Alwyn Gomez
Governor General’s Gold Medal (Ph.D)
(for outstanding performance at the graduate level)
Doctor of Philosophy: Medical Sciences

Midway through his neurosurgery residency, Alwyn Gomez chose to pause his clinical training and pursue a PhD. The decision was sparked during a call shift at Health Sciences Centre, where he treated a young patient with a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).

“I spent hours talking with the family,” Gomez says. “But in the end, they just wanted to know how their loved one was going to do. I did not know. The truth is no one knew.”

Determined to help improve outcomes for TBI patients, Gomez focused his doctoral work on brain injury research. He contributed to HEMOTION, a multi-institutional randomized control trial studying blood transfusion strategies in TBI care, which was later published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

At UM, Gomez remained deeply involved in the academic community. He taught anatomy, served as an examiner for medical students and developed a cadaver-based technical skills program to support surgical trainees.

Looking ahead, he hopes to build a research program that explores the physiology of the injured brain and advances more personalized approaches to care.

He credits his success to the support of his wife and daughter and reflects on the importance of appreciating the journey: “I would say this to my past self: you’re doing the right thing taking the time to smell the roses.”

Dallas Murphy
Governor General’s Gold Medal (Master’s)
(for outstanding performance at the graduate level)
Master of Arts: Clinical Psychology

Dallas Murphy didn’t imagine he’d end up here. In his first year of undergrad at UM, he failed some courses, barely passed others and eventually stepped away from university entirely. Two years later, he returned and everything changed when he chose to study clinical psychology.

“I came back to university after my break and started pursuing a degree I wasn’t interested in because it was what I thought I ‘should’ do. I hated every second of it. It wasn’t until I finally committed to pursuing clinical psychology that coming to UM every day became a joy,” Murphy says.

Now, his passion lies in applied research that makes mental healthcare more accessible. His work has included developing interventions to reduce internalized ageism in older adults, examining the neuropsychological effects of therapy for PTSD and evaluating strategies to boost academic performance in university students.

He also served as president of the Graduate Association of Students in Psychology, volunteered as a mentor through Project Short and held a regional leadership role with a nonprofit dedicated to fighting prejudice on campuses.

Murphy credits his success to his wife Rebecca, who proofread every document he wrote, and to a group of mentors who supported him throughout his degree.

To his younger self, he offers this: “Follow your interests and passion. Everything is easier when you deeply care about the work you’re doing. And don’t be afraid to bet on yourself.”

Dylan Ricard
Governor General’s Silver Medal
(for the undergraduate student who achieves the highest academic standing in a Bachelor degree program)
Bachelor of Science in Engineering: Mechanical Engineering

Growing up on a mixed grain and beef farm in southern Manitoba, Dylan Ricard didn’t set out with a clear plan to study engineering. At first, he considered accounting, inspired by an aunt and his time as treasurer for four student groups. But a conversation with his high school guidance counsellor changed everything.

“You like both math and science. Have you considered engineering?” the counsellor asked. That question eventually led Ricard to UM and to a degree in mechanical engineering.

Still, it took time to find his path. A first-year thermodynamics course sparked his interest and a fourth-year elective in HVAC sealed it. That course not only defined his career focus but led him to co-found the U of M ASHRAE Student Branch, a group that now hosts regular events and encourages students to explore careers in heating, ventilation and air-conditioning design.

Ricard also volunteered as a Buddy Leader in engineering orientation, worked as a TA and completed summer research modifying particle imaging software to track river flow from drone footage.

Now working in mechanical building design, he continues to advocate for sustainable building practices and student engagement in HVAC through his new role with the ASHRAE Manitoba Chapter.

“If you embrace uncertainty and keep an open mind, you will find opportunities for a fulfilling career, perhaps in areas you never expected.”

Jodh Ghuman
Governor General’s Silver Medal
(for the undergraduate student who achieves the highest academic standing in a Bachelor degree program)
Bachelor of Science

Born and raised in Squamish, B.C., Jodh Ghuman developed a deep connection with the natural world early on. That curiosity led him to UM, where he explored the biological systems that govern health and disease—ultimately focusing on microbiology and the impact of microbes on human health.

A turning point came during an infectious diseases course, where he began to see illness in a broader context.

“Diseases are more than just a scientific process,” Ghuman says. “Culture, politics and climate affect the spread and prevention of diseases.”

