Embrace Your Passion: STU Celebrates 2022 Spring Convocation
David Eno wants his fellow graduates to embrace their passion so they can live a fulfilled life.
In his valedictory, David Eno spoke about the importance of doing what you love to the more than 300 graduates who received certificates and degrees in social work, applied arts, and arts at the 2022 Spring Convocation. There were also 70 alumni from the classes of 2020 and 2021 in attendance to celebrate their graduation in person.
"We are capable of exceeding even our own expectations," said Eno, who is from Lagos, Nigeria and received his Bachelor of Arts.
“Now, as you go off into the world, you must ask yourself, ‘what is important to me, and what is worth protecting, what am I passionate about?’ The future belongs to those who believe in their dreams, so dream loudly and boldly. By relentlessly pursuing your passion you can touch the lives of countless people, leaving behind a real impact."
“A Cause for Celebration”
President and Vice-Chancellor Dawn Russell told the graduates that they have a lot to celebrate—especially since they had the added challenge of earning their degrees during a global pandemic.
“Despite having to cope with online learning for part of your time at STU, you have persevered and succeeded in completing your degree. This is no small achievement at the best of times, but in the current context, it is a cause for celebration,” she said.
“As you leave the shelter of our small community, be bold, be courageous, take risks. Grab the opportunities when they come your way, they may lead you to a future better than you ever imagined. And remember also how blessed we are in this society to have a university education.”
Honouring Remarkable Individuals
During the ceremony, honorary degrees were bestowed upon Maggie Paul and Dr. Mary McCarthy-Brandt.
Maggie Paul is a Passamaquoddy elder, teacher, and song carrier who has lived most of her adult life on the St. Mary’s First Nation. She is known for her beautiful singing voice, her work preserving traditional songs, and using music to inspire and guide Indigenous youth.
Dr. Mary McCarthy-Brandt is a Fredericton-based writer, educator, and historian dedicated to preserving the histories of Black New Brunswickers. Over the past decade, she has emerged as a prominent public commentator and has promoted greater awareness of the historical and current contributions of Black New Brunswickers.
In her address to the graduates, Dr. McCarthy-Brandt also spoke about the importance of embracing passion.
“My passion is to tell the stories of my ancestors—the early African settlers and their descendants living in New Brunswick. I want to tell their stories of love, birth, death, resistance, and resilience,” she said.
McCarthy-Brandt has been featured in the provincial and regional media for her research locating and restoring abandoned Black cemeteries and her knowledge of the Black experience in New Brunswick.
“Though my ancestors arrived here in many forms—enslaved and free—they arrived in this very province and negotiated their lives and the lives of their families and children.”
She encouraged the graduates to also find and follow their passion.
“Please remember as you go off to start your new life, whether it be returning home after graduation, pursuing work or starting another degree, remember to keep your passion alive and also to keep your community members close.”
University Medals
• Governor General’s Academic Medal: Tabatha Blaney-Gale from Fredericton, NB (Bachelor of Arts – Honours in Psychology).
• University Medal for Arts: Emma Walker, from Hampton, NB (Bachelor of Arts – Majors in Psychology and Criminology).
Honouring Faculty Members
St. Thomas University honoured five faculty members for their professional achievements and impact on the university.
• Dr. Gary Irwin-Kenyon (Gerontology) received the designation Professor Emeritus.
• Dr. Sarah Vannier, (Psychology) received the John McKendy Memorial Teaching Award.
• Prof. Gaila Friars (Social Work) received the Award for Excellence in Part-Time Teaching.
• Dr. Dawn Morgan (English) received the University Service Award.
• Dr. Clive Baldwin (Social Work) received the University Scholarship Award.