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.

The successful candidate(s) will be selected by the Valedictorian Committee, to which they will present the speech as part of the selection process.  The student who is selected as Valedictorian will have the benefit of coaching and guidance on how to polish the speech and prepare it for delivery at the ceremony.

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.

In addition to submitting an application, students should provide a brief statement about the reasons why they wish to deliver the Valedictorian address.

Specific contest details and deadlines will be advertised in advance and potential graduates will be notified via e-mail prior to each Valedictorian contest.  Students should ensure they apply for graduation by the requisite deadlines and maintain their up-to-date contact information through Self-Service Banner.


Valedictorian Contest Application:

Fall 2024 Valedictorian Application

Complete and return the application form to graduation@smu.ca by Tuesday, October 1 at 3 p.m.


Valedictorian Contest Tentative Dates:

Fall Convocation                                      Friday, October 4

Spring Convocation                                 TBD


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.

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