The University of New Brunswick has decided on the name for its new residence in Saint John.
The Barry and Flora Beckett Residence is named after two professors who joined UNB Saint John in 1966.
Dr. Petra Hauf, the UNB Saint John vice-president, says the goal was to be ready for September, however, that date changed due to the pandemic.
“COVID-19 is impacting all of our lives, we are a little bit behind schedule but we will be ready with construction to now welcome students for the January start term,” she said.
The new residence is named after Dr. Barry Becket and the late Flora Beckett (Photo: Submitted/UNB Saint John)
Construction for the 40,000 square foot geothermally heated residence began in November to accommodate for the waitlist of students needing the space.
Hauf said the university wanted to name the residence after people who embodied community engagement and focused on students
“When we were looking for a name for the residence, we were looking for an individual who would embody those values, community engagement and taking care and focusing on students and the names came up over and over again so it was a very easy choice,” she said.
Hauf said the Becketts helped to form the identity on campus when they began working on it in 1966.
“It’s been incredible. People are excited that we would honour a person. Barry Beckett and his wife Flora both had tremendous impacts on our campus and on actually creating the identity of the campus when they started working here,” she said.
Applications are open for students to apply to live in the residence for next term.
Hauf said there are hopes to increase student space and create more infrastructure on campus.
