2003 Fredericton Encaenia - Ceremony A

Counsell, Marilyn Trenholme

Doctor of Laws (LL.D.)

Orator: Patterson, Stephen E.

Citation:

ENCAENIA, MAY, 2003
THE HON. MARILYN TRENHOLME COUNSELL
to be Doctor of Laws

Since the days of Sir Howard Douglas, who dedicated the first building on this campus back in 1829, the lieutenant-governor of New Brunswick has been welcome here as visitor on behalf of the Crown. Her Honour, Marilyn Trenholme Counsell carries on a long and valued tradition. Yet we hail her today not only for the role she has so ably filled for the past six years as Her Majesty's representative in the province, but more especially for her unfailing support of this University and its students. By her regular presence at Encaenia, Fall Convocations, and numerous other University events, she has signalled her dedication to youth and higher education, and she has done so with warmth and grace. We welcome her here today as our friend, and doubt that there is a better friend anywhere.

She was born in Baie Verte, New Brunswick and was educated in area schools, taking her Bachelor of Science degree at Mount Allison University. Her early interest was in dietetics which she pursued at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal and then in the master's program at the University of Toronto. Along the way, she began publishing papers based on her research on teenage eating patterns and childhood dietary needs. Ultimately, she earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Toronto, did research and clinical work at Toronto General Hospital and began practicing medicine as an associate of that hospital, and instructed in Family Medicine for the U of T. Her credentials firmly established her in the fields of health and education with a special interest in children, the family and family medicine, interests that have shaped her career ever since.

Her interest in the family was not only theoretical. In 1972, she married Kenneth Counsell and together they had two children, Giles and Lorna. They moved to New Brunswick in 1977, and Dr. Trenholme, as she was known, established a family practice in Sackville, and associated with the Sackville Memorial Hospital for the next seventeen years. Sadly, her husband died when their family was still very young, and she shouldered the responsibilities of a single parent. Today she is understandably proud of the accomplishments of her children, both of whom have good university degrees and are well established professionally. Her daughter Lorna graduated in Law from the University of New Brunswick.

Remarkably, this woman who had a thriving medical practice and two growing children, took on the onerous responsibilities of public service by running for a legislative seat in the election of 1987. She served as an MLA for ten years, part of it as the first Minister of State for the Family and then as Minister of State for Family and Community Services. With members of her staff, she authored two significant reports: Foundations for the Future: A Proposed Framework for Family Policy in New Brunswick, and Parenting: Preparing New Brunswick Children for the 21st Century. In both cases, she emphasized the need for good health and nutrition, and the importance of giving children the lifeskills they need to be happy, productive adults.

While her appointment as the province's 48th lieutenant-governor brought her political career to an end, it changed little in her commitment to children and the family. Like her predecessor, Margaret Norrie McCain, she has used her podium to speak out against family violence and to urge public investment in the health and education of children. Thus when she presides over events like today's Encaenia, and presents the Lieutenant-Governor's Silver Medals to the graduating leaders in each faculty, she gives you only a hint of what her life's work is about. It is a life of public service, deep personal commitment, and all-consuming determination that every young person should achieve his or her potential. As Her Majesty's representative and as a true friend of this University, we welcome her most warmly into the circle of UNB graduates.

From: Honoris Causa - UA Case 70, Box 4

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