Irving Oil supports University of New Brunswick with $2-million commitment to benefit students from underrepresented groups
New Brunswick – Irving Oil and the University of New Brunswick (UNB) are pleased to announce student support totalling $2 million, including the establishment of $40,000 entrance scholarships, as well as bursaries, to help more young people access education.
The $2-million gift was committed by Irving Oil as part of UNB’s It Begins Here campaign, the most successful fundraising campaign in the university’s history.
Sponsored by Irving Oil, the Good Energy Scholarship at UNB will support New Brunswick students beginning an undergraduate degree program at UNB, with a focus on supporting students from underrepresented groups. Selection is based on academic achievement, community impact, volunteerism and extracurricular activities. Valued at $40,000 over four years, it is one of UNB’s most prestigious scholarship programs.
The inaugural Good Energy scholars at UNB are Estella Calderon of Richibucto, Veronica Garcia of Florenceville-Bristol, Kaley Paul of Fredericton, and Chani Salomon of Riverview. All four students began studies at UNB in September. Garcia and Salomon are enrolled in the bachelor of nursing program, and Paul is enrolled in the bachelor of science program, all on the Fredericton campus. Calderon is enrolled in the bachelor of health program on UNB’s Saint John campus.
The Good Energy Bursary, valued at $1,000, will be awarded to undergraduate students who are experiencing financial need. A total of 100 Good Energy Bursaries will be awarded over the next four years, starting in 2022.
“We share and support UNB's values of equity, diversity and inclusion and through this program, we will help address the inequities that exist in our province for students in underrepresented groups,” says Ian Whitcomb, president of Irving Oil. “We are pleased to be part of these efforts to build a diverse community of Good Energy scholars over the next decade who will be well equipped to drive meaningful impact in their future work and communities.”
“We’re proud of our longstanding relationship with UNB in helping to provide opportunities for students in our communities to learn and grow,” says Sarah Irving, executive vice president of Irving Oil. “We congratulate the inaugural class of Good Energy scholars and look forward to all that they will continue to contribute to our communities in the years ahead.”
In addition to the scholarship and bursary programs, a portion of the $2-million gift will support ongoing programming, including annual educational opportunities for award recipients. Research opportunities will also be developed, aimed at advancing a more sustainable energy future in our region.
“UNB and Irving Oil have a long history of working together for the benefit of our province and its people,” says Dr. Paul J. Mazerolle, UNB’s president and vice-chancellor. “These scholarships and bursaries will have a tremendous effect on the advancement of students from underrepresented communities and those experiencing financial need, and this impact will be felt for years to come. We are grateful to Irving Oil for their generous support of our students and for their ongoing leadership in creating positive change in New Brunswick.”
Media contacts:
University of New Brunswick
Kelsey Pye
Communications Officer
k.pye@unb.ca
506.443.4508
Irving Oil
Katherine d’Entremont
Corporate Communications
katherine.dentremont@irvingoil.com
506.654.7162