Attic Room - Queen Size Bed - Private Bathroom(external to room)
This room is named for Mary K. Tibbits, the first female graduate of the University of New Brunswick. Although she faced strong opposition, Mary Tibbits enrolled in the University of New Brunswick in 1886 and was awarded a Bachelor of Arts (Honours in English) in 1889 along with the Governor General’s Gold Medal for academic proficiency. This room boasts of large windows which offer a view of the St. John river. This room offers a queen-sized bed, and a semi-private sitting room* which leads to a private external 3-piece bathroom(soker tub). This room is located on the third floor.
The movement for the higher education of women in Canada was gradually taking off in the late 19th Century, with Mount Allison pioneering admission of women in 1872 and Acadia and Dalhousie following in 1880 and 1881. In 1884, after a long campaign, the University of Toronto was forced by the Ontario legislature to allow women to attend lectures. In New Brunswick, campaigners also brought the issue to the provincial legislature and in June 1886 the New Brunswick senate approved a motion requiring that females should be admitted on the same terms as men.
Although UNB did eventually admit Mary K Tibbits in the fall of 1886, and later other women, the authorities did not want to spend much on accommodation for them. The ladies were given “two small shabby rooms on the second floor of the arts building” and “no money was forthcoming to provide books or furniture”. We hope you will find our room named in her honour to be somewhat more comfortable and welcoming!