Leanne Hudson Selected as Spring Convocation Valedictorian

Leanne Hudson has been selected as the Valedictorian for Spring Convocation on May 16.  

 

“From her first year volunteering for Shinerama and as Holy Cross House Representative, she has been very active in our community and a respected and valued member of the student body, said Dr. Kim Fenwick, President and Vice-Chancellor (Acting).  

 

“Since then, she has advocated on behalf of students on issues and projects large and small that have benefited our community.” 

 

Leanne is from Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia, and is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (Communications and Public Policy, Native Studies) along with a Certificate in Experiential and Community Based Learning. A member of the Deans’ List, she holds an academic scholarship and the Hatchette-Nicholas Bursary. Following graduation, she is pursuing a Master of Education in Leadership and Learning at UPEI.  

 

Over four years, she has held internships and work placements, served on numerous student and university committees, volunteered at special events, planned workshops, worked in Accessibility Services and Peer Tutoring, assisted in recruitment activities, and was a member of the Grad Class Committee. 

 

Leanne played a key role on the Senate Committee on Reconciliation, was founder and co-chair of the Students’ Reconciliation Committee, Chair of the Tri-Campus BIPOC Committee, and a volunteer for the Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser. She was a member of the planning committee of the Indigenous Mid-Winter Celebrations and served as student representative on a group that secured significant funding for the Wabanaki Centre. A true community builder, she also advocated for students with financial needs, students with visible and non-visible disabilities, and for greater experiential learning opportunities.  

 

“I have a lot to share as a St. Thomas University graduating student and I hope that my address will represent who the graduating class of 2023 really is,” said Hudson.   

 

“I have witnessed first-hand our class — the innovators, the changemakers, the scholars, the mobilizers — and so many types of students made a contribution. They all encourage me to believe that despite the challenges and barriers we may face, we are prepared to achieve our potential.” 

 

St. Thomas University’s Spring Convocation is being held on May 16 at 2 pm.