Outside the classroom, Ghuman immersed himself in initiatives that support well-being, equity and environmental awareness. He volunteered as a peer educator with Healthy U, later working as a staff member in the Student Wellness Centre. He led first aid training sessions as a medical first responder with St. John Ambulance and supported new students as a Supplemental Instruction Leader.

Through his work with Save Our Seine, he helped organize and lead river tours for more than 440 people, raising awareness of conservation efforts. Nationally, he has advocated for integrated youth services through Huddle Manitoba, Foundry’s Provincial Youth Advisory and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health’s national youth advisory.

This fall, Ghuman begins medical school at UM, where he plans to keep building connections with individuals and communities.

“In hindsight, I would tell myself to do my best, ask more questions and create early plans… join clubs, volunteer and try to gain more knowledge, skills and experience, all while having fun.”

Trent Delichte
Governor General’s Bronze Medal
(for the undergraduate student who achieves the highest academic standing in the Diploma in Agriculture program)
Diploma in Agriculture

For Trent Delichte, agriculture isn’t just a career—it’s a way of life. Raised in St. Alphonse, Manitoba, he enrolled in UM’s Diploma in Agriculture program to sharpen his farm management skills and prepare for the future of his family’s farm.

“I hope to be an advocate within my farm, the community and the industry for using new technology to help make our businesses and operations more successful,” Delichte says. With input costs rising and margins shrinking, he sees innovation and efficiency as essential to sustainability.

The Farm Management Project had a lasting impact. Working hands-on with his farm’s financials helped him understand the long-term effects of business decisions in a way that felt both practical and empowering.

“It will help me down the line, when I become lead farmer,” he says.

Outside of class, Delichte stayed connected to his community by volunteering at his local church and lending a hand when needed. He also played rec hockey and basketball during the school year.

He credits the diploma program’s structure, the support of instructors and peers and the friendships he formed along the way for helping him succeed.

Looking back, Delichte says he’d tell his past self to slow down and appreciate the experience: “I think I would tell myself to not be so worried and to live in the moment more… take each day one at a time and don’t overlook the little things, as once your university journey is over, you will look back and not regret it.”

Kiara Stefansson
Governor General’s Bronze Medal
(for highest standing in a diploma program of at least two years other than the Diploma in Agriculture)
Diploma in Dental Hygiene

Kiara Stefansson has long been passionate about preventative healthcare and applied science. After completing a Bachelor of Science at UM, she returned to pursue dental hygiene—drawn to a profession that blends clinical care with public education and advocacy.

“Oral health is deeply interconnected with overall well-being,” Stefansson says. “Through this profession, I can educate my patients to make informed decisions that positively impact their health.”

During her studies, Stefansson spent a week in Churchill, Manitoba as part of Oral Health Promotion Week. Alongside a classmate and their program director, she delivered K–12 presentations, provided clinical care and worked with the Medicine Water Women’s Group on oral health programming.

“It was a life changing experience to visit such a warm and welcoming community, and I hope to return in the future,” she says.

Stefansson plans to work to the full scope of her profession, promoting prevention-based care and expanding access to services in underserved areas—especially rural communities like the one she grew up in.

She credits her third-year clinical instructor, Kaleigh Warden, with helping her become a confident and capable professional.

“She found a way to create an environment that is conducive to learning, fostering curiosity and allowing you to make mistakes, while also being able to give you that gentle push out of your comfort zone,” Stefansson says.

Reflecting on her journey, Stefansson offers this advice: “Your grades do not define you… when you look back in time, it will be the positive impact you had on the people around you that will matter most.”

UM Bisons are at the centre of it all, making a difference here in Manitoba and around the world. 3058 degrees are being awarded at Spring Convocation 2025, bringing the total number of UM graduates to 4200 so far this year. Many of these new alumni will stay in Manitoba, supplying high-demand skills to the labour market and contributing to UM’s $7.3 billion economic impact on our community.

Early motherhood is a very challenging time for anyone, especially in this day and age with so many things happening in the world. Gornik wants to better understand how that anxiety or stress is showing up for these moms (or maternal-identifying caregivers), how that impacts the way that they speak, behave, and communicate when around their young kids, and how the kids in turn communicate, express themselves, and experience emotions themselves.

This week Gornik chatted with CBC host Faith Fundal about their work and how people can get involved.

To listen to the entire conversation, please follow the link to CBC Manitoba Up to Speed.

“We know that groups such as those who had a lot of economic instability or sustained long periods of isolation, or those with compromised health problems or chronic health conditions, were at particularly elevated risk,” said Dr. Renée El-Gabalawy, an associate professor at the University of Manitoba and a clinical psychologist with Shared Health who studied the effects of the pandemic on mental health.

