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Knox Elected Valedictorian
Aaron Knox is a familiar face around St. Thomas University. He’s a friendly and gregarious athlete, scholar and active member of the campus ministry. He’s also the face you see on posters promoting the university. He laughingly refers to himself as “the poster boy of St. Thomas University.” Aaron is liked and respected by his fellow students. The St. Stephen native was elected this year‘s Valedictorian by his fellow graduates. Along with being voted Valedictorian, he also received the Tom McCann Memorial Trophy, the Tom Daley Scholarship, the Gold Year Award and the Large T. But he is characteristically modest about his academic awards and accomplishments. He says others were just as worthy. “A lot of people could have won the Valedictorian or the Tom McCann. I believe that if you spend enough time with any person you will see the gifts that they have – the kindnesses, the gentleness. It`s just that some are more ‘out there’ than others. I can think of many that I would have nominated and the good qualities they have.” Aaron chose St. Thomas because of its “small campus approach” and because it offered him the opportunity to explore the ethical issues in our society. Aaron is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Interdisciplinary Study and a minor in Religious Studies and French. “I come from an ethics background – that’s what my interdisciplinary degree is in. I’ve been able to get a degree in exploring issues – the right or wrong – surrounding a whole spectrum of social issues from EI to homelessness to abortion and euthanasia. These are the hot topics – so as far as being nurtured by the University in debating issues and exploring the seriousness and difficulty of moral and ethical issues – there’s no question, I have a degree in it!” Aaron is proud of the support St. Thomas provides to projects such as Clear the Shelves or Trick or Eat which encourage students to collect food for area food banks. He describes the University as being an open and inclusive environment. “The spirit of St. Thomas is golden!” he says. With graduation close at hand, Aaron looks to the future with optimism. “My life goal is to do whatever God is calling me to do. I`m going to Seminary next year, and I don`t know where I`ll end up. Life with God is the most challenging sort of life you`ll ever get – but it`s not the sort of kick back and have all the cake you can eat kind of life – God wants to challenge you but it can never be more fulfilling.`` Aaron is serious about his goals and his life’s work. But he likes to laugh at himself and he enjoys whacky humor. He is known for calling his friends and impersonating bizarre fictional characters. His personal favorite? Jim Carey in Man on the Moon. Humour and humility – two great qualities for a successful future. Past McCann Award Winners
The McCann trophy is presented in memory of Thomas Stephen McCann, a student who transferred to St. Thomas from Pembroke, Ontario. A student leader, Tom thrived in the friendly atmosphere of a small university and was involved in a number of activities. He was a role model and leader who was respected and admired by his fellow students and faculty members. McCann died in an automobile accident at the age of 22. The award was established in his memory in 1970. |
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Valedictorian
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Graduating
student Aaron Christopher Knox of St. Stephen, New Brunswick receives
the Tom McCann Memorial Trophy for the 2001- 2002 school year from Dr.
Daniel O’Brien, President of St. Thomas University. The annual
award is presented to a senior student who demonstrates leadership and
character and who best represents the spirit of St. Thomas University.