programs in land administration to UNB.

Dr. Nichols was the first female president of the Canadian Institute of Geomatics and is the past-chair of the Canadian National Committee for the International Federation of Surveyors.


Professor Emeritus in Computer Science
185th Encaenia: May 29, 2014

Through his outstanding commitment, leadership and mentorship, Brad Nickerson helped shape UNB’s Faculty of Computer Science and contributed to its national reputation for outstanding research and teaching.

Just after obtaining his PhD in 1987, Dr. Nickerson was appointed assistant professor in the Faculty of Computer Science and established UNB’s Information Technology Centre, which has acted as a bridge between the information and communication technology industry and computer science education and research occurring at UNB. He also founded the Faculty of Computer Science Research Expo, first held in June 2004. He has served as chair of the Faculty of Computer Science Recruitment Committee, and coordinator of the Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering program.

A responsible leader, a rigorous scholar and a respectable mentor, Dr. Nickerson received the UNB Merit Award twice; and was awarded the Computer Science Excellence in Teaching Award by students in the faculty.

During his time at UNB, Dr. Nickerson had supervised 45 graduate students and 53 undergraduate students, and served as chair or member of 104 UNB Master’s and PhD thesis examining boards as well as serving as an external examiner on several theses. He has received 101 research grants, contracts and awards totalling more than $3 million.

Dr. Nickerson values collaboration. He spearheaded the successful 2002 Atlantic Innovation Fund proposal and has worked with UNB researchers in a number of faculties throughout his career. He has authored or co-authored 19 journal papers, 43 papers in refereed conferences, 64 non-refereed papers and posters and 106 technical reports.

In 2007, Dr. Nickerson was awarded a Harrison McCain Foundation Visitorship Award to support one year as a visiting professor to Aarhus University in Denmark.

In his retirement, Dr. Nickerson remains actively involved in research and continues to supervise graduate students at UNB.


Professor Emeritus in Psychology
Convocation: Oct. 23, 2003

Richard Nicki has a 36 year history of dedicated service to the university, its students and the profession of psychology.

Most recently, as chairperson, he guided the department of psychology through a six-year (1997-2003) period of unprecedented change.

Dr. Nicki supported and participated in the revamping of the department's graduate offerings, which led to national accreditation of the doctoral program in clinical psychology. He also encouraged the revision and restructuring of the undergraduate curriculum.

As a practising, licensed clinical psychologist, Dr. Nicki exemplifies the scientist-practitioner model that is the guiding philosophy of UNB's doctoral program in clinical psychology.

A consistently productive researcher, Dr. Nicki has published numerous articles on such clinically relevant topics as smoking cessation, eating disorders, worry among the elderly and post-traumatic stress. His current research focuses on problem gambling, and, in retirement he continues to direct a well-funded lab to investigate the psychological factors governing gambling.

Dr. Nicki has been tireless in his mentoring efforts with both undergraduate and graduate students. He supervised more than two dozen graduate theses and involved students in all stages of his research. On top of that, he is considered one of the best teachers in the department.


Vice-President (Finance and Administration) Emeritus
Convocation: October 24, 1999

On April 30, 1999, James F. O'Sullivan retired as the University of New Brunswick's vice-president (finance and administration), culminating a distinguished public service career that spanned almost 40 years.

During this period, his contributions to the Government of New Brunswick and the development of higher education in the Atlantic region have been nothing short of extraordinary.

His rich, varied, thoughtful and highly productive career supported the administrations of two New Brunswick premiers, five UNB presidents and countless others who, whether as subordinates, colleagues, or leaders, have been enlightened, assisted and influenced by his tireless and meticulous work.

In government he first served as secretary for the Royal Commission on Higher Education in New Brunswick. This groundbreaking study of higher education set the stage for the rationalized and consolidated development of universities in New Brunswick.

He also served as secretary to Committee on the Financing of Higher Education in New Brunswick and as founding chairperson of the New Brunswick Higher Education Commission.

In 1970, Dr. O'Sullivan became chairperson of the Cabinet Secretariat for the Government of New Brunswick. This is the most senior and most influential civil service position in the provincial government. That he rose to this level at the early age of 35 and so relatively early in his career is a clear indication of his considerable abilities and the level of trust and esteem in which he was held by the Government of New Brunswick. He was the first person to hold this position and so set the standard for its continued importance in the administration of the provincial government.

