President of the Students' Union
Ella Henry
I’m excited to be running for re-election as President of our Students’ Union. I’m a sociology and economics student, and in the past two years I’ve been involved in the Students’ Union as Vice-President Education and now as President. Having lived in Chatham, Holy Cross and off-campus in my time at STU, I have a good understanding of the issues facing students.
I became involved in the Students’ Union because I believe we can do more working together.Too often students' unions focus on maintaining the status quo, and we can do better. The services the Students’ Union currently offers (the Bus Pass, Health Plan, and SafeWheels to name a few) exist because the Students’ Union took a risk. That’s why, if elected, I will continue to move forward with the possibility of opening a student-run bookstore on campus to provide students with cheaper books and better service.
I have been and will continue to be a strong voice for students within the university and at all levels of government. Students are struggling more than ever to pay for university. We’re facing the possibility of significant funding cuts to students and universities: cuts that could result in fewer grants, fewer students getting student loans, skyrocketing tuition fees and lower quality education. We can’t afford a Students’ Union that doesn’t stand up for students. Within the university I’ve advocated for the inclusion of condoms in welcome week kits, better service at the health centre, better food at the cafeteria, and more. I’ve pushed for recycling in apartment buildings and buses on Sundays, and launched a campaign for more funding for students and universities. With your help I can continue to be a strong voice for STU students. On February 23rdand 24thre-elect Ella Henry for President!www.VoteElla.wordpress.com
Mark Livingstone
I am running for President of the Students’ Union because we need a strong voice that works for all of us. As President, I will be responsible for the effective operation of the Union’s activities – from ensuring that campus activities and events meet your expectations, to building partnerships with government and the administration to make university affordable, and finally, to ensure the long term financial and organizational stability of our Union. My experience with non-profit organizations, as member of many boards and committees, and my knowledge of government are key assets that I will bring to this position. Over the coming days I ask you to read my platform, to join in the discussion and to get out and vote for who you think will best lead our Students’ Union.
Michael Manning
My name is Michael Manning and I am a third year student majoring in International Relations and Political Science here at St. Thomas University. In the 2011-2012 academic year I hope to become the next President of the St. Thomas University Students Union. Within the past few years, the Union has stepped away from its true job, working for and with the students. The issues facing St. Thomas affect each and every one of us and the student population needs a representative who stand up, tackle the tough problems, and work together to find solutions that are best for all students.
St. Thomas University is a leader in liberal arts and to retain the status this institution has worked so hard for, we must stop the partisanship in our Union, cooperate on solving problems, hold those accountable and we need not fail to recognize the need for true economic and social stability.
Its time for the St. Thomas University students to stand up and demand something different, something new, and most importantly, real change. I believe in a better way and on February 23rd and 24th I ask you to join me in making the difference we all strive for.
Vice President Administration
Mary-Dan Johnston
Hi, I’m Mary-Dan Johnston, and I’m running for Vice-President Administration. I’ve been in this position since November 2009, and I’ve had a great time so far helping students by taking care of the behind-the-scenes work at the Students’ Union. Right now, my position consists mainly of keeping track of the finances of the Union, as well as taking care of relations between the Union and various clubs and societies, and hiring all of our staff.
This position is an important one. It is the Vice President Administration who is responsible for ensuring that your student fees are spent wisely, and as such, the position demands someone who is in touch with the needs of students and willing to advocate for them.
My work over the past year has been to ensure that the resources that the Union has to offer its students are available and accessible to everyone. I have also instituted reforms that make our work at the SUB office more transparent through the Clubs and Societies and Academic Assistance funding applications. Next year, if elected, I plan to make initiatives to involve the student body even further in our activities and make sure that any student who is interested has the opportunity to have a voice in our decision making process.
I hope that you will vote ‘yes’ for Mary-Dan Johnston for Vice-President Administration on February 23rd and 24th.
Vice President Education
Justin Marshall
Hi my name is Justin Marshall and I am running for Vice President Education. I have held the office of the First Year Liaison, where I brought such events as the First Year Wet Dry, and Pizza Social. I was also one of the contributing people who got the Aitken Centre last year to continue the tradition of the Washburn Cup. This year I have sat on the Finance Committee and been playing an active role in going to a lot of the student union meetings and voicing my opinions. If elected I want to keep playing an active role in CASA and working with them and NBSA to develop a plan to either extend the tuition freeze or not have tuition go up to a huge increase where students can’t afford to go to school. If we were to switch to CFS it would cost the union $18,539.70, where we only pay $9883.80 for both CASA and NBSA. If we were to switch, student’s fees would have to go up to cover the cost. With the high cost of Tuition can we really afford increases to fees? I would also like to cut the $1000 dollars they released to hire a campaigns coordinator. I am 100% dedicated to this job and to the students. I believe that I owe the students to work around the clock to campaign for them and we could spend that $1000dollars going towards a budget line that really needs it like Emergency Bursaries. For a more extensive platform please visit my face book page and contact me at anytime if you have any questions. Remember I work for the students, with the students, to better the student atmosphere on campus. On Feb.23rd or 24th vote for me who is dedicated to work for YOU!
