Here are the top 7 gift ideas that are sure to delight and keep the season merry and bright. The holiday sale runs until December 6.

1. Book lovers, we’ve got you cover-to-covered!

What’s better than curling up with a great book during the holidays? Here are our top picks for the bookworms and lifelong learners on your list. Bonus: During the sale period, books are 20% off (general reading books only).

• Who We Are by the late Honourable Murray Sinclair [LLB/79, LLD/02] is a profound exploration of identity and history. As Canada moves forward into the future of Reconciliation, one of its greatest leaders guides us to ask the most important and difficult question we can ask of ourselves: Who are we?
• Or try these 2024 Governor General Award-winning books that feature Winnipeg:
  • Winipek by Niigaan Sinclair is a captivating collection of essays. The UM professor uses the story of Winnipeg to illuminate the reality of Indigenous life all over what is called Canada.
  • Scientific Marvel by UM alum Chimwemwe Undi [BA(Adv)/16, JD/20] is a book of thought-provoking poems marked by rhythmic drive, humour and surprise and taking its title from a beauty school in downtown Winnipeg that closed in 2017 after nearly 100 years of operation.

2. Share some Bison spirit

Hurry! Grab these while they last: ‘We Are All Bisons’ apparel and merchandise like the new logo T-shirt or a stylish UM crew neck sweatshirt. During the sale, you can score 25% off UM & Bisons clothing.

3. Horns up for Bisons Athletics

Keep warm while supporting your favorite sports teams with Bisons Athletics toques. These are also perfect for outdoor activities in the snow.

4. Keep calm and carry on

Practical and durable, UM backpacks and totes offer plenty of space and comfort for carrying books, laptops and other essentials—they’re 25% off during the sale.

Or stay hydrated on the go with UM travel mugs and bottles, also 25% off. These are perfect for coffee, tea or water and make great gifts.

5. Gift the joy of creativity

For those who love to keep busy with their latest projects and artistic pursuits, choose UM Bookstore art markers and other art supplies. Colourful, inspiring gift options for all ages!

6. Playful presents

Puzzles and games are great for friend and family fun and relaxation, making them a hit with everyone on your list. UM BookStore offers a wide variety, and all are 25% off right now. Giftware and plush items are also included.

7. Hear ye, hear ye

Enhance your audio experience with high-quality earbuds, headsets, and speakers available at UM BookStore—and until Dec. 6, you’ll get 10% off After Shokz and Skullcandy earbuds, headsets and all in-stock speakers. Great for music lovers, gamers and anyone who enjoys great sound quality.

Special Holiday Sale at the UM BookStore

Don’t miss out on the big sale on now! Many items in the store are on sale, making it the perfect time to do your holiday shopping. Look for these special prices.

• 25% off UM & Bisons clothing, backpacks, mugs, and more
• 20% off general reading books(excludes textbooks)
• 25% off giftware, puzzles, games, plush
• 10% off After Shokz and Skullcandy earbuds, headsets, and all in-stock speakers

Visit the UM BookStore in UMSU University Centre until December 6 to take advantage of these fantastic deals.

Happy shopping and happy holidays!

To watch the entire conversation, please visit CTV Morning Live Winnipeg.

I am pleased to invite you to a unique in-person event with the award-winning journalist and bestselling author, Amanda Lang [BES/91], in UM’s brand-new Desautels Concert Hall.

Join me and hear from Amanda, a proud UM alum, how the newly elected US president will shape the future of Canada and the global community.

This event is a recording of my podcast What’s the Big Idea?, where I have the privilege and delight of engaging with incredible people in our community about ideas that can shape our world.

Taking place shortly after the US presidential election, this conversation will delve into the election results and how they’ll impact everything from environmental policy, trade, social justice efforts and global conflicts. With Amanda’s expertise and insights, this promises to be a thought-provoking discussion on events that will undoubtedly influence our university community.

Event Details:
What’s Next? Amanda Lang on U.S. Election Results and Global Change
Date: November 13, 2024
Time: Doors open at 6:30 p.m., event begins at 7:00 p.m.
Location: Desautels Concert Hall, Fort Garry campus
Cost: Free

Please register for the event.

