On May 27, the country's oldest school of engineering, established in 1854 at the University of New Brunswick (UNB), officially opened the doors to a new state-of-the-art, sustainable space for learning, collaboration and innovation.
The 18,400-square-foot Commons, named in recognition of Dr. Allison D. McCain (BScEE'72, DSc'07), a UNB engineering graduate, former UNB chancellor (2013-23), and lead donor to the project, is a three-story mass timber and glass structure that transforms the entrance of the existing Head Hall engineering building. The new spacious atrium provides learning, teaching and research spaces that encourage student interaction, and allows for increased meeting and seminar capacity for the faculty of engineering.
At the heart of the McCain Commons is the Student Success Centre. The 1,500-square-foot centerpiece exemplifies the new build's focus on enriching the student experience. This vibrant new space will feature tutoring for core courses, peer mentoring, an early intervention program, access to counselling services, writing support, study skills courses, academic and career advising, and a laptop and technology loan program.
"The field of engineering is critically important to the future of New Brunswick and Canada," Dr. McCain said. "I want to ensure our students have the best educational experience possible at UNB, and the new Commons will contribute to that in important ways. It is but the first step of an ambitious investment in the faculty of engineering at UNB."
"We are extremely grateful for Allison's exemplary support of this important project, which will benefit our students in meaningful and lasting ways," said Dr. Paul Mazerolle, UNB president and vice chancellor. "His vision for our faculty of engineering, now and into the future, is a tremendous vote of confidence for this university and an inspiration for the community."
Other UNB alumni, as well as businesses and the Engineering Undergraduate Society, stepped forward to support the new building. Major donors to the Commons include the Estate of Norman Eagles, William P. Cooper, Kathryn McCain, Denise LaForge, Robert Pickett, Peter Stapleton, Wayne Carson, Michael and Annette MacSween, George and Doone Estey, Patricia Ruthven in memory of Douglas M. Ruthven FRSC, Robert Apold, the Frederick Beairsto Family, The Family of Michael Po-Ko Wu, Michael Wilson, Murdock & Boyd Architects, RSEI Consultants, MCW Maricor and The Engineering Endowment Fund.
Engineering students, faculty, staff and the university also contributed to the $22.9-million project.
The Allison D. McCain Commons is one phase of UNB's planned refresh and renewal of engineering programs and facilities. As the faculty progresses with its growth plan over the next five years, a larger building expansion is anticipated, along with a complete refurbishment of the engineering complex, the heritage portion of which dates back to 1900.
