Education shapes more than what you do—it shapes who you become, how you uplift others, and how you strengthen your community.
At New Brunswick Community College (NBCC), giving back to the community is woven into our values and part of who we are. As part of the NBCC learning experience, students from every program across New Brunswick open their hearts and roll up their sleeves to lend a helping hand in volunteer roles through the Robertson Institute for Community Leadership (RICL). Through volunteering, they gain valuable life skills and more: they experience the joy of connection, the pride of teamwork, and the fulfillment that comes from making a difference. Those meaningful moments often stay with learners, guiding and inspiring them to continue down a philanthropic path long after graduation.
To celebrate those graduates who continue to give back, we’ve created the NBCC Alumni Volunteer Grant, in partnership with the RICL. Since its inception in 2024, this annual initiative has recognized two alumni who exemplify volunteerism and community leadership, each receiving a one-time $1,000 grant for a registered charity or non-profit organization which they’ve nominated.
For 2025, two alumni’s inspiring volunteer work stood out: Pearl Black (Bilingual Office Administration, 2007) and Luke Steeves (NBCC Instructor Development Program, 2010).
Pearl Black, volunteer with the Carleton Victoria Arts Council (CVAC)
Pearl Black devotes her time to keeping the performing arts alive and accessible for everyone as Director of Programming for the Carleton Victoria Arts Council (CVAC) in the scenic town of Florenceville-Bristol, NB. Thanks to this group’s dedication, another kind of harmony fills the air alongside the gentle rhythm of the lapping river that carves into the town’s valley—the sound of live music from the Weldon Matthews Theatre. Each year, Pearl and the CVAC organize 5-7 shows with a range of performers, from Canadian Brass to Rita MacNeil, with passes priced from $50-130 for all shows. As a non-profit, their mission is to keep ticket prices accessible, ensuring everyone can enjoy quality performing arts close to home. In her volunteer role, Pearl also helps secure grants and sponsorships that make this accessibility possible. “Being a live music lover and having the opportunity to bring world class artists into our small rural community is the perfect fit for me,” Pearl shares. “Seeing our audience react to the performers we have on our stage is the best feeling of life!” One of her favourite memories is receiving a note from a parent whose son, inspired by a show, picked up his ukulele again after losing interest. “That may never have happened without these events,” she reflects.
Luke Steeves, volunteer with the Elgin Eco Association (EEA)
Travel across the province and you’ll come across the charming village of Elgin, NB, nestled among a lush forest and surrounded by mountains. Here, Luke Steeves volunteers with the Elgin Eco Association (EEA) as Treasurer and the main trail builder and maintenance worker. Each year, he dedicates over 300 volunteer hours to promoting health, wellness, and outdoor recreation.
Luke helps care for more than 35KMs of multi-use trails that invite hikers, mountains bikers, runners and snowshoers to explore some of New Brunswick’s rawest beauty. Beyond the trails, the EEA enriches community life through family-friendly events, youth summer camp, and the Elgin Eco Park—complete with a playground, community garden, outdoor rink, and a mountain bike skills park. “I get so much enjoyment from volunteering,” Luke shares. “It’s nice to see the smiles on the kids’ faces as they skate on the rink. It’s also very rewarding to hear the great comments on our amazing trails from the riders. I love the fact that I’m able to give back to the community where I was born and raised.”
Pearl and Luke demonstrate the spirit of community through their volunteer work. It is through their efforts and the missions of the Carleton Victoria Arts Council and Elgin Eco Association that they are bringing people together and enriching everyday life. Awarding these $1,000 grants honours their contributions and will help to continue their work—supporting the performing arts, outdoor recreation, and being a positive influence where they live.
Just as learners experience through RICL volunteer days, alumni like Pearl and Luke show how giving back strengthens communities and helps #TransformNB.
Follow our social channels to see when applications for the Alumni Volunteer Grant open again for your chance to receive a one-time $1000 grant for the registered charity or non-profit close to your heart.