Growing up in an unsafe environment shaped by historical and generational trauma, Angela faced adversity that could have easily derailed her dreams. She later experienced a health care crisis and a violent assault—both stemming from institutional systems that have long dehumanized Indigenous Peoples. Rather than let these experiences hold her back, Angela found purpose in them. 

Angela shared with the Canadian Nurses Foundation, “I set my sights on nursing school and challenged myself to learn what it takes to make fundamental changes that will elevate the lives of Indigenous people out of the toxic stress, and destructive physical impacts of Colonial trauma and violence, thus relieving many from chronic diseases.” 

At St John’s College, Angela found her safe space while pursuing her dreams of becoming a Nurse. 

“SJC provided a place of community and acceptance for me. Regardless of background, I often found gentle spirits with welcoming smiles. It was a safe place to join other students who were also degree-driven and striving to better ourselves and our communities.” 

The support from St John’s College became even more critical during challenging moments. When experiencing lateral violence during one school year, Angela found refuge in an SJC study carrel. “It became my safe haven and helped ensure my grades didn’t slip from the added stress.” 

Through it all, Angela remained a serious, committed student. But it was the approachability and accessibility of SJC’s support staff that helped her push through the most difficult times. Daily Bread Café, she recalls, became a comforting place to recharge during summer research at the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation or between classes. “SJC took care of its students by providing a discount at Daily Bread,” she adds with appreciation. 

Angela was also a recipient of the Alfred H. Shephard Bursary, which played a pivotal role in helping her balance school, life, and motherhood. 

“I did my senior practicum in isolated communities up north. I couldn’t come home for three months. The bursary allowed me to afford expensive groceries, access streaming services since outdoor activities were unsafe, and take care of my financial responsibilities back home where my young adult son lived. It relieved financial stress, so I could focus on meeting my degree requirements.” 

But perhaps the most lasting impact was the way SJC helped Angela see her own value. 

“Being a SJC member and scholarship recipient helped me to see my worth and value as a student and human being,” she says. “Growing up, I did not have a support network. I lacked confidence growing up—I had to be strong which can be isolating. But at SJC, I was around people who were also doing good work and supporting one another. It felt really good to fit in.” 

Today, Angela stands as a powerful testament to the life-changing impact of community. 

“SJC helped me to believe I was good enough to deserve good things like my Nursing degree. My goals, hopes, and dreams are coming to fruition”  

Want to follow in Angela’s footsteps? 

• St John’s College Scholarships are now open! Applications are due June 1st. Learn more and apply here. 

• Become a St John’s College member 

Why apply?

St. John’s College provides financial awards to recognize academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement. Whether you’re a current student or planning to start your journey at the University of Manitoba, these opportunities can help you focus on your studies without financial stress.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible, you must be registered as a St. John’s College member by the application deadline. Membership is open to all undergraduate and graduate students of the University of Manitoba.

Learn how to declare membership at St John’s College. 

Application Deadlines

• Current students: June 1, 2025 at 4:30pm (Central Standard Time)
• Incoming students: July 15, 2025 at 4:30pm (Central Standard Time)
• If the deadline falls on a weekend or public holiday, the online application system will remain open until 4:30pm on the next business day

Award Notification & Disbursement

Our Awards Clerk, Sherry Peters, will notify all award winners by early October. To ensure you receive your notification, please keep your contact information updated on Aurora. 

With the exception of a few, awards will be distributed at the St John’s College Convocation on November 2, 2025.

Learn More & Apply

• General eligibility details
• Scholarships for current students with a June 1 deadline
• Scholarships for incoming students with a July 15 deadline

Sign up for our “How to Apply for SJC Scholarships” Workshop

Sherry Peters will walk through every step of the application process, answer all of your burning questions about the application and criteria, and provide tips to ensure your application is the best it can possibly be.

Register for the workshop.

UM’s alumni and donor community continue to help build brighter futures for all of us. In the past year, over 6,400 donors from 20 countries around the world have been inspired to spark change through gifts to UM, and our endowment fund now sits at over $1 billion. We saw 1,022 people in our community become first time donors, the Isbister Legacy Society reached over 500 members, and our faculty, staff and retirees gave over $490,000. 

We are proud to share highlights of how the impact of your giving enhances student experiences, drives innovative research and fosters communities where everyone can thrive. 

Enhancing student experiences

At the heart of the University of Manitoba is a commitment to our students, and your generosity has made a significant mark on their lives.

