Former Raptors star Pascal Siakam earns honourary degree from UNB, recognized for his foundation’s education work inspired by his late father.
NBA Star Honoured in New Brunswick
Former Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam, now with the Indiana Pacers, was awarded an honourary degree from the University of New Brunswick (UNB) on Wednesday. The recognition highlights his commitment to education through his PS43 Foundation, which funds scholarships for Cameroonian students to study in Canada.
A Day of Surprises
Earlier that morning, Siakam stunned students at a school in Gagetown, N.B., when he walked into their gym wearing a shirt reading Education is Freedom. The children, working on basketball-themed data projects, were star-struck by the 2019 NBA champion who listened attentively to their presentations before sharing his own story.
Why Education Matters
The honour carries deep personal meaning for Siakam, whose late father, Tchamo, always emphasized academics as a lifelong asset. “Basketball was important to him, but education was the one thing he valued most,” Siakam said. “This moment is not just for me, but for my family and my father’s legacy.”
Building a Lasting Impact
Through partnerships with UNB, Dell Technologies, and the McKenna Institute, Siakam’s foundation has launched the Data Dunkers program in New Brunswick schools and a $200,000 scholarship fund for Cameroonian students pursuing degrees in engineering and computer science. UNB president Paul Mazerolle praised Siakam as “a leader using his platform to inspire.”
From Cameroon to Canada
Born in Douala, Cameroon, Siakam came to North America over a decade ago to pursue education and basketball. Drafted by Toronto in 2016, he became a central figure in the Raptors’ 2019 championship run. Though traded to Indiana in 2024, he maintains strong ties to Canada, calling it “a second home” where his foundation continues to grow.
Looking Ahead
Siakam, 31, says giving back through education is his way of extending his career beyond the court. “Basketball won’t last forever, but education is something no one can take away,” he told the crowd at UNB. His first visit to New Brunswick may have been short, but it left an enduring impression on the students he met — just as an NBA camp once did for him as a teenager in Africa.
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