Graduating to new heights

I’ve had the pleasure to author three features for Saint Mary’s University Alumni Association’s Maroon & White Magazine highlighting their esteemed graduates. Most recently, in April 2021, I interviewed four new alumni and was blown away by their dedication to their studies and their school.

Although they have each faced their own unique challenges in their individual pursuits, they all share the same “Huskies” spirit and determination. Regardless if all goes according to their plans, I’m confident in their futures to succeed in their academic, athletic, and professional careers.

You can read the full article online and below are short excerpts from each of their stories:

Alexander “Alex” Peters graduated with his Bachelor of Commerce degree and a double major in Finance and Economics, along with an impressive list of awards and accolades. He is the captain this year for the Saint Mary’s Huskies Men’s Hockey team, a four-year Academic All-Canadian (an honour that recognizes exceptional student-athletes who achieve a high academic standing) and Alex was on the Dean’s List each year, too.

Growing up in a small town in Manitoba, Gena Dufour was not exposed to many educational opportunities first-hand beyond her high school degree. At 24 years-old, today she not only holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Science in Forensic Psychology, Gena is a first generation academic in her family.

As a young girl, Leena Roy Chowdhury wanted to be an engineer or a doctor when she grew up. While attending high school in her hometown of Kolkata, India, she focused her studies on chemistry, physics, math and biology to prepare for her future education.

During her first year of studies at Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai, China, Yingjun Chen participated in the Saint Mary’s University Exchange Program. She selected courses that piqued her interest, including a French class, and that experience influenced her to transfer to Saint Mary’s for her second year.

Congratulations to all the 2021 graduates!