I look forward to seeing many of you there for what promises to be an engaging evening in a beautiful new space.

Sincerely,
Michael Benarroch
President and Vice-Chancellor
University of Manitoba

They didn’t know it then but Ash Modha [BA/98], his brother Prashant Modha [MBA/91] and friend Raj Bahl [BA/90] were stitching the first threads of what would become the global fashion brand Mondetta Clothing.

It was while driving to that same beach that Ash had spotted a Volkswagen Beetle with a German flag on its front license plate and thought, “That would be amazing on the front of a sweatshirt.” The idea sparked Mondetta’s signature flag sweatshirts, which went on to sell over three million units and became an international sensation.

Their globally inspired clothing—what Ash calls “social fashion”—hit at the right time. The Berlin Wall was coming down. CNN was becoming the eyes of the world. Technology was shrinking distances, and Mondetta—a name combining the French world for “world” and the Latin suffix for “small”—captured that spirit. “It was good luck and good timing,” says Ash, Mondetta CEO.

It was also a testament to their drive, sharp instincts and being in the right place to start their business. In the early days of Mondetta, Ash, Prashant and Raj were students at the University of Manitoba. As immigrants from East Africa, they discovered their education opened doors to the province’s business community, granting them access to connections that would shape Mondetta’s future.

“We are very fortunate to be in Manitoba,” Ash says. “If we did not develop this company here, we would not have the capacity to pick up a phone and call business leaders like Hartley Richardson [BComm(Hons)/77, LLD/2004] or Paul Soubry [BComms(Hons)/84]. That’s unheard of in Ontario or B.C.”

This tight-knit nature worked in their favour.

“The beauty of being a graduate from the University of Manitoba—and being part of the Winnipeg and Manitoba community—is that intertwining of education and contacts. There’s such a capacity. We call it the ‘collective act of will.’ Because when everyone gets together, you’re able to do so much more,” Ash says.

A new chapter: Mondetta x UM

Nearly four decades after those first sweatshirts at Grand Beach, Mondetta has come home to collaborate with the University of Manitoba. Together, we’ve created a limited-edition collection that blends Mondetta’s craftsmanship with UM’s heritage.

The pieces carry our shared story—alumni roots, Bison pride and a bold spirit that keeps moving forward. They’re designed to feel timeless, textured and unmistakably UM.

Own your piece of this exclusive collaboration before it’s gone. Shop the Mondetta x UM collection now at the UM BookStore.

Mondetta has always been about more than just clothes. The company has long prioritized doing good in both Manitoba and the interconnected world that inspired it.

“We’ve been trying to do the right thing since basically day one,” says Prashant, Mondetta CFO. “ESG [environmental, social and governance], production, paying employees properly, no prison labour, no child labour.”

“This is the apparel industry—it is one of the most competitive industries in the world,” says Raj, Mondetta EVP of Sales. “But it’s not about being the coolest brand that everybody’s seeking. It’s about making sure that the ethos of the company—in terms of ESG and our transparency—is strong. Becoming a leader in that helps us overcome challenges and keep our elbows up high in this competitive industry.”

Their commitment to sustainability is woven into their operations. Mondetta has an employee ownership program and is one of the few Manitoba companies to have a B Corp certification, meaning it meets the most demanding international standard for social and environmental responsibility. Interacting with a supply chain spanning 13 countries, Ash says they’re working towards getting to net zero emissions by 2028. And having expanded into active wear in the 2000s, Mondetta is forever exploring improved sustainable fabrics, from clothing that can decompose in about a year to fabrics made from coffee grounds.

The company’s influence extends to inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurial newcomers in Manitoba.

“One thing that’s really interesting is when you speak to that younger generation of immigrants, they always say we were the reason a lot of them went into business school, or started businesses in the province,” Ash says.

“When I was in business school, there were probably 800 students in the Faculty of Commerce and maybe eight South Asian kids. Now, over half, I would say, are immigrants,” Prashant says.

