STUdent Pearl Gyamfi Receives the NBSA Advocate of the Year Award

Fourth-year STUdent Pearl Gyamfi is this year’s recipient of the New Brunswick Student Alliance (NBSA) Advocate of the Year Award recognizing her contribution to higher education in the province.

 

The award is given annually to a student from an NBSA member institution in recognition of outstanding leadership and support for student initiatives that help improve the quality of post-secondary education in New Brunswick. 

 

“My passion for advocacy has only grown stronger during my time at STU, where I am actively involved in various student organizations,” said Gyamfi. 

 

“Receiving the NBSA Advocate of the Year Award was an incredibly surreal experience. This award highlights the importance of advocacy and reflects my hard work and dedication to addressing student concerns and improving our community.” 

 

Gyamfi, originally from Ghana, has been involved on campus through STU’s International Students’ Association and Black Students’ Association, helping to organize significant events such as the Black Food Fest and Art Expo. She is the co-founder of the African Caribbean Students Club and serves as the Students’ Union Vice-President Administration. 

 

“This award is not just a recognition of my efforts but a testament to the collective impact of everyone I have worked with and the causes we’ve championed together. I am inspired to continue pushing for positive change, and it reassures me that even small actions can lead to significant impacts.” 

 

“Our congratulations to Pearl. She is a true representative of the kind of engaged student who chooses STU,” said St. Thomas University President Dr. Nauman Farooqi. “Her passion for advocacy will serve her and society well beyond university.”

 

Through her involvement with the NBSA, Gyamfi was given the opportunity to present student issues to federal, provincial, and municipal governments while working closely with STU alumni. 

 

“I hope to encourage others to pursue their passions and understand that their efforts are seen and valued, no matter how small.” 

 

The NBSA is the largest student organization in New Brunswick, representing over 12,000 post-secondary students. It conducts research and drafts evidence-based policy to form recommendations to the government while advocating for students.