From healthcare to the arts, business to education, food security to social innovation, Earl Brewer (BA’70, LLB’74) and Sandra (Sandy) Kitchen-Brewer (BA’94, MA’08) are dedicated to improving the lives of their fellow New Brunswickers. Their long-standing commitment to their community was recognized this past May, as the pair each received an honorary doctorate of letters at the University of New Brunswick’s 195th Encaenia Ceremony.
“It is with immense gratitude and humility that I stand here today,” said Earl, addressing the room of dignitaries, UNB representatives, graduates and their families at the Richard J. CURRIE CENTER. “I am moved by the privilege of having my wife stand with me here on this stage today.”
Sandy, speaking on behalf of herself and Earl, delivered a heartfelt message, sharing the guiding principles that shaped their path to success and happiness. She urged graduates to never underestimate the power of luck and to embrace curiosity, highlighting its transformative power in their personal and professional lives: “Earl and I have both made careers out of asking questions—lots and lots of questions. And let me tell you, curiosity isn't just good for solving cases, building buildings, or conducting research. It is the key to lifelong learning and personal growth. So, keep asking why. Keep exploring new ideas, and never ever lose sight of the wonder of the world around you.”
The pair acknowledged that nothing meaningful is earned without help and to always give credit where credit is due—to the mentors, colleagues, friends and family who helped along the way. In closing, they reminded graduates of one of the most basic principles that contributed to their own success: to be a good person.
“It sounds simple, doesn't it?” said Sandy, “but it isn't. In a world that can sometimes feel chaotic and divided, kindness and decency go a long way. No matter the career you're pursuing, or in your everyday life, never lose sight of the importance of empathy, integrity and compassion. When you are faced with decisions in life always lead with being a good person.”
Social activists, philanthropists, business leaders, and staunch community supporters, Earl and Sandy have left an enduring mark on the Province of New Brunswick and beyond—doing so with modesty and authenticity. In 2009, they established the Brewer Foundation, initially to provide educational funding for students showing strong academic skills but with no economic means to attend a post-secondary institution. Since its inception, the Brewer Foundation has provided significant financial support to countless community initiatives.
A few years ago, Earl and Sandy set out on a far-reaching (and perhaps their most important) mission, to ensure that no child in New Brunswick would be hungry at school. At the time, New Brunswick was the only province in the country not to have a school food program. They have invested in breakfast, lunch and snack programs that support kids at more than 100 schools from the Acadian Peninsula to Saint John. In doing so, they raised awareness of food insecurity among children in New Brunswick—the “silent pandemic,” as Sandy calls it—kids not having enough to eat, let alone healthy options. Sandy has observed that the students who participate in school food programs as volunteers are learning empathy, and they will be the ones to carry on this work in the future. Thanks to their leadership on this issue, the Government of New Brunswick joined the effort in 2022, expanding support for hungry kids in our province.
Earl and Sandy have made significant contributions by devoting their time, skills, and connections to various social and cultural institutions as well. Ardent patrons of the arts, they began the Studio Watch Emerging Artist award program in 2006 with the Beaverbrook Art Gallery to increase the exposure of young, upcoming artists in New Brunswick, giving them an opportunity to be celebrated, excel in their field, and advance to the next step in their career. The Emerging Artist Award is in its 18th year. In addition, Earl served as a board member of the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, where he played an active role in the Gallery’s recent expansion.
Earl has also dedicated his time and expertise as director of New Brunswick Investment Management Corporation (now known as Vestcor Inc.), director of the Atlantic Salmon Federation, and board member of the Atlantic Salmon Conservation Foundation, UNB Alumni Council and the UNB Board of Governors, not to mention the recently established Dean’s Advisory Council at the Faculty of Law. He also served as one of Sweden’s Honorary Consuls in Canada. And he has been involved in the development and management strategy for the University woodlot.
Sandy manages the Brewer Foundation. She is deeply committed to healthcare. A former research associate at the National Research Council of Canada, she co-chairs Women4Women Fredericton Inc., an initiative to establish a women’s health clinic in Fredericton, which will address gaps in healthcare for women through trauma-informed and interdisciplinary approaches. In addition, she serves on the board of the Lahey Clinic Canadian Foundation, which helps create unique training opportunities for physicians and nurses, and cross-border collaborations. A quiet but effective social innovator, she is the co-author of papers on community intermediaries, those who serve as links between government agencies and citizens seeking their support.
Earl has established himself as a pioneer in the world of Canadian real estate. He is the former Chair of the Board of Greenarm Corporation and co-founded PlazaREIT, a publicly traded company that owns and manages retail properties across the country. Locally, Earl is known for contributing to the preservation and revitalization of downtown Fredericton. He is a developer with a conscience, constructing new and award-winning buildings with thoughtful consideration of materials, scale and use, while also preserving heritage. His buildings have helped shape Fredericton’s downtown core, maintaining its past while revitalizing its future. But what truly distinguishes Earl professionally is his sterling reputation, built on the highest ethical standards in business and law.
The Faculty of Law has been the beneficiary of substantial support from the Brewers for scholarships, and most recently, as lead donors to the Faculty of Law campaign. In January 2024, we proudly announced a $1,000,000 gift from Earl—the largest donation ever made to UNB Law by one of its graduates.
“My time at UNB Law was crucial in my career success,” said Earl. “I believe the study of law enables us to become problem solvers and make a real difference in our society through good works and public service. It is an honour, and indeed a duty, to give back.”
This historic gift has established the Brewer Scholarship, which fosters academic excellence in the Faculty of Law. This renewable award is valued at $27,500, making it the largest at UNB Law other than the Beaverbrook Scholarship. It will support three UNB Law students per year, recognizing their outstanding academic achievement and leadership potential. Furthermore, a portion of Earl’s gift will also help optimize the learning spaces in UNB Law’s new home, the downtown Justice Building.
“Earl and Sandy have made transformative contributions that have created opportunity and improved the lives of people across the region, and right here at UNB Law,” said Dean Marin. “It was especially meaningful to see them receive this honour jointly. Earl and Sandy share the same values and I think that is why they make such a formidable team, much deserving of UNB’s highest honour.”
The Faculty of Law congratulates Dr. Earl Brewer and Dr. Sandy Kitchen-Brewer on their honorary degrees and thanks them for being such remarkable role models for our community.
