This year’s UNBC graduates will be represented by two outstanding members of the class of 2017.
Shelly Niemi and Faran Rashid have been elected this year’s valedictorians.
Niemi just finished up her Master’s Degree in Education in Multidisciplinary Leadership and is honored to be representing fellow graduates.
“Not only is it humbling but it also feels like I’ve got such a great honor and respect from the people that I’m going to be speaking with them for it’s a lovely opportunity.”
Niemi first earned a BA from UNBC in 2012 and chose to come back to pursue further education.
“I was already rooted within this community. I felt a sense of belonging at UNBC, I felt like I knew the professors and I knew the school community and how to access the opportunities for scholarships and funding and really felt the support of the First Nations Center.”
Niemi is of Metis and Cree descent and is the first-generation Indigenous student within her family to earn a Master’s degree. She will keep studying to better indigenous education.
Niemi also worked as the District Administrator, Aboriginal Education for School District 57 while earning her graduate degree. She’s headed to Western University in London, Ontario in the fall ti pursue her PhD in school leadership for international contexts.
Rashid is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry as an honours student.
Working alongside UNBC Biochemistry Professor Dr. Chow Lee, Rashid helped discover anti-cancer compounds in mushrooms and earned the prestigious Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada’s Research Studentship for his contributions. The award is given to only five Canadians each year and Rashid is the first UNBC to ever receive it.
In a prepared statement, Rashid said he was humbled and honoured to receive the prestigious award. “Working on this project with Dr. Lee was perhaps one of the most fulfilling and character building experiences of my life, something I will truly cherish and something that has definitely influenced my career interests.”
Rashid also volunteered hundreds of hours in the community, getting involved in things like the Northern BC Crisis Centre, the Canadian Cancer Society’s Northern Region office, the University Hospital of Northern BC, Canadian Blood Services, and the on-campus peer support network.
UNBC’s Convocation ceremonies will be on May 26th. Niemi will give her valedictorian address at the school’s College of Arts, Social and Health Sciences ceremony at 9:30 AM. Rashid will speak at the College of Science and Management ceremony at 2:30 PM.