Craig Mazerolle
(photographed by Tom Bateman)
Hello everyone. My name is Craig Mazerolle, and I am running for re-election to the position of Vice President Education.
As your VP Education, my main role has been to coordinate the advocacy that the Students’ Union does here in the University and out in the community. Whether it be it working with students on issues like parking, cafeteria food, and the high cost of textbooks, or the campaigns I’ve organized around high tuition fees and student debt: my main goal this year was to ensure that students had a meaningful role in the advocacy of the Students’ Union. In the past, the VP Education would often lobby on behalf of students, but it has been my experience that when we work together, we accomplish so much more.
A great example of this collective action comes from the two campaigns I ran: the “Get Out the Vote” Campaign for the provincial election, and the “What’s Your Number?” Campaign against high tuition fees and student debt. As opposed to simply saying that I spoke on behalf of students, I wanted to engage, educate, and organize us around these issues. Be it signing postcards, taking part in class talks, or faxing stories of student debt to the government, student involvement has been key to what we’ve accomplished this year.
If re-elected as your VP Education, I will not only continue organizing us to take a stand against issues like high student debt, but I will also keep working with the Students’ Union to establish a student-run bookstore, as well as a city bus system that is more responsive to student needs.
For more information about my platform, please see my website (craig4vped.tumblr.com), or email me at cmazerolle@gmail.com.
On Februrary 23rd and 24th, re-elect Craig Mazerolle for VP Education!
Vice President Student Life
David Morse
Warm greetings to my fellow St. Thomas students. A little bit about myself: I am a third year sociology student and have spent the last couple of years working for the Canadian Red Cross as a Community Development Officer. I was responsible for administering and facilitating several local Red Cross programs, including the public information campaign on the Haiti earthquake recovery effort, the Red Cross PFD Loan Program, the Red Cross summer safety blitz, volunteer recruitment and coordination, and the annual fundraising campaign in partnership with Wal-Mart which raised over $10 000 for disaster relief and response.
My campaign is about thinking forward.
Thinking forward is about making education at St. Thomas more affordable and accessible for all current and prospective students. Education at St. Thomas should not be a luxury that only a select few can enjoy or be accompanied by extreme financial hardship. If elected, I will use my voice on the Students' Union to advocate for affordable education.
Thinking forward is about making St. Thomas a safe, accepting, welcoming campus for students from all backgrounds and walks of life. If elected, I will work with the Social Issues Advocate to begin a dialogue about the specific challenges facing marginalized students and undertake an anti-sexual violence campaign.
Thinking forward is about ensuring St. Thomas is a more environmentally and socially sustainable university for current and future students. If elected, I will encourage St. Thomas to adopt a campus-wide policy on environmental and social sustainability and encourage the university President to sign the Climate Change Statement of Action for Canada.
We cannot afford to settle for the status quo. Think Forward.
Visit http://votedavid.tumblr.com for more information on my campaign.
Alex Vietinghoff
Hey everyone, if you’re reading this, that means you probably care about your student experience. That’s great! I wish more students were like you! Give yourself a firm handshake. Maintain eye contact. There we go.
So what does VP of Student Life do, exactly? Well I’m glad you asked, Timmy.
Basically, the V.P.S.L. is there to ensure your experience at STU is real darn swell. They oversee the different services offered by our Union. (Emergency Bursaries, Bus Pass, SafeWheels, Used Book Room, Help Desk, etc.) They also oversee the Activities Coordinator and sit on the Executive Committee of the Union.
I’d be great at this position because I’m already very familiar with the Union. Last year, I was an Off-Campus Rep. This year, I’m a Student Senator, and I the Student Rep on the Presidential Search Committee. I’m also really into student involvement. I find that not enough students really use or attend everything the Union has to offer!
I want to make sure everyone wants to attend our events. So I want to offer incentives. I’ll get sponsors from local businesses, and offer door prizes! And if you attend three events, you get a ballot in a draw to win a bit of money on your meal card, or a snowboard, or something really cool!
