Fleming Named Mt Saint Vincent Valedictorian
Andrew Fleming, a young man from Southampton who has been attending Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, has been named as a valedictorian for his graduation ceremony.
Mr. Fleming is enrolled in the school’s Bachelor of Business Administration program with a double concentration in Economics and Management. He says that he quickly embraced the school, nicknamed ‘The Mount,’ and the steep hill on which it resides, and readily took advantage of a variety of opportunities when he arrived in Halifax from his island home.
“Walking into the Mount, I would never have anticipated taking part in the exchange program; it was never on my list of things to do going into university. Looking back, it was an opportunity that I would not trade for the world.”
About his exchange semester spent in Sweden, Mr. Fleming said, “Words cannot fully express the joy that I have when discussing my exchange semester. It was truly a remarkable experience that has only broadened my perspective of where my horizons can go in this world.
“We hear constantly of a globalizing world – especially in business; it behooves students then to be a part of that changing, shrinking world.”
Next year, he will attend the prestigious University of St. Andrews in Scotland in order to pursue a Master’s of Letters in International Business.
Throughout his career at the Mount, Mr. Fleming has maintained a very high GPA, graduating this spring with a score of 4.3.
He was awarded the Presidential Scholarship in 2011, and held it throughout his four years at the Mount. In 2013, he received the International Student Award, which recognizes an international student enrolled at the Mount who has done exceptionally well in their business courses.
The following year, he was given the Dr. R. Seth Book Prize for Economics, which recognizes a student in economics who has earned top grades.
“After four years at the Mount, I feel that I have emerged as a more independent, rounded individual, aware of the areas and issues that capture my attention, and my passion.
“Being self-motivated, outgoing, and ambitious are characteristics that the Mount has brought out in me, and I know will continue to serve me well in the future.”
The ACE Foundation of Bermuda offered its congratulations to Mr. Fleming, who was also the recipient of the 2011 ACE/Robert Clements Scholarship.
An ACE Foundation spokesperson said, “In 2011, the former CedarBridge head boy made history when he graduated with the school’s highest grade point average of 3.98. At Mount Saint Vincent University, Andrew excelled returning from his first year with a perfect GPA of 4.3, a grade that he has maintained throughout his university career.
“On Friday Andrew will accept his Bachelor of Business Administration degree in international management and economics, and deliver the valedictorian speech to his graduating year.”
Of his achievements Andrew said, “I am feeling excited as I go to collect the degree that I have worked so hard for over the past four years. It is a feeling of “yes, we did it”.
“‘We’ because though I am the one who is getting the degree, it is not a degree which I have earned alone. Rather, it is the culmination of the efforts of professors, administration, and group work that was completed throughout the four years.”
“Beyond the classroom, Andrew has spent his time gaining valuable experience in Bermuda and overseas. He has completed various summer internships within the business and support functions of ACE’s insurance operations including underwriting, legal and actuarial.
“A six month exchange programme to Södertörn University in Stockholm, Sweden saw him delve into the international realm to focus on trade and development with studies in politics, history and economics.
“This summer he has accepted an internship at ACE’s political risk subsidiary, Sovereign Risk Insurance Ltd. allowing him to expand his insurance knowledge with added political and economic aspects. His next goal, starting in the fall, is to complete a one-year master’s degree programme in international business at the University of St Andrews, Scotland.”
Lori Samson, Chair of the ACE Foundation Bermuda said, “We are immensely proud of Andrew and his accomplishments. Andrew has been an exceptional student and employee, and we look forward to welcoming him back to ACE this summer before he embarks on the next chapter of his education.”
Congratulations young man continue to share your experiences to encourage Bermudians in that there is hope they must strive through the valleys over the mountains and walk the yellow line to the finish.
Congratulation! May you now become a mentor to many others…
Congratulations Andrew, your parents must be very proud of you, I hope you thrive in your chosen profession, and other young adults take heed. Best of luck in your future
Congratulations Andrew , well done
Excellent job young man!
Congratulations!!!
I don’t know you, but as a fellow Bermudian, I am proud of you!
heyyy we checked u in today for air canada good luck
Congratulations Andrew. You are an example to ALL by showing that with hard work and commitment one can accomplish the goals that they have set. The sky’s the limit.
Congratulations Andrew!! Well done!
Very proud of your accomplishments!
Well done,Andrew! This is quite an achievement! …Proud to be Bermudian!
This is a wonderful story to share. This young man has a bright future ahead of him in that he has accepted the reality that one must embrace the global opportunities available to young men and women like Andrew Fleming.
This young man, a graduate of Cedarbridge Academy, and the outcomes reported recently for many other recent graduates of Cedarbridge, Berkerley, and the Bermuda College shows what I have been tell “you lot” for the last year: Public Education is now in its ZENITH in Bermuda. The publicly funded education system in Bermuda has NEVER turned out the level or quality of graduates that it is currently turning out! This is the best public education system we have EVER had!
Congratulations to Calmar Richards and Dr. Duranda Greene for their seeing their vision through to achieve these goals!! Where are the critics now???
Wonderful! This young man is doing so well and I am so excited others will be following suit – that in fact our Education system is working well! It does take a village.. no one can do this without the support and love of educators, friends and family. So congrats young man!