Kevin Dunn, 2006 Garfield Weston scholar

Kevin Dunn (Upper-Year Garfield Weston Award 2006) never planned to return to school, but he has made the most of the unexpected change in his circumstances. Following mass layoffs at the mill where he worked, Kevin needed to obtain qualifications that would get him another job as soon as possible. For practical reasons, he settled on the industrial control technology program at New Brunswick Community College.

The transition to college as a mature student wasn’t easy, but Kevin was encouraged by the support—both personal and financial—received from the Garfield Weston Award. “I was a middle-aged ex-millworker who was unsure where life was going to take him,” he recalls. “I was pretty down for a while but determined to make the most of a bad situation. Receiving the award reinforced my decision to return to school as being the right choice.”

By embracing many aspects of campus life, Kevin made college into much more than the pursuit of a credential. He was part of Global Friends, a support group for international students, and devoted time to tutoring his peers in math and physics. As coach, he led the varsity hockey team to the Atlantic college championship. Outside of school, he mentored a young boy as a Big Brother for nine years.

Kevin’s mission to get back into the workforce was successful, and he is now an industrial control technician for NB Power in his hometown. “I enjoy every day at work and consider myself extremely fortunate, as Miramichi is severely impacted by the forestry downturn.” He’s also eager to continue pursuing his volunteer activities. “Receiving the scholarship has instilled in me a commitment to continue to give back to my community and those in need,” he remarks. “The opportunities to give are endless.”