Ahmik Burneo Selected as 2024 Spring Convocation Valedictorian
Ahmik Burneo has been selected as the Valedictorian for the 2024 Spring Convocation on May 14.
“Ahmik is the epitome of a well-rounded student who has been a pillar in the STU community over the last four years,” said Dr. Nauman Farooqi, President and Vice-Chancellor. “He is a Deans’ List student who prioritized academics while always finding time to make significant contributions to student life on campus.”
Ahmik, who is from Guayaquil, Ecuador, is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in International Relations and a Major in Economics. After graduation, he will be working as an Advisor at the Department of Finance and Treasury Board for the Government of New Brunswick, where he has just completed a one-year internship as a Junior Advisor.
Upon hearing the news that he had been chosen as valedictorian, Ahmik said he rushed to tell his parents back home.
"I was so emotional and excited to tell my parents. As soon as I received the news, I rushed to share it with them,” he said.
Ahmik’s mom and sister will be making the trip to Fredericton for Convocation.
“Being selected as Valedictorian is truly an honour and privilege, as it recognizes not only academic accomplishments but also contributions to the student community,” Ahmik said.
“To me, being named Valedictorian comes with a responsibility to honour STU and provides an opportunity to reflect on our collective journey as students. Together, we learned to embrace a newfound sense of community, empathy, and social awareness."
During his time at STU, Ahmik supported and advocated for international students and helped create a more inclusive and diverse campus. Fellow classmates highlighted Ahmik's work implementing positives changes on campus that benefit all students.
Ahmik co-founded the Latin America Students’ Association (LASA) and served as its Vice-President. He was President of the St. Thomas University International Students' Association (STUISA) and served as Vice-President Administration on the St. Thomas University Students’ Union, where he worked to streamline the process to form clubs and societies. This led to the creation or reinstatement of more than 7 clubs.
He worked as a campus tour ambassador, study hall monitor, and coordinator for the John Peters Humphrey Model UN Conference. Ahmik also participated with the Economics Society and Global Brigades, and helped with the Trick or Eat campaign to collect non-perishable food items for the STU Food Bank.
In addition to his leadership roles, Ahmik has been actively engaged in community service, volunteering with organizations such as the Capital Region Mental Health and Addictions Association, the United Way, the Multicultural Association of Fredericton, and Shinerama.
He recently represented STU at the National Model United Nations in New York City, where he and 12 other STU students earned a Distinguished Delegation Award.
“Throughout my four years, I have experienced kindness and openness time and time again. It’s a spirit that I’ve come to cherish and do my best to reciprocate. Actively participating in university life has allowed me to give back to this community that has given me so much,” Ahmik said.
“STU has not just been a university; it has been a home, a support system, and a guiding light. The challenges I’ve faced have helped to strengthen me, and the relationships I’ve built will last a lifetime. I am proud to call myself a Tommie, and I will be forever grateful for the resilience and spirit of this remarkable institution.”