This year’s celebration honoured 10 exemplary individuals, including a Chancellor Emeritus and a Distinguished Professor Emeritus.

Congratulations to all the 2025 honourees.

Chancellor Emeritus

Chancellor Dave Angus and President Michael Benarroch present Anne Mahon with certificate for Chancellor Emeritus.

Ms. Anne Mahon served with distinction as the University’s 14th Chancellor from 2019 to 2025, where she brought compassion, wisdom, and a deep commitment to community to her role. A bridge-builder and philanthropist, Ms. Mahon is known for connecting people and inspiring positive change. Her work at the intersection of storytelling, community-building, and education has amplified the voices of those marginalized and often unheard.

Ms. Mahon has dedicated herself to volunteerism and advocacy, including working closely with United Way Winnipeg, founding and facilitating the Bookmates Book Club at the Women’s Correctional Centre, and volunteering with the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba, Humankind International, and Palliative Manitoba. Her leadership and compassion have left an enduring mark on the University of Manitoba, thereby earning the title of Chancellor Emeritus.

Distinguished Professor Emeritus

Chancellor Dave Angus and President Michael Benarroch present Leslie Roos with certificate for Distinguished Professor Emeritus.

The University of Manitoba was honoured to confer upon Dr. Leslie Roos the title of Distinguished Professor Emeritus. An influential scholar and innovative leader in population health and health policy research, Dr. Roos joined the University of Manitoba in 1973. Over the course of his distinguished career in the Faculties of Administrative Studies (now the Asper School of Business) and Medicine, he helped establish the university as an international centre of excellence in health services research and data-informed policy.

As a founder of the Manitoba Centre for Health Policy, Dr. Roos led the creation of its internationally respected population health database, enabling groundbreaking studies on the health and well-being of Manitobans. He has played a central role in training and inspiring a generation of researchers whose work continues to shape Canadian health systems and stands among the most influential contributors to health policy research globally.

Professor Emeriti:

• Dr. Harold Aukema
• Dr. Ying Chen
• Dr. Kevin Coombs
• Prof. Herbert Enns
• Dr. Elissavet Kardami
• Dr. Eberhard Renner
• Dr. Wayne Simpson
• Dr. Qiang Zhang

To learn more about the 2025 honourees, please visit the Emeritus/Emerita Titles webpage to read their individual citations.

Emeriti titles are one of several awards given annually by the university in celebrating and recognizing the success of colleagues and other distinguished individuals. Learn about the university awards nomination process.

To read the full story and view images, follow the link to Exploring Woven Relations at the Forks.

StudioLab xR, located at 201 Portage Avenue, is a significant component of New Media Manitoba’s contribution to the Province’s technology and innovation landscape. The mandate of this 5,550 sq ft facility is to support workforce development and innovation in the emerging field of Extended Reality (xR). StudioLab xR’s virtual production stage provides the advanced technology and expertise that production companies and filmmakers require to realize their creative visions. Furthermore, it is recognized as an Unreal Authorized Training Center. This partnership with Unreal Engine highlights StudioLab xR’s commitment to delivering top-tier training in the xR field.

The academic project required students to develop designs for a hypothetical relocation of StudioLab xR to 200 Princess Avenue, which would double the operational footprint. Students investigated the specialized requirements of Visual Effects (VFX) production environments, editing suites, and Unreal Engine training facilities. This involved rigorous research, analysis, spatial programming, and design development to propose engaging and functional new environments.

Jonathon Lê, StudioLab xR’s Senior Manager, collaborated closely with the students, providing guidance through the initial project kick-off, programming, and planning phases. This interaction allowed students to engage directly with client considerations within an emerging industry sector.

Final presentations were held over four sessions on April 8th and 9th within StudioLab xR’s facility at 201 Portage Avenue. Students presented their comprehensive design proposals utilizing their 24′ x 11′ LED volume wall, showcasing detailed presentation drawings, 3D renderings, and video walkthroughs.

