The announcement was made today by UM President and Vice-Chancellor, Michael Benarroch, at the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, State of the City luncheon.

The University’s Committee of Election – a joint session of the University’s Board of Governors and Senate – approved the unanimous recommendation of the Chancellor Search Committee that Dave Angus be elected as the next Chancellor for a three-year term. He will succeed the current Chancellor, Anne Mahon, who has served in this volunteer role with distinction since 2019.

“With decades of dedicated service to our province as a business leader, community builder, and advocate for Manitoba and its people, Dave Angus is exceptionally well-suited to serve as Chancellor of the University of Manitoba.  He brings a unique combination of experience, insight, and energy, and will work with both the University community and the broader public to promote and celebrate the University of Manitoba, helping to shape an even stronger university for the future,” says Lynette Magnus [BComm/91], Chair of the Board of Governors and Chair of the Chancellor Search Committee.

The Chancellor is the ceremonial head of the University, responsible for conferring all degrees and diplomas. The Chancellor Search Committee identified the capacity to serve as a strong ambassador for the University within the broader community and to contribute meaningfully to its governance as key criteria for selection.

“Through my involvement in the community, particularly the Chamber of Commerce, I saw how impactful the University of Manitoba is and developed a deep appreciation for its stature among universities across Canada, and internationally,” says Dave Angus. “There are so many layers to the impact of this university and if I can play a role in spreading that message and bringing people to the University through partnerships, then that’s a role I am honoured to play.”

Since graduating from the Asper School of Business in 1982, Angus has dedicated himself to strengthening Manitoba’s business community and supporting local organizations. His leadership excellence was recognized in 2012 when he was named Canada’s top chamber of commerce executive. Before becoming President of Johnston Group, a leading employee benefits company, Angus was President and CEO of The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce for 17 years.

A member of the Order of Manitoba, he volunteers extensively, sitting on the United Way Campaign Cabinet for eight of its annual drives and serving as campaign chair in 2020. He is Chair of the Friends of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, a member of the museum’s Audit and Finance Committee, its Governance, Nominating, and Board Development Committee, and is actively involved in fundraising for the museum’s Digital Learning Centre project.

Through his involvement with the United Way, Angus is rallying local businesses in furthering their adoption of the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action, specifically Call to Action #92, which focuses on youth employment. He conceived and championed an Employer Consortium model that supports business-to-business learning, helping local employers learn from each other, scale up their efforts, and collectively respond to Call to Action #92.

“Dave Angus is someone who leads by example,” says Benarroch. “He embodies an entrepreneurial spirit we want to impart into more students—this idea of looking at the challenges that surround us and saying, ‘OK, what can I do to solve this, and who else can help?’ He brings people together to make this community better. I’m excited for him to bring this passion to our campus and advise us on how we can engage and partner with even more people.”

Dave Angus has served our community in many roles, including: Past-chair and sitting member of the Joint Public Advisory Committee of the Commission for Environmental Cooperation; Co-chair of the Board of the World Trade Centre Winnipeg; Co-chair of the Winnipeg Poverty Reduction Council; board member of the Manitoba Museum; board member of Winnipeg’s Downtown Council; Canadian representative on the Board of Directors of the American Chamber of Commerce Executives; Co-chair of the Council of International Trade; member of the City of Winnipeg’s Red Tape Commission; member of the Mayor’s Trade Council; Board Chair of the Prairie Theatre Exchange; and board member of the YM/YWCA.

“I am grateful for the privilege of serving the University as Chancellor. I look forward to continuing to engage with our wonderful students, faculty and staff,” an excited Chancellor Mahon said after the announcement of her re-election was made at a meeting of the Committee of Election.

This committee was established in The University of Manitoba Act for the sole purpose of electing a chancellor. Its membership consists of all members of the Board of Governors and of Senate, and is led by the Chair of the Board of Governors.

“Chancellor Mahon has been a strong advocate for student supports, especially throughout the pandemic, and she has served as a distinguished ambassador for the University of Manitoba,” says Laurel Hyde, Chair of the Board of Governors. “We are delighted that UM will continue to benefit from her leadership and guidance.”