“They said, ‘If they can do it, we can also do it.’” Ash says. “And that means a lot to us.”

At the University of Manitoba, Bisons are at the centre of health care, finance, Reconciliation and so much more. Wherever there’s a challenge, you’ll find UM alumni leading the charge. Explore the Bisons at the Centre campaign and meet other alumni who—like Ash, Prashant and Raj—are shaping Manitoba and beyond.

Browse More Magazine Stories

Here are everyday things you can do to get involved in the four key areas of our Climate Action Plan.

Energy and buildings

Energy use is the largest driver of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions at UM. While there are large projects ongoing to reduce heating-related GHG emissions, there are a few simple things you can do to help us reduce the energy we use:

• Switch off lights and devices you’re not using and when exiting rooms
• Dress more warmly instead of turning up the heat
• Only use space heaters when necessary
• Create an energy use reduction agreement with colleagues

Transportation

Transportation, including commuting to and from campus, business travel and the UM vehicle fleet, is the second-largest contributor to our GHG emissions each year. Luckily transportation is one of the easiest areas in which UM students, faculty and staff can get involved:

• Use active transportation methods to get to campus, like cycling or walking
• Carpool: Find a friend or three and commute to campus together
• Instead of driving from building to building at the Fort Garry campus, take the free shuttle
• Take public transportation; There are several routes to UM, along with park and ride options

Waste

The third-largest source of GHG emissions at UM is the waste we produce and send to landfills. The first and most important step in waste reduction is being conscious of the waste you generate. From there, you can take steps toward reducing and reusing:

• Use refillable coffee mugs and water bottles
• Ensure you’re placing waste, organics and recyclables in the correct bins
• Pack reusable containers and bags for lunch or shopping
• Participate in Waste Reduction Week (Oct. 21 to 27) and decide how you can reduce the waste you create

Land

As our campus continues to grow, efficient, respectful and sustainable land use is highly important. You can get directly involved in how UM supports the land we have the privilege of inhabiting:

• Leave natural spaces in the same condition as you found them
• Use active transportation methods that place less stress on our infrastructure
• Educate yourself and others on the history of the lands on which our campuses sit

There are numerous ways for all of us to get directly involved in building toward a more sustainable future for UM and our planet.

And if you are interested in adding sustainability courses to your degree, UM offers more than 900 courses across 85 academic departments at the undergraduate and graduate level that focus on or relate to sustainability. 

If you have any questions about initiatives and how you can help, please contact the Office of Sustainability.

Six physician mentors will provide identity-based mentorship to the diverse medical student body. The new roles are: Black physician mentor, disabled physician mentor, Filipino physician mentor, Jewish physician mentor, Muslim physician mentor and 2SLGBTQIA+ physician mentor. 

“We are in a complex global environment with intensifying polarization,” said Dr. Marcia Anderson, vice-dean Indigenous health, social justice and anti-racism, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences.  

“The increase in antisemitism, rise in Islamophobia, attacks on trans human rights and gender affirming care, and racist backlash all impact our medical community. They influence the experiences of our learners, and we want to provide them with a safe space to seek guidance and mentorship. We also want them to know that their unique identities and experiences bring value to the medical school environment and ultimately to the patients they will see.”   

Anderson said that while not every medical student will see themselves represented in the current diverse physician mentor roles, this is a starting point and not an end point.  

Students can reach out to the mentors if they are interested in becoming a mentee.  

Meet the mentors 

Dr. Bunmi Fatoye – Black physician mentor 

Dr. Bunmi Fatoye, an assistant professor of community health sciences, is a public health leader. She was born in Canada to Nigerian parents and has practiced medicine in Winnipeg for more than 20 years.  

“I became a physician mentor because I feel like I can give back to the Black community,” Fatoye said. “I have the skill set to be able to transfer it to upcoming learners and share my experiences with them. I will be on the journey alongside the students as they find their career paths. I’m thrilled to help.”  

As a mentor, Fatoye said she will begin by asking students what they want so she can tailor the support, guidance and feedback to their needs. Understanding learners is crucial, she said, and a personalized approach is needed because mentees are not all the same and the Black population is diverse.  