This format enabled students to receive valuable insight and feedback directly from StudioLab xR Senior Manager, Jonathon Lê; New Media Manitoba’s Executive Director, Louie Ghiz, and Director of Operations, Taralee Turner; as well as attending industry professionals; and faculty members from the Faculty of Architecture.

Overall, the project provided students with invaluable experience in designing for complex, specialized technological environments. They benefited from direct engagement with an industry client and gained practice in developing and presenting professional-level design proposals tailored to an emerging sector.

The Department of Interior Design extends its appreciation to StudioLab xR and New Media Manitoba for this valuable collaborative opportunity and thanks all industry guests and faculty members who contributed their time and expertise to the student reviews.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:

Shelly Slobodzian (LM Architectural Group / Environmental Space Planning – Principal)
Thomas Langrell (Republic Architecture – Design Lead)
Laney Stewart (PIDIM – Executive Director)
Milan Code (Stantec – Interior Designer)
Jonathon Lê (StudioLab xR – Senior Manager)
Louie Ghiz (New Media Manitoba – Executive Director)
Taralee Turner (New Media Manitoba – Director of Operations)
Stacey Pediny (Teknion – PIDIM Industry Partner)
Jon Watts (University of Manitoba – FABLAB)
Ainsley Johnston (University of Manitoba – Environmental Design)
Raphael Ayambire (University of Manitoba – City Planning)
Umid Abdullaev (University of Manitoba – Interior Design)
Yuhao Lu (University of Manitoba – Landscape Architecture)
Tessa Horn (University of Manitoba – Teaching Assistant)
Danae McKennitt (University of Manitoba – Teaching Assistant)

The CDPC shares space with StorefrontMB at 245 Portage Ave and has recently partnered on projects with Art City Inc., the Spence Neighbourhood Association, AROW Global and the community of Star Blanket Cree Nation.  For information on these projects please visit: www.umanitoba.ca/architecture/cdpc.

If you would like to start a conversation or are interested in working with the CDPC on a project, please email cdpc@umanitoba.ca.

Nolan De Leon, 2024 Falling Walls Manitoba winner.

Falling Walls Lab is an international competition, created by the Falling Walls Foundation, inspired by the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989.  It promotes research and innovation in all disciplines, by posing the question, “Which walls will fall next?” 

Nolan De Leon (Dr.MD, PhD) won the grand prize sponsored by InfoMagnetics Technologies. The prize includes $1000 cash along with airfare and accommodations in Berlin, Germany to compete in the global Falling Walls competition finale Nov. 7 to 9 with their presentation, Breaking the Wall of Prenatal Diagnostics.

Megan Crooks (MA Clinical Psychology) won the second-place prize of $750 sponsored by Research Manitoba, with the presentation entitled, Breaking the Wall of Phantom Pain Prevention.

Anastasia Matsko (Dr.Med/PhD) was the third-place finalist winning $500 sponsored by QDoc Virtual Healthcare with the presentation Breaking the Wall of Dental Implants.

Sajad Saraygord Afshari (PhD, P.Eng, Postdoc), won the Audience Choice award of $500 sponsored by Red River College Polytechnic for the presentation, Breaking the Wall of AI-Powered Drone Work: Revolutionizing Wildfire Prevention.

“The Falling Walls Lab is an important opportunity to showcase the world-class research happening every day in Manitoba and I would like to thank the large community who came together to bring this celebration to life,” said Dr. Hans-Joachim Wieden, Associate Vice-President Partnerships Knowledge Mobilization & Innovation. “Students are the greatest drivers of change in addressing the pressing challenges faced by society and by empowering entrepreneurs and innovators across disciplines we can make these great ideas a reality.”

