Thomas Stephen McCann Memorial Award Recipients “Embody The Value of Liberal Arts Education”

Two senior students were recognized for their academic achievements and contributions to St. Thomas University with the Thomas Stephen McCann Memorial Award.

Anisha Romany, of Trinidad and Tobago, and Brianna Workman, of Ottawa, ON, join a long list of accomplished alumni as recipients of the prestigious award, which is given out annually to a senior student who best portrays the spirit of St. Thomas through contributions to university and student affairs, and who possess strong leadership, character, and personality traits. 

“Both Anisha and Brianna embody the value of liberal arts education—they’re learned, critical thinkers about the challenges their communities face, and have selflessly devoted their time and energy to bettering the lives of those around them,” President and Vice-Chancellor Dawn Russell said.

“Their presence has changed our university and their accomplishments will have a lasting effect on STU students for years to come.”

Anisha Romany—a contagious spirit in the classroom and community
Romany, who is completing a double honours in Fine Arts and Spanish and Latin American Studies, has consistently been on the Dean’s List and has received awards from the Spanish Department and the Students’ Union. She was a first-year representative on STUSU, President of Vanier Hall, and a Peer Mentor. She’s worked with Campus Ministry, sung at multiple STU Singers concerts, performed in Theatre St. Thomas’s production of The Bacchaeand Musical Theatre’s production of Chicago, and most recently was chosen as Grad Class President.

The fourth-year student was also an International Ambassador for the Admissions Office, volunteered with STU Cares and Shinerama, was a Welcome Week Leader, Spanish Monitor, and part of the Dominican Republic Mission Trip in 2018.

She’s also known for being a dedicated fan of Tommies women’s hockey—in her four years, she’s never missed a game.

“Being honoured with this award, together with my good friend Brianna, was such a wonderful gesture from the university and community we love so much. I’m truly grateful for all of my experiences here at STU and all of the remarkable people that I’ve met,” Romany said.

“I’ve grown so much at STU and every experience is paired with fond memories. STU has helped to nurture my love for community involvement and a genuine love for others, and I will always cherish that.”

Brianna Workman—a role model who uses talent and energy to serve others
Workman has been involved on campus since her first year, beginning as a writer for The Aquinian, a member of the Relay for Life Committee, Campus Tour Ambassador, Recording Secretary for the STUSU, and a Residence Advisor.

She was elected the Students’ Union Vice-President Education and Vice-Chair of the New Brunswick Student Alliance, and is currently President of the STUSU and Chair of the NBSA. She’s an accomplished member of the STU Moot Court team—this year she and Emma Walsh placed fifth out of 80 teams at the American Moot Court Association National Championship and last month she and Kelly Brennan won the Osgoode Cup at Canada’s National Undergraduate Moot Court Championship.

An honours student, Workman has been on the Dean’s List every year and has received a national award for her advocacy work on behalf of the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations.

“The Thomas McCann Memorial award has always been something I've aspired to because I really love what it stands for. To me, the spirit of St. Thomas is precisely why I chose to come here and why I've enjoyed the past four years here so much,” Workman said.

“I will take everything I've learned here into the next steps of my life, and I’ll always know the power of what small, but dedicated groups of people can accomplish.I will also carry the relationships I've formed during my time here—the people I’ve gotten to know during my time at STU are what make this community so special.”