Valedictorian Candidates, Encaenia 2014

Ceremony A: Laura Carr, Jonathan Jean

Ceremony B: Shane Gunter, Jacob Wildman-Sisk

Ceremony C: Alex Donovan, Meaghan MacMaster

Ceremony D: Gregory Armstrong, Leonardo Camejo, Mitra Radmanesh, Jonah Tremblay

CEREMONY A

LAURA CARR (Nursing)
Hello graduating class of 2014 (Nursing and Science):

My name is Laura Carr, I was born in Hay River, NWT and since then have travelled all over Canada with my parents.

I graduated from the Registered Practical Nurse program in Sault Ste Marie in 2010 and decided to further my education here in the quaint City of Fredericton, NB.

Throughout my four years here I have been elected in some form or another to represent nursing students. For the past 3 years I have been elected to sit on UNBSU as a Nursing Student Representative, representing constituents on all three campuses (Fredericton, Moncton, and Bathurst). I have had the honour of sitting on the Nursing Society as the Vice President in 2011 and the President in 2012.

The most significant achievement I believe is the conception of a charity called “Just BeClause”. Along with the help of two classmates and the generous donations of the Nursing student body here in Fredericton we have been able to raise over $6000.00 in the last 4 years. This money has gone to purchase Christmas gifts for needy children in the community.

JONATHAN JEAN (Science)
Class of 2014,

Wow, what a crazy four years it has been here at UNB! But now the time has come to finally walk across that stage and accept our diplomas, proving all our hard work has paid off.

My name is J.J. and I am graduating with a biochemistry honors degree. Throughout my four years at UNB I have been involved in numerous activities such as: Science Peer Mentors, an undergraduate thesis, biology lab TA, Vice-President of the Biology Society, hospital volunteering and Best Buddies. I have planned and attended a variety of science and non-science social events which help create a sense of community.

I have fully taken advantage of every opportunity UNB has had to offer. Throughout these past years I realised the best part of this experience were the people I met along the way. I could not have done it without the help of my family, friends and professors who gave me the boost I needed to perform at my fullest potential. Nights at the Cellar, home cooked meals and office hours have been a source of comfort through this adventure. I am sure all of you grads can relate to my story in some way. So big congratulations to all of you and get ready to throw your hats in the air!

CEREMONY B

SHANE GUNTER (Business Administration)
Hi there UNB grads!

Graduation, what an exciting and nerve-wrecking time of year for all of us who are completing our hard-earned degrees. Graduation brings tears, laughter, and memories of the good times we have all shared throughout our academic careers. My name is Shane Gunter and I am a 2014 graduating UNB student in the Faculty of Business Administration and I want to be the one who speaks on behalf of this incredible group of people at our May Encaenia.

Throughout my four years at UNB, I have been a Cougar at Joy Kidd House and a Knight at Neill House. I have been a part of various groups through the Student Union and Student Affairs and Services including the Safe Spaces Project and the historical Red ‘n’ Black Revue and have spent my fair share of time on campus at the HIL, the SUB, and of course, the Cellar.

All of my experiences at UNB have fostered many wonderful friendships and introduced me to all of the great people that make up this academic community and most importantly, those who make up our awesome grad class.

I look forward to seeing you there!

Shane's Links:    LinkedIn

JACOB WILDMAN-SISK (Business Administration)
Hey Business, Kin., and Education grads of 2014!

Graduation is just around the corner and all our hard work is about to be recognized!

My name’s Jake Wildman-Sisk and I know that on that monumental graduation day, I’d like the valedictorian speech to inspire me, encourage me, but most importantly, remind me. Remind me of those common experiences that gave UNB its identity, be it wing nights at the cellar, studying in the beautiful libraries, or proudly watching our V-Reds compete. Graduation will be a special day for all of us and I’m hoping as valedictorian I can passionately retell OUR story one last time before we graduate.

As a Co-President of the Right To Play club, a member of the Activator program, and a former Varsity Red’s soccer player, I’ve been able to connect with inspiring people from all corners of UNB. If selected, I’m hoping use these experiences to deliver a speech that will in some way connect with each of the graduates.

I’m confident I can do this on your behalf, and I hope you are, too!

Make sure to vote and congratulations, you’re an almost grad!

Jake's Links:   Facebook

CEREMONY C

ALEX DONOVAN (Arts)
Hello fellow graduates!

My name is Alex Donovan and I am graduating with Honours in History in the Faculty of Arts here at UNB. My time here at university has been filled with plenty of incredibly opportunities. Over the past four years I have been heavily involved in the film and theatre community and have been a part of over 25 productions as an actor, writer or director (sometimes all three!). One of my plays even won the NotaBle Acts playwriting competition and was performed during the summer of 2012. I hope to move to Toronto after my degree and pursue a career in either film or theatre.