To read the entire article, please follow the link to CBC Manitoba.

The number of seats in the U of M’s masters and doctoral clinical psychology program has been increased to 12 for September, up from eight in previous years, with a plan to expand to 16 seats next fall.

“It’s going to mean better access to psychological care for Manitobans. It doesn’t seem like a big number … but really, we’re doubling our program,” said Kristin Reynolds, associate professor and clinical training director in the U of M’s psychology department.

To read more of the story, please visit the Winnipeg Free Press. 

“[The] government remains committed to improving mental health services in Manitoba, and clinical psychologists are specialists who play a key role in mental health and wellness,” said Advanced Education and Training Minister Sarah Guillemard. “This investment will help to grow the clinical psychology workforce and ensure that more Manitobans have access to the vital care psychologists provide.”

Manitoba currently has the lowest number of clinical psychologists per 100,000 population (20.2) compared to all other provinces and territories (52.9). To bring Manitoba to the national average, 450 clinical psychologists would need to be added to the workforce. Increasing capacity is especially important to offset retirements – more than one quarter of the 250 psychologists currently working in Manitoba are over the age of 60. Manitoba’s dire situation is clear when compared to neighbouring Saskatchewan where there are 43.3 psychologists per 100,000.

The UM program, housed within the Faculty of Arts, is the only clinical psychology training program accredited by the Canadian Psychological Association in the province of Manitoba. It currently accepts eight students per year. With the announced funding, this will rise to 12 seats in September 2024 and to 16 seats in September 2025 and beyond. The funding also provides for additional faculty members to be hired to provide clinical supervision, starting with a minimum of two new faculty members to be added to support the September 2024 cohort.

Through the program, clinical psychologists are trained to prepare to meet the ever-changing needs of clinical service, research, education and administration using the scientist-practitioner training model. While this increase in trained clinical psychologists will benefit the public once the students graduate, it will also have a positive impact on the community as early as 2024 as the students begin working with patients (through a supervised practicum) during their first year of studies.

Students fulfill their practicum both at clinics off-campus and with the Psychological Service Centre (PSC), located on the UM’s Fort Garry campus. The PSC provides therapy and assessment services to the community free of charge. The student clinicians deliver a range of psychological services to the public, supervised by registered psychologists. Dr. Hal Wallbridge, director of the PSC shared that current wait lists for services are long and fill quickly. “The increase in students and faculty supervisors will lead to an increase in the number of appointments the PSC is able to offer the public,” said Dr. Wallbridge.

“We recognize that we are in the midst of a provincial mental health crisis,” said Dr. Kristin Reynolds, associate professor and director of clinical training in the Department of Psychology. “The expansion of student seats and faculty members to this program is a good first step to improve the availability and accessibility of mental health and behavioural health services for populations within Manitoba, especially Indigenous persons and children and youth, who currently and historically have been marginalized and underserved.”

Applications for the fall 2024 intake of the clinical psychology graduate program open September 1, 2023. The deadline to apply is December 15, 2023. Apply

Manitoba government press release

Applications the Fall 2024 intake opens September 1, 2023, deadline to apply is December 15, 2023.

Apply

Manitoba government press release

The URA provides an exciting opportunity for students with a thirst for knowledge and aspirations of research experience to spend 16 weeks full-time from May to August immersed in their field of interest. It’s also coupled with a $7,000 monetary award. 

In the summer of 2022, Wiens worked under the supervision of Dr. Leslie Roos, assistant professor in psychology and co-principal investigator in the Hearts & Minds Lab. Along with a team of undergraduate and graduate students, post-doctoral fellows and academics, their research aims to evaluate and develop scalable programs that promote parent mental health and wellness and family relationships.

We spoke with Wiens about her URA experience:

FACULTY OF ARTS: WHAT RESEARCH DID YOU CONDUCT? DID YOU UNCOVER ANY IMPORTANT FINDINGS?

WIENS: Our research project name was “I’m not alone”: A Qualitative Analysis of the Building Emotional Awareness and Mental Health (BEAM) mHealth Program Forum.

We qualitatively analyzed the content of an online parenting forum that was a component of the Building Emotional Awareness and Mental Health (BEAM) program. BEAM is a 10-week program that was designed to promote mental wellness and parenting skills for mothers experiencing depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. This research is the first to examine how mothers of young children who are part of an mHealth intervention, where mobile and wireless technologies are used to support the achievement of health objectives, engage with each other using an online forum. Most importantly, we found that programs like BEAM that utilize program forums to facilitate communication and peer support can be a way to enhance participant engagement and receive real-time feedback on program content.

WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM THE URA EXPERIENCE?

As a student, working on this award provided me with an opportunity to build relationships with faculty and graduate students in the field of psychology. Of course, I learned so much about what conducting scientific research really looks like, but I also gained valuable insights into what to expect from graduate programs and how to put together a competitive application.

Because I am interested in working in Northern communities where mental health services are often very difficult to access, I would like to investigate whether an mHealth program such as BEAM would be a viable option for increasing accessibility in these communities.

I also really enjoyed meeting other undergraduate and graduate students who have similar interests. It was great to collaborate on the project and learn some new perspectives.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER ARTS STUDENTS WHO ARE CONSIDERING APPLYING FOR AN URA?

Working on the URA is a great way to develop and fine-tune your research interests. When I first applied, my interests were quite broad, but now I feel like I have more focus and direction in the research I would like to conduct in the future. I think one of the main reasons that my URA application was successful is because I interviewed faculty members whose research interests were relevant to my future career goals. My advice would be for students to go into it with a sense of curiosity and a willingness to learn.

HOW DO YOUR STUDIES IN THE FACULTY OF ARTS COMPLEMENT YOUR RESEARCH ACTIVITIES AND YOUR FUTURE CAREER GOALS?

I have taken courses in a variety of different subjects toward my Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree including psychology, sociology, linguistics and religion. The most interesting thing about studying all these subjects is that there are so many connections across disciplines that are often surprising to me, and these unexpected connections continuously deepen my understanding of the world around me.

Visit the Undergraduate Research Award webpage for full details on the program and to find a list of student research opportunities available in the Faculty of Arts for the coming year.

Joyce is one of nine Vanier Scholars who is attending UM this year – the highest number in the university’s history. Vanier Scholars are considered Canada’s top graduate students and receive a scholarship of $150,000 over three years towards their research.

UM Today caught up with Kayla Joyce to learn more about her and the research she’ll be doing at the department of clinical psychology in UM’s Faculty of Arts.

WHAT WILL YOU BE WORKING ON IN THE FACULTY OF ARTS?

My research focuses on the treatment of co-occurring substance use and depression in postpartum individuals. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been alarmingly high rates of mental health concerns among postpartum individuals. Despite a critical need for more postpartum social supports and mental health services, there are significant barriers to accessing these services. Postpartum individuals are reporting high levels of distress and low coping resources, which can lead to increased substance use to cope with depressed mood. Indeed, my recent research showed a 40 per cent increase in substance use in mothers one month into the COVID-19 pandemic; those who used substances to cope with their depression were more likely to increase their substance use. My PhD research aims to build on this work by examining how an existing program for postpartum individuals with depression influence outcomes for those with co-occurring depression and substance use concerns. I will work hand-in-hand with postpartum individuals using interviews to identify how we can develop better treatment programs for postpartum individuals struggling with depression and substance use concerns.

HOW WILL THIS IMPACT THE BROADER COMMUNITY?

To address the unmet needs of individuals with substance use concerns, I will use my studies and career path to address large-scale problems in the addiction field, devote my time to providing others with evidenced-base knowledge on substance use, work alongside those with lived experience, and mentor others using an equity-based approach to push the addiction field beyond what I could accomplish alone. I envision a society where individuals are no longer ashamed of having an addiction and are not underrepresented or underserved by society; a vision I will devote my career to as an aspiring clinical psychologist. 

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN FIVE TO 10 YEARS?

I envision myself having a private practice or hospital-based career where I offer treatment and assessment to individuals with a range of mental health concerns. My prominent clinical interests include depression, post-traumatic stress, substance use, psychosis, and personality disorders. I also hope to balance my clinical work through involvement with research focused on the efficacy of psychological treatments. 

HOW DOES IT FEEL TO RECEIVE A VANIER SCHOLARSHIP?

To say I am honored would be an understatement. As a graduate student, I have often felt like I was in over my head when trying to succeed in various areas, such as research, clinical work, course work, and volunteerism. I would be lying if I said the thought of giving up on graduate school has never crossed my mind at times. Being awarded with the Vanier scholarship highlights for me the importance of persistence. Persistence with trying to have manuscripts published after several rejections and continuing to apply for scholarships (as this was not my first time applying to PhD-level funding, nor the Vanier), to name a few.