I also want to make sure that we all really understand and are aware of the services being offered to us. Why shouldn’t everyone take advantage of the Emergency Bursaries when they’re in a pickle? Or SafeWheels when they think they have to walk all the way home on a dark, stormy night?
I WILL bring you everything you pay for, and more.
So be the Moon Stone to my Clefairy, and help me evolve to Vice-President of Student Life.
Vote for The Hoff.
Randy Kaye
Hello fellow STUdents! My name is Randy Kaye and I am running for the position of Vice-President Student Life!
Just to tell you a little about myself, I was born in raised in Salisbury, New Brunswick, and if you who do not know where that is, it’s where the Big Stop is that you probably stopped to pee at on your way to Fredericton! I’m going into my fourth year in at STU and I’m majoring in Political Science. I have been an active member of the SRC this year as the Chatham Hall Representative. I’ve lived in Residence for the past 3 years which has given me the advantage of knowing what students living on campus need and would like to see, but I will also quickly figure out what students living off-campus require as well.
If elected as VP Student Life my duties will encompass everything to do with student living. If elected I promise to get the Used-Book Room under way at the very beginning of the semester, so that students have access to affordable books right away. In addition to this, I will keep in close contact with the residence and off-campus representatives to keep up to date on issues pertaining to the cafeteria, the clearing of sidewalks to campus in the winter, issues with Fredericton Transit, and any other issues that may arise in daily student life. On top of all this I will be doing the regular duties of the VPSL which are administering union services such as emergency bursaries, the Help Desk, the Bus Pass, the Health Plan and Safewheels.
Thank you for your consideration, and make sure to vote for me on the 23rd and 24th, if you have any more questions, my Facebook page is “Randy Kaye for VPSL 2011-2012.”
Board of Governors Student Representatives (2)
Hassen Jemal Mohamed
My name is Hassen Jemal Mohamed and I will be running for the position of the Board of Governors Representative. I will be entering my last year at STU next fall to do my honours in Philosophy and hope to continue my education at the University of Victoria Law School. I’m originally from Vancouver B.C., yet due to financial issues, namely the ridiculous cost of living out west, have chosen to work fulltime in Fredericton over the last three years during the summers, which leads me to my next point; money matters. Expenses such as education, among other financial issues, whether we choose to acknowledge it or not, plays an extraordinary role in determining the manner in which we live.
When someone suggested that I run for the Board of Governors, I embarrassingly asked “what is the Board of Governors?” Thinking the answer was common knowledge, it came as a surprise when I discovered no one really had a clue. The Board of Governors is essentially the highest decision-making body in the university when it comes to financial issues. The BOG deals with everything from tuition fees, to additional student fees, etc. The STU BOG is extremely confidential, everything is held in strict silence until the decisions are made, which explains the why its role remained a mystery. Only after piecing together various descriptions from members of the Student’s Union, along with reading up on the subject, was I able to arrive at a somewhat clear understanding of what the BOG is. There is an obvious lack of transparency between the BOG and the rest of the student body. My aim, as a BOG rep, will be to open up communication between the BOG and the Students Union along with the rest of the student body.
Tracey Catherine House
Hi there; my name is Tracey House and I am from Glace Bay, Nova Scotia. I’m currently in my third year at St. Thomas doing my majors in international relations and economics with a business option. I am running to be one of your Student Representatives on the Board of Governors. I believe that I can be an effective representative for our student body. I am always willing to make time to meet with fellow students and I will listen to your concerns and bring them to the board when appropriate. I want to make sure that the voice of students is heard and I will try my best to make sure that it does not go to deaf ears. I want to make sure that students are aware of the role of the board of governors and I want to be that link between students and the board. If you have any questions or comments please do not hesitate to e-mail me at hbzjj@stu.ca.
Grad Class President
Julia Bremner
Hey Everybody! My name is Julia Bremner and I am running for the position of grad class president. I’m in my third year here at STU majoring in psychology. In first year I was elected as the First Year Liaison for the STUSU and I’m excited for the chance to represent you once more! Since first year I’ve been involved in the STU community several other ways: in second year I was again a member of the SRC, representing Harrington Hall. I was also Harrington's Head Welcome Week Leader that year. This year I took on a new endeavour andbecame aResidence Adviser in Rigby Hall.
If elected Grad Class President I will carry on the traditional and fun grad class pubcrawl and mystery bus tour, but also spice up our grad year with events from our first year like Bring Your Own Banana Day, where we make banana splits just because we can. As Grad Class President I also want to make sure that your questions and concerns are heard. I’ll do this by ensuring that the best interests of the graduating class are represented to the University and the STUSU. Finally, I want to hear from you! This isn’t just my graduation, it’s ours! If you’ve got an idea for an event or graduationI want to hear it. Let’s make our graduating year a year to remember!