Each year, over $40 million in scholarships, bursaries and prizes are awarded, easing financial burdens and recognizing excellence among our students. This support empowers exceptional individuals like Joel Nichols, who in 2023 became our 100th Rhodes Scholar—the most of any university in Western Canada. Joel, an interdisciplinary artist and the first Rhodes Scholar from the School of Art, exemplifies the talent and potential nurtured at UM through your support.

Your contributions have also aided in our commitment to developing future health care professionals. Through donations, a dedicated $1 million has been allocated for new medical bursaries, which will help medical students pursue their education with lessened financial barriers. This investment not only transforms their lives but also promises a brighter future for health care in our communities.

Since 2018, 83 high school students have received full tuition to attend UM through the Schroeder Foundation Scholarships. Emphasizing education as a pathway out of poverty, these scholarships offer students from challenging backgrounds the chance to pursue higher education with the resources and mentorship they need to succeed.

Experiential learning opportunities have flourished across disciplines, preparing students for the complexities of the modern world. From internships and co-operative education placements to community-engaged learning projects, these hands-on experiences equip students with practical skills and confidence. Thanks to your support, over 40 UM programs now offer experiential learning opportunities where students can apply the skills they learned in the classroom and gain valuable experience. UM alum Melisa Miljkovic, while studying for her business degree, discovered the International Exchange Program, which allows students the chance to study at one of over 60 schools overseas. Thanks to the Hartley T. Richardson International Travel Bursary, Miljkovic was able to attend the University of Plymouth in England for six months, delving into an educational experience that transformed her personally and professionally. Miljkovic graduated on the dean’s honour list with a double major in International Business Studies and Supply Chain Management and Logistics. 

Fostering Indigenous excellence and Reconciliation

The University of Manitoba is dedicated to fostering Indigenous excellence and advancing Reconciliation, and your support plays a vital role in this journey.

Students like Tréchelle Bunn embody the impact of these initiatives. From Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation, Bunn is a law student, athlete and Youth Chief who founded Canada’s first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation half marathon. Through programs like the Indigenous Circle of Empowerment, UM supports her journey as a growing leader.

Expanded financial aid has opened doors for more Indigenous students to access higher education and achieve their academic aspirations. Programs like Qualico Bridge to Success assists first-year Indigenous students in their transition to university life, providing mentorship, cultural workshops and a supportive community.

The Access Program also stands as a key program for Indigenous excellence, providing academic, personal and cultural resources. With a team of dedicated advisors, counselors and community leaders, Access students have the foundation they need to thrive, and six Indigenous participants have progressed to medical school, fulfilling their aspirations to serve as future health care professionals.

Investing in exceptional places and spaces

Your contributions have transformed our campus, creating exceptional places and spaces that enhance learning and research.

The new Desautels Concert Hall stands as a testament to this transformation—a stunning venue with state-of-the-art acoustics and architecture. It enriches our cultural landscape, hosting performances and events that bring the community together and celebrate the arts.

The Dr. Gerald and Reesa Niznick Centre, currently under construction thanks to a $5 million gift from the Niznicks, will include a new dental clinic equipped with cutting-edge technology. As the future home of Canada’s fourth-ranked dental program, this facility sets a new standard in dental education and care. Students will receive training with the latest advancements, preparing them to better serve our communities.

Looking toward the future of global food security, the upcoming Prairie Crops and Soils Research Facility will accelerate soil and crop research. By providing advanced facilities for field studies and sample processing, this centre will promote innovation in sustainable agricultural practices, nutrient management and cropping systems. Through this facility, our university can continue to make strides in addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

Driving research and innovation

Research and innovation are at the core of the University of Manitoba’s mission, and your support has been instrumental in propelling us forward.

UM has received over $450 million from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation over the past 22 years—the most this foundation has awarded to any Canadian university. This support drives critical research, including initiatives led by UM’s Institute for Global Public Health (IGPH). In partnership with authorities in Uttar Pradesh—the largest state in India, with a population of 223 million—IGPH’s work has achieved a 40% reduction in neonatal mortality, resulting in approximately 99,000 deaths being averted annually.

With 32 Endowed and Sponsored Research Chairs funded by philanthropy, we attract leading researchers in fields such as health sciences, engineering, agriculture and social justice. These scholars delve deeper into critical research areas, advancing discoveries with far-reaching impacts.

