This one is very meaningful.
Almost 15 years ago, Dad told Dhirendra Shukla why very few organizations were interested in UNB Grads.
“In their first meeting, Merv Symes provided a sharp critique of how far UNB had fallen behind in preparing students for modern business challenges. Instead of pushing back, Dr. Shukla saw an opportunity and famously responded, “That’s fantastic! How about you teach the course on quality management?”
That challenge reignited Merv’s love of learning, and over the next decade, he dedicated every fall term to teaching TME students about operational excellence and business strategy. With his help in developing curriculum and providing student mentorship, the TME program grew to over 700 students and launched more than 184 startups, 64 per cent of which are still active. Those ventures raised over $57 million and created more than 500 jobs in the province. UNB was ranked the top entrepreneurial school in Canada.
“Merv played an essential early role in our success, and his family and company continue to be involved,” Dr. Shukla says. “They have always shown up in a big way and are huge champions of UNB, its students, and New Brunswick businesses. Merv’s contribution to UNB and New Brunswick has been immense.”
That course also became the syllabus for our company – Symplicity Designs
A few years ago, Dad won this same award for teaching excellence. I’m honoured to have played a small role in their program this year.
The TME UNB ? UNB’s J Herbert Smith Centre (JHSC) is a special program. University of New Brunswick is a special institution and Dr. Shukla is a special type of leader.
****
It’s also why we are raising 100k for a scholarship in honour of Dad.
Mark and I have established the Mervin Symes, Jr. (BSE.CHE’81) TME Scholarship at the University of New Brunswick. This award will support engineering students who demonstrate the same entrepreneurial spirit and practical thinking that defined Merv’s career.
How You Can Help:
If Merv’s impact has touched you—whether through his work, his teachings, or his mentorship—we invite you to join us in celebrating his legacy. Contributions to the scholarship fund will ensure that future generations of leaders and innovators benefit from his vision and commitment to excellence.
To Donate: Visit www.unb.ca/donate to donate online. To ensure that your gift is directed to this Scholarship, select “Other” from the “I would like to direct my support to the following project” dropdown menu and type M. Symes Scholarship in the “Provide additional details for your donation” box.
Alternatively, you can call 1-844-968-0039 to provide your credit card information to UNB’s gift processing office.
Thank you for being part of this journey and for helping us honour a man who dedicated his life to making things—and people—better.
