Michael Robertson [BA/98, MArch/04] is the incoming Chair of the University of Manitoba Board of Governors and a 2024 recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award for Community Service. Of Cree descent, he was the first Indigenous graduate from the Masters of Architecture program and has been a long-standing contributor to the university community. While completing his undergraduate degree, he held his first on-campus job in the student records office. He later served as Vice-Chair of the Board of Governors, a member of the President’s Advisory Council, and Chair of the Faculty of Architecture’s Partners Program.

An award-winning architect and Principal of Robertson Design, Michael’s work spans Manitoba, Canada, and the U.S., with notable projects on campus, including Migizii Agamik (Bald Eagle Lodge) and the Desautels Concert Hall. His career is grounded in social impact, Indigenous inclusion, and community development. He has also served on the boards of United Way Winnipeg, the Winnipeg Housing and Homelessness Initiative, and BUILD Inc., a non-profit that helps people overcome barriers to employment.

Diane Roussin [BSW/96], the incoming Vice-Chair of the Board of Governors, is also a familiar face on our campus. Indeed, she is the face of our recent marketing campaign featuring alumni at the centre of positive change. Roussin is a “Bison at the Centre of Social Innovation.”

Roussin is Anishinaabe and a proud member of the Skownan First Nation who in 2018 received the Governor General’s Award for Outstanding Indigenous Leadership and in 2025 the King Charles III Coronation Medal. She is the Project Director of The Winnipeg Boldness Project, championing Indigenous-led solutions for families and communities. (She will speak about this and more at a live recording of the president’s award-winning podcast, What’s the Big Idea? on Nov. 13, 2025.) She has also served the boards of The Winnipeg Foundation, Winnipeg Art Gallery, and Animikii, an Indigenous technology company supporting sovereignty.

Robertson and Roussin share the belief that meaningful community engagement and leading from behind drive the most positive change.

“You can’t tackle complex issues without trust and connection,” Roussin once said. “When we prioritize relationships, it fosters interdependence—where every being and relationship matters—and creates space for honest and meaningful collaboration.”

The University of Manitoba is grateful to the dedicated volunteers who serve on the Board of Governors and its committees and congratulate Mr. Robertson and Ms. Roussin to these leadership role, and express appreciation to outgoing Chair and Vice-Chair Ms. Lynette Magnus and Mr. Kimber Osiowy for their tireless dedication to UM.

Fakankun holds a PhD in Biosystems Engineering from the University of Manitoba, where she began her journey as an international student and young mother. Since graduating in 2021, she has remained deeply connected to the UM community, serving as an instructor in the Department of Chemistry and volunteering on the Board’s Advancement and Senate Committees. 

During her first term (2022–2025), Fakankun deliberated on and contributed to many meaningful conversations in guiding the university through critical initiatives, including advancing reconciliation, equity, anti-racism, and anti-ableism. She also contributed to the implementation of the Anti-Racism Task Force’s recommendations and the development of the university’s new brand positioning and strategic plan. She is actively engaged on the Alumni Council as well, and she cares deeply about alumni engagement and the reputation of the University. 

“As a volunteer on the Advancement committee, I’m proud of UM’s work in developing the UM Brand Positioning and Strategic plan,” she said. “I feel privileged to have been one of the members who oversaw the ‘What kind of Bison are you?’ campaign.” 

Drawing from her experience as both a student and instructor at UM, she brings a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the university community. Her leadership philosophy is grounded in empathy and perspective. 

“My perspective is forged from the lens of a woman in engineering, a parent pursuing a degree, an international student, and a woman of colour,” she said. “I also value the opportunity to have worked at UM as an instructor, as I understand firsthand our class sizes, the workload balances our instructors and sessionals have, the beauty of student-teacher relationships, and the joy of seeing students succeed.” 

In her second term, Fakankun is committed to continuing her governance and oversight duties while ensuring UM stays aligned with its long-term goals. She remains focused on promoting academic freedom and advancing equity, inclusion, and reconciliation. 

“Governance is a cruise ship, not a speedboat,” she said. “It takes grit, heart, and hope to lead effectively.” 