One such initiative is the establishment of the Potato Research Chair, a groundbreaking endeavor positioning Manitoba as a global leader in potato industry research and sustainability. Addressing challenges like soil health, water management and disease control, this chair is essential in developing strategies for a healthier and more prosperous future in food security.

Looking forward with gratitude

As we reflect on the remarkable impact of your generosity, we are filled with gratitude and optimism. Your support has transformed the University of Manitoba, setting the stage for continued innovation, learning and community engagement.

Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Your contributions continue to make a profound difference, and we look forward to building on this momentum to build an even brighter future.

Learn more about how your support is making an impact.

By the numbers: 

• 1,600 – First year students who receive entrance scholarships each year 

• 6,486 – Total number of donors from 20 countries  

• 3,000 – Number of awards you can find in the UM awards database  

• $40 million – Value of awards given out by UM each year 

• $14 million – Value of bursaries given out by UM each year 

• $1.045 billion – Current value of Endowment Fund 

Enhancing Student Engagement and Overall Academic Success 

The importance of scholarships, bursaries, and awards cannot be overstated. They can provide financial stability, reducing the stress and anxiety associated with tuition fees, books, housing, and other educational expenses. Research has shown that when students have their basic needs met, they are more likely to experience improved mental and physical well-being. This can lead to better concentration, higher levels of motivation, and an overall more positive attitude toward learning.  

Financial support through scholarships can also help students feel more connected to their educational institution. They may perceive that the institution cares about their success, which can foster a sense of belonging and motivation to engage in campus activities and coursework. They also promote diversity and inclusion by providing opportunities to underrepresented groups. When students from diverse backgrounds have access to higher education through scholarships, it enriches the learning environment for all students and promotes cross-cultural understanding. At the same time, these opportunities ensure that the University of Manitoba remains a hub for world-class talent and a leader in academic achievement. 

Finally, scholarships and bursaries can sometimes come with additional benefits, such as access to mentorship programs, research opportunities, or internships. These resources can enhance a student’s educational experience and engagement by providing valuable learning opportunities. 

The Impact of Donor Generosity Exemplified 

• The BMO Financial Group Indigenous Leaders of Tomorrow scholarships annually recognize and reward some of the brightest Indigenous high school graduates in Canada. These prestigious awards not only support the academic journey of students but also recognize their leadership, vision, and commitment to community. With this recognition, Indigenous students are encouraged to continue breaking barriers, pursue their dreams, and become role models for the next generation. 

• The transformative contributions of Dr. Gerry [BSc(ME)/70, MSc/72, LLD(Hon)/17] and Barbara [BHEc/69, CertEd/70] Price led to the creation of several targeted scholarships, such as the Price Industries Ltd. Entrance Scholarship for Engineering and the Price Engineering Access Bursaries for Indigenous Students, ensuring that diverse and talented students have access to engineering education. 

• In recognition of Hartley T. Richardson’s [BComm(Hons)/77, LLD/04] achievements and the support of his family, friends, and fellow alumni, the Hartley T. Richardson Student Support Fund was established in 2019. The Hartley T. Richardson International Travel Bursary and Bachelor of Commerce Bursary help students gain global experiences and succeed in the competitive field of commerce. 

• The Alumni Association Scholarships, which include the Entrance Scholarship, Community Leadership Scholarship, and Graduate Fellowship, recognize and support students at different stages of their academic journey. Whether they are first-year undergraduates or PhD candidates, UM students benefit from the generosity of alumni who have walked the same paths and now wish to give back to the community that shaped them. 

• The Schulich Leader Scholarships have been awarded to two incoming students each year since 2012. These scholarships, valued at $80,000 and $100,000, are offered to undergraduate students pursuing studies in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). The Schulich Leader Scholarships empower students to take on new challenges, innovate, and pursue careers that will shape the future of these critical fields. 

Building a Brighter Future Together 

None of these scholarships, bursaries, and awards would be possible without the generosity and vision of UM’s donors. The impact of their gifts resonates in every student who walks across the graduation stage, every groundbreaking research project, and every community initiative that comes to life through their support. Countless alumni and friends of the university have created a legacy that will continue to shape the future of UM and its students for generations to come. 

Their generosity has sparked opportunities, and their belief in UM’s mission has fueled success. As the university looks to the future, the continued support of UM’s visionary donors will be integral to shaping the leaders, innovators, and change-makers of tomorrow. 

Learn more about the scholarships, bursaries, and awards available at UM on the Financial Aid and Awards website. 