I have spent four years now living in the residence community, initially as a resident in Joy Kidd and then I worked as a Proctor in Neville-Jones House. My time in residence gave me the opportunity to help raise money for a variety of charities including the Women in Transition House and the Movember initiative. I would be incredibly honoured and humbled to have the opportunity to represent my fellow graduates in Law, Arts, Renaissance College, and Interdisciplinary Studies as Valedictorian at the May Encaenia.

Thank you!

Alex's Links:     Facebook, YouTube

MEAGHAN MACMASTER (Law)
Hi UNB!

My name is Meaghan MacMaster and I am a third year law student from the bustling village of St. Martins, New Brunswick.

I am not only a proud UNB student but am also an alumna. I graduated with my degree in Business Administration from UNBSJ in 2006. After spending some time in the workforce I decided to return to UNB.

UNB provides a sense of community that is unmatched. I am grateful for the memories and friendships I have made during my seven years here. During my time on the Fredericton campus I have been involved as co-chair of the Articling and Placement committee and as a member of the Speaker’s Hour committee. I have also participated in the Ludlow Moot Court and the first year Peer Mentorship Program.

After graduation, I look forward to joining the regional firm of Stewart McKelvey in Saint John, New Brunswick.

I would like to thank my fellow classmates for nominating me as Valedictorian. It is a tremendous honour. It would be a privilege to represent Arts, Interdisciplinary Studies, Law and Renaissance College at graduation this May.

Thank you and Congratulations to the Class of 2014!!

CEREMONY D 

GREGORY ARMSTRONG (Engineering)
Heyo!

What’s shakin’ UNB!? I’m honored to be nominated for valedictorian, I think it would be a pretty great experience to address the graduating students in Ceremony D. I imagine you’re excited to start that next chapter of your lives, I sure am. Although we’ll be leaving behind some great times in Fredericton, we’ll carry those great memories for the rest of our lives.  

For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Gregory Armstrong, a 5th year Chemical Engineering student. I’ve been involved with many things over the years here such as the ChEUS president, EUS brewing competition chair (who doesn’t like beer?), student mentor, teaching assistant, and manager/coach of a hockey team consisting of the most ridiculous set of human beings you could imagine.

In my free time… just kidding, who actually has free time, but during my time that I should be sleeping I’m usually living in head hall, at my company’s office, playing hockey or havin’ a beer… or both!

I can definitely deliver a pretty entertaining speech, and I promise it won’t drag on forever, so please vote for me!  Congratulations to everyone graduating, I wish you all the best in your future endeavors!

See y’all later!

Greg's Links:   Facebook

LEONARDO CAMEJO (Engineering)
Hello there!

Can you believe it? Graduation is just around the corner. I cannot wait to celebrate all our experiences, challenges and achievements. For those who do not know me, my name is Leonardo Camejo, and I am in my fourth year of chemical engineering.

UNB has been my second home, as I am originally from Venezuela, and I am so proud and satisfied I chose this specific school. The community of UNB is so humble, open and kind. Therefore, I have taken many opportunities to be part of it: I have been a proctor in Maggie Jean Chestnut residence for two years, and you may have seen me at the Engineering Library, I have been working there for more than three years. Regretfully, due to personal and academic commitments, I haven’t had the chance to be more involved. But at the end of the day, I am just like you. I have had all my ups and downs here, and as a result, they have made me a stronger person ready to step forward to the next stage.

I am running for Valedictorian because I loved my time here at UNB, and I would like to have the opportunity to share all our memories and moments at UNB to every one in Ceremony D.

MITRA RADMANESH (Engineering)

To the Grads of 2014,

Let me start by congratulating each and every one of you for successfully making it this far; it’s almost the time for us to start a new chapter of our lives!

My name is Mitra Radmanesh, I’m a fourth year Mechanical Engineering student, who is seeking your vote to be your valedictorian for Ceremony D – Engineering, Forestry & Environmental Management, and Computer Science.  I’m very passionate and devoted towards UNB, and I have had numerous amazing experiences during my time here.  Over the past four years, I have given it my all to provide UNB students with same great experiences as I have had by being actively involved in organizing orientation and engineering events, as well as being a part of the Student Union as the Women’s Representative.  Being a hard working student, yet still regular at the Cellar, I have lived the journey that so many of us have, as we have navigated our way through university, with all the highs and lows along the way. I understand the feeling of satisfaction that comes with accomplishing such a huge milestone in our lives.  If given the opportunity, I would be honored to deliver a speech that not only highlights some of my most memorable moments at UNB, but also connects with your journey as a UNB student. So please take a moment to vote, and choose a valedictorian who would put her heart into her speech.

It’s time for us to be proud and celebrate all our hard work and accomplishments.  Congratulations on graduating again, and hope to see all your smiley faces this coming May.

Mitra's Links:   Facebook

JONAH TREMBLAY (Engineering)

Info to be submitted