The 2020 Graduating Student Leader award dinner has been cancelled as a result of COVID-19.
With all the uncertainty regarding COVID-19, the dinner has not been rescheduled but Mary Duffley, Associate Director UNB Alumni Office/Associated Alumni, says they hope to be able to select a later date for the dinner.
“Students will be given certificates in UNB Diploma Frames, so we hope we can at least do some sort of presentation ceremony,” Duffley said. “We are very proud to continue the program and recognize the significant contributions of our graduating student leaders. For me personally, it is my favorite event of the year. I was here when it started, so it is very special.”
The Graduating Student Leader award recognizes students who have gone above and beyond with their voluntary contributions to either their academic program or the UNB campus itself. Created in 2005, as a collaboration between the UNB Alumni Office and the class executive of the day, to acknowledge students who have made outstanding extracurricular contributions to the UNB Saint John campus.
“It was sad to hear that it was cancelled, but I think we all anticipated and understand why given the COVID-19 outbreak in the province.” Cassie Hall, an award recipient, said. “Everyone’s safety definitely comes first!”
Hall reminds students, regardless of the year they are in, to really embrace their time at UNB because it goes by so quick. “Although I’m sure the dinner would have been amazing, it would have been one night; the memories I’ve made over the past four years will last a lifetime.” Hall said. “Getting an award is great, but it’s the contribution [students] make that is the true achievement!”
For any students interested in applying for this award in future, there is an application available online here. To qualify, you must be a graduating in the spring or fall of the award year, be actively enrolled at UNB Saint John, maintain good academic standing at the time of nomination and you must have done voluntary extracurricular activities within the UNB campus or to your department or program.
