Em Penner
Bachelor of Arts in Rhetoric and Communications
Spring 2025 Valedictorian
As a child, Em wanted to be a writer. Now, they are carrying out that dream for their younger self.
Em is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Rhetoric and Communications with a minor in Psychology. They started their degree 6 years ago, and Em is grateful for the space to take their time with it.
The support and community Em found through professors and in the Indigenous Students Services Centre cannot be understated. Time spent getting to know their peers, and engaging in cultural programming and resources, has nurtured Em’s deeper connection to their culture, ancestors, and people.
They took part in a Two-Spirit and gender diverse sweat lodge through the Indigenous Engagement Office, spent time as a tutor, and was an editor and contributor for the Rooted in Rhetoric journal.
Em was the recipient of the English Speaking Union Prize, an Opportunity Fund Bursary, Academic Proficiency Scholarship, and Dean’s Honour List: Student of Highest Distinction.
Em is currently a scholar in the Indigenous Summer Scholars Program, researching Indigenous queer representation in curatorial spaces. They presented their scholarly work and research at several colloquiums, conferences, and events at UÂ鶹´«Ã½, and hopes to attend graduate school to do further research on Indigenous queer identities and representation
Em also hopes to continue working and engaging in their Indigenous queer communities.
The University of Â鶹´«Ã½ is proud to honour Em Penner as valedictorian.