This kind of reception is not new to the Faculty of Law. The annual Pitblado Scholars Reception hosted by the Faculty of Law each fall, has had Jim and Sandra Pitblado meeting up with each and every Dean’s Honour Roll student for the past 21 years to present each with a Pitblado Scholarship.

Despite the chill November air, emotion ran warmly through the Robson Hall Common Room as award presenters shared memories of their loved-ones’ lives, or excitedly met recipients starting their legal careers. Each award was connected in some way to someone who had made significant contributions to the legal practice or legal research for the betterment of people’s lives.

Dr. Tracey Peter, Vice-Provost (Academic Affairs) brought greetings from the University of Manitoba President’s office and The Honourable Renée Cable, newly minted Minister of Advanced Education and Training, represented the Manitoba Government. The Faculty’s legal community partners were represented by Jason Gisser, President, Manitoba Bar Association, Michelle Falk, Executive Director, Manitoba Bar Association, and Leah Kosokowsky, C.E.O., Law Society of Manitoba. The Honourable Ryan Rolston, Chief Judge of the Provincial Court represented the judiciary, along with recently appointed Provincial Court judge and former Associate Professor, The Honourable Judge David Ireland, who was also present to celebrate the achievements of his former students.

“With deepest thanks and earnest gratitude, we welcome our donors who are here tonight in person to witness the fruits of their labours as we celebrate our hard-working students who have earned scholarships, awards and fellowships made possible by these remarkable people,” said Dr. Richard Jochelson, Dean of Law in his welcoming remarks. “It is truly heart-warming and inspiring to see donors meeting and encouraging the students receiving their awards.”

Mark Joyal, a Classics professor at the University of Manitoba presented the Ken Tacium memorial award in honour of his long-time friend, which is presented annually as an entrance award to law students who have overcome significant obstacles. The award honours Tacium’s own determination in achieving his LLB in 1985 despite a spinal cord injury. Tacium died in 2012 at age 54, and was a senior partner with Tacium, Vincent and Orlikow, attorneys-at-law. Joyal explained his friend was known for selflessness and dedication to clients, and volunteered for charities that helped people with disabilities, children and animals. The two winners of the award this year were AubrieAnn Schettler and Austin Lees.

The family of Darius Maharaj-Hunter (left to right): David Hunter (father), Anjanie Maharaj-Hunter (mother), Delyar Khaleh (wife), Tamir Maharaj (cousin).

For the first time, the newly-established Darius Hunter Memorial Award was presented to third-year law student Seth Lozinski (they/them) by Delyar Khaleh, wife of the late Robson Hall graduate, Darius Maharaj-Hunter. Hunter, who graduated with his JD in 2021 died at age 25 when he was just embarking on his legal career.

Khaleh was accompanied by Hunter’s father David Hunter, mother Anjanie Maharaj-Hunter, and first-cousin Tamir Maharaj. After attending the event, Khaleh said, “The Darius Maharaj Hunter Memorial Scholarship was established with the purpose to empower and support law students who have demonstrated a spirit for leadership and community engagement, and a desire to carry this forward in their education and practice. We were pleased to meet and celebrate our first recipient of this award – Seth Lozinski, as well as connect over Darius’ passions and pursuits, and his continued legacy in the legal community.”

More information on the Darius Hunter Award can be found on the University of Manitoba website.

Faculty of Law alum Morton H. Nemy’s grandson David (left) and son Wayne (right) share the legacy of the well-respected Winnipeg lawyer in whose name the family established an Entrance Scholarship.

The Morton H. Nemy Entrance Scholarship presentation was also a family affair this year when the both the son and grandson of the late Dr. Morton H. Nemy, a prominent lawyer and community leader in Winnipeg, presented the award to Tess Poulton. Third-year law student David Nemy, a member of the L. Kerry Vickar Business Law Clinic team, supported his father Wayne who shared the story of his own father’s legacy. Morton H. Nemy graduated from the Manitoba Law School in 1956, as it was then called, and died in 2006 after practicing law for over 50 years.

Muriel St. John was pleased to meet her award recipient, Sawarn Benning in-person this year.

Meeting the student recipients of her award is nothing new to retired E.K. Williams Law Librarian Muriel St. John who, before the pandemic, had established a practice of reading the winning research paper and hosting a lunch at her home for the winners of the Muriel St. John Research Award for Women’s Legal Issues.The purpose of the award is to encourage research into legal issues pertaining to women, social justice, and societal rights. 

