U.S. Admissions Counselor, Ryan Baxter, is coming to a school near you!
Posted on | August 26, 2010 | Comment Here
U.S. Admissions Counselor, Ryan Baxter, will be attending college fairs throughout the Northeast this fall – offering the perfect chance for you to stop by and learn more about St. Thomas University.
Find out more about our academic offerings, get the real story about winters in New Brunswick, and open your mind to college in Canada.
Look for Ryan at the following fairs:
In Connecticut
September 20—University of New Haven
In Maine
September 26—University of Southern Maine at Gorham
September 27 & 28—University of Maine at Orono
In Massachusetts
September 12—University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth
September 19—Western New England College
September 21—Mount Wachusett Community College
September 23—Berkshire Community College
October 3—Northern Essex Community College
October 5 —Waltham High School Fall College Fair
October 6—Phillips Academy (Andover) Fall College Fair
October 14—Watertown High School College Fair
October 19—Haverhill-Pentucket-Triton High School College Fairs
In New Hampshire
September 23 & 24—University of New Hampshire at Durham
October 4 & 5—Southern New Hampshire University
November 1—Nashua Regional College Fair
In Vermont
September 15 & 16—Saint Michael’s College
Meet Ryan Baxter, U.S. Recruitment Counselor
Posted on | July 20, 2010 | Comment Here
Ryan Baxter
St. Thomas University is my university!
I think I surprised my family and friends, and even myself, by the degree to which I grew as a student at STU. Upon graduating from St. Thomas University in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in political science and human rights, I gained not only an academic degree, but also lifelong connections, a unique and dynamic perspective of the world, and endless opportunity.
Throughout the upcoming school year, I’ll be sharing my stories and experiences from what I consider to be one of the most pre-eminent liberal arts universities in Canada. My personal experiences range from volunteering in Africa to debating at Harvard National Model United Nations, all possible because I chose to attend St. Thomas University. As I visit high schools in the United States this fall, it is my role to help you discover how St. Thomas can provide you with a superior undergraduate experience.
I look forward to meeting all potential students from the US and hope to welcome you to our beautiful campus in September 2011.
Let St. Thomas University be YOUR university.
Ryan Baxter
506.452.0562
rbaxter@stu.ca
Winners Declared for 2010 Atlantic Student Journalism Awards
Posted on | June 22, 2010 | Comment Here
Up and coming journalists were recognized for their dedication and talents to story-telling through the Atlantic student Journalism awards.
“This was a great year for the Atlantic Student Journalism Awards. We had a high level of participation from high school and university students across the region, and the quality of the journalism was outstanding,” said Michael Camp, director of the journalism program at St. Thomas University.
“We’re delighted this year to have a winner from New Hampshire. We invite participation from high school students across the border, and Sarah Ruggiero’s story about the rise of roller derby in her home state was a delight to read,” said Camp.
The judges selected Ruggiero, of Trinity High School in Manchester, New Hampshire, as the winner of the high school category for “Roller derby on the rise in NH.”
The second prize in the high school category went to Nicole Vair of St. Malachy’s Memorial High School in Saint John, NB for “A long journey for a courageous girl.”
A television story depicting the effects of OxyContin addiction was the winning entry in the 2010 Atlantic Student Journalism Awards.
The panel of judges – CBC producer Peter Anawati, The Daily Gleaner reporter Jennifer Dunville, and CBC TV reporter Robert Jones – selected Jody Nabuurs’ story “Surviving OxyContin” for the post-secondary prize. Nabuurs, who is from Glace Bay, Cape Breton, is a recent graduate of St. Thomas University and is employed by the New Brunswick Telegraph Journal.
“The winner’s story was extremely powerful and brought a different perspective to the problem of drug addiction. Like all first-rate journalism, it engages you on an intellectual as well as an emotional level,” he added.
