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Celebrating St. Thomas University's 60th Spring Convocation in Fredericton
This year marked the 60th anniversary of St. Thomas University in Fredericton. From 1910 until 1964, St. Thomas was located in Chatham, New Brunswick.
The Spring Convocation in 1965 was the first in Fredericton. The Valedictory Address to his 40 fellow graduates was delivered by John Moore from Saint John. Not only was he Valedictorian, John was a member of the Men’s Basketball team which was later inducted into the STU Tommies Sports Wall of Fame.
John and his wife Eleanor’s five children would each attend STU. Elizabeth earned a Bachelor of Education, Stephen a Bachelor of Arts, Colleen a Bachelor of Arts and Education, Sue a Bachelor of Arts, and Andrew a Bachelor of Arts. Like their father, Stephen and Colleen were both Valedictorians, and Dr. Andrew Moore is an award-winning Professor in our Great Books Program.
John Moore was recognized on the milestone of the 60th St. Thomas University Spring Convocation in Fredericton with a framed copy of the program from the day in 1965 when he was STU's first Valedictorian in Fredericton.
Tom McCann Memorial Trophy Recipient: Emily Bessey
Emily Bessey, a graduate from Cole Harbour, NS, has been named the 2025 recipient of the Thomas McCann Memorial Trophy. The Thomas McCann Memorial Trophy is presented to a student who possesses strong leadership, character, and personality traits and who best portrays the spirit of the university through their contributions.
"To receive this award is truly an honour. My time at STU has been filled with many incredible opportunities to get involved, which have helped me grow academically, professionally, and personally," said Bessey.
"I wholeheartedly believe in STU's mission to promote the value and importance of the liberal arts, which we need now more than ever. I feel lucky to have spent four years in a community of like-minded and passionate students, and I am excited to take all I have learned with me into my future."
2025 University Medal Winners
Governor General’s Academic Medal
Gavin Woodward, Fredericton, NB
Bachelor of Arts - Honours in Psychology
The Governor General’s Medal, established in 1873, is one of the most prestigious awards that can be received by a student in a Canadian educational institution. It is presented to the student with the highest academic standing in the graduating class.
University Medal for Arts
Emma Fackenthall, Penniac, NB
Bachelor of Arts
The University Medal for Academic Excellence in Arts is awarded to the graduating student with the highest overall standing in the Bachelor of Arts program. The medal, the highest Arts award given by St. Thomas University, is made possible by an endowment created by President Emeritus Dr. Daniel O’Brien and his family.
University Medal for Social Work
Mia Stewart, Stratford, PE
Bachelor of Social Work
The University Medal for Academic Excellence in Social Work is awarded to the graduating student with the highest overall standing in the Bachelor of Social Work program. This medal is made possible through an endowment created by President Emeritus, Dr. Daniel O’Brien and his family.