“Choose Kindness and Generosity“

STU Celebrates Summer Convocation

Darla Saunders wants her fellow graduates to face life’s challenges with curiosity, kindness, and generosity.

In her valedictory address at Summer Convocation, she spoke to the more than 100 graduates who were receiving their bachelor’s degrees in applied arts, arts, and education, and their master’s degrees in social work about the importance of staying open to new possibilities—even when they seem challenging or scary.

“Change and challenging experiences can teach us what we’re capable of. If we can stay curious and engaged, they can help us to push ourselves farther than we thought we could go and grow in ways that we never expected,” said the Miramichi, NB, native who received her Bachelor of Education.

Saunders was also awarded the University Medal for Academic Excellence in Education.

The Hon. David Adams Richards—awardwinning author, Canadian Senator, and STU alumnus—was the guest speaker at Convocation. He spoke to the graduates about the importance of compassion and empathy in the classroom and society.

“Empathy is the one thing I ask you to take forward into the future. Every lesson will be ennobled by it, and no lesson is ever worthy without it.” •