Matthew DeCourcey told a small crowd at the Holy Cross House Conference Room during the inaugural STU Talks on Wednesday that his bachelor of arts degree from STU has increased in value.
The 2005 graduate was one of four STU alumnae to stress the value of a BA at the event, which was geared towards bridging the gap between students and alumni.
“My BA and experience at STU has appreciated in taste and value,” DeCourcey said.
His political science background led him to Ottawa, where he worked with two MPs. He now serves as the communications director for the child and youth advocate.
“I saw that the ability to connect and speak to people and present myself was an asset in politics,” DeCourcey said. “Being able to decipher information, deal with it and know who to speak to for the right results were skills I learned while at STU.”
DeCourcey liked that his professors challenged him to think.
“You might leave a class not thinking highly of yourself, but you learn to take those experiences and present yourself in a stronger light.”
Crystal Cole, a 2009 graduate, struggled with dyslexia early in her time at STU. She praised the support she received from staff and faculty.
“I couldn’t ask for better people to help me,” she said. “I came to STU in 2002 and didn’t think it was for me. I came back to get a BA after learning about child care.”
Cole said being exposed to various disciplines at STU has proven beneficial in her job in child and youth development at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital.
Jeff Burgess, a 1998 grad, now serves as the deputy chief of staff of New Brunswick’s Official Opposition. He feels arts grads often sell themselves short.
“People don’t always see what an arts degree has to offer,” Burgess said.
He says arts graduates should hold their heads high.
“Having an arts degree is something to be proud of. It’s a real accomplishment.”
He said the benefits of an arts degree are immeasurable because they aren’t connected to a certain trade.
“Other degrees are great, but there are no limits to an arts degree,” Burgess said. “You’re gaining transferable skills. You can go anywhere or do anything.”
In a previous version Matthew DeCourcey’s name and title was spelled incorrectly. We apologize for the error.