Mikala Gallant
My name is Mikala Gallant and I am a third year student here at St. Thomas University. I am running for the position of Grad Class President for the upcoming year. I currently live off-campus but have lived on-campus as a resident of Harrington Hall my first year. I currently work for Student Employment on-campus but have also worked off-campus. I have had a variety of experiences here at STU and I hope that they will all allow me to relate to any questions or suggestions you, as the Grad Class of 2012, would like to share with me as your President.
I have two main goals for next year:
1. I would like to make this the Grad Year you are all hoping for. The current Grad Class is approaching their leave from STU and it’s an exciting time. It got me thinking that I hope next year is a memorable year for me and I considered running for this position in order to make that happen, not only for me but for all of you as well.
2. I would also like to take the time to set up a variety of sessions and opportunities that will prepare our class for what’s to come once we do take our leave. As a part of STUdent Employment, I see a lot of students who are stressed and unsure of what they want to do, and how to go about preparing themselves for post-graduation. I want to work closely with Student Employment and other departments to provide opportunities to ease the stress of the post-graduation reality-check.
I want to thank all of you for any support you can give me when you vote because I want to support you, not only in your last year but also in your future.
Whitney Slipp
Hello All!
My name is Whitney Slipp and I hope to be the Grad Class President of the year 2011-2012. I am currently in my third year at St. Thomas University and although I have yet to be a part of the STUSU I would love to be a part of the magic. I am an English major with a strong concentration in Theatre and I’m doing a minor in Psychology. I have been an active member of TST (Theatre St. Thomas) for the last two years and I hope to continue my theatrical passion in the years to come. I am also a member of the STU Women’s Rugby Team who just recently won the ACAA Championships this past season! My love of STU has really blossomed in the past year and after being the Grad Co-President in my grade twelve year I realize how amazing and important your last year of schooling can be. It’s your year to make memories and to take every last risk possible before being shoved into the real world. This is the year that counts. If elected as the Grad Class President of 2011-2012 I promise this will be a year to remember filled with new adventures and old traditions. VOTE FOR WHITSLIPP!
Camila Vasquez
Hello! My name is Camila Vasquez and I would like to be your Grad Class President! I'm in my third year doing a double honours in Great Ideas and English and I want to make our last year at STU a year to remember.
I have been involved with the Students' Union since my second year when I acted as the Rigby Hall representative. This year I was in charge of Welcome Week as Welcome Week Chair and I'm currently involved with the university as a Residence Advisor in Chatham Hall. I would love the chance to work with the Students' Union in my last year representing our graduating class!
My goal for next year if elected as Grad Class President is to make sure we plan activities that are diverse and entertaining and will appeal to everyone in our graduating class. From barbeques outside James Dunn Hall to karaoke and movie nights to the now famous Grad Class Pub Crawl, I want to make sure everyone's voice is heard and that we make the most out of our last year.
I am very approachable and would make sure your voice is heard not only in the Students' Union but in the university. I have been committed to STU since my first year and I want my last year to be no exception! If I am elected I would put all my energy into making our graduating year the best year to date! I want to thank you in advance for your support and I hope you are as excited as I am for all that's to come next year.
Student Senators (2)
David Jennings
Hello students of Saint Thomas, my name is David Jennings and I’m running for the position of Student Senator. The role of the Student Senator is to act as an intermediary between the Student Body and the Students’ Representative Council, where it is the responsibility of the Senator to express your concerns to the SRC. Also it is the responsibility of a Student Senator is calling and chair public forums on University issues.
The reason why I am seeking your vote to become a Student Senator is because I am concerned about the lack of communication between the SRC and the student body. If elected I hope to increase the dialog between the SRC and the student body. One of my goals is to call a public forum on parking regulations at Saint Thomas. Some of the things that would qualify me to be your Student Senator is my strong experience in community involvement such as coaching football, member of the Saint Thomas History Society, and also as member of the Saint Thomas Rugby Team.
The SRC currently operates in obscurity and it’s resulted in wasteful spending with no measurable result for the students, it’s time to take back the Union. I urge you, the body of Saint Thomas to elect me David Jennings as your next Student Senator. It’s time to change to STU and set it back in the right direction.
Aquinian, Inc Board of Directors Member-at-Large
Shane Rockland Fowler
I'm Shane Fowler. Currently, I am in my third year of study at Saint Thomas after coming back after a 5 year hiatus. I'm running for the Aquinian Board of Directors member at large, as well as the third year Aquinian Rep in the by-elections.
