Shaping the Future of Nursing: Meet UNB’s Shannex Scholarship Recipients

Every nurse has a story, a journey shaped by experiences, inspirations, and a commitment to caring for others. This year’s University of New Brunswick (UNB) Shannex Incorporated Scholarship recipients represent the compassion, resilience, and dedication that define the nursing profession. From personal moments that sparked their calling to the aspirations that drive their future, these students are preparing to make a lasting impact on patients, their families, and communities.  

Meet Lauren, Jorden, and Mackenzie, three UNB nursing students turning their dreams into reality. 

Lauren Thornton

Lauren’s passion for nursing was inspired by her grandmother, who dedicated many years to the profession. That influence, combined with her own desire to help others, drives her commitment to providing comfort during life’s most uncertain moments. Throughout her nursing program, Lauren has embraced every clinical experience, finding joy in learning and growth. She looks forward to her upcoming acute care rotation, where she can thrive in a fast-paced environment and tackle new challenges.  

Lauren is interested in dementia care and pediatric nursing, two areas close to her heart. Her experience working in a retirement home with a specialized dementia unit has been rewarding, and she has always loved working with children. In the long term, Lauren hopes to become a nurse practitioner, a goal this scholarship helps bring within reach. She envisions a career filled with purpose, compassion, and lifelong learning. 

Jorden DeWolfe

For Jorden, nursing became personal during the COVID-19 pandemic when his grandfather was hospitalized. Witnessing the isolation patients faced and the vital role nurses played in offering comfort left a lasting impression. Today, Jorden is passionate about cardiac care, drawn to its unique blend of urgency, complexity, and compassion. He finds meaning in supporting patients through life-changing moments and thrives on the challenge this specialty brings.  

Clinical placements have been the highlight of his education, transforming classroom concepts into real-world care. While balancing academics and the emotional weight of patient care has been challenging, Jorden has built resilience and adaptability, skills that will serve him well in his career. Looking ahead, he dreams of exploring travel nursing or working in New York City, embracing opportunities that allow him to grow and make an impact. 

Mackenzie Wiseman

Mackenzie’s journey into nursing began with admiration for her grandmother, whose dedication to caring for others inspired her own path. Early experiences in healthcare confirmed her love for being part of a patient’s story and offering support during vulnerable times. Mackenzie values building meaningful connections with patients and families, whether in long term care, community care, or another setting. She believes these relationships are at the heart of nursing and hopes they will remain central to her practice.  

Soon, Mackenzie is eager to explore different areas of nursing to discover where she fits best. Over time, she envisions herself in a specialty that fosters ongoing patient relationships and allows her to take on mentorship or education roles. This scholarship is helping her move closer to those goals and a career defined by compassion and connection. 

Shannex Scholarship and Partnership with UNB 

Launched in 2018, the Shannex New Brunswick Scholarship supports students enrolled in the Bachelor of Nursing or Bachelor of Nursing Advanced Standing programs at UNB’s Fredericton, Saint John, and Moncton campuses. The scholarship is awarded based on academic achievement, with preference given to those excelling in courses like NURS 2135 Chronic Care Challenges or NURS 1135 Enhancing Well-Being in Chronicity. 

Through this partnership, Shannex and UNB have committed to awarding over $100,000 over 10 years, with three $3,750 scholarships granted annually. This ongoing collaboration helps alleviate financial pressures for nursing students while promoting excellence in gerontological nursing and elder care.