News Releases

June 16, 2016

• FRIEND OF NEW BRUNSWICK: Bernice Lanigan (Class of ’87). As a devoted leader and founder of Women in Nuclear’s New Brunswick Chapter, Bernice has played an integral role in creating awareness among hundreds of female students in New Brunswick about the life of a skilled tradeswoman.
• COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP: Bill Ward (Class of ’13). For nearly 10 years, Bill has been a volunteer and avid youth supporter in his community. Through his career and volunteerism, Ward is dedicated to supporting youth.
• ENTREPRENEURSHIP: Arthur Tucker (Class of ’86). During his presidency at Key Surveys and Engineering Ltd., Arthur led the company through expansion - resulting in global growth while employing 80 people in the Province.
• OUTSTANDING YOUNG ALUMNUS: Gary Hall (Class of ’11). In just four years, Gary has rapidly progressed to the position of Branch Manager at the Bank of Montreal. His work ethic and positive attitude, among other qualities, have led to his quick advancement in the industry.

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Backgrounder

FRIEND OF NEW BRUNSWICK
This award recognizes an alumna or alumnus who has made significant contributions to the culture, reputation, and/or economic prosperity of the Province of New Brunswick.

Bernice Lanigan 
Class of ’87 (Chemical Technology)

As a professional woman working in the nuclear industry, Bernice Lanigan educates the public on the positive contributions nuclear power has on our communities in New Brunswick. Bernice works as a Training Specialist with NB Power at the Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station which entails training Operators and Chemistry personnel on chemical handling and much more.

She has held the Women in Nuclear (WiN)-New Brunswick chair position since she founded the chapter in 2007, which has grown to 70 members. She is helping women to grow and succeed by networking and giving them opportunities they may have otherwise not have had. As a result of her involvement, Women in Nuclear-NB has had the opportunity to connect with hundreds of female students in New Brunswick to raise awareness about the life of a skilled tradeswoman, especially as it relates to the nuclear industry. During this time, Bernice has implemented the first Networking for Young Women Dinners (later branded as Trades & Tech Gala for girls by Government of NB – Woman’s Issues Branch); mentored at career days in local schools; and has spoken at conferences across Canada. She has also received WiN-Canada’s Leadership award, YWCA’s Women of Distinction award, and is an active member with the 100 Women Who Care-Saint John group. She has received an Adult Education teaching certificate from the University of New Brunswick and obtained a Certificate in Environmental Management from Dalhousie University while working full time.

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
Aligning with NBCC’s aspirations for our Robertson Institute for Community Leadership, this award recognizes an alumna or alumnus who has made significant contributions to New Brunswick communities.

Bill Ward
Class of ’13 (Business Administration: Accounting)

For nearly 10 years, Bill Ward has been an active volunteer and avid youth supporter in his community through organizing youth sport activities, spearheading fundraising initiatives, increasing awareness about the community’s youth fund through social media and much more. Bill was recently elected Chief of the Metepenagiag Mi’kmaq First Nation. He also serves as the Director of Fisheries and Forestry in his community. Prior to the recent election, he served as an elected councilor. Along with his diploma with honours from NBCC, Bill also completed the Canadian Payroll Association Certification. As a young leader, he creates meaningful relationships with his community members and identifies common issues to help create solutions and opportunities.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP
This award recognizes an alumna or alumnus who has built a successful business.

Arthur L. Tucker
Class of ’86 (Civil Engineering Technology)

Arthur Tucker graduated with honours and as valedictorian from the NBCC Civil Engineering Technology program, Survey option, in 1986 and immediately started his career at Key Surveys Ltd. He progressed to Vice President while simultaneously obtaining a New Brunswick Land Surveyors license and raising a family. The company grew to provide engineering services and he was named President when Key Surveys and Engineering Ltd was formed. During his presidency, the company expanded through successful mergers and acquisitions. In 2002, he obtained a Masters of Business Administration with Honours. Ultimately, Key Surveys and Engineering merged with a Nova Scotia firm to create the Terrain Group, and expanded their New Brunswick offices to include Fredericton and Saint John. At the time of this merger, Tucker was appointed Vice President of New Brunswick Operations. During the acquisition by Quebec’s GENIVAR, and a rebranding as WSP, he continued in his role as Vice President of New Brunswick Operations to guide the amalgamation process within the region. Over the term of his leadership, the NB region grew from 10 people to 80 through creating sustainable employment opportunities in a variety of technical areas. He says that he was fortunate to work with many great people on a number of exciting projects.

OUTSTANDING YOUNG ALUMNI
This award recognizes an alumna or alumnus under the age of 35 who has demonstrated success in her or his chosen field.

Gary Hall
Class of ‘11 (Business Administration Investment Management)

In just four years, Gary Hall has rapidly advanced to a leadership role early in his career in the banking industry. He has transitioned from Portfolio Assistant to Financial Service Manager to Assistant Branch Manager and, finally, to the position of Branch Manager at the Bank of Montreal. His work ethic and his positive attitude are among other qualities which have led to his quick advancement in the banking industry. As a student at NBCC, he was respected by his peers, dedicated to his learning and displayed a strong work ethic that fuelled his success. Gary demonstrates commitment in his community as an active volunteer fundraiser and committee member. Some of his efforts include serving as the captain for the BMO Kids Help Phone Walk for three years; fundraising for various community organizations in the Sussex area; and serving as an active member on the BMO Employee Mentorship Committee.