McKenna Family donates leadership gift of $1 million in support of new academic initiative

SACKVILLE, NB — Mount Allison University’s Philosophy, Politics, and Economics program received a significant boost from one of New Brunswick’s most accomplished political and business leaders. The University announced the establishment of the Frank McKenna School of Philosophy, Politics, and Economics on Sept. 25.

“The world we live in today needs collaborative solutions. Our society needs more world-class ‘generalists,’ people who have some background in economics, a philosophical base, and an understanding of politics at large,” says McKenna. “This program brings all of that together, along with exceptional teaching and experiential learning opportunities for students. My family and I are delighted to support this new initiative at Mount Allison University and look forward to seeing the paths students from the school will lead.”

To date, $5 million has been raised to support the Mount Allison school concept from a number of donors across Canada — the Founders of the McKenna School — including McKenna and his family, who contributed a leadership gift of $1 million, and inspired others to give.

“The McKenna School of Philosophy, Politics, and Economics at Mount Allison represents a fantastic opportunity to help lift our students from the launchpad of New Brunswick onto the global stage, offering an exceptional academic experience partnered with experiential and work-integrated learning opportunities in these key fields,” says Mount Allison University President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Jean-Paul Boudreau. “On behalf of the entire Mount Allison community, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the McKennas and the project’s founders for their philanthropic support and leadership, and their commitment to our students.”

The Frank McKenna School of Philosophy, Politics, and Economics at Mount Allison will advance the University’s capacity for new scholarly activity and supports for students in the program. Honouring one of New Brunswick’s most accomplished individuals, the investment will enable new international and work-integrated learning opportunities and global internships for Philosophy, Politics, and Economics students. The gift will also fund the new McKenna Scholars program, providing scholarships and bursaries for students throughout their degree.

Frank McKenna is currently the Deputy Chair, Wholesale, TD Bank Group. He is the former Canadian ambassador to the United States and a former premier of New Brunswick — a position he held for 10 years. Under his leadership, he brought thousands of jobs to the province and nurtured the growth of business and industry, universities and youth.

A Mount Allison honorary degree recipient, McKenna double-majored in politics and economics in his undergraduate degree and also completed courses in philosophy.

Established in 2013, the Philosophy, Politics, and Economics program at Mount Allison is the only PPE program in Canada east of Ontario, and one of only three in the country. The program offers students the opportunity of a multidisciplinary immersion in these three academic areas, helping to prepare them for myriad of career paths. Courses in the PPE program are drawn from established courses in all three disciplines, with special topics courses offered in upper years.

The McKenna School of Philosophy, Politics, and Economics at Mount Allison is expected to be officially launched in 2021.

More information can be found on the Frank McKenna School of Philosophy, Politics, & Economics page.

Photo caption: The Honourable Frank McKenna speaks at the official announcement for the Frank McKenna School of Philosophy, Politics, & Economics at Mount Allison University on September 25, 2020.