KAMLOOPS – Four valedictorians will present the hopes and fond memories of the 2005 Thompson Rivers University graduating class this year, each to speak at the ceremony representing her program cluster. Nominated by a Valedictorian Selection Committee made up of the Dean and one student representative from each faculty or school participating in that ceremony, valedictorians are selected on the basis of being academically strong and well-spoken students who have demonstrated leadership and commitment to service within the university or the community.
Ceremony A: Christine Heidi Nickel-Bachelor of Arts degree (Geography) Christine Nickel well represents her program cluster, comprising the Faculty of Arts and the Division of Student Development. She came to Kamloops with her family after graduating from Fernie Secondary School, and enrolled at TRU. After upgrading some academic prerequisites in College Prep, a department in Student Development, she enrolled in the Geography program under the Faculty of Arts. While maintaining high grades in her courses, winning the Hugh Neave Memorial 4th-year Geography bursary this year, she also found time to volunteer with the CSS Campus Life Team, the CFBX Campus-Community Radio station, and the Geography Club, where she served two years as treasurer. She will be studying broadcast journalism at BCIT this fall, and her long-term goals include world travel and completing a master’s degree. Her ultimate career goal is to combine her passion for geography with her interest in broadcasting, to become a television show host for a nature or science program.
Ceremony B: Alison Assmus-Bachelor of Science degree (Cellular, Molecular and Microbial Biology)
Alison Assmus, who will represent the Sciences and Health Sciences, grew up in Logan Lake and completed high school with honours there, winning a number of academic and citizenship awards, and a UCC Entrance Award. When she came to TRU to study biology, she also excelled, making the Dean’s List throughout her four years of study, and winning the 2004 Biological Science Book Prize. An active athlete, she is also a lifeguard and swimming instructor, possesses a Sports First Aid certificate and a Level 1 National Coaching Certification, works out in the gym, and plays volleyball and golf. She will be attending the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine in September, with the goal of becoming a naturopathic doctor.
Ceremony C: Kristen Jordan-Bachelor of Business Administration degree (Marketing)
Kristen Jordan, representing the Schools of Business and Economics, Advanced Technologies and Mathematics, and Trades and Technology, grew up in Kamloops, graduating from Brocklehurst Secondary School. An active marketing major, she has continued to work in the advertising business while maintaining Dean’s List standing throughout her years of study. On top of work and classes, she was vice-president, corporate development for the student business association ACE*TRU, and was a tele-fundraiser for the TRU Foundation. She has competed in national business student contests, and represented TRU at its sister universities in Tianjin and Shanghai, China. After graduation, she hopes to continue to work in advertising, and to travel to Africa.
For more information, please contact Kristen Jordan at 250-377-1084
Ceremony D: Shawna Bava-Bachelor of Social Work degree
Shawna Bava, also this year’s winner of the University Medal in Social Work, will represent graduates in the Schools of Education, Social Work, and Tourism Management. She is an excellent academic student, highly involved in campus and community activities, and a leader of social work students. After graduating from St. Ann’s Academy, Shawna attended Cariboo College for two years before completing a science degree with “Great Distinction” from the University of Saskatchewan. She then volunteered for a year with high-risk youth in Vancouver; the experience caused her to change her career. She returned to her hometown to pursue a degree in social work, where she served on several committees, and was the first student in her program to complete a practicum in an international setting.
For more information, please contact Bronwen Scott by phone at 250-828-5739 or email.