Congratulations to all the presenters for sharing their exciting research and being a part of this second Falling Walls Manitoba event:

• Mahdi Zakeri (Healthcare & Medical Sciences): Breaking the Wall of Bone Loss & Healing
• Abhinav Tiwari (Agriculture & Food Science): Breaking the Wall of Grain Drying
• Juanita Garcia (Healthcare & Medical Sciences): Breaking the Wall of Exercise in Spinal Injury
• Venkata Daggupati (Computing & Information Science): Breaking the Wall of Emergency Room Challenges
• Anastasia Matsko (Engineering & Technology): Breaking the Wall of Dental Implants
• Hussein Agoushi (Architecture & Urban Studies): Breaking the Wall of Community Silence
• Samantha Phrakonkham (Healthcare & Technology): Breaking the Wall of Eye Healthcare
• Sajad Saraygord Afshari (Engineering & Technology): Breaking the Wall of AI-Powered Drone Work: Revolutionizing Wildfire Prevention
• Amir Barzegar Behrooz (Healthcare & Medical Sciences): Breaking the Wall of Alzheimer’s Therapy
• Megan Crooks (Healthcare & Medical Sciences): Breaking the Wall of Phantom Pain Prevention
• Nolan De Leon (Healthcare & Medical Sciences): Breaking the Wall of Prenatal Diagnostics
• Carmine Slipski (Healthcare & Medical Sciences): Breaking the Wall of Oral Health Detection

Set in Victoria Beach, Manitoba and inspired by a white-tailed jackrabbit seen at dusk after a first snowfall, “Good Night, Good Night, Victoria Beach” takes young readers on a magical journey through the four seasons filled with whimsical characters and imaginative adventures.

Rae Bridgman

I am thrilled and deeply honoured by this recognition,” says Rae Bridgman. “Creating stories that celebrate Manitoba and resonate with readers here and elsewhere is a true joy, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share ‘Good Night, Good Night, Victoria Beach’ with the world.”

Rae Bridgman’s unique blend of storytelling and illustration has garnered critical acclaim, captivating audiences with her creative narratives and vibrant artwork. Her MiddleGate fantasy books for kids have also received many glowing reviews and numerous awards.

For more information about “Good Night, Good Night, Victoria Beach” and Rae Bridgman’s award-winning work, visit Rae’s website.

The Governor General’s Medal in Architecture is awarded every two years to recognize and celebrate outstanding design in recently completed built projects of any size, type and geographical location by Canadian architects.  

“Pumphouse is a mixed-use rehabilitation project in Winnipeg’s Exchange District. After 14 attempts to revitalize the historic structure, 5468796 Architecture saved the site from demolition by crafting a development model and a financial pro-forma, and connecting the right combination of development and tenant parties. Two interventions made the project viable: repurposing the original gantry crane rail to suspend a ‘floating floor’ above the equipment below; and proposing a residential block on the 40-foot sliver of site between the historic building and Waterfront Drive. Approaching the pumphouse as a “found object”, flanked by multi-family residential components and weaving public space between, the site was brought back to life.” [source: https://raic.org/awards/gg-2024-pumphouse]

For more information on the Pumphouse project visit: https://5468796.ca/about/?pro_no=0492

At the heart of Shirin’s project lies a profound synthesis of culture, history, and urban revitalization. Situated amidst the streets of Guatemala City, her design highlights collaborative ingenuity, drawing from the city’s rich visual landscape and ancient Mayan heritage. Inspired by the sacred Ceiba tree and gilded with architectural motifs reminiscent of Mayan temples, the project seamlessly combines modernity with tradition. Central to Shirin’s vision is the integration of the project within Guatemala City’s neglected railway station area, serving as a catalyst for urban rejuvenation. Through extensive research and collaboration, she navigated the complex legacy of conquest, colonization, and the conflict of the 1960s-90s, infusing her design with an understanding of historical and cultural nuances.

“Being named a finalist in the architecture competition is a significant honor for me. It validates my hard work and dedication, and it provides an incredible opportunity to showcase my design philosophy on a larger stage. This recognition also inspires me to work harder and strive for the ultimate goal of winning in future competitions.”