Chancellor Mahon was officially installed at a ceremony on June 3, 2019, and has since been a passionate champion for the University, promoting the importance of the work undertaken by members of the UM community in all the venues in which she works.

Throughout the pandemic she has worked hard to maintain a strong sense of community, by, for example, hosting the UM Alumni Book Club, which brings together nearly 1000 alumni. She also Chaired the 2020 and 2021 Distinguished Alumni Award Selection Panel, facilitating the deliberations and connecting personally with all the recipients.

She has made meaningful connections with students and faculty members across the University, and has found unique ways to celebrate and promote the work of our community.

Chancellor Mahon is deeply committed to the University’s priority of Indigenous Engagement and Reconciliation, learning from University Elders and building strong relationships with members of the Indigenous community.

“Chancellor Anne Mahon has worked tirelessly during her first term as Chancellor, giving so much of her time and energy to supporting the mission of this university through the countless disruptions we faced these past two years,” said Michael Benarroch, UM’s President and Vice-Chancellor. “UM has greatly benefitted from her ability to build and foster connections and looks forward to the years ahead.”

The Chancellor of the University of Manitoba serves as the titular, or ceremonial, head of the University.  In this volunteer role, the Chancellor confers all degrees at convocation, plays an important role in University Governance and serves as an ambassador for the University in the broader community.

Chancellor Anne Mahon. // Photo by Mike Latschislaw

One of the greatest joys of being chancellor is meeting with students and feeling inspired by your drive and vision, yet, unfortunately, meeting with you in person was not possible this year. That does not mean, however, that you did not inspire me. You did. You do.

It is a time of huge societal disruption and personal learning, and you have persevered and adapted and are graduating. You achieved something great in one of history’s most tumultuous times. This is truly a cause for celebration!

One day this spring, I found myself inexplicably sobbing. (I came to see this as pandemic emotions I needed to release.) And I’ve found myself thinking of you, especially when the weight of the pandemic got to me.

I’ve thought of how much more energy you had to muster to complete your final year.  I’ve also thought about the extraordinary efforts of our faculty and staff to make this year possible (thank you!). And I’ve been very conscious of everyone’s well-being.

You have reached deep within yourselves to get to this day. You have also likely reached out to others, both to lend support and to receive it. We’ve all become more aware of how important it is to look out for each other.

Who’s supported you this past year?

Getting here required the support of many, and you have also likely offered support to others. Never forget how good it felt to help, and to be helped.

Let us be forgiving and compassionate to ourselves and to everyone we meet. This pandemic will leave many legacies, may one of them be more kindness.

Be proud of yourselves. You are extraordinary students, forged during extraordinary times.

Never ever forget this.

Sincerely,
Anne Mahon

For Anne Mahon, it boils down to a question of faith.

When she was asked last year to become the University of Manitoba’s 14th chancellor, the Winnipeg writer, volunteer and philanthropist turned to prayer for guidance.

Raised a Protestant, she converted to Catholicism when she married Paul Mahon in 1987, the same year she graduated from the U of M’s faculty of human ecology with a major in marketing of apparel and textiles and a minor in business.

“It shapes every day,” the 54-year-old mother of three confides when asked about the role faith plays in her life. “I try to have it shape every decision. I pray daily. I prayed very hard before I took the chancellor’s job. The first book came from having a spiritual vision. Some people would roll their eyes, but it’s the truth.”

That’s the kind of person the newly minted chancellor is — she’s kind, compassionate, outgoing and forthright. Ask her a straight question and she’ll give you a straight answer. She calls herself a pragmatic extrovert, a curious but friendly person who is passionate about family, food, Victoria Beach, social justice and helping people living on the fringe.

The prospect of being named the ceremonial head of the university — a sort of goodwill ambassador responsible for conferring degrees and diplomas — never crossed her mind until she got a surprise phone call last year.

“I was curious what would it be like, how would it broaden my life. I also felt it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. And community is important to me, and serving the community. I thought it was a very surprising way to serve,” says Mahon, whose three-year term began on June 1, when she succeeded Harvey Secter, who had served as chancellor since 2010.

