When Alyssa Oram walks into class at New Brunswick Community College (NBCC), she’s not just preparing for her future and a career, she’s continuing a family legacy of care that began more than 40 years ago.
In the winter of 2026, the Pharmacy Technician student was named a recipient of the NBCC Alumni Family Scholarship. Since 2016, NBCC Alumni has proudly awarded this scholarship to celebrate students who follow in the footsteps of a family member who previously studied at NBCC. Open to children, grandchildren, and immediate family members of NBCC graduates, the scholarship recognizes academic achievement, community involvement, and the powerful role family connections play in shaping educational journeys.
For Alyssa, that connection is deeply personal.
After initially pursuing a career in policing, Alyssa made the decision to return to school and begin a new chapter—one inspired by her mother, Gail Oram, an NBCC alumna who graduated from the Nursing Assistant program at the Saint John campus in 1983. Gail dedicated more than three decades to caring for seniors, building a career defined by compassion, advocacy, and service.
Growing up, Alyssa spent countless hours at the nursing home where her mother worked, witnessing firsthand the impact of kindness and patient-centred care. Those early experiences left a lasting impression, shaping her understanding of what it means to truly help others.
Now back at NBCC, Alyssa sees clear parallels between her own path and her mother’s—both drawn to healthcare, committed to supporting the well-being of others, and guided by a desire to make a meaningful difference in their communities.
For Gail, watching her daughter follow a similar path has been immensely rewarding. She says she is incredibly proud to see Alyssa excelling and enjoying her education as she prepares for a new career as a Pharmacy Technician. As Alyssa nears the end of her first year, Gail notes that her passion for the field is unmistakable and reflects the dedication she brings to everything she does.
Having spent her own career in healthcare, Gail understands how demanding the work can be and believes it takes a special kind of person to pursue these roles. She describes Alyssa as kind-hearted and compassionate, with a natural eagerness to learn, and a willingness to go the extra mile to ensure others receive the care and support they need.
The Alumni Family Scholarship goes beyond academic success, recognizing learners who demonstrate both strong grades and community involvement. Alyssa’s dedication, both in her studies and in her community, exemplify the spirit of the scholarship.
For Alyssa, receiving the Alumni Family Scholarship offers financial support while affirming her journey and her family’s lasting connection to NBCC, reflecting the scholarship’s celebration of education as family tradition and its impact across generations.
Returning to NBCC feels like continuing my mother’s legacy—one rooted in compassion, service, and caring for others