Looking forward to reading the winning paper of third-year law student Sawarn Benning, St. John said, “I love to meet with the students who have won my award; however this has not happened since the pandemic. So, it was wonderful this year to meet my award winner at the Awards Reception sponsored by the Law School.”

Left to right: Sandra Secter, Master of Human Rights student Priscila Alves, and Harvey Secter, CM, OM.

Former Chancellor of the University of Manitoba and former Dean of Law Harvey Secter, CM, OM [BComm/1967, LLB/1992] and Sandra Secter were in attendance to present Master of Human Rights program students with the Harvey and Sandra Secter Master of Human Rights Fellowship Awards. Student recipients were Trixie Maybituin, Priscila Alves, and Wendy Ochola.

The full list of awards presented were:

Susan Loadman Memorial Award, presented by her sister Mary Fultz and niece Megan Fultz. Presented to a student who has persevered in their legal studies despite significant obstacles to their progress.

• Matt Reimer

Darius Maharaj Hunter Memorial Scholarship, presented by the Maharaj-Hunter family, to a student who has demonstrated a spirit for leadership and community engagement, and a desire to carry this forward in their education and practice.

• Seth Lozinski

Ken Tacium Memorial Scholarships, presented by Dr. Mark Joyal, long-time friend of the late Ken Tacium, to law students who have overcome significant obstacles honoring Ken Tacium’s own determination in achieving his LL.B. despite a spinal cord injury.

• AubrieAnn Schettler
• Austin Lees

Morton H. Nemy Entrance Scholarship, presented by son Wayne Nemy and grandson David Nemy.

• Tess Poulton

Muriel St. John Research Award for Women’s Legal Issues, presented by Muriel St. John, former Research Librarian at the E.K. Williams Law Library.

• Sawarn Benning

Taylor McCaffrey LLP Entrance Award, presented by Kevin Williams, K.C., Managing Partner [Bcomm (Hons)/1985; LLB/1989].

• Abigail Clarke
• Dena Aminzadeh
• Tesia Romaniw

Pitblado LLP Entrance Award, presented by Don MacDonald [LLB/1983].

• Joshua Dondo

Associate Dean (Academic) Dr. Jennifer Schulz [BA/1991; LLB/1994] presented the following undergraduate awards to Juris Doctor students:

Alex Brown Entrance Scholarship in Law

• Kaitlyn Clarke

Max Steinkopf Entrance Scholarship

• Emily Dueck
• Marianna Pozdirca

Maitland Steinkopf Entrance Award

• James Cheng
• Jayden Kyryluk

Dean’s List Academic Award

• Tobey Xiang
• Nicholas Ly

Manitoba Law School Foundation Entrance Scholarship

• Elizabeth Walker

Patricia N. and Mark G. Smerchanski Law Entrance Scholarship

• Gilad Stitz

D’Arcy & Deacon LLP Entrance Scholarship

• Brennan Carlson

John Mitchell Scholarship

• Tréchelle Bunn

EJ McMurray Trust Fund Entrance Award

• Sarah Shuttleworth
• Chloe Dreilich-Girard
• Kaedyn Lashley

Ahava Halpern and Frank Lavitt Entrance Scholarship for Law

• Talia Taras

JSD Tory Writing Award

• Lou Lamari

Borden Ladner Gervais Professional Excellence Award

• Laraib Khaliqdina

Regina Novek Prize

• Justin Papoff

David Sowemimo Law Entrance Scholarship

• Stefan Lewis

Associate Dean (Research & Graduate Studies) Dr. Donn Short presented a series of Fellowships to Master of Laws students:

University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship

• Lovelyn Osiele

Adalsteinn (Steini) Fridrikson Kristjansson Graduate Fellowship

• Xiaobing Li

Samuel Freedman Graduate Fellowship

• Xiaobing Li

Bernard B. Dubienski and Amy E. Dubienski Memorial Scholarship

• Larry Munir

Right Honourable Brian Dickson Graduate Fellowship

• Larry Munir

Trevor Anderson Fellowship

• Larry Munir

David T. Sgayias Graduate Fellowship

• Chiamaka Ilozue

Director of Master of Human Rights Program Dr. Kjell Anderson presented the University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships:

• Piaroa Nuñez
• Kyra Campbell
• Dannielle Morrisseau

Harvey and Sandra Secter presented the Harvey and Sandra Secter Master of Human Rights Fellowship Awards:

• Trixie Maybituin
• Priscila Alves
• Wendy Ochola
• Nabil Iqbal

Creating a bursary, fellowship, prize or scholarship is one of the most meaning ways to make a positive impact in students’ lives. By establishing an endowment or annually funded award, you can join thousands of donors in celebrating students’ achievements and removing financial barriers to education.

