Valedictory Address

“Valedictory Address” (28 May 2003):1-2. (UA Case 68, Box 2)

Your Honour, Mister Green, Your Worship, Mr. Chancellor, President McLaughlin, honoured guests, distinguished faculty members, fellow graduates, parents and friends—Welcome, Bienvenue!

It is a tremendous honour to be Valedictorian to our graduating class. I feel extremely fortunate to have the privilege of being a voice for the entire graduating class of 2003.

What makes the University of New Brunswick unique? Smaller class sizes which allow for the ability to form long-lasting friendships and networks with fellow classmates – one-on-one interaction with staff who know us by our first name – all within a multicultural learning environment.

Although many of us come from different backgrounds including the First Nations, Acadians, International Students and Next Generation Heritage Canadians like myself who comes from an Italian Canadian family, we have all shared a common experience here at UNB. That commonality is that we all understand the hard work and dedication that it takes to complete a university degree at UNB. This experience crosses all cultural boundaries as we move forward and contribute to this great and peaceful nation of ours.

Many of us may be celebrating today with family and friends but it is important to recognize the efforts of the entire UNB community.

From the time of registration to graduation, there are so many people here at UNB who have contributed to our academic journey. The faculty and staff’s passion and commitment to ensure our success make UNB a first-class educational institution. Professors are not only teachers, but mentors and friends who want to see us success. The relationships that we have formed with our professors and other staff is extraordinary and reflects the intimate, friendly atmosphere that UNB has worked so hard to achieve.

Lectures, labs and tutorials are only a part of our learning process here at UNB. Many of us have been involved in Faculty Societies, Varsity Athletics, Student Clubs, Student Union, Mentor and Tutoring positions, Musical and Drama Productions, Community Events and Activities, and so on. The majority of us have expanded our experience beyond the classroom and that has contributed to our personal growth.

Reflect upon this experience at UNB. Even though our paths may be going in different directions now, the memory of these experiences will continue to resonate in our minds and in our hearts. It is evident that we do not learn most of our destination but rather along our journey.

As we stand at the door to a new chapter in our lives, it is our duty to carry on the legacy of tradition and pride of UNB. With the rising costs of tuition and living expenses for students, I ask that each and every graduate make some commitment in the future to give back to UNB either through scholarships or donations or other means of support such as encouraging others to consider UNB in their future academic plans.

History abounds here at UNB which is the oldest public University in North America – founded in 1785. Many greats have gone before us including statesmen Sir George Foster and Sir George Parkin; literary giants the poets Sir Charles G. D. Roberts and Bliss Carman; and the first female student and first woman principal in New Brunswick – Mary K. Tibbits. Women were officially admitted to UNB in 1885.

Others who have carved a place in UNB’s history include the late President John F. Kennedy who received an honorary degree from UNB and on that same day gave his now famous speech “Good Fences Make Good Neighbors.”

That same year the Faculty of Physical Education, now called Kinesiology, was founded by Dr. John Meagher. If you have ever wandered into the Old Arts Building (now know as Sir Howard Douglas Hall) you will see the names of many past UNB graduates carved into the wooden pews of the chapel. The question is: how will you make your mark? As the graduates of the class of 2003, it is our turn to continue the excellence of UNB as we have the opportunity to make a significant contribution.

Class – follow your dreams, follow your passions and as Winston Churchill once said, “Never, never, never, never quit.” You can make it happen!! You can make a significant difference!

Finally, I would like to show some recognition to the special people who contributed to our success:

All parents of graduates, please stand up.
Siblings, grandparents, and other family members of graduates, please stand up.
Friends, please stand.
Faculty and professors, please rise.
Administrative, support staff and coaches, please stand.
Graduates stand up, look around, and applaud all the people who have contributed to our degrees.

Graduates, enjoy, celebrate with family and friends. And best of luck in all of your future endeavours….this is indeed your day!!!!

Thank you and God Bless.