Since returning to STU I have gotten heavily involved with our student paper. Being an ambitious journalism major, I've made it my duty to contribute to her pages almost every issue and I have never missed a weekly meeting. Not only do I consider the AQ to be a perfect extension for my programme, I recognize that it is also a vital expression of our campus.
I have enjoyed working for the Aquinian these past six months, but I am keen to give it a deeper commitment. Being elected to the board is how I plan on making that happen. This will allow me to commit myself further, and make the choices that will best serve this paper and it's staff so that we can deliver our quality to the student body. If elected, I want to place a stronger focus on bringing in more voices to these pages, opening the Aquinian up further as an avenue to more young journalists. This is a resource that is not yet lived up its greatest potential by our students. I also am going to ensure that our next editor-in-chief is the strongest that STU has to offer. Without solid leadership, this publication will not meet the high expectations that our campus and community expect from Saint Thomas University.
With these issues in focus, I know that the Aquinian can the best paper, and the best journalism, that this campus is capable of.
Off-campus Representatives (3)
Mitchael Doak Dionne
Dear Students of STU,
I am running for the position of Off-Campus Representative for both the STUSU elections and for the by-elections. I want to do my part to contribute to the university, and I believe that the position of OC Rep is a good opportunity for me to do so. As well as being a student, I also work part-time at a convenience store in New Maryland, and I have volunteered at the hospital here in town.
As a first year who has been living off-campus since the start, I know very well the problems that face us OC students. In particular, those of us who live off campus may (especially during the first year) find a certain disconnection from the rest of the university. It isn’t as easy as walking down a hallway and knocking on doors to meet up with friends, and the GMH cafeteria isn’t as frequent a spot for socializing as for the residence students. Since us off campus students may not enjoy some of the social advantages that living in residence provides, we have to explore other opportunities that will bring all students within the university community together. This is where I will concentrate my skills and efforts. I will work hard to organize more OC events as well as events open to the whole school so that we can really draw everyone together.
I actively seek to improve the lives of others and my community, and I will work hard to improve student life here at STU. Thank you!
John R. Hoben
My name is John Hoben and I am a candidate for off campus representative for 2011-2012. For the past two years I've lived in Harry Rigby Hall, serving the last year as Vice President Internal of the house. Now that I am leaving Rigby, I want to bring some of the unity of a residence to the off campus. OC students are often ignored in events, and have very little presence as a group after welcome week. When I came to Fredericton, I knew almost nobody. If I had not lived in residence my first year, I doubt I would have met more than a handful of people through classes and activities on campus. My goal for Off campus 2011-2012 would be to create an effective welcome week for OC students which would definitely help create lasting friendships. I want to be one of your OC Reps next year to not only plan a great welcome week, but also to continue creating opportunities for bonding throughout the coarse of the year. My main goal is to turn the OC community from an afterthought to a vocal part of the STU community, and make the OC just as involved as the residences.
Patrick Brennan
Hi everyone! For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Patrick Brennan and I am running for the position of Off-Campus Representative. I graduated last spring with a degree in English, and have since returned to the halls of St. Thomas University to upgrade to a second major in journalism. Since coming to STU, I have been a member of Theatre St. Thomas, Chatham Hall’s House Committee, and the Theatre St. Thomas Executive. I have also taken part in various different charitable functions such as Trick or Eat and Relay for Life.
One thing I would like to work on if elected is creating a sense of community among off-campus students. Speaking from experience, it is sometimes easy for students of St. Thomas who no longer reside in residence to feel as if they are isolated from the rest of their peers. I also think it is important for people who live off-campus to understand that they have a voice and, through their Off-Campus Representatives, can bring to light any problems or concerns they might have. If elected, I promise to work to the best of my ability so that those concerns will be heard and changes may be made.
Valedictorian
Cara Gallagher
For the past four years it has been my privilege to be a member of the St. Thomas community. The experiences I have shared with the friends I have made on this campus mean more to me than words can convey, and while it may be difficult I feel compelled to try. On May 15th this year’s graduating class will gather in the courtyard and on that day we will have much to celebrate. We need our Valedictorian speech to be celebratory. We need a speech that will encompass what STU has meant to us and what we mean to each other. I love STU and I truly believe that I understand what this place is all about. If I didn’t, I would not be running for Valedictorian. More than anything, I want to represent the STU we love and the STU we’ll remember as we make our way in the world. I would be honored and humbled if my peers entrusted me with our Valedictorian speech and that is why I am running for Valedictorian.