Honorable mentions in the post-secondary category went to Jamie Ross of Sussex, NB; Tara Chislett of Westville, NS; Diane Cole of Keswick, NB; Liz Dail of Saint John, NB; and Jayne Erickson of Bedford, NS.
Honorable mentions in the high school category went to Kristen Simon of Bonar Law Memorial High School in Rexton, NB; Cherise Letson of Saint John High School in Saint John, NB; Brock Jorgensen of Sussex Regional High School in Sussex, NB; and Alissa Ali of Northumberland Regional High School in Westville, NS.
The winning post-secondary entry will win $1,000. The winning high school student will receive $1,500 in cash, and a $1,500 credit for tuition fees if he or she later enrolls in the journalism program at St. Thomas. There was also a second prize of $500 for the high school category. The winning articles are available on the ASJA website at the link below.
Numerous student stories in print, radio and television formats were submitted by university and high school students across the Atlantic and New England region. “The Atlantic Student Journalism Awards have proven their worth already by giving support, encouragement, and a little recognition to a new generation of young, aspiring journalists in our region,” said Camp.
Click here to read the winning entries.
See for yourself: Spring Convocation 2010
Posted on | June 18, 2010 | Comment Here
Pursuing higher education as a means to building a better future was celebrated by the St. Thomas community at this year’s Spring Convocation, held in May in the university’s renowned courtyard. During the ceremony, President and Vice-Chancellor Dennis Cochrane told the class of 2010 to strive to meet the expectations of their parents, their professors, and most of all to meet the expectations they put on themselves.
In her address to the graduates, author, and alumna Sheree Fitch shared her experiences and advised the graduates to slow down and keep using their imaginations as they move on from St. Thomas.
Valedictorian Mikhail Bullard reassured his classmates that in addition to becoming good academics, St. Thomas has made the class into good citizens with a commitment to helping those less fortunate. During the ceremony, honourary doctors of letters were bestowed on author Sheree Fitch and arts patron and entrepreneur Scott Griffin. 
Gain a Global Perspective with International Relations at STU
Posted on | June 8, 2010 | Comment Here
Students have the world at their fingertips with the International Relations program at St. Thomas University.
The major helps students understand relations between states within the international system. It’s a multidisciplinary program, drawing on courses in Political Science, Economics and foreign languages, and can include electives from Criminology, Human Rights and History.
Students taking International Relations can expect small class sizes and one-on-one communication with professors. Or they can take their work out of the classroom and study internationally, with exchange possibilities in Japan, China, Argentina and Australia, to name a few.
International Relations is a growing field of study with a wealth of career opportunities. Many International Relations students go on to graduate studies or careers in law, journalism, public service, and domestic or international non-governmental organizations.
Meet Jacob Sweezey
Posted on | May 27, 2010 | 1 Comment
Jacob Sweezey, International Admissions Counselor
Hello! My name is Jacob Sweezey, and I am the International Admissions Counselor here at St. Thomas University. I will be assisting with U.S. students through the summer. If you are thinking of pursuing a liberal arts education, you need to speak with me right away!
St. Thomas has everything you need to get a world-class degree, whether you want to work in human rights or criminal justice, be a journalist, a teacher or historian, or any other field that needs research, writing and excellent analytical skills. St. Thomas offers you a safe, friendly academic and social environment in which to pursue your education, and a chance to experience life in Canada in a diverse, welcoming city – Fredericton.
I have been a resident of Fredericton for most of my childhood, and have also had the chance to study and live in Toronto, London, and Berlin, so I know how daunting a move to a new place for studies can be. Part of my job is to answer any questions you may have about life in Fredericton and at St. Thomas, but also help with any concerns you might have about studying in another country.
I encourage you to look through this site, examine the degrees and programs, and then get in touch with me. I am confident that St. Thomas has the vision and means to prepare you for the world. Good luck!
Jacob Sweezey
jsweezey@stu.ca
(506) 452-9668
Expectations for a Better Future: St. Thomas University Celebrates Spring Convocation
Posted on | May 24, 2010 | Comment Here
The pursuit of higher education as a means to building a better future was celebrated by the St. Thomas community at this year’s Spring Convocation, held Sunday, May 16 in the university’s renowned courtyard.