Whether meeting new friends, having a refreshing meal and beverage at the Daily Bread Café, or student support through our study spaces and academic coaching, everything we do at the college is centered around our community.  

Here are five benefits college members receive when they sign up for only $10 per academic term. 

1.Eligibility to apply for scholarships and bursaries.

Each year, the college rewards $180,000 worth of scholarships and bursaries to students within UM. Students from all faculties, entrance, international, and graduate students can apply once they’ve become a college member.

To learn more about our scholarships, click here.

2. Study Space

In the college, we have three study spaces open to students. These spaces include two study carrels where students can house their textbooks and other school items throughout the academic term. We also have our library, which is open to members and non-members of the college.

Each of these spaces allows students to be productive, work with friends, and have a quiet place to themselves.

To apply for a study carrel, click here.

3. Monthly events provided by SJCSA

Two things at the heart of our community bring us together: events and food! Our active student council, St John’s College Student Association (SJCSA), works monthly to organize events for students to bring the college community together, have fun, and meet other students. These events include their annual Jumpstart at the start of the school year, themed game nights, and movie nights in the lounge.

To learn more about SJCSA or view upcoming events, click here.

To follow SJCSA on Instagram, click here. 

4. Discounts on food service at the Daily Bread Café and Soup4U

The college loves to bring together the college community over food. At our Daily Bread Café and Soup4U, college members receive 10% off all food services with their membership. From delicious sandwiches, a café atmosphere, and perogy Fridays, you can have a nice lunch while visiting with friends and taking a break from studying.  

To learn more about the Daily Bread Café and Soup4U, click here.

5. Student Support Services

UM students have a lot on their plates. From studying, building their careers, working, and extracurricular activities, the college provides students with academic and mental health support. Through our Chaplaincy services, students can visit our Chaplain for mental health support, spiritual care, and additional religious services. Through our academic advising, students can visit our Academic Advisor for help in registering for courses, course help, and career counselling. 

To learn more about our chaplain services, click here. 

To learn more about our academic coaching, click here. 

With 660 members rising, the college community is a place for everyone.

Click here to become a member!

Applications for a variety of bursaries are now available for the 2023-24 academic year.

Unlike scholarships, the selection criteria for bursaries are largely focused on financial need and achievement of a minimum academic standing.

Most awards require students to apply for the University of Manitoba General Bursary Program with opportunities to qualify for additional awards. The application due date for the 2023-24 academic year is October 1, 2023.

Some students may be eligible for General Bursary Supplemental Awards if they meet certain requirements, including a focus on specific career paths, extra-curricular involvement, athletic recognition, accessibility considerations, and more.

For more information on the UM General Bursary and other awards open to UM students, from eligibility criteria to application due dates, visit Financial Aid and Awards.

Students are also encouraged to use the Awards Database to search through thousands of awards available to UM students across many undergraduate and graduate programs.

How to apply for bursaries in the Aurora Student Portal

• Login to Aurora
• Select Student Awards and Financial Aid
• Select View My Applications
• At the bottom of the page, select Create New Application for Student Aid
• Select Aid Year and Period

“Access to higher education is critical to growing our provincial workforce and this increase will help reduce financial barriers so more students can pursue post-secondary opportunities,” said Guillemard.

“As the cost of living continues to increase, our government remains committed to making life more affordable for Manitobans. This increase will provide additional funding to students who have the highest financial need, so they can remain focused on their studies and achieve their educational goals.”

The move aligns with the federal government’s decision to raise the Canada Student Loan maximum to $300 per week of study for the 2023-24 program year.

The Manitoba government also plans to increase the Manitoba Bursary Fund through an additional $1.4-million investment to support eligible students. Bursaries don’t need to be repaid and will be available to eligible lower-income students attending post-secondary institutions.

For more information, visit www.manitoba.ca/aesi/sas.html.

For more information about funding options or to apply for Manitoba student aid, visit https://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/msa/.