Katelin Cummings
Hello voters! My name is Katelin Cummings and I’m running for St. Thomas University Class of 2011 Valedictorian.
Why am I qualified to be your valedictorian? I write for the Aquinian and a blog called Cummings and Goings. I’ve represented STU at Harvard – twice. I’ve been a member of the residence community, a campus tour guide, a help desk volunteer and a team leader at Relay for Life. I go to Tommies games wearing green and gold and holding homemade signs.
In my four years here I’ve grown to love this place. It’s become my home away from home. But this isn’t about me. It’s about you, the graduate. You were the one who stayed up all night writing the paper so that it would be just right. You were the one who got up for 6AM to register for courses on WebAdvisor. You were the one who dealt with -40 degree weather and still came to class. And for all of these reasons, May 15th is going to be your day. And I would be more than honoured if you made me a part of it.
Joanne Goodall
I am running for grad class valedictorian for 2011. I would like to be valedictorian for numerous reasons. I am proud to be a grad from St. Thomas University, I feel like I belong to a new family, I respect and appreciate each and every professor I’ve encountered at STU, and I feel like it’s a great opportunity.
I am very proud to graduate this year from STU. When considering universities I chose STU because the university gave me more options to express myself, to try new things, and they were more concerned about me as a person and not a cheque book. As grad class valedictorian, I will thank the university for their support and encouragement towards the graduates of 2011 over the past 4 years.
I couldn’t have made it through 4 years of university without the help and love of my fellow graduates. My friends are now family members and I couldn’t be happier. As valedictorian I would take the time to congratulate the grads for their success and contribution to life at STU, how they will accomplish their goals when they set their minds to it, and to honour those graduates who are their in spirit.
My professors are amazing and deserve a thank you. They’ve taken us under their wing and helped us through the right paths.
For my platform I will mainly focus on my speeches for both the 17th and 21st of February, create campaign posters and a Facebook page, and be open to the students for questions or any concerns on my position as grad class valedictorian. My main focus on my speech will be about family and how my fellow peers had never really made me feel welcomed and appreciated until I came to STU. STU made me who I am today- happy, ready to succeed, and proud.
Justin Clowater
Good day one and all! My name is Justin Clowater, and I’m running for the position of Valedictorian for the 2011 Graduating Class of St. Thomas University. I have a Major in English, as well as a boat load of volunteer work at STU. I hope to continue my education onwards to a Bachelor’s in Education, with high hopes of teaching in a High School, or taking my career on the road for a while and teaching in Africa, with a non-profit group I am affiliated with.
None of those things are reasons that I should be voted to this position though. I believe I am the best candidate for the job not because of what I study, but because I believe what our Grad Class needs is a voice to tell the story. We’ve been through a lot together; we survived everything from a strike in first year, to a very unexpected death of a friend only months ago. We have made it through difficult times, all because we have had the chance to share in the experience together. We have each made friends that will last a lifetime, and shared in experiences that will forever change who we once were. I could never claim to be the same man I was when I first came to STU, and it is because of you that this change occurred.
I believe I am the best voice for this Grad Class because we need someone passionate about STU to share the story with the world, and that story is grand. We are the future, and as the future, we must first say where we have been before we can truly say where we are going.
Fabula Est Vestri (The Story is Ours)
Lucas Haoyang Liu
Hi, 2011 Graduates of St. Thomas University. My name is Haoyang Liu also known as Lucas. I am a fourth year student and major in Communications. It has been a pleasure and honor to spend four year with you, my dear friends, in St. Thomas University. I am running for the position of Valedictorian. As a friend of most of the graduates, I am ready to represent you and give the speech at the Spring Convocation and bring the moments that we shared together back to you. You all know that I am a humorous guy. I can promise you that you won’t feel bored at the convocation and fall asleep. As a student who worked for the Communications Office of St. Thomas University, I drafted a letter for the President of the university and several media releases. I am more than qualified to write the speech and present to you, your family and your friends. These though, are not the reasons why I am running for this position. I am running for valedictorian because I care about you so much. I am ready to leave you with one more great memory from your four years university life. Come and vote for me or the other candidates please. I am here to be YOUR valedictorian. I am more than ready to serve you as the Valedictorian of 2011, my dear friends!
Devika Dadhe
Hello friends!
As many of you may or may not know, I'm running for Valedictorian!
This is my last year in St. Thomas university and I want to make it the most memorable yet!