Mikhail Bullard, Valedictorian
“In this graduating class, I’ve had the pleasure to associate with incredible young thinkers and witnessed true leaders and individuals with a drive for helping those less fortunate,” said valedictorian Mikhail Bullard, a native of Nassau, Bahamas, who graduated with honours and distinction in Criminology and Economics.
“St. Thomas has prepared us to take advantage of opportunities that come our way by training us in the tenets of a liberal arts education – we are not only good academics, we’ve also become good citizens.”
Honourary degree recipient, award-winning author, and STU alumna Sheree Fitch told the graduates to slow down and use imagination as they move on from St. Thomas.
“You are facing a world that is spinning out of control, but I have faith in you,” she said in her convocation address. “I know you will rethink and revise and go gently as you go forth.”
The theme of expectation was echoed by President and Vice-Chancellor (Interim) Dennis Cochrane. He told the 450 graduates that Convocation is a day of new and greater expectations. “All those who have supported you have expectations of you, and you should have great expectations for yourselves.”
“Your parents expect a well-rounded individual with a depth of maturity, and they expect you to contribute to society. The faculty expect you to use new-found skills and knowledge to participate in ambitious projects, from changing yourself to changing the world.” Cochrane said.
During the ceremony, honourary doctors of letters were bestowed on two individuals who have influenced the national and international literary landscape, author Sheree Fitch and arts patron and entrepreneur Scott Griffin. In addition to granting degrees in Arts, Applied Arts, Social Work and Education, several medals were awarded to graduating students.
The Governor General’s Silver Medal for Highest Academic Standing was awarded to Jamila Belhadjsalah of New Maryland, New Brunswick. The University Medal for Academic Excellence was awarded to Laura McKendy of Fredericton, New Brunswick, and the University Medal for Academic Excellence in Social Work was awarded to Sandra Garland-Lopez of Carbonear, Newfoundland.
A New Perspective: Rebecca Tremblay (BA’09) Educating Children in Burkina Faso
Posted on | April 16, 2010 | Comment Here
Rebecca Tremblay interned for three months in West Africa.
St. Thomas graduate Rebecca Tremblay has new perspective on the world after spending three months in Africa as a volunteer and intern. She recently returned from working in Burkina Faso with the World University Service of Canada (WUSC).
Tremblay finished her interdisciplinary degree in International Development and Anthropology at STU in 2009. She says it helped prepare her for the “cross-cultural out-of-comfort-zone experience” of living and working abroad. “I did a puppeteering project with a local theatre group,” says Tremblay, “I got the puppets sent from friends, family and my Cathedral Puppeteers group in Fredericton, and taught the young people to use them.” “I did a puppeteering project with a local theatre group,” says Tremblay, “I got the puppets sent from friends, family and my Cathedral Puppeteers group in Fredericton, and taught the young people to use them.”
Rebecca uses puppets to teach about HIV/AIDS prevention and hygiene.
“We then we did 8 puppets shows in the local elementary schools and a community centre, about HIV/AIDS prevention and hygiene,” she says.
Tremblay says the experience was filled with ups and downs. Overall though, she says it was an incredible, life-changing experience.
“I see the world differently now. I want to live more ‘simply’ so that others can simply live, and the people I met there really touched my heart.”
Tremblay also spent time in Kenya before beginning her internship with WUSC in January. She and her mother both spent a week volunteering with Free the Children after Tremblay won an online voting contest through Red Rose Tea.
Tremblay will be speaking about her experiences on Breakfast Television on April 19, and appears in Chatelaine and Today’s Parent magazines.
To read more about Tremblay’s experiences abroad, visit this link .
Watch an interview of Rebecca by clicking the ‘Free the Children Interview’ video link.
