Valedictory Address

“Valedictorian’s Speech” (May 1980): 1-4. (UA Case 68, Box 2)

Your Honour, Mr. Minister, Your Worship, Ladies and Gentlemen:

On behalf of the 1980 Graduating Class, Welcome to UNBSJ and our 6th Convocation.

I would like, first of all, to express something I’m sure we have all felt, but have not openly stated. That is the gratitude and appreciation we all feel toward our parents, friends, and loved ones for the encouragement and support, both financial and motivational, received in the endeavor to successfully reach graduation. I know I could never have made it without the support of those near to me.

We will soon all be graduates of the University of New Brunswick, Saint John Campus. Most of us have spent four years here at UNBSJ, and it has become a big part of our lives. It was here where we studied more seriously than we had before, played harder and socialized more often, and yet learned- - learned about life, about practical things, about the real world.

And aren’t these the functions of a University – a place where young people grow up. Obviously the Academic aspects are very important, but the experiences, relationships, and campus environment are equally important and serve to mature and shape a person and his understanding of himself and the world.

The product of this educational experience is a person with analytical and communicative abilities that are in demand in the working world. Virtually no university degree prepares a graduate to step into a job as if he had experience in the field. These skills help graduates learn their jobs quickly, and to become assets to their employers.

Thus great changes have occurred between graduation from high school and accepting a job in the business world, and University plays and important part in this. Therefore it is important to have a good campus in which the students can develop.

This University is a fine establishment. I have spent four years of my life here, and as such have grown attached to it. Like every institution, it has its problems and faults, but I would recommend it highly. This message should go far in these tight economic times when Saint John students are finding it hard to raise money to finance an education.

Much progress has been made on our campus during our stay here. We now have extensive and fine programs in Marine Biology and Data Analysis. Each faculty has developed a strong curriculum and enrollment is up. Despite these achievements there remains a lot to be done if this campus is to thrive. There had been talk recently that several faculties might have enrollment restricted because of inadequate resources. This is unfortunate because the potential has always been there to increase the number of courses and programs offered, and thus the size of the campus. With Graduation, Dr. Condon will have more alumni to help him build the campus and prevent things like this from happening.

The Saint John Campus is indeed growing. The Attendance on this campus has steadily increased. There is a need for more courses and additional facilities. The necessity of a fourth building on campus is now readily recognized. With people like Dr. Condon working towards the establishment of new facilities, its chances for success should be improved. Hopefully Fredericton will see the importance of allowing Saint John more autonomy to decide its own future.

The administration is not the only body that must work towards the fulfillment of the potential of UNBSJ. The student body must work hard in pursuit of their goals. The quality of the faculty can always be improved. Professional ethics must be maintained, and faculty and students must become more community oriented.

The strength of UNBSJ is in its size. Most people in the graduating class know each other, we know the professors, and the professors know us. This is something our colleagues “UP THE HILL” can’t say – and it has been beneficial to us all. UNBSJ has allowed me to develop as an individual, not simply as a student number and a transcript. The size and family atmosphere, although perhaps not the reason I came here 4 years ago, is certainly why I stayed here.

It is now time for us, the graduating class of 1980, to leave UNBSJ and take our places in the real world. With so much international tension and economic chaos, it is important that we remain optimistic. Canada itself is in the midst of rediscovering the means by which two distinct founding peoples can live in harmony. In a few days we will discover whether as Canadians we feel pride in our country; enough pride to stick together and work out our difficulties.

As young people we must rededicate ourselves to working toward a better life. And, as a famous author once said, “I am not afraid of tomorrow because I have seen yesterday and have lived through today, and I know that the future belongs to dreamers, those willing to take a chance and work toward a better tomorrow.” This is the challenge which faces us. I know we can succeed.

Thank You.