I have been an active part of the STU community, from President of STUISA and Communications Coordinator for STUSU to writing for our beloved AQ. You may have seen me perform at various events with my friend(s) or working at the computer lab in James Dunn hall. I have tried to be as involved with STUdents and I would like to think that I have made a mark.
Our graduation day is going to be a turning point in our lives. Everything we have worked so hard for is going to pay off. We have people to thank for our success and experiences and with your help, moral support and votes, I can be the voice to thank everyone on behalf of our fellow graduates.
Being our class valedictorian would be an honor and a challenge and I want you all, my fellow graduates, to support me. I hope you all feel that I am eligible to represent you and if you think so, please vote Devika Dadhe as valedictorian! Peace, Devika
Matthew Sheriko
I’m running for Valedictorian because I know I can be a great representative of the class of 2011.
I've put so much energy into the school and gotten so much back. I believe that I have come to embody the spirit of St. Thomas in the last four years. Standing up at graduation and delivering the valedictorian address would be the best way to share my appreciation for STU with my fellow graduates.
In my time at STU I’ve been involved in most aspects of the school. I’ve served on the Students’ Union for three years as a Student Senator, Off-Campus Rep. and Board of Governors. I’ve chaired the STU Relay for Life for all four years. I run on the Cross Country Team. I've been involved in residence life as an RA and on house committee. Ialso give campus tours, write for the Aquinian and serve on the Grad Class committee.
STU has been a place of tremendous growth for me as well as a huge turning point in my life. A week after my dad passed away in 2007 I came to STU to begin my first year. This added greatly to an already difficult adjustment. However, I was welcomed immediately and quickly found a comfortable place here. This is something I will never forget. The people I’ve met here, the personal growth I’ve experienced, and STU itself will always be a part of me.
I grew up in a university town and come from a family of alumni of that school, but I did not hesitate in coming to STU. It’ll be my home forever.
Please allow me to share my passion and yours for this university as Valedictorian of the class of 2011.
Thomas Ross
You entered STU among men with full grown beards and women who walked with a stride of confidence. As time passed, snow covered the courtyard and lights lit up the trees. Your professors got to know you by name and sometimes Robin even remembered what you take in your coffee. Above all, you worked your butt off and you deserve your just desert.
There is nothing I enjoy more than seeing someone else who is excited for life. For a quick laugh, log onto my Facebook page and watch the first posted video. It features a man who can’t contain himself over the double rainbow in front of him. He is astonished and exclaims, “What does it mean?” I challenge you to find your double rainbow, the thing that excites you in life—the thing that lets you know that this is where you need to be. I would be honoured if you elected me as your Valedictorian.
the Aquinian, Inc. Board of Directors Third Year Rep
Jordon MacDonald-Baldock
My name is Jordan MacDonald-Baldock and I am running for the position of Second Year Representative on the Board of Directors for the Aquinian, in the by-election, and Third Year Representative for the Board of Directors of the Aquinian, in the general election. I am a second year student in the journalism department and I have been writing for the Aquinian since the beginning of the year. Although I have not been in St. Thomas for very long, and have been in the journalism program for an even shorter duration of time, I believe that being in the journalism program will help solidify these positions. These assist in helping me to understand the problems that the newer members of the paper may be feeling, and in talking with the other members of the Aquinian. My interpersonal skills are another asset to these positions. They would allow me to be more approachable to every member if the Aquinian who have new ideas that could be implemented. I enjoy writing for the Aquinian. The stories that have been assigned to me are interesting and the editors allow even the most inexperienced of the reporters test their skills. Since I began working and reporting for the Aquinian I have done everything from write a story on a candidate running for the provincial election to take pictures of a documentary presentation. If I am allowed to be on the Board of Directors next year, and this year, I hope to move the newspaper even more forward. I am dedicated to making the newspaper even better than it already is.
STUSU By-Election 2011
Off-campus Representative
David Graham
Greetings,
I am David Graham, a graduating student in Honours history with a minor in Political Science here at STU. I am 32 years old and started my time here at STU in 1997. After two years here I was not sure what I wanted to do and so left to work and travel. I’ve since lived and worked in five provinces in Canada and have been to most everywhere in North America and the U.K. After working in a range of fields from radio to manufacturing, and oil rigging, I returned home to work for the Teamsters Union on the New Brunswick pipeline. Having some money saved away and finding myself happy to be back in New Brunswick with my family close, I decided to return to STU and finish my degree once the pipeline was complete.