Students Share Ideas at the Research and Ideas Fair
Posted on | March 23, 2010 | Comment Here
The seventh annual Student Research and Ideas Fair was held on Saturday, March 13, 2010. Over 70 students had the opportunity to present their research to an audience of peers and professors.
The Fair is a rare chance for undergraduate students to formally discuss and receive feedback on their work, much like they do in graduate school and in many professions.
Sessions were held throughout the day, with a wide range of presentations covering topics such as political nationalism, the portrayal of female criminals in the media, child soldiers in war zones, the challenges facing referees in sports, and the psychological effects of tanning.
To learn more about the event, see our video of the day: 
A Message from the Parents of a U.S. Student
Posted on | March 10, 2010 | Comment Here
Our daughter, Michelle, is in her second year of study at STU and has enjoyed her courses, the school atmosphere and the Fredericton community. We are very satisfied with the University’s educational program and the way that the school community has welcomed Michelle. In addition to the strong academic program, she is exposed to a different culture, currency and political system that provide experiences she would not see in a New England school.
Michelle Twomey Class of 2012 Limington, Maine
The overall college application and acceptance process can be stressful enough without the extra unknowns of what is required to actually prepare your son or daughter to attend a school in Canada. Having been through the process ourselves, we would like to offer our experiences about topics that you may have questions or concerns that don’t come with applying to schools in the U.S.
Finally, don’t hesitate to contact St. Thomas University, we have found that they are always willing to help with any questions you might have, from passports to heath insurance. We hope the information below is helpful in answering some of the questions you may have.
Sincerely,
Dennis and Kim Twomey
Student Visa: A student visa is required for US citizens attending school in Canada. The Canadian customs and immigration web site provides information about the forms and fees on obtaining a student Visa. We found the forms to be a bit daunting with questions about financial support requirements. However, when we visited the customs office at the border between Maine and New Brunswick to get the visa, we found that the financial requirements were not necessary for US students when we applied. Knowing this ahead of time would have simplified our application preparation process. We recommend contacting the customs office nearest you to find out exactly what information you need to bring to get your son or daughter’s student visa.
Canadian currency: We found that for us, it was not necessary to open a Canadian checking account, although that is an option to assure the student has access to Canadian currency. With online banking and debit checking cards, this concern was easily resolved without that. Our daughter simply goes to a local ATM machine to withdraw money. The ATM machine automatically dispenses her withdrawal in Canadian currency; behind the scenes, the bank performs the conversion from US funds. Check with your bank to understand what they charge on conversion and transaction fees. You should also consider having access to the student’s account to be able to deposit funds or transfer between savings and checking if needed. But, if your son or daughter is planning on having a job, or living off campus it might be easier to open a Canadian bank account.
Cell phone: We did not find any calling plans from our US wireless provider that would enable reasonable calling, text or data plans between the US and Canada. International roaming rates, even with an international plan, can break the bank with a student’s typical appetite for phone calls and text messaging. There are several Canadian wireless providers (Rogers Wireless, Bell Alliant, Virgin Mobile, and others) that offer pay as you go plans that will offer your student with much more reasonable calling and text plans within New Brunswick.
Calls to the US: Regarding the routine (hopefully) phone calls from Canada to home or to friends, we found a VoIP provider Skype that offers a very reasonable service. We selected the plan that allows Michelle to call from her computer (requires a headset) to either other computers (free) or to land line or cell phone numbers (very inexpensive). This service also allows for chatting and for video calls, both of which have come in handy.
Transporting dorm supplies to and from school: While going through customs with a car load of your student’s belongings can be an issue, we have not had any problems in bringing supplies to school or back home again. We organize the supplies and place them in unsealed boxes or totes (just in case inspection is necessary). We’d recommend that you check the Canadian Border Services Agency and the U.S. Homeland Security web sites to know what can and cannot be transported across the border.
For more information, visit the Travel and Customs page of this site or contact the Admissions Office.
Director of Recruitment
U.S. Recruitment Counselor