Born and raised in Iran, Shirin moved to Winnipeg two years ago after completing her first master’s degree in architecture in her home country. She is a second-year student in the Master of Architecture program, a part of the team at LM Architectural Group | Environmental Space Planning in Winnipeg and will graduate in October 2024. Shirin is passionate about introducing innovative ideas into design projects and is particularly interested in how history and culture can influence contemporary architecture. She aims to integrate these elements into modern designs, expressing them in a contemporary context.

Shirin’s project is a result of Professor Ralph Stern and Mackenzie Skoczylas’s 2022-2023 Guatemala Studio course which primarily addressed Indigenous issues in an urban context: ‘The history of the Maya in relation to world view, conquest, colonization, post-colonial mechanisms of exploitation and repression, and measures taken for Truth and Reconciliation was examined through the research undertaken during the first part of the Studio.’

The challenge Shirin confronts is as monumental as the structures she envisions – to harmonize the diverse architectural scales that define Guatemala City. From towering skyscrapers to humble dwellings, the city’s juxtaposition demands a delicate balance. The project’s massing plan, meticulously crafted to establish a new neighborhood, reflects Shirin’s commitment to honoring existing morphology while embracing future prospects impacted by climate change. Two large-scale rectangular structures enclose residential units, harmoniously coexisting with public amenities such as commercial spaces, daycare facilities, and communal areas. The layout of residential units, influenced by corridor arrangements, not only enhances accessibility but also shapes the project’s façade composition, echoing the principles of Mayan architecture in a modern context. Drawing from Mayan cosmology, Shirin’s design symbolizes the interconnectedness of existence.

Winning and finalist projects were exhibited during the RAIC Conference in Vancouver in May 2024. All work submitted is featured on the Student Work Showcase page of the CASA-ACÉA website: https://www.casa-acea.org/2024-student-work-showcase

Rendering of transformed infrastructure corridor. Credit: Aaron Bomback

Aaron Bomback | Neglected Landscapes: A transformative future for Winnipeg’s infrastructure corridors

The CSLA Student Award of excellence is intended to recognize and promote excellence in the profession’s educational institutions and recognize excellence in work by students in CSLA’s LAAC-accredited programs. Aaron Bomback was selected as a recipient of this award for his 2022 thesis work which explores creating an ecological network in Winnipeg’s infrastructure corridors. According to the CSLA jury, the project was a robust take on a difficult subject which combined beautiful drawings with a rigorous research framework and analysis:

This is an important topic which is easily overlooked and can be difficult to tackle. Aaron Bomback has addressed it in a comprehensive, professional manner, with solid research underpinnings, and provided the practice with a guidebook to enhance biodiversity and achieve our climate objectives by transforming infrastructure corridors.

 

Aaron’s full thesis is available here.

Region of study (Dhaka, Bay of Bengal). Credit: Tasnim Ferdous

Tasnim Ferdous | Nature-based Solutions for Climate Resilient Shorelines

Each year, the LACF awards both professionals and students in landscape architecture grants to pursue research and scholarship that cover a broad range of topics important to the profession This year, 6 professional awards and 2 student awards were approved by the jury, which was composed of six individuals from public, private and academic practices from across Canada. Tasnim Ferdous was selected as one of the student grant recipients.

This research reviews NbS to address the effects of climate change in Southeast Asia. It will address mitigation from a landscape architecture perspective, emphasizing the pivotal role of community engagement in promoting sustainable development. By shedding light on the diverse NbS practices in the region, the research aims to uncover their potential as versatile landscape design tools, transcending regional confines. It seeks to contribute valuable insights to the global discourse on sustainable design, underlining the transferability and applicability of Southeast Asian NbS approaches, and inspiring and informing design practices on a global scale.

– Project description, Tasnim Ferdous

 

To learn more about Tasnim’s work and the LACF Research Grant Program, visit the LACF website.

The creators of six new huts were on site this week to build their installations.

The huts line the Nestaweya River Trail and the Winnipeg 150 Winter Park at The Forks.

Ice Henge is a winterly version of Stonehenge designed by University of Manitoba’s faculty of architecture students. They were interviewed by Global Morning Winnipeg to talk about their huts.

Watch here