The University of Northern British Columbia has named Lila Mansour and Holly McVea its valedictorians for the Class of 2021.
Mansour is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts – Economics degree, with a minor in and Global and International Studies while McVea is graduating with a Bachelor of Science – Biology (Honours) degree.
Growing up in Prince George, Mansour was wandering around campus and having lunch in the dining hall even before she enrolled at UNBC as her mom was a student at the time.
“In my senior high school years, despite how attractive other universities looked, I knew for sure UNBC would be the best place for me to further my studies,” she says. “I had deep ties with my community and I wanted to stay close to home. UNBC continues to be one of the top small universities in Canada, and I was aware that there were many opportunities to be involved in the campus community.”
During her time at UNBC she competed twice for UNBC’s JDC West team. She was a member of countless student-led initiatives and organizations, and volunteered at events such as TEDxUNBC, Orientation, GlobalU, and the debate society.
“There are very few universities that have such a vibrant yet close-knit campus community. It was hard to feel part of the UNBC community this year, but I know we have all tried our best to maintain connections and keep our Timberwolf spirit alive.”
She will address the College of Arts, Social and Health Sciences class during the University’s virtual Convocation on June 25.
Mansour also believes she is a reflection of UNBC’s diversity and hopes to see more UNBC valedictorians from racialized and marginalized communities in the future.
As for what’s next, Mansour is leaving the comforts of home in Prince George and heading east to Toronto to pursue her Juris Doctor degree in law at Lincoln Alexander School of Law at Ryerson University in September.
“As a future lawyer, my goal is to make the law more accessible for marginalized communities, including BIPOC (black, Indigenous and people of colour) and newcomer communities in Canada,” she says. “I believe in breaking down barriers - like language, poverty and discrimination - and ensuring justice is served.”
She credits earning her economics degree and her minor in international studies for equipping her with the analytical and critical thinking skills she will require as a future law student and prospective lawyer.
“International studies taught me to see myself as a global citizen with the power to influence my community, my country and the world. Although I want to be a lawyer, running for office isn’t off the table, and I’m always looking for opportunities to make the world a better place.”
Holly McVea will address the College of Science and Management on June 25 during the virtual ceremony.
McVea first heard about UNBC when she visited a student recruitment table at her high school post-secondary fair in Rocky Mountain House, Alta.
After arriving on campus in the fall of 2016, McVea initially only intended to stay at UNBC for a few years before transferring to a professional program at another university. However, that fell through and she transferred her credits to UNBC’s biology degree.
“I've always excelled in biology, but I didn't think it was something I'd one day try to pursue as a career. After switching, I was much happier,” McVea says.
“I also got to know many wonderful profs in the department, which allowed me to get into the Honours degree program. After many helpful conversations with Dr. Chris Johnson, Dr. Lisa Wood took me under her wing and let me explore my passion for research; that was an invaluable experience I'll always be grateful for.”
McVea was elected president of the Northern Undergraduate Student Society for the 2019 – 20 school year, volunteered for various student organizations and has worked as a tour guide, tutor, and climbed the ranks in the Student Life Department to the Student Project Lead position she currently holds.
Academically, McVea pursued her love for research under the guidance of her where she studied the phytochemical composition and anatomy of the ‘miracle tree’ Moringa oleifera to evaluate its potential as a source of an anticancer compound and to help fill gaps in the literature.
She also gained valuable knowledge in mammal anatomy and practical applications of biology in Dr. Roy Rea’s lab where she articulated a moose calf skeleton as an independent study.
She says from her experience at UNBC she will always take with her is the ‘spirit of the north’ concept.
“When I think of the spirit of the north, I think of the thousands of people who believed in the north and put forward their names and dollars to create a northern university,” she says. “I find the origins of UNBC to be inspiring. Despite all of the challenges of setting up a new institution in a rural northern community, we have an excellent University that fosters community, learning, and above all a sense of perseverance in its students.”
After she takes a well-deserved break, McVea plans to pursue graduate studies with a master’s degree in a biology-related field. She’d also like to get her Registered Professional Biologist designation and one day become a professor. Her love for school remains.
