Graduates hear challenge to make province, country a better place for all

STM College marked the 2024 Spring Convocation class in a big way on June 4, with a well-attended banquet that saw more than 55 graduates gather to celebrate their accomplishments.

Dr. Carl Still, President of STM College, congratulated all the graduates in the room, and also took a moment to recognize the friends and family of the graduates who supported them through their academic journey and “guided them to the finish line.”

He said their arts and sciences education will stand them in good stead, even in an era of automation and artificial intelligence.

“There are some fundamental human capacities in which you can excel over machines,” he said. “Creativity, emotional intelligence, and the capacity for value judgments.”

In closing his remarks, Dr. Still challenged the most recent graduates of STM to take on the great work of reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.

“Our society needs a new generation of educated, young people who care about justice, dignity and inclusion for all people in this country, and are willing to work for those lofty goals. If we hope to build a better country than the one we live in now, we need leaders who are creative, emotionally intelligent and morally responsible, who have a strong sense of purpose and a real yearning for justice.”

“Simply put, we need you to help our society find a way to a future where reconciliation is not just a word or a concept, but a way of life in our province and our country.”

The evening also included the presentation of major awards from STM.

Mohamad Kao received The Right Reverend Monsignor Myroslav Kolodey Memorial Academic Prize - awarded annually to a graduating STM student with the highest overall cumulative average. 

In looking back over his experience at St. Thomas More College, he said it has been rewarding thanks to the resources available at the College, and noted STM frequently hosts interesting guest lecturers bringing diverse perspectives to our campus.

“The STM library, which I discovered later after declaring as an STM student, became my spot for focused studying and research with its quiet spaces,” said Kao. “Declaring as an STM student has also opened the door to many scholarships and awards for me, and for that, I'm grateful. My time at STM has been amazing, and I appreciate all the opportunities it has given me.”

After graduation, Mohamad plans to pursue a career in medicine, where he hopes to apply his understanding of neuroscience in a clinical setting and make a lasting impact on the well-being of the community.

The Thomas Deis '38 WWII Memorial Prize is 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. It was presented to Abbi Cross.

Abbi is well-known at the College for her leadership of the St. Thomas More Students’ Union and her enthusiastic participation in so many events over the years.

With a future as a graduate student looking to attain a PhD in Clinical Psychology, Abbi will be around for several more years, and we hope she visits STM often.

The Fr. Henry Carr Award is awarded to a student who has shown leadership and contributed to the life of St. Thomas More College. It was shared by Alexander Behenna and Vien Vu for 2024. 

Alexander took numerous classes at the College and kept busy volunteering with STM Peer Health Mentors. He plans to pursue a Masters degree in political science.

Vien remembers fondly her STM classes in History, Philosophy, and Psychology, and her work with the Service and Justice Project (SJP), which she has been doing for the past four years.

“Under SJP, I frequently volunteered at Global Gathering Place, where I helped immigrants in their journey to Canadian citizenship by aiding with their English classes. We often had suppers with different communities in Saskatoon as well, such as STR8 Up or the community at l'Arche,” she said.

She now plans to go into medicine in the future.

“Currently, I'm going to work in research labs full time and will maybe explore the option of a Masters, however the final goal is to become a doctor.”

The Thomas Deis ‘38 Prize in Scholastic Philosophy in Honour of Dr. Basil Markle S.T.D., is awarded annually to a distinguished graduating student of St. Thomas More College having majored in Philosophy. For spring 2024, Allan Yaskowich was announced as the recipient.

He now plans to pursue a law degree at USask.

“STM provided my favourite classes throughout my degree,” Yaskowich said. “The level of professionalism from all the staff at the College made them my go-to choice for any academic needs. The courses were always taught by extremely knowledgeable professors who are very approachable and always went above and beyond to ensure a successful outcome.”

“I worked full-time while taking classes full-time, and the faculty were there to help whenever they could. I am very grateful for the kindness, along with intriguing coursework, that gave me the motivation to continue on to fulfilling this goal.”

The latest graduates of STM were welcomed into the fold of the St. Thomas More Newman Alumni Association (STMNAA), by Michelle Dinter-Lipinski and Norman Lipinski, who met while attending USask in the early 1980s and taking part in STM community offerings.

“The community of St. Thomas More College and the Newman Club were important to us in our days at university and they continue to be so today,” they said. “Please consider remaining part of that community, wherever your life’s journey takes you.”

READ THE FULL STMNAA WELCOMING REMARKS HERE

ENJOY A SLIDESHOW OF THE EVENING BY CLICKING HERE

LIST OF GRADUATES, AWARD WINNERS