THOMAS WASHBURN
1963-2004
Thom Washburn was shot by terrorists in Saudi Arabia on May 1, 2004, dying from the bullet wounds two weeks later in Houston, Texas. If you find consolation and healing from browsing here, the purpose of this web site will be fulfilled.
There is no good to be found in Thom's assassination, and that of five other ABB Lummus managers. But through donations from many individuals and firms a scholarship has been created in Thom's memory. The Thomas Washburn Memorial Scholarship celebrates Thom's life by helping engineering students grow in his profession and reflect his indomitable spirit.
We are pleased to announce that Mitchell Small is the 2011 Thomas Washburn Memorial Scholar. He will receive $2000 a term for six terms from the TWM Scholarship Fund at the Fredericton Community Foundation.
The picture to the left is from The Daily Gleaner, 16 June, 2011. The caption under the photo said: Focused on family and the future: Mitchell Small is a well-rounded young man who enjoys music, sports, Scouting and being with his family. He will graduate from Leo Hayes High school next week and will attend the University of New Brunswick this fall. His goal is to become a mechanical engineer. He aspires to have a career in designing airplanes.
Mitchell is our third Scholar to study Mechanical Engineering at the University of New Brunswick. Philippe Couturier graduated from UNB in the spring of 2010 and is now pursuing graduate studies at École Polytechnique in Montreal. Matthew Nickerson is in his second year at UNB.
Michelle Bendrich is in her forth year of Chemical Engineering, also at UNB.
Our other two scholars enrolled in five year programs. Gillian Phillips is in her final year of Electrical Engineering. She will also obtain a minor in Mathematics and a Technology Management and Entrepreneurship Diploma when she graduates in 2012. Kevin Beattie, our first scholar, graduated in 2010 with a degree in Geological Engineering and is working in Fredericton. All six scholars have chosen to study at UNB even though the scholarship can be used at any accredited engineering faculty at a Canadian University.
Fortunately the recession only caused us to cancel the scholarship in 2009. Early in 2012 we will be soliciting applications for the 2011 scholarship. As in other years the deadline will be the end of March. Applicants must submit an application form and supporting documents that show that they are good scholars who contribute their talents to school and community. Need always receives consideration.
When promotional literature has been developed for the 2012 scholarship it will be delivered to the three high schools in Fredericton and a version of it will appear here.
In 2010 Dr. Frank Steward joined members of Thom's family on the Scholarship Committee.
- Thom graduated from a high school in Fredericton, NB, Canada and studied engineering at a Canadian university.
- He represented his country with honour, served his industry with competence and managed his project team with integrity.
- His sense of humour and of fair play endeared him to his friends.
- He developed a broad range of interests extra to his career.
- At the time of his death, mid-career, he was on a path to become a leader in his industry.
This page was revised on December 1, 2011 © Copyright 2011 Sheila Washburn