The journey to becoming chancellor is “a super-wiggly road,” says Mahon, laughing as she shares a large salad and pizza at Casa Grande Pizzeria on Sargent Avenue. “I wouldn’t have been asked to be chancellor if I hadn’t written those books.”

As an award-winning author, Mahon has become a champion for immigrant and refugee families in Manitoba. Her two books tell the stories of the disempowered, giving voice to the voiceless.

Read the full Free Press story here.

University of Manitoba Chancellor, author and self-professed “proud Winnipegger” Anne Mahon wil serve as moderator for A Conversation with Former First Lady Michelle Obama at Bell MTS Place on Sept. 24, the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce announced Friday.

“Winnipeg is home to so many incredible visionaries and leaders, individuals who have shaped not just the local landscape, but positively impacted our country and beyond,” said Loren Remillard, president and CEO of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce in a press release. “The selection of moderator made clear the tremendous depth of inspiration voices and difference makers our city has that make Winnipeg truly special. We are honoured to have Anne take the stage to represent our community for this once-in-a-lifetime event.

“Anne’s lifetime of community commitment and philanthropic work is the perfect example of someone who shares the former first lady’s dedication to creating meaningful change for those most in need.”

Read the full story here.

A celebrated writer, volunteer, philanthropist and alumna, Chancellor Mahon was commended by the many honoured guests in attendance from around campus and across Canada for her commitment to sharing the stories of Manitoba’s many communities, especially the marginalized.

University president David Barnard, who led Mahon [BHECOL/87] in her pledge to the U of M and officially installed her as Chancellor, explained that in addition to conferring all degrees and diplomas and advising on matters of governance, the Chancellor is also an ambassador for the university in the broader community, “forging empowering connections with those near and far.”

“Anne Mahon has a demonstrated ability to build bridges through integrity and understanding,” said President Barnard. “I am pleased to formally install her as Chancellor today so that she can begin the incredible work she is destined to achieve.”

Dr. Brenda Austin-Smith, professor and head of the department of English, Theatre, Film & Media who served on the Chancellor’s Selection Committee, elaborated on what Chancellor Mahon will bring to her role. “When Anne talks about her work, what comes through most powerfully is her dedication to listening carefully and intently to people. It is through this listening that Anne confirms for us she is an ally, as well as an accomplished storyteller. She is someone who uses her gifts to lift the voices of those who share their stories with her.”

A customary part of proceedings for a chancellor’s installation involves the Presentation of Representatives from universities and colleges across Canada. In attendance for Chancellor Mahon’s ceremony were dignitaries from the universities of St. Boniface, Brandon, Ryerson, Western Ontario, and Victoria.

Dr. Mike Mahon, President & Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lethbridge offered an address that was both professional – in his role as Chair of the Board of Directors of Universities Canada – and personal, as Anne Mahon’s brother-in-law. Remarking that he has known her for 35 years, he told the audience that the U of M has chosen a chancellor who is “authentic, passionate, and humane.”

Also part of the platform party were officials from government, and university faculty, staff and students. Her Honour, the Honourable Janice Filmon, Lieutenant Governor of the Province of Manitoba began with greetings, followed by Ian Wishart, Legislative Assistant, Manitoba Education and Training; Carl Neumann, President, University of Manitoba Graduate Students’ Association; Jakob Sanderson, President, University of Manitoba Students’ Union; and Sandra Woloschuk, Associate Director, Learning and Development Services.

In welcoming Chancellor Mahon on behalf of the U of M’s 142,000 alumni, Dawn Nedohin-Macek, Chair, University of Manitoba Alumni Association, reminded the audience of the power and inspiration that comes from inclusive communities: “I’m a strong believer of ‘you can’t be what you can’t see.’ With Anne in this high-level, highly visible and highly influential position at the university, she will be inspiring thousands of young women and girls as they look towards their future education paths.”

Chancellor Mahon began her installation address by thanking her predecessors, Chancellor emeritus Arthur Mauro and former Chancellor Harvey Secter, who encouraged her to make the role of chancellor her own. She also thanked Grandfather-in-residence Wanbdi Wakita, who led a river-side Sunrise Pipe Ceremony to welcome her and honour Secter at the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation on May 31.

