Don and Mary Ann Ketchum pose in fall 2010 with University of New Brunswick (Saint John) vice-president Dr. Robert Mackinnon. The three are holding an artist’s rendering of the University Commons building that officially opened in September.

A new building on the University of New Brunswick campus in Saint John is a stunning marvel of technology, environmental responsibility and architectural genius. It makes perfect sense, then, that two Realtors led the team responsible for getting the project off the ground.

The Hans W. Klohn Commons, named for a prominent New Brunswick businessman, officially opened on Sept. 7, after an appointed cabinet of local Saint John dignitaries raised the funds for its $25-million price tag. The cabinet was co-chaired by the husband-and-wife Realtor team of Don and Mary Ann Ketchum of Royal LePage Atlantic.

Mary Ann has a long history with the University of New Brunswick. “Years ago, I was the president of UNB Nursing Alumni and I completed my Master’s degree here,” she says. “All of my brothers and sisters and four of my children also went to UNB.  We absolutely believe in the value the university brings to our community.”

The project received a huge boost in its fundraising efforts with $20 million in financial contributions from all three levels of government. It was up to the Ketchums to lead the cabinet in raising the remaining $5 million from members of the community, alumni, faculty, staff, corporations and friends.

“In a community as tightly knit as Saint John, it’s all about the relationships,” says Don Ketchum. “Our team worked away at our contacts persistently and we achieved great success.”

The Hans W. Klohn Commons is a gathering place for students, offering a student technology centre, tutoring centres, classroom and conference rooms. It integrates IT, information services, a computing centre and library under one roof. It’s also a silver-rated Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) building.