Although Thom Washburn was the eldest child of two professional engineers, it was a chemistry teacher at Fredericton High School who inspired him to study engineering.  He chose  to attend Waterloo University for two reasons:

• Thom had fond memories of living nearby in Guelph, Ontario, between the age of four and nine and

• He would be able to  support himself through the Co-op program pioneered at that University

Thoms's parents took vicarious pleasure in watching Thom's career develop.  When he died they decided to use memorial donations from family, friends and businesses to support other young engineers with the hope of being able to follow their careers.  The fund for the  scholarship is managed by the Fredericton Community Foundation.

Only one student has not attended UNB.  Kathryn Instrum chose Queens University.

Each year it has been the Scholarship Committee's privilege to read the applications from aspiring engineers graduating from the three high schools in Fredericton, to meet and interview three or four of them and to select one winner.  The applicants are all amazing and give us hope for the future.

To date the winner has received $2000 per term for the first six terms at an accredited engineering school in Canada.  Applications must be received by March 31, each year.  For more information go to our application page link.

Prior to 2020 many scholars came home for Christmas and attended a scholars' reception just before Christmas.  Recently it was held at the Fredericton Community Foundation's office.  In 2020 it turned into a Zoom meeting.  We all can catch up on each others news and accomplishments and welcome our newest scholar.  It is fascinating to follow their careers: we are so proud of all of them.

Go to our Scholar's Page for a list of the scholars and their disciplines.