D’Andre Farrel represents the Faculty of Arts as Valedictorian at Fall Convocation
Political Science (Hons), Business minor
Growing up in St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda, D’Andre Farrel saw Saint Mary’s graduates in his community build careers he hoped to pursue himself. Their experience helped him imagine a future at Saint Mary’s, where he would become a student leader, varsity athlete and the first in his family to graduate from university.
“Their experiences showed me that coming from a small island did not have to limit the size of my ambitions,” he says.
D’Andre is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Political Science and a minor in business, representing the Faculty of Arts as valedictorian for Fall 2026.
Having moved to Canada independently at 17, D’Andre found friendship and support through residence life. He celebrated his eighteenth birthday in the Vanier Student Lounge and later became a Residence Assistant and Pack Leader, helping other students find their footing.
That interest in supporting fellow students carried into his work with the Saint Mary’s University Students’ Association (SMUSA), where he served as Board Chair and Chief Governance Officer. He also represented students on the university’s Board of Governors and Academic Senate, competed with the varsity track and field team, and participated in the Caribbean Society and Debate Society.
Alongside his studies and campus involvement, D’Andre worked several jobs to help finance his education. He received the Bryan J. Rice Award for Excellence in Student Governance in 2025 and 2026 and was named a U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian for 2023-2024.
His interest in politics and law also shaped his honours research, which examined how political interests influence the protection of civilians through the United Nations Security Council. Now working in Internal Appeals within the Legal Department at the Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia, D’Andre hopes to begin law school in fall 2027 and eventually become a judge.
For D’Andre, those plans also include helping young people facing financial barriers pursue an education.
“Ultimately, I want my success to create possibilities for others.”
Q&A with D’Andre
How were you involved in the Saint Mary’s community?
Student governance was a big part of my experience. I served as SMUSA’s Vice-Chair and later as Board Chair and Chief Governance Officer, and represented students on the Board of Governors and Academic Senate. Those experiences taught me to listen, consider different perspectives, and take responsibility for decisions that affect others.
I also competed with the varsity track and field team, worked as a Residence Assistant and volunteered as a Pack Leader. Through the Debate Society, I competed at the Canadian Parliamentary National Championships during my first semester.
Another memorable experience was serving on the Food Committee. Coming from the Caribbean, I naturally had a few opinions about our dining options! We helped introduce a spice rack at Dockside and advocated for more variety, including Caribbean-inspired meals.
Did you live or work on campus?
I lived in residence until January 2025 and became a Residence Assistant in September 2023. Residence introduced me to some of my closest friends. We shared meals at Dockside, went to the gym together, and had plenty of conversations after difficult classes and exams.
I also worked with Aramark, in Facilities Management and as a Fitness Associate at the Homburg Centre. These jobs helped me support myself while studying. I jokingly refer to my Facilities Management position as my first “big-boy job.” Being able to cover more of my expenses and buy clothes better suited to the Canadian winters was a significant milestone.
What was your favourite class?
International Relations with Dr. Doucet. In one of our first classes, he used a scene from Toy Story, my favourite movie, to explain espionage and intelligence gathering. I had watched it countless times, but I had never thought about Woody sending the toy soldiers to investigate Andy’s birthday presents in that way!
The course also included a simulation where we represented fictional countries, negotiated treaties and formed alliances. We became so invested that classmates were still giving each other suspicious looks in the hallways afterwards, as though someone might be gathering intelligence for a rival country.
Dr. Doucet later became my honours thesis supervisor.
Tell us about your honours research.
My thesis was titled “Selective Humanitarianism: The Discursive Construction and Constraint of the Protection of Civilians Norm in the UN Security Council.”
I examined how states discuss their responsibilities toward civilians affected by armed conflict, and how political considerations can limit humanitarian protection. It brought together my interests in international law, politics and the responsibilities of powerful institutions.
I also presented my research at the Canadian Undergraduate Security Conference at the Royal Military College Saint-Jean in Quebec.
Which Professor had the biggest impact on you?
Dr. Stella Gaon. My first course with her, History of Political Thought, was probably the most challenging course I completed at Saint Mary’s. At first, I questioned how some of the theories connected to the world today. By the end of the semester, I was referencing political philosophers in everyday conversations.
She later led the Political Science Honours program and challenged me to question my assumptions and develop arguments supported by careful reasoning and evidence. She listened when I needed support while still expecting my best work.
What will you miss about Saint Mary’s?
Without question, the people. I’ll miss the everyday conversations with friends, professors and staff, and being surrounded by people with different interests and ambitions.
I’m especially grateful for those who supported me through difficult moments. Their kindness made Saint Mary’s a place where I felt I belonged. As I prepare for law school, I hope to find a community as welcoming as the one I found here.
What are your goals for the future?
I hope to begin a Juris Doctor degree in fall 2027 and eventually pursue further graduate studies in law. I want to build a career in advocacy and public service, and one of my long-term ambitions is to become a judge.
I also want to help young people, particularly those from disadvantaged communities, access higher education. My own education was made possible by my family, mentors and people who believed in me. I hope to give others some of the opportunities I received.
What advice would you give to current students?
Get involved. Volunteer, join a society, attend events and introduce yourself to people you might not ordinarily approach. If you’re shy, start small. You never know which experience might introduce you to a lifelong friend or help you discover a new interest.
Get to know your professors and staff, too. Some of the people who had the greatest impact on my life were people I met because I introduced myself, asked a question or sought guidance.
Everyone’s university experience will look different. Make choices that matter to you, and give yourself time to enjoy being here.
Fall Convocation takes place on Friday, November 13, 2026. Watch the ceremonies online via livestream and visit the graduation website for more information.
