Three valedictorians, selected for their leadership, campus involvement and academic success, will address their fellow graduates at the Winter Convocation ceremonies taking place on January 26 and 27, 2024. These students are the recipients of a John and Heather Fitzpatrick Valedictorian Award.
Learn more about the Winter 2024 valedictorians, and watch the ceremonies live at smu.ca/graduation.
Sheldon Bhawanie, Master of Technology Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Sheldon Bhawanie, Valedictorian for the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research
Sheldon Bhawanie left his home in Trinidad and Tobago and arrived at Saint Mary’s after searching for the best business school in Atlantic Canada. Needless to say, the Sobey School of Business came out on top and Sheldon has never regretted his choice. His degree, a Master of Technology Entrepreneurship and Innovation, has given him the foundation for a successful career and so much more.
Sheldon is currently employed at the Sobey School of Business as a Professional Development Project Manager in Graduate Career Services and volunteers as a soccer coach at the Halifax City Soccer Club. Working with students, helping them navigate their education journeys and enriching their lives has become a calling. “We are here not only to exist but also to make life better for others.”
Q&A with Sheldon
Why did you choose Saint Mary’s University?
I had attended St. Mary’s College in Port of Spain and had dedicated a significant part of my life to volunteering there. When I was looking for a good business school to attend in the Maritimes, it was no coincidence that SMU came up—I was sold! From one St. Mary’s to the next.
Tell us how you got involved in the SMU Community
I volunteer as a mentor for the Innovation Sprint events hosted at the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre. I think the clarity with which I see problems can help others solve problems.
Looking back, what was your favourite Saint Mary’s memory?
I remember coming to SMU for the first time in August 2022 and just standing in the Atrium thinking that I did well to get into my program and that I had to make my mark here. I couldn’t believe I was going to be part of the tapestry of this university. That moment is etched in my memory forever.
How has the MTEI helped shape your success in Halifax?
I have made so many connections here, not only as a student but networking with other professionals in Halifax! I learned that networking is key to setting up your landing after graduation. Everyone knows someone and therefore, good connections position you for a fulfilling life.
Funmilayo Chioma Adegoke, Bachelor of Commerce
Funmilayo Adegoke, Valedictorian for the Sobey School of Business
Funmilayo Chioma Adegoke, from Lagos, Nigeria, earned a Bachelor of Commerce with a double major in Accounting and Computing and Information Systems. Her keen interest in the intersection of technology and finance motivated her to pursue these fields, and she is enthusiastic about exploring how technology can transform the accounting world.
Q&A with Funmilayo
Why did you choose Saint Mary's University?
I chose Saint Mary’s because of the Sobeys School of Business and its esteemed reputation as one of the top business schools in Canada.
What was your experience coming to Halifax as an International student?
Transitioning to life away from my family was a new experience, but SMU made it smoother than I expected. The assistance I received encouraged me to get involved and support other students as they transition into the SMU community. I worked with the International Centre and Residence Programming Team to help organize holiday-themed events, offering students on campus during the Christmas break a 'home-away-from-home' experience.
What other ways did you get involved with campus life?
I had many opportunities to get involved on campus, including as a member of the Commerce Society and African Society. I volunteered with the SMU Community Food Room and as a Cultural Assistant for the Language Centre, which paved the way for a rewarding job opportunity.
My first job on campus was with the Patrick Power Library, where I gained invaluable experience. In my second year (during the pandemic), I served as a Resident Assistant, supporting students facing unprecedented challenges and was honoured with a Flexible Leadership Award for my contributions during that time.
Which instructor had the most significant impact on you?
I've been lucky to encounter a few exceptional professors during my academic journey. Professor Charles Baxter sparked my interest in accounting, while Professor Vasiliki Athanasakou helped me gain a new perspective on the subject. Both have been invaluable mentors to me.
What are your goals for the future? How did Saint Mary's help set you on this path?
I am working towards my CPA and have found the CPA prerequisite courses offered by Saint Mary’s to be very helpful in achieving my goal. The resources provided by SMU have enabled me to explore my diverse interests and pursue a second major in Computing and Information Systems.
Celina C.J. Rolle, Bachelor of Arts
Celina Rolle, Valedictorian for the Faculty of Arts
Press on and persevere. This is the message Celina Rolle wants to emphasize in her valedictory words of wisdom to fellow graduates. “Though we stand on top of this hill, many more are waiting to be conquered,” Celina says in her address, which opens and closes with inspiring passages from the Matthias Barr poem “Persevere”.
Celina works as a foreign service officer with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in The Bahamas. She came to Halifax from Nassau to pursue a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Global Development Studies, building on her previous studies in law and criminal justice at the University of The Bahamas.
Q&A with Celina
Why did you choose Saint Mary’s? After researching different universities, I found that Saint Mary’s stood out the most to me. Its commitment to ensuring that everyone feels welcome resonated with my values. It was also a plus to know several people who have either attended or are currently enrolled at SMU.
What was your favourite course? The Mind-Body Problem (PHIL 2328). After taking this class, I’m still grappling with the question of whether the mind is contained within the brain. It pushed me to think creatively and consider alternative possibilities.
Which instructor had the biggest impact on you? Jean-Blaise Samou, my instructor for Africa: Contemporary Development Issues (GDST 4462). The main responsibility of professors is to encourage students to think critically. However, he went beyond that by motivating us to explore the backgrounds of the authors whose readings we were required to study. This helped us understand how their personal experiences influenced their writing. I have since applied this approach to all my classes and even in my personal life, resulting in a significant impact on my way of thinking.
What will you miss most about Saint Mary’s? I am going to miss every one of my friends dearly. From the moments of pure joy and laughter that we shared to the deep conversations we had, I’m grateful for the time we spent together. I will always cherish those memories.
How has your experience at Saint Mary’s helped shape your future goals? Through interacting with a diverse range of people from different walks of life, I have learned how to communicate effectively, collaborate with others, and appreciate different perspectives. SMU's curriculum is designed to instil a strong work ethic. The rigorous coursework and deadlines taught me to manage my time wisely and work efficiently under pressure. These skills have been very useful in my career, where I am required to handle multiple tasks and meet tight deadlines. Next, I would like to obtain my master’s degree.
Winter Convocation takes place on January 26 and 27, 2024. Watch the ceremonies live at smu.ca/graduation or on our Facebook page.