Meet the rest of UM’s nine Vanier Scholars.

These students will be awarded the Governor General’s academic medals, for outstanding achievement at their level of study. They will graduate during Spring Convocation, June 7-10. Congratulations all of our graduates!

Brooke Elizabeth Beatie, Faculty of Graduate Studies (Arts)

Brooke Beatie

Governor General’s Gold Medal – Awarded for outstanding achievement at the PhD level

Representing the next generation of mental health care professionals, Brooke Beatie is set on making a significant and important impact on the community. With a master’s degree and now a PhD in clinical psychology, her expertise lies at the intersection of research and clinical work in a variety of mental health domains such as trauma, anxiety, psychosis, mood and health psychology.

Her graduate training consisted of over 1000 hours of clinical work in community and hospital settings focusing on assessment and intervention services for patients with complex mental health needs. This included a pre-doctoral residency at the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre.

Beatie’s background in academic research has resulted in 14 peer-reviewed publications and 26 peer-reviewed conference presentations in the areas of mental health help-seeking and service utilization, geropsychology, and health psychology in community and clinical populations and more. Her research has largely focused on the social nature around mental health service utilization and aims to inform the world’s knowledge on barriers to mental health services faced by different demographics.

Although her list of achievements is already nothing short of excellent, the work isn’t done yet. Beatie is in the process of obtaining registration as a clinical and health psychologist. She recently accepted a hospital-based psychologist position at St. Boniface Hospital in which she will provide clinical psychology services on medical and mental health hospital units. Beyond practicing her profession in a hospital, she is also an assistant professor in the department of clinical health psychology at UM where she will continue delving into clinically-relevant research in the field.

Being an accomplished scholar comes at a cost yet Beatie will never fail to appreciate life lessons learned during her university experience. As she explains, “life is going to continue to evolve and unravel alongside and within graduate school. It can be painful, incredible and mundane, all in one. Finding your people to share in the ride makes the hard times a little less hard, and the joyful moments that much sweeter.”

Danielle Cherpako, Faculty of Graduate Studies (Arts)

Danielle Cherpako

Governor General’s Gold Medal – Awarded for outstanding achievement at the master’s level

Danielle Cherpako naturally gravitated towards political studies as her major. She’s constantly fascinated by how politics and power relations impact every aspect of life and in turn, makes for a very dynamic career path. Improving Canadian policies particularly through the lens of increasing transparency and encouraging more public consultation has been at the core of Cherpako’s academic research on sanctions.

Cherpako completed her bachelor of arts in political studies at UM and went on to pursue a master of arts in political studies while maintaining various positions as she completed her studies.

She has worked with many distinguished organizations and taken part in influential projects. These include her position with Trent University’s North American and Arctic Defense Security Network and Transport Canada. Cherpako has volunteered and interned with United Nations projects and departments, one of which ultimately led her to her current position.

Cherpako looks forward to continuing her work and making meaningful change while applying the most valuable skills she gained from the university experience. “I learned the importance of two key skills: critical thinking or questioning what you know, and asking questions to clarify, gather information, or out of genuine curiosity,” she says.

She is currently working as an associate political affairs officer with the United Nations Department of Peace Operations, Evaluation Team. Her work focuses on improving accountability in peacekeeping. By conducting integrated planning and performance assessments of peacekeeping missions, the data they collect creates a foundation for more evidence-based decision making.

Maxim Piche, Faculty of Science

Governor General’s Silver Medal – Awarded for outstanding achievement at the undergraduate level (within a degree program at least four years in length)

Program Medal for Science, Honours Degree – Awarded for highest standing in a faculty, school or college program

Maxim Piche

While everyone in Maxim Piche’s life can attest to his perseverance and determination, his success is also rooted in his passion for mathematics and on a broader scale, lifelong learning. In his academic and professional career, this translates into completing a bachelor of science in statistics and actuarial mathematics.

A heavy course load didn’t stop Piche from making the best of his undergraduate years. Whether it’s through internships, volunteer work, summer research or student groups, Piche was committed to his growth as a student and as a person. His wide range of experiences in professional development include working as a statistics teaching assistant at UM, completing three actuarial internships with different insurance companies and undertaking an undergraduate statistics research project.

He also filled the position of secretary for the University of Manitoba Actuarial Club, which he considers a major part of his support system throughout his degree. Above all, he is grateful for his parents who have raised him to prioritize education and helped him develop a strong work ethic.

