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Graduation is a time when communities come together to celebrate the accomplishments of both students and faculty. At the University of New Brunswick’s graduation ceremonies in Fredericton and Saint John this week, four valedictorians will address UNB’s graduating class of 2017. The university will also honour seven outstanding professors.

UNB’s 188th Encaenia will be celebrated on May 17 and 18 with three ceremonies at the Aitken Centre on the Fredericton campus.

Valedictorian Adam Chubbs-Payne, from Corner Brook, N.L., will address students in the faculties of science, kinesiology and nursing on Wednesday, May 17 at 10 a.m.

Adam will graduate with a bachelor of science in kinesiology degree. While studying at UNB, Adam served as the co-president of the kinesiology society, a peer mentor and an alternate residence proctor. As part of his undergraduate degree, he worked towards an honours in biomechanics, a term studying abroad, and both a practicum and a work study with UNB’s Institute of Biomedical Engineering and the Atlantic Clinic for Upper Limb Deficiencies. He volunteered as a leader for Kin Kids NB, the Good Night Program/Pediatric Division at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital in Fredericton, and with Opal Family Services. Adam’s interest is in sport science and medicine and he hopes to further his studies with medical school after graduation.

Valedictorian Kendra Wasson, from Saint John, will address students who are graduating from the faculties of arts, law, business administration, education, Renaissance College; and in interdisciplinary studies on Thursday, May 18 at 10 a.m.

Kendra will graduate with a bachelor of arts degree with an honours in psychology. During her time at UNB, Kendra was a tireless advocate for mental health services and resources for students on the Fredericton campus. She was a member of UNB’s mental health working group, served as the Student Union’s mental health co-ordinator, and developed a peer support centre for students with mental health issues. She also founded and co-organized the annual World Suicide Prevention Day Candlelight Vigil on the Fredericton campus and collaborated on many other events with UNB’s Counselling Services in her role as a residence proctor for four years. She was also a teaching assistant, student mentor and tutor. Kendra will continue to work full time with the Canadian Mental Health Association of New Brunswick before returning to university to pursue graduate studies in clinical psychology.

Valedictorian Tayler Hunt, from Woodstock, N.B., will address students in the faculties of engineering, forestry & environmental management and computer science, on Thursday, May 18 at 2:30 p.m.

Tayler will graduate with a bachelor of science in chemical engineering degree with a concentration in energy conversion and a major in environmental studies. She will also receive a diploma in technology management and entrepreneurship. Tayler was actively involved in the faculty of engineering community, taking leadership roles in the chemical engineering undergraduate society and the engineering undergraduate society. As part of her degree, Tayler completed a co-op work term in Germany and a student academic exchange in Singapore. She was also a regular volunteer at the UNB open house and was a residence leader and teaching assistant. Tayler will join the global management training program with Labatt Breweries in July.

UNB’s 43rd Spring Convocation in Saint John will be celebrated on Friday, May 19 at the G. Forbes Elliot Athletics Centre.

Valedictorian Hannah Wallace, from Saint John, will address students on Friday, May 19 at 2 p.m.

Hannah is graduating with a bachelor of science degree with honours, with a biology-psychology major.

While at UNB, Hannah has been a dean’s list student each year, balancing her studies with her involvement in the Students’ Representative Council, as a member of the Golden Key International Honour Society, as social media co-ordinator for Shinerama, and as an orientation leader. She has been the student representative on UNB’s Senate Curriculum Committee and the Dean of Science, Applied Science and Engineering Search Committee. Hannah was recognized this year as a Graduating Student Leader. She has been a positive influence within the student community throughout her four years at UNB Saint John, earning her the respect of her peers. Hannah’s legacy will be her unmistakable desire to engage and improve student life.

Hannah’s parents, Susan (BEd’84) and Michael (BEd’89) Wallace, are both UNB alumni.

The following professors will be bestowed with the designation of professor emerita or emeritus for their accomplishments and commitment to teaching, research and administration:

• Dr. Judith MacIntosh, professor emerita in nursing;
• Dr. Barry Monson, professor emeritus in mathematics and statistics;
• Dr. David Frank, professor emeritus in history;
• Dr. James Murray, professor emeritus in classics and ancient history;
• Dr. Linda Neilson, professor emerita in sociology;
• Dr. Virendrakumar C. Bhavsar, professor emeritus in computer science;
• Dr. Katherine (Kate) Frego, professor emerita in biological sciences.

Media contacts

• Fredericton: Natalie Montgomery
• Saint John: Heather Campbell