Outside of her work with the Board,  Fakankun serves as a leader in the Government of Manitoba, where she currently manages the Biofuels portfolio within the Department of Environment and Climate Change. Her diverse background includes roles in the Department of Agriculture, the Treasury Board Secretariat, and teaching appointments at the University of Winnipeg and Providence University College. She is also an active community volunteer, contributing to causes through her church, data analysis for non-profits, and co-hosting a family-focused group. 

A published scientist and former Soapbox Science presenter, Fakankun is passionate about mentorship, public engagement, and building inclusive academic spaces. She previously founded Schooling Moms, an online community dedicated to supporting student-parents navigating higher education. 

“I want to thank every alum who voted and elected me for a second term,” she said. “It is my privilege to serve, and I hope to connect with more alumni this term. I truly believe if you want to transform your life, be a part of transforming your community for the better.” 

Fakankun will serve as the Board of Governors alumni representative for another three-year term beginning June 1, 2025. 

This election is an excellent opportunity for you to make your unique voice heard. Your vote will help define UM’s future and decide which of your fellow graduates will represent you and your fellow alumni. 

Your elected alumni representative will be an important voice in UM governance and will have the opportunity to make a real impact on the lives of students and the UM community.  

This year, our nominees are two accomplished graduates who are passionate about making a difference on campus and beyond.  

Incumbent Dr. Irene Fakankun [PhD/21] has a diverse professional and educational background spanning three continents, and she offers a unique blend of technical expertise, leadership skills, and a steadfast commitment to excellence that aligns with the University of Manitoba. Her heart of service and skillset complements the existing UM board, and she would be honoured to be re-elected. 

JD Diabira [BA(Adv)/94] has accumulated extensive experience in banking and on various Boards of Directors, both in Canada and internationally, outlining a commitment to continuous learning and growth. He has never forgotten his UM roots, regularly mentoring and hiring UM grads and participating in UM events in Ottawa and attending Bisons games and Homecoming events, and it would be a privilege to be elected to serve as an Alumni Representative on the Board of Governors. 

You can read the full biography of each candidate and cast your vote here.

This year’s election is fully digital, and you can vote at your convenience online, regardless of your location.  

Deadline to vote is May 9, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. CDT. 

Which potential alumni representatives will be nominated this year? Will you be one of them? 

We encourage you to consider nominating yourself or another UM graduate you know for this essential leadership role. Your unique perspective could be vital in helping guide the direction of UM going forward and make a meaningful impact on our wider community.  

Our alumni are the face of our university, and by contributing your voice to our Board of Governors, as a nominator or nominee, you or someone you know could play an active role in providing insight into what matters to our past graduates and what their aspirations are for our students, staff, faculty and the community at large. It’s an opportunity to be an active voice for your fellow alumni and help develop your professional skills in the process. 

Tasked with overseeing the administrative and business affairs of the University, the Board of Governors plays a powerful role in guiding some of the University’s decision-making, from deciding what lectureships, bursaries, fellowships and prizes to pursue, to appointing presidents, vice-presidents, deans, directors and more across our faculties, departments and colleges. If you are interested in what other duties the Board is responsible for, we encourage you to learn more.

The Governance and Board Development Committee of the UM Board of Governors has identified the following as desirable qualities in prospective Board of Governors members:

• Experience with large and complex organizations
• Experience in forward-looking strategic and financial planning
• Board and leadership experience
• Expertise in overseeing risk management

Want to make your voice heard or know someone who can make a positive impact? Submit your name or nominate a fellow UM graduate for the chance to serve as a voice for alumni in UM governance on the Board of Governors. 

Nominate today and help play an active role in defining UM’s future.  

Nominations close at 11:59 p.m. CDT on March 10, 2025. For more details on the process and election timeline, visit the alumni Board of Governors website. 

Dr. Irene Fakankun [PhD/21], incumbent of the University of Manitoba Board of Governors, has indicated that she will be running for another three-year term. 

The votes have been counted and UM alumni have selected Reanna Merasty [BEnvD/19, MArch/21] as their next alumni representative for the UM Board of Governors. 

“I have always seen myself having a greater role at the university,” explains Merasty. “When it was suggested to me by a friend and fellow UM grad to run on a platform of Indigenous representation, I knew I had to accept.”