Students can contact Fatoye by email.   

Dr. Michael Johnson – Disability physician mentor  

Dr. Michael Johnson, an assistant professor of surgery, completed his medical school training and residency at UM. While he was born with sensorineural hearing impairment that worsened over time requiring cochlear implantation to hear, he said it is one of the best things that could have happened because it taught him how to really listen to a person – from one’s energy to facial expressions to demeanor.    

“I understand what it takes when you have a barrier to achieve a goal and try to work around that,” Johnson said. “As a mentor, my plan is to try and take what is perhaps perceived as a disadvantage and see if we can turn it into an advantage.”  

Johnson said that mentorship can range from an in-person chat, call or text to discuss concerns, or it can mean formal initiatives. His mentorship approach is to personalize his help based on the learner and their situation.  

Students can contact Johnson by text at 204-290-3437.  

Dr. Katrina Leong – Filipino physician mentor 

Dr. Katrina Leong, a lecturer in family medicine, is a second-generation Filipina-Canadian. She began practicing family medicine this year, which she says gives her a fresh perspective on navigating the early stages of a medical career.  

“For me, becoming a mentor – especially for future Filipino medical students – is a way to give back, stay connected with my community and feel a deep sense of fulfillment,” Leong said. “It’s important to me that Filipinos continue to grow in the physician community because we are underrepresented. By mentoring, I hope to create a space where those coming after me feel seen, supported and empowered to thrive in their careers.” 

Leong said that mentorship is not a one-time event but rather a two-way, longitudinal relationship built on trust and guidance. It offers opportunities for growth for both the mentor and the mentee, she said. 

Students can contact Leong by email.   

Dr. Shayne Taback – Jewish physician mentor  

Dr. Shayne Taback, an associate professor of pediatrics and child health, is responsible for the training of future physician-scientists as the founding director of the Clinician Investigator Program.   

“With the challenges that Jewish students are facing today, I am grateful for the chance to use my mentoring and coaching skills to help learners enjoy medical school the way that I did and focus on learning how to be the best doctors they can be,” Taback said. “I hope learners will benefit from having a safe, respectful, non-judgmental presence who they can speak to, whether regularly or at specific times of challenge.” 

Taback said that mentorship needs to be authentic and supportive. He uses a non-directive coaching style, in which he does not tell mentees what they should do but rather helps them develop and take action with their own best ideas about their situation. 

Students can contact Taback by email.  

Dr. Rizqa Sulaiman-Baradien – Muslim physician mentor 

Dr. Rizqa Sulaiman-Baradien, assistant professor of pediatrics and child health, is a medical geneticist. Born and raised in Cape Town, she struggled to find mentors in post-apartheid South Africa, and this is one reason she wanted to take part in the diverse physician mentor program.  

“I couldn’t keep looking for a mentor, I had to become one,” Sulaiman-Baradien said. “I have a passion to help others, especially those who feel sidelined in the community or different. I feel like I can connect or relate to most people. No matter who you are or where you come from, the human condition is the same.”  

Sulaiman-Baradien said there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach when mentoring a student. She said the mentor has to take the time to get to know the mentee because what might have worked for one person, might not for another. 

Students can contact Sulaiman-Baradien by email.  

Dr. Roopesh Kansara – 2SLGBTQIA+ physician mentor  

Dr. Roopesh Kansara, an associate professor of internal medicine, immigrated from Tanzania to Canada when he was 23. He completed his medical school and residency training at UM, where he is now the program director of the adult hematology subspecialty program.    

“When you enter the medical field, it can be quite daunting,” Kansara said. “You don’t know what your future is going to look like so it’s always nice to have mentors who can point you down the right path based on how they perceive you personally, your strengths and weaknesses and guide you along the way.” 

Kansara said that he hopes to offer outstanding mentorship in the same way that his mentors provided him. He wants to be there for the students and let them know that they are not alone, and he is someone they can relate to.   

Students can contact Kansara by email. 