Each August, law students who fill out the University of Manitoba’s general bursary application form through their Aurora Student accounts (the deadline for which is October 1), are automatically considered for the Butch Nepon Memorial Bursary. The Terms of Reference for the Bursary state that to be eligible, law students must be registered for and complete at least 60 per cent of a full course load over the regular academic season in both Fall and Winter terms. Continuing University of Manitoba students must earn at least a 2.0 GPA. Financial need must be clearly documented on the application.

Currently valued at over $1.8 million, the Bursary has supported a significant number of law students each year since it started disbursing support to students in 2006. To date, nearly $900,000 has helped law students get through their studies. The story of Nepon’s legacy at the Faculty of Law as both a former student and professor is one that should not be forgotten.

“Brilliant” was a word frequently used to describe Nepon by his professors, colleagues and students. In an interview in the Manitoba Law Journal’s special issue on The Great Transition in Legal Education in Manitoba(39:1), Professor Emeritus Cameron Harvey, who started teaching at the Faculty in 1966, remembered Nepon as a student in his Administrative Law class, which Nepon later taught himself, along with Constitutional Law. Harvey described his former student as “the most brilliant law student I have ever taught” (at page 114).

“He did not participate in class, but he would get to the exam, start writing, and write continuously for the whole exam,” Harvey recalled. “The remarkable thing was: he would not only answer the question in terms of the law, he would answer the question in terms of sociology, or political science, or whatever other area may be involved in the answer. It would be a complete answer and it all just came flowing out of his head. He never thought about it, never made any notes. He never had to structure an answer. It was just a stunningly amazing performance.”

News clipping of Butch Nepon winning Viscount Bennett Award.

This brilliance as a student garnered many awards for Nepon, who won 15 prizes throughout his law school career, and was a top student in each of his three years at the Faculty of Law. His proud family had a notice regarding a particular achievement of his published in a local newspaper. It was June of 1967, and Nepon had just won the Canadian Bar Association’s $5,000 Viscount Bennett Scholarship. According to the announcement, this was the first time the entire amount was awarded to one student, whereas in previous years, it was divided between two different graduating law students. The news story also reports that Nepon was the Gold Medalist for Law in his year, and that he had won so many awards that he actually had to surrender two of them. Finally, the story reveals that Nepon was articling at the law firm of Walsh, Micay & Co., and would use the CBA scholarship to pursue post-graduate Law studies at Yale University.

That he did, was then called to the Manitoba bar in 1968, and returned to Manitoba to teach at the Faculty of Law in 1969 where he remained as a professor until his untimely passing in 1998.

When they became colleagues on the Faculty, Harvey described Nepon as a creative thinker. “He would come into my office and run things by me and I would just marvel. It is like watching a hockey player or a soccer player doing something and you think, “How the hell did he do that?” He did not even want any feedback; he just wanted someone to bounce ideas off of.”

You could fool Butch Nepon none of the time. He could see through pretentiousness and cant no matter how artfully disguised.  His stories and quips were his way of turning the pain of awareness – including self-awareness – into transcendent moments of joy. – Dr. Bryan Schwartz, Professor, Faculty of Law, University of Manitoba

Dr. Bryan Schwartz was a young professor on his first teaching job with a PhD fresh from Yale University when he joined the Faculty of Law in 1981 and met Nepon for the first time. They hit it off from the start and formed a close bond that lasted until Nepon’s death. What stayed with Schwartz for years was the memory of Butch’s phenomenal sense of humour.  “It was sardonic and absurdist,” said Schwartz. “Think Groucho Marx with a Yale law degree. Butch shared it with his students, but above all, with his closest friend. You could fool Butch Nepon none of the time. He could see through pretentiousness and cant no matter how artfully disguised.  His stories and quips were his way of turning the pain of awareness – including self-awareness – into transcendent moments of joy.”

In addition to being a talented singer who loved an audience and did musical theatre in university, Nepon had many talents in both the classroom and courtroom, Schwartz pointed out. “[H]e not only made meritorious contributions to each of academic teaching and practice, but brought the best of each world to the other,” said Schwartz. “His teaching [was] informed and enriched by his extensive practical experience; and his academic reflection and skill at conveying his ideas enabled him to make crucial contributions to some of the most important public law cases in the modern history of Manitoba.”

1987 yearbook photo of Butch Nepon as a law professor.