I am currently the President of the STU Society for History, and have been a member of the men’s rugby team. I bring to the table several years in union experience with both the C.A.W. local 1001, for which I was an alternate shop steward, and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters local 855 with which I have been a member in good standing for three years. I believe this experience will help me represent the off campus students of this university as they should be represented, as paying members of a union with full voice in the affairs of the student body. My goal in this short term that remains in the year is to represent the grievances of those who live off campus, especially those in rural areas. It seems that this union has been very urban centered in their views, and concerns such as parking have been addressed with responses assuming access to mass transit. Those of us who are travelling from further away than Regent or Main Streets need a voice too, and I’d be honoured to be that voice.
Mitchael Doak Dionne
Dear Students of STU,
I am running for the position of Off-Campus Representative for both the STUSU elections and for the by-elections. I want to do my part to contribute to the university, and I believe that the position of OC Rep is a good opportunity for me to do so. As well as being a student, I also work part-time at a convenience store in New Maryland, and I have volunteered at the hospital here in town.
As a first year who has been living off-campus since the start, I know very well the problems that face us OC students. In particular, those of us who live off campus may (especially during the first year) find a certain disconnection from the rest of the university. It isn’t as easy as walking down a hallway and knocking on doors to meet up with friends, and the GMH cafeteria isn’t as frequent a spot for socializing as for the residence students. Since us off campus students may not enjoy some of the social advantages that living in residence provides, we have to explore other opportunities that will bring all students within the university community together. This is where I will concentrate my skills and efforts. I will work hard to organize more OC events as well as events open to the whole school so that we can really draw everyone together.
I actively seek to improve the lives of others and my community, and I will work hard to improve student life here at STU. Thank you!
the Aquinian, Inc. Board of Directors Third Year Rep
Jordon MacDonald-Baldock
My name is Jordan MacDonald-Baldock and I am running for the position of Second Year Representative on the Board of Directors for the Aquinian, in the by-election, and Third Year Representative for the Board of Directors of the Aquinian, in the general election. I am a second year student in the journalism department and I have been writing for the Aquinian since the beginning of the year. Although I have not been in St. Thomas for very long, and have been in the journalism program for an even shorter duration of time, I believe that being in the journalism program will help solidify these positions. These assist in helping me to understand the problems that the newer members of the paper may be feeling, and in talking with the other members of the Aquinian. My interpersonal skills are another asset to these positions. They would allow me to be more approachable to every member if the Aquinian who have new ideas that could be implemented. I enjoy writing for the Aquinian. The stories that have been assigned to me are interesting and the editors allow even the most inexperienced of the reporters test their skills. Since I began working and reporting for the Aquinian I have done everything from write a story on a candidate running for the provincial election to take pictures of a documentary presentation. If I am allowed to be on the Board of Directors next year, and this year, I hope to move the newspaper even more forward. I am dedicated to making the newspaper even better than it already is.
the Aquinian, Inc. Board of Directors Third Year Rep
Shane Rockland Fowler
I'm Shane Fowler. Currently, I am in my third year of study at Saint Thomas after coming back after a 5 year hiatus. I'm running for the Aquinian Board of Directors member at large, as well as the third year Aquinian Rep in the by-elections.
Since returning to STU I have gotten heavily involved with our student paper. Being an ambitious journalism major, I've made it my duty to contribute to her pages almost every issue and I have never missed a weekly meeting. Not only do I consider the AQ to be a perfect extension for my programme, I recognize that it is also a vital expression of our campus.
I have enjoyed working for the Aquinian these past six months, but I am keen to give it a deeper commitment. Being elected to the board is how I plan on making that happen. This will allow me to commit myself further, and make the choices that will best serve this paper and it's staff so that we can deliver our quality to the student body. If elected, I want to place a stronger focus on bringing in more voices to these pages, opening the Aquinian up further as an avenue to more young journalists. This is a resource that is not yet lived up its greatest potential by our students. I also am going to ensure that our next editor-in-chief is the strongest that STU has to offer. Without solid leadership, this publication will not meet the high expectations that our campus and community expect from Saint Thomas University.
With these issues in focus, I know that the Aquinian can the best paper, and the best journalism, that this campus is capable of.
the Aquinian, Inc. Board of Directors Fourth Year Rep
Kasey Forbes
My name is Kasey Forbes, and I am running in the bi-elections for the position of Fourth Year AQ Inc., Board of Directors Representative for the remainder of the Winter 2011 semester. I am a mature student in my fourth year here at St. Thomas University, and I am striving for an Honours degree in History. I have experience in a variety of leadership and decision making positions, and have a degree of perspective that comes with age and experience. As a student at St. Thomas, I believe it is time for me to play a part in the continuance of the student roles within the University.
Brittany Elizabeth Douthwright |