In preparing for her installation, she reflected on the legacy of Dr. Isabel Auld – the University of Manitoba’s ninth, and first female, chancellor.

“One of Auld’s unique characteristics that especially piqued my interest was her way of building bridges,” explained Mahon. “I aspire to follow her path. Of course, Dr. Auld and I share the same gender. I am the second female chancellor in 142-year history of this university. Many of you know me well enough to appreciate that my gender will not characterize my approach as chancellor. Rather it is my desire to connect with people of heart: people with a deep commitment, substance and authenticity, all traits that transcend gender.”

Chancellor Mahon concluded with her promise to serve the University of Manitoba. “My commitment to the university community as your chancellor is to listen and engage in the same way that I have when writing my books. Asking questions to clarify and understand the context, making no assumptions. I pledge today to offer my best to the university, with generosity, compassion, humility and courage.”

You can follow Chancellor Anne Mahon on Instagram @chancellormahon

Expedition Churchill: A Gateway to Arctic Research

Expedition Churchill: A Gateway to Arctic Research launched in November, unveiling a creative public education and outreach campaign sharing insight into the world-leading Arctic climate change research done in the Churchill and Hudson Bay region by University of Manitoba scientists and collaborators. 

The project includes a visual multimedia e-book and interactive kiosks located across Manitoba, including in the Wallace Building on the U of M campus.  A unique feature of this initiative is the use of the VIA Rail passenger train that travels between Winnipeg and Churchill as a platform to communicate and promote awareness. Read more. 

Women’s Hockey gets the job done

The University of Manitoba Bison women’s hockey team was crowned 2018 U SPORTS Champions after shutting out the Western Mustangs 2-0 in March in London, Ont. 

This was the first time the Bisons were seeded number one at a women’s hockey national championship. With the win, the Bisons impressively earned their first national championship in the program’s 21-year history. Read more.

U of M’s 99th Rhodes Scholar ‘beat the odds’ to get an education

The U of M was honoured to announce in November that Faculty of Arts graduate Annette Riziki is the recipient of a Rhodes Scholarship for 2019. For Riziki, her personal life experience and struggles growing up in the Democratic Republic of Congo made her all the more determined to make a difference in the lives of others.

The U of M has produced more Rhodes Scholars than any other university in western Canada. Riziki is one of 11 recipients of Rhodes Scholarships in Canada for 2019. Read more. 

Rock-solid performance wows judges at 3MT

A student who saw firsthand the destructive power of earthquakes upon poorly designed buildings in his native Iran gave a rock-solid performance at the Three-Minute Thesis competition in March, wowing judges and touching the hearts of the audience. Shervin Khalili Ghomi, a doctoral student in civil engineering, won the competition at the U of M with his thesis on creating a path to earthquake-resistant buildings. 

Ghomi hopes to help build safer and more efficient structures through constantly seeking a better design through state-of-the-art research. Read more.

U of M prof named one of Canada’s most powerful women

For bolstering Indigenous medical education and health care delivery in Northern Manitoba, Dr. Marcia Anderson from the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences was named in November as one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women in 2018 by Women’s Executive Network (WXN).

Dr. Anderson, a Cree-Saulteaux women with roots in Norway House Cree Nation and Peguis First Nation, is the Executive Director of Indigenous Academic Affairs in the Ongomiizwin Indigenous Institute of Health and Healing at the U of M. Read more.

Pioneer of dental implants gifts $7.5 million

The College of Dentistry received the largest gift in its history, from Dr. Gerald and Mrs. Reesa Niznick, in May.

Recognized as the originator of modern implant dentistry, Dr. Niznick [DMD/66, LLD (Hon)/02] announced a historic $7.5 million donation towards his alma mater through the Front and Centre campaign. Their gift will enhance clinical training space, fund special initiatives that enrich our community’s health and wellbeing and create reliable endowed funding for the College. In recognition, the U of M renamed the college the Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry. Read more. 

New chancellor elected

With the election of celebrated writer, volunteer, philanthropist and alumna Anne Mahon as its new chancellor, the University of Manitoba affirms its abiding commitment to forge empowering connections with communities near and far.