He explains: “No one wakes up one day and is surprised that suddenly they’ve achieved all of their goals. Instead, goals are achieved through consistent effort over time.”

Piche is moving to New York City in the summer and starting his actuarial career in the life insurance sector. At the same time, he will continue taking Society of Actuaries examinations until he obtains his Associate of the Society of Actuaries (ASA) and Fellow of the Society of Actuaries (FSA) designations.

Guneet Uppal, Faculty of Science

Governor General’s Silver Medal – Awarded for outstanding achievement at the undergraduate level (within a degree program less than four years in length)

Program Medal for Science, General Degree – Awarded for highest standing in a faculty, school or college program

Guneet Uppal

Hoping to find a career that incorporates health care, research and education, Guneet Uppal is dedicated to giving back to the community. A bachelor of science general degree is merely the beginning for Uppal; it’s the first step that will bring her closer to reaching this goal.

As a first-generation immigrant, she is familiar with limitations that affect marginalized populations and thus, the importance of fostering meaningful change is not lost on her. The best part of her education is the ability to use the skills and knowledge she’s learned as a student to help improve the lives of those in need.

Uppal served as the President of STEM Fellowship, a position that allowed her to coordinate STEM-related opportunities for UM students not only to develop their skillset but also to promote a sense of community.

She fondly looks back at her undergraduate experience with gratitude for the lessons, skills, and new perspectives she’s learned over the years. “University is a time of immense change and new experiences, and it’s easy to let them fly by without thinking about how they impact us, and how they should drive future decision-making,” says Uppal.

Uppal is thrilled to take her next steps in the Max Rady College of Medicine in pursuit of a doctor of medicine degree.

Sharmaine Carlos, Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry

Governor General’s Bronze Medal – Awarded for highest standing in a diploma program of at least two years other than the diploma in Agriculture

Program Medal for Dental Hygiene – Awarded for highest standing in a faculty, school or college program

Sharmaine Carlos

Graduating with a dental hygiene diploma from the School of Dental Hygiene, Sharmaine Carlos can confidently say that she’s found a rewarding career. The rigorous program has challenged her in every way possible, but she has always made sure to cherish the most fulfilling parts of this experience. For Carlos, it’s the clinical terms where she’s worked with and provided dental hygiene care for patients of different ages and backgrounds.

Being able to provide patient-centered care based on their needs, making a difference in their oral health and improving their quality of life all while learning from their unique stories is a privilege she feels grateful to have.

She credits her personal support system for their immeasurable support over the past two years. “I wouldn’t have made it without the support of my family and friends from the dental hygiene program,” says Carlos. “My mom would always try to lessen the burden of school from me whenever she could, and I can’t thank her enough for that.”

In the near future, Carlos plans to join the workforce in a private practice but is looking forward to taking a well-deserved break, and perhaps travel, in the meantime.

Kevin Jungbluth, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences

Governor General’s Bronze Medal – Awarded for highest standing in the two-year diploma program in Agriculture

Kevin Jungbluth

Growing up in Altona, Manitoba, Kevin Jungbluth’s family has decades worth of firsthand experience in the agriculture industry. Their farm in Morris, Manitoba is synonymous to the family legacy, directly connecting Jungbluth to a vast spectrum of careers in agriculture.

The family farm supports local communities in the area, benefitting local economies and other families that the Jungbluths have grown to know over time. Completing a diploma in agriculture then opens the doors for Jungbluth to train and excel in the sector while remaining grounded in his family’s traditions.

Since his education took up most if not all of his time, he often looked forward to working on the farm full-time during the summer months and being immersed in the field. Combining his formal training with personal experiences will allow Jungbluth to use the knowledge and practices he found most helpful in his studies, to bring a new perspective to the family operation.

He explains his personal philosophy after completing his diploma: “The basis of everything that’s done in farming starts with the soil, so we need to use it and manage it so that we’re economically, environmentally, and socially sustainable on our farms.”

As he learnt more from the program, Jungbluth developed a new appreciation for the processes responsible for productivity on the farm from soil fertility, to grain marketing and other aspects of agricultural economics.

After graduating, Jungbluth is eager to return to the family farm where he will continue the family legacy with his father and brother. His education has set him up to lead the farm into the future, and with time, Jungbluth will successfully pass the family farm onto the next generation.

The Winnipeg Free Press published a tribute to Dr. De Luca in Passages.

Read Dr. Rayleen De Luca’s obituary.