Historic $2.2 Million Donation Set to Revolutionize Student Support at UNB
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The estate of Dr. Margot Roach has made an extraordinary donation of $2.2 million to the University of New Brunswick (UNB), aimed at supporting students in the fields of physics and medicine.
This unparalleled generosity is a significant addition to Dr. Roach’s lifelong commitment to giving back to her alma mater.
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Focus on Supporting Students
Dr. Roach’s bequest is meticulously allocated to fund opportunities that will foster academic excellence and professional growth among students.
This includes:
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- Paid high school internships in UNB’s physics department
- Undergraduate scholarships in physics
- Scholarships for graduates entering Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick UNB
Expanding a Legacy of Giving
Dr. Roach, who earned her BSc in math and physics from UNB, had a distinguished career in biophysics and medicine.
Throughout her life, she consistently contributed to UNB, establishing numerous awards and scholarships.
This donation is a continuation and expansion of her lifelong dedication to supporting education.
Dr. Paul J. Mazerolle, UNB’s president and vice-chancellor, praised her enduring support, noting the profound, perpetual impact her gift will have on future generations.
By enabling students to pursue careers in science, Dr. Roach’s bequest ensures her legacy of fostering academic and professional excellence will live on.
Allocation of the Donation
The $2.2 million donation from Dr. Margot Roach’s estate is a game-changer for student support at the University of New Brunswick (UNB).
This significant contribution has been thoughtfully allocated to bolster various educational opportunities, particularly in the fields of physics and medicine.
Paid High School Internships in Physics
First and foremost, a portion of this bequest is set aside to fund paid internships for high school students within UNB’s physics department.
This initiative aims to ignite a passion for physics at an early age, providing valuable hands-on experience that can inspire future educational and career pursuits in the sciences.
Each year, three high school students will benefit from these internships, fostering a new generation of budding physicists.
Undergraduate Scholarships in Physics
The impact of Dr. Roach’s generosity extends further with the establishment of undergraduate scholarships in physics.
The Dr. Margot R. Roach Scholarship in Physics is designed to support at least four undergraduates per year, each receiving a substantial scholarship valued at $20,000.
This financial aid can alleviate the burden of tuition and living expenses, empowering students to dedicate more time to their studies and academic growth.
Scholarships for Graduates Entering Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick
Additionally, scholarships have been earmarked for UNB graduates entering Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick’s physician education program.
Known as the Dr. Margot R. Roach Scholarship in Medicine, this fund will provide two $10,000 scholarships annually.
These scholarships are vital in supporting students as they transition from undergraduate studies at UNB to medical education, furthering their journey towards a career in medicine.
These well-considered allocations not only honor Dr. Roach’s memory but also ensure her legacy of support and encouragement for future generations of students.
The benefits of her generosity will resonate across UNB’s community, enriching the academic experiences and futures of countless students.
Dr. Margot Roach’s Background
Academic Foundation
Dr. Margot Roach’s journey began at the University of New Brunswick (UNB) where she pursued a Bachelor of Science in Math and Physics.
Her academic prowess set the stage for an illustrious career. Arriving from Moncton in 1951, she graduated in 1955
. Her time at UNB was marked with hard work, profound learning, and the establishment of lifelong passions.
Career in Biophysics and Medicine
Dr. Roach furthered her education at McGill University, earning a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree.
She didn’t stop there; she went on to acquire a PhD from the University of Western Ontario.
Her dual expertise in biophysics and medicine allowed her to make significant contributions to our understanding of the structure and function of blood vessels.
Over her career, she authored an impressive 170 papers and 15 book chapters.
Recognized Achievements
Dr. Roach’s work earned her numerous accolades, including:
- Fellowship in the American Society of Cardiology
- Arthur Guyton Medal in Cardiovascular Physiology
- Women of Distinction Award
- Honorary Doctor of Science degree from UNB in 1981
Her reputation in the scientific community led to her being named Professor Emeritus in 1998.
Ongoing Legacy
Dr. Roach’s legacy lives on through her substantial bequests and her named scholarships.
She instituted her first scholarship at UNB in 2005 and continued to establish and expand them until her passing.
Her influence supports countless students in pursuing their academic goals, thereby perpetuating the cycle of knowledge and discovery.
As we move forward, the impact of Dr. Roach’s contributions becomes even more evident, shaping the future pathways for students in science and medicine.