But it was in 1974, when he was appointed vice-president (finance and administration) at UNB, that Dr. O'Sullivan really came into his own. He was only the second person to hold this position, following in the footsteps of his worthy predecessor and mentor, UNB alumnus Beverley Macaulay.

As vice-president (finance and administration), Jim O'Sullivan provided support, counsel and leadership for 25 years.

He saw UNB through a time of considerable change including the development and maturing of a second campus in Saint John, the unionization of faculty and support staff, the administration of more than a dozen balanced budgets and the elimination of accumulated debt.

He oversaw the continued expansion of physical facilities on both campuses, the selection and implementation of a new management information system, significant fluctuations in government revenues and student enrolments and the administration of an accelerated early retirement program for faculty.

He nurtured the substantial growth of our endowment, encouraged the creation of many new programs and the introduction of sophisticated technology and guided through the increasing complexity of the educational environment.

Especially important are the collegial relations he helped to forge with the university's faculty association, a situation which is the envy of most educational institutions in Canada.

Jim O'Sullivan provided leadership, a strong sense of direction, great stability, thoughtfulness, calm and unfailing commitment to his colleagues and to UNB, his alma mater. UNB's success and growth over the last quarter of the 20th century can be, in large part, attributed to his dedicated involvement.

In his innumerable reports to the senates and the Board of Governors, as well as to external bodies such as the Council of Ministers of Education, Dr. O'Sullivan left a detailed and informative record of his findings, observations and opinions on the state of higher education at UNB, in New Brunswick and across Canada. It is a body of work largely unpublished but extremely thoughtful, studied and deeply intellectual, a measure of the man who came to UNB intending to stay six years and made it his life's major work.


Professor Emeritus in Biology, 1988


Professor Emeritus in Electrical and Computer Engineering
Encaenia Ceremony C: May 17, 2007

Philip Parker is an international leader in the field of bio-processing.

Throughout his 29 year career in the department of electrical and computer engineering, this former department chair provided exemplary service to the university and his profession.

An inspiring teacher, he has received the Balasubramanian Award for Excellence in Teaching from the students in his department three times, and his former graduate students are world leaders in academia and industry.

Dr. Parker earned annual NSERC grants, contributed to the international reputation of the Institute of Biomedical Engineering and was invited to give the Basmajian Lecture at the International Society of Electromyography and Kinesiology, an honour afforded to those truly outstanding in this field.

His work has led to a greater understanding of the human neuromuscular system, enhanced medical diagnostics and control of prosthetics limbs.


Professor Emeritus in Chemistry
Encaenia Ceremony C: May 17, 2007

Jack Passmore is internationally recognized as one of the world's most creative main group inorganic synthetic chemists.

He has made compounds that appear simple as a formula but which are non-existent according to accepted wisdom, revealed of a new class of compounds, now featured in all introductory organic chemistry textbooks and achieved notable success in the field of sulfur-nitrogen chemistry.

A dedicated supervisor of graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, Dr. Passmore is a prolific author with more than 190 journal articles to his credit. He has given more than 100 invited lectures at conferences and institutions world wide and is an honoured member of several national and international societies.

His accolades are many and his output remained prodigious throughout his 36-year career at the University of New Brunswick. In retirement he continues to hold the university's largest NSERC discovery grant.


Professor Emeritus in History
Encaenia Ceremony B: May 20, 2004

One of the most recognizable individuals on the Encaenia platform is Stephen Patterson, university orator.

In this capacity, Dr. Patterson has announced the name of every undergraduate to receive a degree from this campus since 1988. He has also researched, written and delivered over 100 honorary degree citations.

Dr. Patterson has been teaching history at UNB since 1964. He has served as chairperson of the history department, director of its graduate program and co-ordinator of UNB's fine arts program.

He is an active scholar and has been researching and writing in the field of Colonial North American history since his days as a graduate student. With his most recent work in the area of aboriginal history, Dr. Patterson has undertaken major research projects on behalf of the federal government and several provincial governments.

