New STM Grads Celebrate Convocation

Tuesday, June 6, St. Thomas More (STM) celebrated new graduates, their families, and friends, and officially welcomed them into the STM Alumni community.

The STM Convocation dinner was preceded with an Honour Song for all the graduates, performed by Mark LongJohn, Darrell Paskemin, and Boston Campbell.

President Still spoke to the achievement and unique standing of today’s graduates – noting under 25 percent of Saskatchewan residents attain a bachelor’s degree or higher. He specifically recognized their combined USask, Arts and Science, and STM education advantages, and challenged the new graduates to commit to “the great work of reconciliation between Indigenous peoples, settlers, and newcomers to Canada - reflecting justice, dignity, and inclusion for all people in this country - to help our society find the way from the present we have, to the future we want.”

Dean Tammy Marche introduced two of the main STM student awards. Presented at the USask Convocation ceremony earlier in the day, Victoria Guenter received The Right Reverend Monsignor Myroslav Kolodey Memorial Academic Prize - awarded annually to a graduating STM student with the highest overall cumulative average. Guenter acquired her Bachelor of Science with Great Distinction in Computer Science, and a Certificate in Computing. She previously completed her Bachelor of Science in Engineering.

The Thomas Deis '38 WWII Memorial Prize awarded to a STM Student or Newman Centre member who has demonstrated an all-round excellence, leadership, and has enriched the life of STM and Newman Centre, was presented to Adam Eichorst. Graduating with his Bachelor of Commerce with an Accounting Major. Eichorst served on the Newman Executive for previous four years, and on the Canadian Catholic Students Association (CCSA) executive for two years, one of which he was president. He has already started full time at MNP with plans to work toward obtaining his CPA in the fall.

Campus Minister Michael MacLean served as emcee for the evening and also introduced some of the student awards. The Fr. Henry Carr Award - awarded to a student who has shown leadership and contributed to the life of St. Thomas More College – was shared by two recipients for 2023.  Taylor Spock and Marta Kruger were present to accept their recognition.

Taylor Spock convocated with her Bachelor of Science in Psychology with Honours. She served as a student leader at the College with the St. Thomas More Students Union(STMSU). An executive member of the STMSU for the entirety of her undergraduate studies, Spock served as Vice President of Communications, Vice President of Operations and Finance, and STMSU President. She plans to explore psychology graduate studies in hopes of achieving a masters, and potentially a doctorate.

The second award recipient, Marta Krueger, convocated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art, with High Honours. Marta is currently working for the Ukrainian Museum of Canada in Saskatoon as the collection’s assistant. Marta plans to continue creating art and exploring her Ukrainian heritage.

In Marta’s first two years at USask, she was a member of the Service and Justice Project. Krueger relayed gratitude for the opportunities she was provided to serve her local community, and to learn more about ongoing world issues. “Throughout my entire degree I was an executive member of the University of Saskatchewan Ukrainian Students Association (USUSA),” she said. “I appreciated being able to connect with others over our shared Ukrainian culture, and to share our knowledge and heritage with the STM and USask community.”

The final award recognized at the evening event was the Thomas Deis ‘38 Prize in Scholastic Philosophy in Honour of Dr. Basil Markle S.T.D.  This is awarded annually to a distinguished graduating student of St. Thomas More College having majored in Philosophy. For spring 2023, Luc Piche was announced as the recipient.

Piche graduated with a three-year degree in philosophy in addition to completing his nursing degree. He is currently preparing to write my NCLEX (premier nursing licensure exam). “What stood out to me the most about learning philosophy at STM was the devoted and passionate educators and faculty I encountered,” said Piche.

Madeleine Blais-Dahlem, a Distinguished Alumna of STM and member of the STM Newman Alumni Association (STMNAA) reflected on her own entrance into the College almost 60 years previous, then with humor and wisdom inspired the graduates and attendees to “get to know yourself, get to like yourself, and work with what you have.”

As she enters her own “second career” Blais-Dahlem reminded the new graduates of the sometimes lifelong discovery process. “We become more complex, more knowledgeable, as we try to figure it out- touched by both the joys and sorrows of our lives. Our physical exteriors also change but we always remain ourselves; at the core, we remain the same,” she said.

Blais-Dahlem also welcomed the new graduates to the STM Newman Alumni family inviting them to become an active part of that community. “We want you to stay in touch – share your triumphs, let us support you in your challenges,” she said. “Be part of this wonderful community which stretches across time and space. You’ve become part of a caring and sharing community and you will always find a home within it.”

Complete list of 2023 STM Graduates