Impact on UNB and Future Students
Establishment of Dr. Margot R. Roach Scholarships
The landmark $2.2 million donation from Dr. Margot Roach brings a transformative change to the University of New Brunswick (UNB).
Central to this impact are the newly established Dr. Margot R. Roach Scholarships and Summer Student Program, which stand to be some of the most significant awards for undergraduate physics students in Canada.
Specifically, the generous funding will support:
- Four undergraduate scholarships in physics per year, each valued at $20,000.
- Two scholarships for graduates entering Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick, each offering $10,000.
These substantial financial aids are expected to draw top-tier talent into UNB’s physics and pre-med programs, reinforcing its reputation as a premier institution for science education.
Dr. Margot R. Roach Summer Student Program
Additionally, the Dr. Margot R. Roach Summer Student Program will offer three high school students paid internships annually within the university’s physics department.
This early engagement aims to inspire and cultivate an interest in science and higher education among young talents, likely influencing their future academic and career choices.
Perpetual Legacy
These scholarships and programs not only honor Dr. Roach’s lifetime of accomplishments but also set a precedent for perpetual legacy in student support.
By alleviating financial burdens, they allow students to focus on their studies and fully immerse themselves in research and academic life, following Dr. Roach’s own educational philosophy of “lifelong learning” and “paying forward” the support she once received.
This impactful gift nurtures future generations of scholars, ensuring that Dr. Roach’s legacy and dedication to scientific advancement continue to resonate within the UNB community and beyond.
Legacy and Motivation Behind the Gift
Dr. Roach’s Commitment to ‘Paying Forward’ the Support She Received
Dr. Margot Roach’s remarkable $2.2 million donation to the University of New Brunswick (UNB) stands as a testament to her dedication to ‘paying forward’ the support she received during her own academic journey.
Dr. Roach benefited greatly from scholarships, such as the Chestnut scholarship, which provided her the freedom to focus on her studies without the burden of a part-time job.
Her friend Ann Wildish remarked on Dr. Roach’s determination to extend the same opportunities to future students.
Dr. Roach’s bequest ensures that many more students will have the chance to thrive academically, just as she did.
Emphasis on the Importance of Lifelong Learning
Dr. Roach instilled the value of lifelong learning in her words and actions.
When she received her honorary Doctor of Science degree in 1981, she emphasized learning as a continuous, enjoyable endeavor.
She encouraged students to view learning as a perpetual journey, wherein questioning and exploring both sides of an issue leads to true education.
This philosophy underpins her generous endowment, designed to empower students to sustain their academic and intellectual curiosity.
Perpetual Impact on Students and Society
The creation of numerous scholarships and the summer student program ensures that Dr. Roach’s impact will be felt for generations.
These awards don’t just provide financial relief; they make a profound statement about the values of education and generosity.
By supporting budding physicists and future physicians, Dr. Roach’s gifts contribute to societal advancements in science and medicine.
Her legacy will perpetually inspire students and help UNB remain a leading institution for scientific education.
Dr. Roach’s benevolence sets the stage for continued excellence and support at UNB, reflecting her lifelong commitment to learning and giving back.
University’s Response and Future Outlook
UNB President’s Acknowledgment
Dr. Margot Roach’s incredible $2.2 million bequest has elicited profound gratitude and excitement at UNB. Dr. Paul J. Mazerolle, UNB’s president and vice-chancellor, spoke highly of this landmark donation.
“Dr. Margot Roach exemplifies the impact that UNB can have on young scholars,” he remarked. He emphasized that despite Roach’s extensive achievements in higher education, UNB held a special place in her heart.
This bequest is a testament to her enduring connection with the institution.
Anticipated Long-Term Benefits
The long-term impact of Dr. Roach’s generous endowment is bound to be transformative.
The newly established Dr. Margot R. Roach Scholarships and Summer Student Program will not only provide critical financial support but also inspire future generations of scientists and physicians.
Dr. Mazerolle highlighted that these scholarships “represent a perpetual legacy that will benefit students and society far into the future.”
Enhancement of UNB’s Ability to Attract and Support Science Students
Such a substantial investment in student support reinforces UNB’s status as a premier institution for science education.
Dean of Science Sanjeev Seahra noted, “The Dr. Margot R. Roach Scholarships may be the largest awards for undergraduate physics students in Canada.
” This magnanimous bequest will undeniably attract high-caliber students and allow them to focus on their studies without financial burdens.
These initiatives not only honor Dr. Roach’s memory but also ensure that her legacy shapes the future of education in physics and medicine.
