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Susan Humphrey of Campbellton, has received a Killam Fellowship, valued at $5,000. The Mount Allison University international relations student will attend Smith College, an all-women's college in Northampton, Massachusetts during the fall semester.

"I'm so thrilled to receive a Killam Fellowship and excited to attend Smith College this fall," she says. "I will be continuing my studies in international relations, and plan on satisfying some of my degree requirements in political science and history, focusing on Africa and the Middle East."

But Susan is also learning a bit of history this summer, as a guide at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France. Susan, who is working in France right now, also worked as a parliamentary guide in Ottawa last summer.

These opportunities are providing a good foundation for her studies.

"My area of particular interest is Middle Eastern religion, politics, and culture," she explains. "As an interdisciplinary program, international relations has proven to be a perfect way to investigate these areas and the connections that exist between them.

"I hope to pursue a career in the foreign service or non-governmental organizations, and look forward to a life that allows me to continue to learn about new people, places, and cultures."

"The Killam Fellowships seek to foster cross cultural exchange among North American institutions," says Dr. Stephen McClatchie, Mount Allison University Vice President (Academic and Research).

"Over the last few years, several Mount Allison students have been selected for this prestigious program."

"It is a signal honour, and a testament to both Susan's capabilities and the excellent education that she has received at Mount A," says Dr. Michael K. Hawes, Executive Director of the Foundation for Educational Exchange between Canada and the United States of America, who administers the Killam Fellowships.

Along with her studies and work adventures, Susan is also an avid community volunteer, working with a number of organizations at Mount A and in the wider community.

This past year she served as co-president of the Swing Dance Society, a residence assistant, was involved in the Eco-Action, International Relations, and German societies, and sat on the Academic Enrichment, JEA Crake Art Internships, and Gill Latter Memorial Award Committees.

Susan is also very involved with Mount Allison's admissions office, working as a student blogger on www.mymta.ca and corresponding with future students through the student ambassador program.

Within the community, Susan is part of a five-person team of Mount A students who travel to Cumberland North Academy in Amherst, NS every week to work one-on-one with students who have reading difficulties in order to improve their literacy skills.

"This activity has been one of the most rewarding projects I have ever undertaken and I look forward to continuing it and my other extracurricular involvements upon my return to Mount A," she says. "I also, of course, plan on being actively involved at Smith, and am anxious to see what opportunities await me."