In Conversation with English Undergraduate Award Winner, Elisabeth Bauman

“Unyielding curiosity.”

“Uncommon joy.”

These were two key qualities English undergraduate chair, Brent Nelson, noted about Elisabeth Bauman (alongside her remarkable academic performance) when writing his nomination letter to the selection committee for the Copland Prize in Humanities — which, indeed, Elisabeth won.

In our conversation, Elisabeth’s curiosity and joy come through like constant bursts of sunshine.

“I’ve always loved learning,” she said, crediting her mom, who homeschooled her. “We had to hit certain things like math, science and penmanship. But then, after that, we were allowed to explore. My mom’s approach to a literary-based education laid a foundation for me to thrive at university, because the Department of English also values how culture, literature and history intersect.”

As well as winning the Copland Prize, Elisabeth also received the Award for Excellence in English Studies and the Thomas Deis ’38 WWII Memorial Prize. Additionally, she’s been awarded a SSHRC Canada Graduate Scholarship for her master’s program beginning in the fall.

And yet, six years ago, Elisabeth’s future university success was not apparent to her. “I felt very isolated and alone,” she shares, remembering her first year of university. “I kept thinking ‘will I ever find my place?’ I didn’t really make friends right away and it was distressing.”

Elisabeth brightens, comparing where she was then to where she is today, able to “walk anywhere on campus and meet and be with people I know. That richness of connection and community on campus is incredibly meaningful, and, in the beginning, I didn’t know that it would be possible for me to experience such a big change.”

As STM’s Dean Marche pointed out in her speech about Elisabeth, prior to giving her the Thomas Deis prize, “Elisabeth exemplifies St. Thomas More College values, prioritizing meaningful connections, embracing diversity of thought, and demonstrating a commitment to the betterment of her community.” Notably, Elisabeth has achieved this through substantial contributions, including serving for three years on STM’s Students’ Union and two years as VP Academic Affairs for the USSU.

When it comes to considering her awards, Elisabeth is quick to laugh and note the practicalities, appreciating that the awards will mean she’s much less stressed financially, and will have more time to do other things, like joining the University Choir and tutoring.

But then, she offers a deeper reflection, something she attributes to her Christian perspective. “I'm trying to balance this idea of ego and humility," she says. “These awards are big deals! It's exciting, so I try to think of it like when we acknowledge something good. The delight of celebrating good things can and should co-exist with recognizing their source, from family and professors to God and work ethic. I guess what I’m trying to say is I didn’t do this entirely on my own."

Elisabeth becomes extra animated when speaking about the value of studying in the Humanities and the transferable communication skills that can be applied to many professional and personal situations.  

“Dr. Sarah Powrie talks about how the English Major’s superpower is empathy. Pick any of your canonical writers: even if you don’t agree with the characters, we spend time living with them and hearing their thoughts and seeing the way they view the world. Then we come back into our own world, and our empathy muscles have been exercised so much. That helps me, in daily life – it means I’m not losing the complexity of situations.”

About the Awards

Award for Excellence in English Studies (Department of English’s Most Outstanding Graduate Award)

The award was funded by Dr. Wendy Roy and Dr. Lisa Vargo in matching donations and recognizes the academic achievement and top overall average of an undergraduate English major graduating at fall or spring convocation. Drs. Roy and Vargo have now permanently endowed the award which will allow it to be presented yearly in perpetuity.

Copland Prize in Humanities (College of Arts and Science Medal)

The prize was established by Mrs. Mary E. Copland in memory of the late Thomas Copland and is awarded to the most distinguished student receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree with Honours or Distinction.

Thomas Deis ‘38 WWII Memorial Prize

The Thomas Deis ‘38 WWII Memorial Prize has been established by Mr. Thomas Deis,'38 in recognition of the education he received at St. Thomas More College and the University of Saskatchewan, and to memorialize all those STM students who served and gave their lives in WWII.