More than 2400 votes were cast online, and Merasty was chosen from the list of four candidates. Having graduated in the last five years, she brings both a strong Indigenous perspective and a younger generational point of view to the Board.

“Ekosi (thank you) for your support,” says Merasty. “I hope that I can represent the UM Alumni community to the best of my abilities. I hope to bring an Indigenous perspective and continue advocating for Indigenous inclusion and representation. I also hope to bring a young person’s perspective.”

Merasty is a proud Nihithaw artist, writer, and advocate from Barren Lands First Nation and an Architectural Intern with Number TEN Architectural Group. Merasty received a Master of Architecture and a Bachelor of Environmental Design from UM and she has dedicated her career to amplifying Indigenous voices in architecture.

“The UM was where I gained my confidence in speaking up and using my voice,” recalls Merasty. “It was where I found comfort in the Indigenous student community and made Migizii Agamik my home. It was where I co-founded the Indigenous Design and Planning Student Association, co-edited a book, and organized many initiatives in the Faculty of Architecture. This advocacy has continued in my professional career and in national organizations. The UM was also where I developed a passion for education, curriculum, and developing a welcoming space for young people.”

As a professional, Merasty is on the project team for Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohn, a transformation of the historic Hudson’s Bay building in downtown Winnipeg for Southern Chiefs’ Organization, and other Indigenous community-centered projects. 

She is the Chair of the Welcoming Winnipeg Committee with the City of Winnipeg, guiding the process of renaming place names and creating historical markers to reflect Indigenous histories, a sessional Instructor in the UM’s Department of Architecture, and the Manitoba Regional Director on the Royal Architecture Institute of Canada Board of Directors.  

Merasty will serve as the Board of Governors alumni representative for a three-year term beginning June 1, 2024.

“I wish to thank all of the candidates for allowing their names to stand, and all Faculty and School council members who took the time to vote in this important election process,” said Jeff M. Leclerc, University Secretary.

On April 7, 2021, the University of Manitoba Senate approved the addition of five Indigenous Senators over and above any Indigenous Senators already serving on Senate for their respective Faculty and school councils.

This addition is intended to add Indigenous participation and voice in Senate governance and is not to preclude Indigenous Senators to continue to be elected by individual Faculty and School Councils as well.

I am very pleased to share that the Board of Governors unanimously approved the re-appointment of President and Vice-Chancellor Michael Benarroch to a second five-year term, beginning July 1, 2025.

The re-appointment of Dr. Benarroch follows the completion of a comprehensive review by the Board’s Presidential Review Committee.  The Committee, representing students, staff, faculty, and independent Board members, sought and received widespread feedback from members of the UM and broader communities.  The Committee looked ahead at the opportunities and challenges facing the University and heard from President Benarroch on his vision for the University of Manitoba into the future.

The Board has full confidence in President Benarroch’s ability to lead our university in alignment with its new five-year strategic plan and in support of a university that will lead change for a better Manitoba.

President Benarroch has shown exceptional leadership throughout his first term. He successfully guided the University during the pandemic, always focused on ensuring the continuation of student learning, while maintaining safety for all. He has built an outstanding and cohesive leadership team and has placed a renewed focus on research and innovation, enabling greater success of UM faculty, staff, and students.  Under his guidance, UM is a leader in advancing Reconciliation and is home to the National Centre of Truth and Reconciliation. The work of the Anti-Racism Task Force and the President’s Task Force on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion provides a strong foundation for the University moving forward and fosters belonging, a UM core value.  President Benarroch champions the University of Manitoba and its members in the broader community, heightening external engagement and support. His energy and passion for the University of Manitoba are inspiring.

On behalf of the Board of Governors, I wish to express our appreciation to President Benarroch for his authentic leadership and practical wisdom.  He acts with integrity and shows deep respect for all members of our UM and greater communities, actively seeking input from diverse voices and engaging to build positive relationships. Dr. Benarroch has an unwavering commitment to a successful University of Manitoba, its students, faculty, and staff, and to the meaningful and positive impact the University has on our province.  I look forward to these next five years and where his leadership will take us.

