“The Small University with the Biggest Heart” – Celebrating 2025 Spring Convocation
Valedictorian Charley Goldrich describes St. Thomas University as a “small university with the biggest heart.”
She spoke to the 283 graduates who were receiving degrees in arts, applied arts, education, and social work about ϳԹһ’s unique values.
“St. Thomas University is special and unique. It is an inclusive liberal arts environment that has educated and encouraged us to grow into the people we are today — people who advocate for equity and social inclusion using well-honed critical thinking skills, and question when things are not so,” said Goldrich, who received her Bachelor of Social Work.
“You are a St. Thomas graduate because of your uniqueness but also for the other thing we all have in common — our passion for social justice and a world where inclusivity is not a political argument but second nature.”
During her valedictory address, she recalls the moment she met a ϳԹһ recruiter at her high school in Amherst, Nova Scotia, changing the course of her life.
“I felt the optimism from the recruiter, and that ϳԹһ Tommies’ spirit has never left. I knew that this was the school for me. I only applied to St. Thomas. The moment I set foot on campus, I felt the inclusive liberal arts environment that I had craved so much in my small town back home. St. Thomas always ensured I had the accessibility I required to strive for my goals, and I am so grateful for it.”
The Enduring Impact of a ϳԹһ Education
President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. M. Nauman Farooqi spoke to the students about the importance of a liberal arts education in today’s society.
“Our motto, “Teach Me Goodness, Knowledge, and Discipline,” is as relevant today as it has ever been,” he said.
“These words capture the essence of our mission. And they are the true strengths of a ϳԹһ education, one that prepares graduates for careers and for meaningful lives of leadership, compassion, and impact.”
He added that the knowledge and skills that will be valued most in the years to come will be those that are uniquely human.
“They are what you have acquired at ϳԹһ — critical thinking, creativity, empathy, and adaptability. And they will never, ever become obsolete.”
Recognizing Community Builders
During the ceremony, the university bestowed honorary degrees upon entrepreneur and humanitarian Glenn Cooke and theatre educator and arts mentor Ilkay Silk.
Glenn Cooke is CEO and co-founder of the Cooke Inc. family of companies which started in Blacks Harbour, NB, in 1985. From one aquaculture farm site of 5,000 salmon, it is the now the world’s largest private family-owned seafood company, employing 15,000 people including 3,000 in Atlantic Canada.
Cooke has quietly provided significant support and contributions to individuals, students, communities, and charitable organizations where his companies operate. His employees are encouraged and empowered to champion causes in their communities and close to their hearts.
Ilkay Silk is a theatre educator and arts mentor. She began teaching at ϳԹһ in 1978 and played a key role in establishing Theatre St. Thomas and the Black Box Theatre. She retired in 2014, having directed more than 100 plays.
Her influence on the arts community in New Brunswick transcends ϳԹһ’s campus. She was a pioneer in the early days of Theatre New Brunswick, was a founding member of the TNB Young Company and Notable Acts Theatre Festival. She has received the Excellence Award for Arts in Education from the Province of NB and in 2016, she became a Member of the Order of Canada.
Cooke spoke to the graduates about the importance of businesses leading with purpose.
“Success doesn’t just come from strategies and spreadsheets, it comes from within - from people and the passion they bring to their careers,” he said.
“I’ve long believed that truly sustainable businesses must go beyond the bottom line. They must be fiscally sound, environmentally responsible, and socially committed. That’s the only way our communities and our planet will truly thrive.”
Cooke encouraged the graduates to reflect on their own core purpose as they enter this new and exciting time in their lives.
“Your education at St. Thomas has prepared you not only with knowledge, but with the insight and empathy to lead in a way that leaves a mark and a meaningful impact.”
University Medals
- University Medal for Arts: Emma Fackenthall from Penniac, NB (Bachelor of Arts, Majors in Environment and Society and in English Language and Literature)
- University Medal for Social Work: Mia Stewart from Stratford, PE (Bachelor of Social Work)
- Governor General's Medal: Gavin Woodward from Fredericton, NB (Honours in Psychology)
Tom McCann Award
Emily Bessey, from Cole Harbour, NS, is the recipient of the Tom McCann Memorial Trophy. The award is presented to a student who possesses strong leadership, character, and personality traits and best portrays the university's spirit through their contributions.
Honouring Faculty Members
St. Thomas University honoured three faculty members for their professional achievements and impact on the university.
- Dr. Matt Dinan (Great Books) is the recipient of the John McKendy Memorial Teaching Award
- Dr. Margaret Campbell (Sociology and Women’s Studies and Gender Studies) is the recipient of the Award for Excellence in Part-Time Teaching
- Dr. Michael Dawson (History) is the recipient of the University Scholarship Award