Ms. Mahon’s election as the University of Manitoba’s 14^th chancellor was announced in November. Effective June 1, 2019 for a three-year term, she succeeds the current chancellor, Dr. Harvey Secter. Read more.

U of M receives 10 Canada Research Chairs

Federal Minister of Science and Sport Kirsty Duncan visited the U of M campus in November to announce investments in the Canada Research Chairs Program, of which the University of Manitoba is a major recipient, with 10 Chairs named. Seven of the 10 chairs named at the U of M will be held by women. Read more. 

Defining moments celebrated at 2018 Distinguished Alumni Awards Celebration of Excellence

The celebration in May brought together more than 350 enthusiastic supporters of the University of Manitoba for an inspiring evening of music, tributes, and videos in acknowledgment of five outstanding individuals: Jan Lederman, Dr. Shayne Reitmeier, Tina Jones, Dr. Lorrie Kirshenbaum and Paul Soubry. Read more.

The power of 400

In November, more than 400 students, alumni and members of the U of M community gathered to hear from panelists at the Visionary Conversations event, entitled The power of one: what’s my responsibility as a global citizen?

Hosted by U of M President David Barnard, the event featured panelists Nahlah Ayed [BSc(Hons)/92, MA/02, LLD(Hon)/08], Laura Michalchyshyn [BA/89] and Brenda Gunn [BA(Adv)/02] discussing global citizenship and empowering the individual to take action. Read more.

Ms. Mahon’s election as the University of Manitoba’s 14^th chancellor was announced today by Jeff Lieberman, Chair of the Board of Governors. Effective June 1, 2019 for a three-year term, she succeeds the current chancellor, Dr. Harvey Secter.

“I am honoured to share the news today of the election of Ms. Mahon as the next chancellor of the University of Manitoba,” said Mr. Lieberman. “I know she will serve as a tremendous champion of this institution and of higher education generally.”

“As historian W.L. Morton once explained, the chancellor is ‘the University’s best friend in the world,’” said Dr. Secter, who has served as chancellor with distinction since 2010, “and Ms. Mahon will certainly serve in this important role with strength and passion.”

The chancellor is the ceremonial head of the university, responsible for conferring all degrees and diplomas. The Chancellor Search Committee identified the capacity to serve as an ambassador for the University in the broader community and to contribute meaningfully to University governance as key election criteria.

Ms. Mahon has demonstrated the ability to connect with people and build trusting relationships. Her two books of oral history amplify the voices of the disempowered (former Winnipeg gang members and African refugees) and speak eloquently to their strength and resilience.

In her volunteer work, Ms. Mahon has lent considerable time and effort to international development, through Humankind International, and to supporting immigrants and refugees through the Immigrant Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba. She has also been involved in numerous philanthropic causes, including UNICEF Canada and the United Way of Winnipeg. She is the founder and co-facilitator of the Book Mates Book Club at the Women’s Correction Centre.

“Anne Mahon’s work in the community as a bridge-builder of integrity and follow-through embodies this university’s commitment to lead, listen and act in partnership with the populations it serves,” said President and Vice-Chancellor David T. Barnard. “I am confident she will inspire a bright future that enhances the institution’s community relevance and engagement.”

Anne Mahon holds a Bachelor of Human Ecology from the University of Manitoba, and has remained connected to the institution and higher education, including as a donor to the University of Winnipeg, the Asper School of Business, St. Paul’s College and the University of Manitoba’s Front and Centre Campaign.

Anne lives in Winnipeg with her husband Paul Mahon, also an alumnus of the University of Manitoba. They have three children.

“I know the University of Manitoba as a graduate, a parent, a donor, and a Manitoban,” Ms. Mahon shared in response to her election. “This institution offers the power of education and opportunity, while being an indispensable intellectual contributor and employer to our city and province. The University’s diversity and inclusion, its possibilities of hope, and its efforts as a catalyst for broad-minded thinking are of great importance to me.”

Anne Mahon will be installed as the University of Manitoba’s next chancellor in a ceremony to be held as part of Spring Convocation in June 2019.