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Fernanda Sánchez has been selected as Valedictorian for the 2026 Spring Convocation on May 20.

 

Sánchez, who is from Managua, Nicaragua, is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts with majors in Journalism, Communications and Public Policy, Digital Media and Creative Arts, and a minor in Psychology. After graduating, she plans to take a gap year before pursuing a Master of Arts in Journalism at Kingston University School of Art in London, England.

 

“It is a joy and an honour to represent the Class of 2026. St. Thomas University has been my home for the past four years, and this moment is a meaningful way to express my gratitude for all it has given me,” she said.

 

“Fernanda is an exceptional example of what it can mean to be an engaged student in the �鶹������ҳ��� community, and we are excited to have her be a key part of Spring Convocation,” said Dr. M. Nauman Farooqi, President and Vice-Chancellor.

 

“She is a dedicated student, who found the time and opportunity—in many different parts of campus life—to support her classmates and contribute to the community.” 

 

“When I first heard the news that I was selected as Valedictorian, I immediately called my mom, and we were both very excited. I felt a wave of joy and adrenaline as I took it all in—the honour, the responsibility, and the gratitude for the support I’ve received.”

 

During her time at �鶹������ҳ���, Sánchez has been involved in academic, experiential, and volunteer opportunities, contributing to initiatives both on campus and beyond.

 

As editor-in-chief of The Aquinian, Sánchez led a team of eight writers and editors, overseeing content creation and reporting quality. Before stepping into the role, she served as arts and culture editor and contributed to the election video coverage, including interviews with MLA David Coon and Premier Susan Holt.

 

After winning a social enterprise pitch competition, Sánchez travelled to Boston with her business partner, Ana Lucía Pavón, to represent �鶹������ҳ��� and present their venture at Harvard University’s Founder Crush event.

 

Sánchez also worked as a Writing Centre tutor and spent three years in the Experiential Learning and Career Development Office, where she led a podcast and supported student programming.

 

Sánchez also worked as a Writing Centre tutor and spent three years in the Experiential Learning and Career Development Office, where she led a podcast and supported student programming.

 

Since her first year, she has been actively involved in student and community initiatives, including �鶹������ҳ��� Cares, �鶹������ҳ���ISA as the Central American Ambassador, �鶹������ҳ��� Production Society, Campus Ministry, L’Arche Fredericton, Solo Chicken Productions, and Enactus.

 

“At �鶹������ҳ���, I learned how to make a positive impact in my community,” she said.

 

“My experience here taught me the importance of truly getting to know others and the value of connections in building a caring and resilient community.”

 

When Sánchez first arrived at �鶹������ҳ���, she was hesitant to participate in class, but with the support of her peers and professors, she gained the confidence to speak her mind.

 

“The advice and guidance I received from my professors shaped my development as a journalist and how I now approach life. They showed me how to collaborate, support others, and reach my potential,” she said.

 

“My experience at �鶹������ҳ��� changed how I view the world and deepened my understanding of our role in society.”

 

Looking back, she said �鶹������ҳ��� has been central to her growth inside and outside of the classroom.

 

“�鶹������ҳ��� has made me the person I am today,” she said.

 

“Addressing Convocation marks the end of a journey that has shaped my sense of empathy and social responsibility.”