This Year's Ceremony

Mount Royal University valedictorian Mariam Kadri is a triple threat.

Kadri excelled in Mount Royal's Broadcasting program as a writer, producer and editor.

Broadcasting Assistant Professor Alana Gieck says, "Mariam could do a very detailed, thorough news story, or write and produce an excellent commercial. On top of that, she was a natural editor. It's something we don't see very often."

As a self-professed "creative junkie," 25-year-old Kadri says she finds broadcast a natural fit for her interests.

"The way that a story is told through radio and television really appeals to me. You have to be creative in the way that you speak and the way that you deliver a story," says Kadri. "You really have to think outside the box."

Grounded personality

Gieck says Kadri is as humble as she is talented.

"I don't really think Mariam knows how great she is. Academically she was one of the top three students in her broadcast classes.

"She has the type of personality that everyone is drawn to. She tackles everything she does with enthusiasm and is always willing to assist her classmates."

Aside from producing major shows for Mount Royal's radio station - CMRC - Kadri also wrote and produced a radio segment on CBC's morning news.

Real world experience

To round out her broadcasting experience this past summer, Kadri interned at Citytv in Vancouver.

While on the coast, she further developed her skills, earning a spot in a real media scrum with federal Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff and covering the BC Lions training camp.

"It was eye-opening," says Kadri. "I got a better understanding of what it would be like to work in the fast-paced environment of a real newsroom.

"My ideal job would be doing something that makes people happy, whether it is producing an amazing TV show or commercial or writing for radio news.

"I feel confident going into the work environment because I've worked with good equipment and I've received such great hands-on instruction at Mount Royal."

- Jondrea De Ruyter