Once again, I will be joined by Dr. Diane Hiebert-Murphy, Provost and Vice-President (Academic), and Mike Emslie, UM’s CFO and Comptroller. They will provide a detailed presentation, after which we will take questions about UM’s finances.

Our budget is a foundational document, and a number of UM community members have expressed that they find these presentations to be very worthwhile. I look forward to once again connecting with everyone to share ideas about how we can continually improve.

Find event details here, and RSVP by October 9 if you plan to attend in-person.

Thank you all for your contributions to our thriving community. I hope you will join us and share your feedback.

Sincerely,
Michael Benarroch, PhD
President and Vice-Chancellor at University of Manitoba

“I encourage all UM community members to honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation by participating in events and taking time to reflect on our past while thinking about change for the future,” says Michael Benarroch, president and vice-chancellor at the University of Manitoba. “Our journey to Reconciliation is progressing but is far from over, and I want to thank Indigenous partners for leading the way as we move down this path together. As a settler, it is my duty to continue to learn so that I can help lead change. That is what I plan to do this week and ask others to do the same.”

ON CAMPUS

Engaging in Economic Reconciliation presented by the Faculty of Law, The Law Society of Manitoba, The Manitoba Bar Association, and Manitoba Law Foundation 
Sept. 20, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
In person at Robson Hall, 224 Dysart Rd or online viewing 
Register: https://educationcentre.lawsociety.mb.ca/events/homecoming-2024-engaging-in-economic-reconciliation/

Public Lunch and Learns hosted by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR)
Sept. 23-27, daily at various times
Learn more: Truth and Reconciliation Week 2024 Public Lunch and Learns Registration

Beaded Orange Shirt Pin Workshop hosted by University of Manitoba Indigenous Student’s Association (UMISA) and UMSU Indigenous Community Representative
Sept. 25, 12 to 5 p.m.
UMISA Lounge, 113 Helen Glass Building, 99 Curry Pl.
Drop-in for students and staff to come and go as they like.
If you have any questions, email Indigenousrep@umsu.ca 

Teach-in for Reconciliation hosted by the Department of Indigenous Studies in collaboration with the Office of the Vice-President (Indigenous)
Sept. 27, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. (doors open at 12:30 p.m.)
Atrium, Faculty of Architecture, John A. Russell Building, 84 Curry Place
Registration is not required.

10th Annual Orange Shirt Day Walk hosted by the Nursing Students Association, College of Nursing, UMSU
Sept. 27, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Helen Glass Centre for Nursing – Atrium, 89 Curry Place
T-shirts will be handed out starting at 9:45 a.m.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Lunch and Learn hosted by the Manitoba Indigenous Law Students’ Association
Sept. 27, 12 to 1 p.m.
Common Room, 203 Robson Hall, 224 Dysart Rd.
Traditional feast offered.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation event presented by Ongomiizwin – Indigenous Institute of Health & Healing
Sept. 27, 11 a.m to 1 p.m.
Brodie Atrium & Mishkiki Gitigaan (Medicine Garden)

Orange Shirt Day Event hosted by the Science Students Association
Oct. 1, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
SSA Lounge 209E Armes Building

OFF CAMPUS

Reconciliation Run hosted by Tréchelle Bunn, UM Alum and current student
Sept. 20 to 30
Virtual and In Person – ruins of the former Birtle Residential School (registration required)
Learn more: Reconciliation Run

Craft & Chat hosted by Anish Healing Centre 
Sept. 24, 12 to 3 p.m. 
Kekinan Centre, 100 Robinson St.
Registration required: email registrations@anish.ca or call 204-334-9395 
Painting project donation for upcoming Truth & Reconciliation Art Gallery https://www.facebook.com/anishxcorp 

The Colour Orange, An Indigenous Art Gallery in the Forest in Support of The Akiing Onji Foundation hosted by Anish Healing Centre and Pineridge Hollow   
Sept. 29, 5 to 8:30 p.m.
Pineridge Hollow, 67086 Heatherdale Rd, Oakbank MB 
Learn more: https://pineridgehollow.com/products/the-colour-orange-2024 