Sincerely,
Lynette Magnus, Chair
Board of Governors

Support Staff Assessor to the Board of Governors

Rainer Thalhammer, Operations and Maintenance, Physical Plant

Alternate Support Staff Assessor to the Board of Governors

Jasmine Brar, Student Counselling Centre, Student Affairs

The Assessor will attend meetings of the Board and its Executive Committee, with the exception of matters related to bargaining. The Assessor has the same rights and obligations as a member of the Board and Executive Committee, except that an Assessor may not make or amend motions, or vote.

The Alternate Assessor will attend Board of Governors’ meetings when the Assessor is not available.

“On behalf of the Board of Governors and the university, I wish to thank all of the candidates for allowing their names to stand, and all of you who took the time to vote,” says Jeff Leclerc, University Secretary.

“My UM degree started my love for knowledge, learning, and continuing education, provided skills that supported management and leadership opportunities, and set me on the path of a successful career,” she says. “I’m excited for the opportunity to use the skills I have developed throughout my career and give back to my university.” 

More than 2,000 votes were cast, and Dr. Shearer was chosen from the list of three candidates. 

Much of Dr. Shearer’s career has been dedicated to public service, and she says she wanted to join the Board of Governors because she saw this as an opportunity to use her skills to further the mission of the University. 

“I’m thrilled to work with other board and committee members to contribute to a high functioning board that meets the needs of a growing and robust academic institution,” she says. “I sincerely thank everyone who supported me, provided encouragement and helped to make this new role a reality.” 

Dr. Shearer is a UM-trained Occupational Therapist with a Bachelor of Medical Rehabilitation and holds an M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Health Care Administration. She is also an accomplished UM post-secondary instructor, lecturer, program coordinator, graduate coach, and published researcher, and she participated in the design and delivery of courses and programs in the Colleges of Rehabilitation Sciences, Pharmacy and the I.H. Asper School of Business.  

As a healthcare administrator with 30 plus years of senior management experience, she has worked with many non-profit boards and enjoys being an active and engaged board member and giving back to her community.  

“I have benefitted from the contributions, time and expertise of others, and I am so very grateful to those who have helped to open doors, provided mentorship and have demonstrated respect along my journey,” she says. “I am looking forward to giving back to this community that has supported me from the start.” 

Dr. Shearer will serve as the Board of Governors alumni representative for a three-year term beginning June 1, 2023. 

Here are five reasons why you should take a moment to vote: 

1. Make your voice heard. Alumni like you have a unique perspective on UM and its role in our world. This is your chance to vote for a fellow grad who will represent you. 

2. Support your fellow alumni. This year, there are three accomplished graduates vying for the position: 

• Robert Michon [BSc(Hons)/78] – “As a member of the Board of Governors, I hope to bring my engagement and contribution to another level. I am committed to bringing my enthusiasm, my experience, and my knowledge to bear on the many challenges facing our University in the coming years.” 
• Shreeraj Patel [BComm(Hons)/02] – “I pride myself on being a passionate, progressive and inclusive leader, and this is reflected in my personal views of the UM alumni community. I feel that the University of Manitoba’s professors and thought leaders were critical in helping guide, develop and inspire me, and that the opportunity to help influence the direction of the University would be a great privilege.” 
• Dr. Brenna Shearer [BMR(OT)/86] – “As an active and engaged Board Director for current and past non-profit boards, I can share my experience and skills to support EDI, board development and growth and will help the UM fulfill its mission, vision, values, and strategic priorities. Much of my career has been dedicated to public service, and I look forward to using my skills to further the mission of the UM.” 

3. Vote anytime, anywhere, online. Once again, this year’s election is fully digital, making it quick and easy to cast your vote whenever and wherever you are around the globe. 

4. Help define UM’s future. UM has experienced incredible change and growth over the past few years: from higher enrolment to digital innovations in teaching, learning and research. This is an exciting time to help define the future of your alma mater. 

5. Make a difference in the lives of students and the community. As a former student and current grad, you know the impact UM can have on campus and beyond. That’s why it’s important for alumni to have a voice in UM governance. 

To make your choice and cast your vote, visit the Board of Governors election page before the deadline of May 12, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. CT.