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Four students will represent their graduating classes as this year’s valedictorians at the University of New Brunswick’s 185th Encaenia at The Richard J. CURRIE CENTER in Fredericton on May 28-29, 2014.

UNB’s valedictorians were nominated by their peers, judged by panelists and finally elected by members of their graduating class.

To arrange a media interview or obtain a copy of the valedictory addresses, please contact Kelsey Seymour.

Valedictorians

Laura Carr, from Fredericton, N.B., will address students in the faculties of science and nursing on Wednesday, May 28, at 10 a.m. (Ceremony A). Laura became involved in the university community as soon as she arrived. She was a Student Union representative from 2010-2014 and president and co-founder of Just BeClause, a charity to help local families during the Christmas season. She is also a reservist with the Canadian Forces and volunteers with the York and Sunbury Search and Rescue. With a documented learning disability, Laura has attained two college diplomas and now a bachelor of nursing degree. She plans to continue her education as a nurse practitioner and hopes to work with Doctors without Borders while continuing to serve her country with the Canadian Forces. 

Shane Gunter from Bear Island, N.B. will deliver the valedictory address to graduates in the faculties of business administration, kinesiology, and education on Wednesday, May 28 at 2:30 p.m. (Ceremony B). At UNB, Shane was a BBA Peer Mentor and House Leader, and served as the UNB Safe Spaces Coordinator and UNB Red and Black Revue Coordinator. He won the Sir Edwin Jacob Special University Scholarship from UNB and the Robert E. Oliver Scholarship from Advertising Standards Canada. In the community, he volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Prostate Cancer Society of Canada. Shane has accepted a full-time position with Royal Bank of Canada in Moncton, N.B. 

Meaghan MacMaster from St. Martins, N.B. will deliver the valedictory address to graduates in the faculties of arts, law, interdisciplinary studies, and Renaissance College on Thursday, May 30 at 10 a.m. (Ceremony D). At UNB, Meaghan was a Peer Mentor, and contributed to the faculty of law’s mooting programs to help students develop advocacy skills and argue cases in front of practicing lawyers and judges. She was co-chair of the Articling and Placement Committee and Speakers Hour. After graduating with her juris doctor degree, she will join the regional law firm of Stewart McKelvey.

Gregory Armstrong from Hampton, N.B. will deliver the valedictory address to graduates in the faculties of engineering, forestry and environmental management, and computer science on Thursday, May 30 at 2:30 p.m.
(Ceremony D). Greg has been heavily involved in athletics, engineering societies and committees and entrepreneurship. He represented UNB with the Pond Deshpande Centre’s Student Ambassador group and was a finalist in the 2013 New Brunswick Innovation Foundation Breakthru competition for his own company, Hyton Innovation. After graduating with a bachelor of science in engineering, Greg will join Imperial Oil’s Nanticoke refinery as a process controls engineer.