Beading Workshop with Laurie McDougall hosted by Dalnavert Museum and Visitors’ Centre  
Sept. 29, 1 to 4 p.m.
61 Carleton Street 
Registration required: https://www.friendsofdalnavert.ca/calendar/2024/9/29/beading-workshop-with-laurie-mcdougall-culture-days

Remembering the Children hosted by National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
Sept. 30, 3 p.m. EDT
Parliament Hill (Ottawa), Live Broadcast
Learn more: Parliament Hill – Truth and Reconciliation Week (nctr.ca) 

4th Annual Orange Shirt Day Healing Walk hosted by Wa-Say Healing Centre, The Forks, City of Winnipeg, True North Sports and Entertainment, Canada Life Centre 
Sept. 30, 10 a.m.
Starting at Oodena Circle (The Forks), 1 Forks Market Rd.
Learn more: https://wa-say.com/event/orange-shirt-day-2024/

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation event hosted by Winnipeg Art Gallery – Qaumajuq in partnership with Hey Cuzzin!
Sept. 30, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Winnipeg Art Gallery – Qaumajuq, 300 Memorial Blvd. (Winnipeg)
Learn more: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation » WAG

4th Annual Every Child Matters Youth Gathering hosted by Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre
Sept. 30, time TBA (morning)
Gathering Place for Truth & Reconciliation (445 King Street, Winnipeg)

Treaty Right to Education, Residential Schools and Reconciliation hosted by Treaty Relations Commision of Manitoba
Sept. 30, 2 to 4 p.m.
Agowiidiwinan Centre at the Forks
Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/trcm1871

Orange Shirt Days: Every Child Matters 
Sept 30 – Oct 2, various times
Manitoba Museum, 190 Rupert Ave. 
Free admission. Learn more: https://manitobamuseum.ca/manitoba-museum-honours-national-day-for-truth-and-reconciliation/  

Visit the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation website to learn more about work being done to support truth, reconciliation and healing across Canada.

*Note: event details may change after publication. Please check links directly for any updates.

Johnny Ouero is no exception to that.

A motivated person who makes a difference in our community, Johnny notes his love for community around the people he interacts with.

“Working here doesn’t feel like work. It’s a place where I’ve built many friendships and learned many skills I apply daily.”

The Daily Bread Cafe staff member has worked around St John’s College food service for nearly thirteen years, enjoying every minute. With his outgoing personality and caring attitude, Johnny is one of many food service staff members who connect with UM students and staff daily, ensuring the food they receive is a delicious part of their day.

To learn more about the Daily Bread Cafe and events, visit our website.

During our recent conversation, Raihanah (currently a fourth-year psychology student) spoke of finding a home in the residence community both as she’s worked towards her academic degree and during her three years as a Don. As she’s found her voice and become part of the community, she’s experienced the residence as a place where she could try new things and build life-long friendships. 

“The college residence has allowed me to step outside my comfort zone and build leadership and community skills. I was nervous yet excited about what it offered when I walked into the college. From the benefits students receive at the residence, like the delicious Daily Bread Café food, accessibility to events and academic help, it’s an accessible accommodation for all students.” 

Living at St John’s college residence offers students more than just a place to live. Students are welcomed into the community through events, connections with staff, and the following benefits that come with your stay:   

• Weekly meal plan from the Daily Bread Café, including snacks on Sunday night and during exam periods 
• Affordable laundry services   
• Student council opportunities to build professional development   
• Access to monthly events planned by the student residence council   
• Access to St John’s college services, including St John’s library, Daily Bread Café, lockers, college classrooms, and Chapel and Chaplaincy services.   
• Dedicated lounge 
• Housekeeping services include cleaning, vacuuming, dusting, and garbage removal.   

Whether you’re an international or domestic student, everyone is welcome to St John’s college residence. In hosting students from all over the world, we are a diverse community that looks to bring people together to build community.   

For residence rates and information, click here to visit our website.   

To submit your application and join our residence, click here to apply!   

For more information about our residence, contact Matthew Bowman, Dean of Residence.