Valedictorians

Graduating university is celebration and we’re looking for student representatives to offer a valedictory address to their graduating students, faculty and guests at the 196th Encaenia ceremonies, May 28 - 29, 2025.

Four Valedictorians will be selected, one for each ceremony:

  • Ceremony A: Forestry & Environmental Management, Nursing, and Science
  • Ceremony B: Education, Kinesiology, and Management
  • Ceremony C: Arts, Law, Renaissance College and Interdisciplinary Studies
  • Ceremony D: Computer Science and Engineering

Any UNB student, staff or faculty member may nominate a graduating student to be valedictorian. Students may also self-nominate.

Eligibility

Nominees for valedictorian:

  • must be graduating from a degree program on the UNB Fredericton campus;
  • must be eligible to graduate at Encaenia and have completed their application to graduate;
  • must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 in their last 60 credit hours;
  • should demonstrate involvement in campus and/or community activities; and
  • should have strong public speaking skills

Nomination process

There are four required elements to a nomination:

1. Nominating application

If a student is being nominated by someone else, the nominee must also complete this application. If you are nominating a student, please ensure they also complete this application prior to the deadline.

Valedictorian candidates should be prepared to respond to these questions on the online application:

  • Tell us a highlight of your time at UNB. Is there an experience or memory that stands out; something that you will always remember? Why does it stand out?
  • The valedictorian will be speaking to students from all faculties. Why do you feel you are a good representative for the entire graduating class?

2. Resume

Nominees should submit a resume outlining campus and community involvement while attending UNB.

3. Video

Nominees must submit a video of no more than 2 minutes in length to answer this question: If you were selected as the Valedictorian for your ceremony, what are some of the messages or thoughts that you would like to say to your graduating class members?

Tips for filming your video:

  • Choose a quiet space; smaller is better (don’t film outside)
  • Natural light is best; face a window if you can
  • Sit 2-3 feet from your device to ensure good audio

4. Two letters of recommendation

  • one from a faculty member (current/former professor, instructor, dean, assistant dean)
  • one from a fellow graduating student

Nominations will only be considered when all four (4) required elements are complete.

The deadline to submit resumes, videos and letters will be announced at a later date.

If you have questions that were not addressed above, please contact valedictorian.fredericton@unb.ca.