Schwartz revealed that as a student, awards Nepon won, in addition to the Gold Medal and the CBA award, included the Alexander Morris Exhibition and the Law Society’s Margaret Hypathia Crawford Award. Schwartz clarified that while Nepon practiced law with Walsh Micay after being called to the bar in 1968, he began teaching full-time in 1970. “He established an exceptional record of teaching excellence, longevity and breadth of subject matters in the public law area,” said Schwartz. “It is not an exaggeration to say that most of the practising bar benefitted from his public law teaching. His teaching [was] marked by both academic sharpness and an intense sense of practicality; he always encouraged students to consider the doctrinal subtleties of the issue in the context of helping a real client with a real problem.”

Schwartz described the many public law cases in which Nepon played an important role in the preparation and presentation of arguments, many of which went before the Supreme Court of Canada and the Manitoba Court of Appeal, which had lasting impact on Canadian public law. Some SCC cases he worked on included language rights and hunting, fishing and trapping rights of Indigenous peoples.

Nepon was a frequent legal consultant to the Government of Manitoba, and acted pro bono as a resource for Legal Aid Manitoba’s Public Interest Law Centre. Specifically, he contributed to making new law concerning minority language rights and procedure in public inquiries in the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry.

Finally, Schwartz described Nepon as “a teacher and practitioner whose intellect, learning, integrity and kindness [were] widely known and appreciated.”

When Nepon’s brother-in-law, Sidney Halpern, who was married to Butch’s sister Esther, recently went through family files, he was struck by how focused they were on the Indian Act and Métis land claims matters.

“He was brilliant,” said Halpern in an email to University of Manitoba staff. “He had health issues which led to [his] premature passing and he felt so grateful to the Faculty of Law for enabling his functioning with the health issues and to his students who helped him lead a truly meaningful life. They were his family support.”

Among his students, Nepon was known as “The Chocolate Professor”, and was fondly remembered for handing out chocolate bars during exams to give them an “energy boost.” His family described him as an “innately gentle, kind man who loved people.”

Nepon loved teaching and the faculty so much that he wanted to continue supporting them after he was gone. He did so by donating a substantial gift to the University of Manitoba to create the Butch Nepon Memorial Bursary. This bursary has allowed students the financial support to pursue a degree in the Faculty of Law for more than 20 years, and will continue to do so for many more years to come.

UM is saddened to learn of the recent passing of Esther Halpern, Butch Nepon’s sister. Gifts made in memory of Butch or Esther to the Butch Nepon Memorial Bursary will benefit students in the Faculty of Law in perpetuity.

“UM offers a lot of support for Indigenous students like Elders in residence and Indigenous student groups,” she says. “Ongomiizwin Education were so supportive to me throughout my application to medicine, and they have created a space for us on campus to build relationships and explore different cultural teachings and health career paths.”

As a Métis student, North says she’s inspired by Ongomiizwin Health Services, whose mission is to honour relationships, inspire minds and contribute to the health and well-being of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit children, families and communities. After graduation, she plans to return to her rural roots and use her Indigenous health learning to practice medicine in her hometown.

“There are physician shortages in many rural communities and my hometown has been so supportive of my medicine journey, so that will be an exciting full-circle moment for me. I’m also passionate about Indigenous health and mental health specifically, and my experience in the Indigenous stream of medicine at UM will also allow me to branch outside my community.”

For the last year of her undergrad degree, North received the Louis Riel Bursary thanks to the support of the Manitoba Métis Federation, which she says has helped her immensely in her first year of medicine. This past year, the Louis Riel Bursary has supported 423 Métis students at UM.

“The MMF is proud to have financially supported so many Red River Métis students through the Louis Riel Bursary and the Post-Secondary Education Support Program. Our students are a big part of our future and we are always thrilled to be a part of their journeys through post-secondary education.” Says Minister Joan Ledoux, the Manitoba Métis Federation Education Minister.  

“The workload of this faculty is so high that it’s not possible for me to work to support myself,” she says. “Also, I can no longer commute from my rural community, so living in the city has been an added cost to my education. The Bursary has helped to relieve some of my financial stress, which has had a positive impact on my mental health and allowed me to focus on my studies.”

North says receiving the Bursary has also helped her feel supported as a student, and it’s brought her even closer to her Métis community.

“I’m so honoured they have placed their trust in me and invested in my future. The financial support I’ve received now is just a first step in all the ways I will be able to give back to the community after I graduate.”

The Louis Riel Bursary is available to qualifying Métis students studying at the University of Manitoba registered in undergraduate or graduate programs as full-time or part-time students. The application for the 2023 Summer term will be available in early May 2023 with a June 1 deadline date. Click here to learn more about Indigenous student awards.