MRU Valedictorian nomination process changed
by Bryan Weismiller
Beginning in 2011, Mount Royal University students will be eligible to nominate their own valedictorian. The valedictorian process was changed as a result of the work of the Student Awards Committee of the General Faculties Council, with input from the Students’ Association of Mount Royal University. “We decided that having a valedictorian is really important for Mount Royal, because it’s student-focused,” said Eily Sweeney, VP student life. “We’re acknowledging a student in the community that’s done really well.”
Only faculty could nominate the valedictorian under the previous system. Sweeney described the process as cumbersome and she said it led to several students being select- ed from the same faculty. “The process now is about students being recognized by the whole community,” Sweeney said. “I think this is a really exciting time for students to be a part of this and for us to acknowledge some of the first graduates of Mount Royal University.”
“Students were the driving force behind the process,” said Lynette Runions, student awards and financial aid manager. Runions and Sweeney worked together in the sum- mer to put together a revision proposal. The proposal was tentatively approved by the General Faculties Council on Sept. 28, pending some last minute touch-ups. Starting in November, any student, staff or faculty member can nominate a valedictorian by picking up a form at either the SAMRU office or at the student awards and financial aid office. Qualifications and other details will be posted on the MRU and SAMRU websites.
