Becoming Valedictorian

Convocation is a joyous event, bound by traditions that have evolved over centuries.  One of the traditional parts of Convocation is the Valedictorian speech. The term “valedictorian” comes from the Latin vale dicere, “to say farewell”.  During the Convocation ceremony, the Valedictorian delivers a formal address on behalf of the graduating class. Representing the graduating class as Valedictorian is a great honour and a unique pleasure for the graduate and his/her family and friends.  Your fellow graduates, professors and others who are present at Convocation very much look forward to hearing the speech as one of the highlights of the ceremony.

Are You Eligible?

 We invite you to apply if you meet the following requirements:

• You are on track to graduate in the Fall 2025 convocation.
• You have already submitted your application to graduate by the official deadline.
• You have a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.70 at the time of application.
• You are in good standing with the university (academically, financially, and in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct).

The Application and Selection Process

Submit Your Application: Complete and submit the online Microsoft Form application by Sunday, September 28th, at 11:59 p.m. You will be asked to upload a word copy of your speech and a video presentation as part of the application.

1. Application Review: A selection committee, made up of university staff, faculty, and a student representative, will review all applications to find a candidate who will best represent the graduating class.
2. Final Approval: The committee’s recommendation is forwarded to the Dean of your Faculty and the University Registrar for final approval.
3. Notification: We will contact all applicants by email to inform you of the outcome of your application.

 Important Details to Note

• The offer to be Valedictorian is conditional upon the final confirmation of your eligibility to graduate.
• The university reserves the right to disqualify a candidate if, in rare circumstances, extenuating issues arise that would make them unsuitable to represent the graduating class.

Guidelines for preparing the speech:

• The speech should be no longer than five minutes in length (approximately 700 words).
• It should be thought provoking, mature, celebratory and appropriate for delivery at Convocation.
• The speech should be relevant to all graduating students and reflective of Saint Mary’s University.
• It should reflect who you are as a person and a graduate.

Valedictorian Award

In addition to the honour of representing their graduating class, valedictorians receive the John and Heather Fitzpatrick Valedictorian Award. This award was established in 2006 through the generosity of alumnus John Fitzpatrick BA'81 and his wife and long-time staff and supporter, Heather. John graduated with a BA in Political Science from Saint Mary's University and an LLB from Dalhousie University Schulich School of Law. He received a Doctor of Civil Law (honoris causa) from Saint Mary’s University in 2017. Heather has worked at Saint Mary's University for more than 20 years in different fundraising positions. She is a strong supporter of the university through many avenues, demonstrating her loyalty and love for the institution.