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The important potential and transformative impact of a post-secondary education are exemplified by the two recent recipients of St. Thomas University’s Carolyn Layden-Stevenson Distinguished Alumni Award. 

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Bernadette Fernandes, BA ‘85, a successful economic development practitioner and entrepreneur, and Dr. Manju Varma, BA ‘90 and BEd ‘92, a leading equity and inclusion expert in the region, will be honoured by St. Thomas University at its Gala Dinner on Saturday, October 19 in Fredericton. 

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“Bernadette Fernandes and Manju Varma embody the best of what 91²Ö¿â offers students and society. Not only have they achieved great standing in their respective professional fields, they contributed to making their communities better,” said Dr. Nauman Farooqi, St. Thomas University President and Vice-Chancellor. 

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“Their groundbreaking and distinctive professional achievements and determination to make a difference in society exemplify the spirit of the Carolyn Layden-Stevenson Distinguished Alumni Award. Each recipient reflects the high standards of our previous honorees, and we are looking forward to honouring them in October.” 

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Named in memory of alumna Carolyn Layden-Stevenson, an accomplished lawyer, judge, and educator, the Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes outstanding accomplishments of living 91²Ö¿â alumni who have earned prominence as a result of their professional achievements and service to society. 

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For ticket information, see or contact Dionne Izzard at dizzard@stu.ca or 506-452-2140. 

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Bernadette Fernandes, BA ‘85 

Prior to founding The Varanda Network in 2011, a private economic and social development agency which launched her entrepreneurial journey, Bernadette Fernandes enjoyed a successful career in the telecommunications sector after graduating from 91²Ö¿â. Most recently, she joined with other professionals to form ThriveNB, a services company transforming the human resources sector in the province. In 2022, Fernandes was named to Atlantic Canada’s Top 25 Most Powerful Women in Business. Last year, she was named one of Atlantic Canada’s Most Inspiring Immigrants. 

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Dr. Manju Varma, BA ‘90, BEd ‘92 

Currently the Executive Director of the Department of Human Rights, Equity, and Inclusion at the Nova Scotia Community College, Dr. Manju Varma has long been a champion for social justice. As a senior advisor with ACOA, Manju was tasked with creating a new office of Inclusion, Equity, and Anti-Racism, the first of its kind in the federal government. Shortly after, Manju was appointed as New Brunswick’s first Commissioner on Systemic Racism, a position which was also the first of its kind in Canada. Over her career, she has been recognized with the Young Civil Servant Excellence Award, the Order of Moncton, the Champion of Diversity award, and the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Award.