His recent work reflects these interests as he continues to research aboriginal rights, and plans several books on 18th century America. He is the author of over 30 scholarly papers and articles, numerous scholarly reviews and a major monograph.

Dr. Patterson has served on several UNB committees, the Board of Governors and the Senate.


Professor Emeritus in Chemical Engineering
Convocation: October 18, 1996

Jules Picot is known as an outstanding teacher, a skilful administrator and a remarkable researcher.

He joined the University of New Brunswick in 1959 and was a founding member of the department of chemical engineering. During his 39 years at UNB and two terms as department chairman, he contributed significantly to the development of chemical engineering into a first-class teaching and research unit.

Dr. Picot's research work has produced both innovative theories and practical solutions to industrial problems. He holds the Canadian and U.S. patents for a liquid atomizing apparatus for aerial spraying and has thus contributed to the control of the spruce budworm. In addition to his work in forestry aerial spraying, he has extensively studied polymer orientation in solids and liquids.

An international expert in his field, Dr. Picot has over 100 publications to his credit and a record of extensive service to professional organizations. He is a life member of the Association of Professional Engineers of New Brunswick, a Fellow of the Chemical Institute of Canada and a UNB Merit Award recipient.

Highly regarded by students for the energy and enthusiasm he brought into the classroom, Dr. Picot has taught virtually the entire chemical engineering curriculum.

He retired in July 1995 but continues his work as an honorary research professor in the department of chemical engineering.


Professor Emeritus in English
Convocation, Oct. 21, 2010

During his 38 years at UNB, Dr. Ploude distinguished himself as a scholar, teacher, administrator, adviser and author.

His dedication to the well being and future of the English department is meritorious. He served as department chair for 18 years, and his colleagues say that the department’s collective success is due, in no small part, to his astute management of resources and his dedication to fostering an environment of support, advice and encouragement.

In addition to a heavy administrative workload, Dr. Ploude devoted much of his time to teaching. He taught courses at all levels, from the large first-year courses to small graduate seminars in his specialty, 19th century poetry and prose. His dedication to his students garnered him a Dr. Allan P. Stuart Memorial Award for Excellence in Teaching.

Dr. Ploude was involved with the department’s flagship journals. He co-founded Studies in Canadian Literature and served as The Fiddlehead’s editor and business manager for eight years. In 1995 he co-edited Fiddlehead Gold, the journal’s 50th anniversary volume.

Dr. Ploude’s commitment to education has also benefited the larger educational community. As chief examiner of the Provincial Achievement Test in High School English, he was responsible for overseeing the creation of a provincial examination for Grade 11 English students and for working with high school teachers across the province on ways to improve instruction and to increase consistency in grading.


Professor Emeritus in Forestry and Environmental Management
Convocation: October 19, 1997

Graham Powell is considered to be one of only a handful of scientists worldwide who understand how trees grow.

An expert in tree growth and morphology, he published over 40 refereed papers and more than 20 technical reports and handbooks during his 34 year career in the faculty of forestry and environmental management. His contributions as an educator and administrator are also significant.

As the director of graduate studies for ten years, Dr. Powell fostered the growth of the faculty's graduate program. In addition to supervising graduate theses, he taught 11 different graduate courses, 14 different undergraduate courses and supervised 69 undergraduate theses and 86 summer reports.

In recognition of his ongoing contributions, he was appointed honorary research professor.


Professor Emeritus in Spanish and Latin American Cultures
Arts Council Meeting: October 15, 1998

Fernando Poyatos is a leading international scholar in the multidisciplinary field of non-verbal communication.

The author of ten books and almost 100 articles, he is widely recognized for its applications to Hispanic studies and a number of other disciplines. In 1993 Dr. Poyatos became the first Canadian citizen to be honored with membership in the Spanish Royal Academy.

He organized and chaired national and international symposiums, and acted as consultant, in 16 disciplines in 11 countries, and lectured at universities in over 20 countries in four continents. In addition to teaching in the University of New Brunswick’s department of Spanish for 32 years, Dr. Poyatos has taught for the last 20 years in the departments of Anthropology, Psychology and Sociology.

He also served as chairperson of the department of Spanish and Latin American Cultures from 1992 until his retirement in June 1998.


Professor Emeritus in French, 1997


Professor Emeritus in Sociology, 1986