In total, 127 Rady Faculty of Health Sciences students graduated, including 47 in the Master of Occupational Therapy program, 46 in the Master of Physical Therapy program, 18 in the Bachelor of Respiratory Therapy program and 15 in the MPAS program. 

It was the last convocation ceremony to be held at Bannatyne due to growing class sizes. Next year, all Rady students will convocate at Fort Garry campus. View a video retrospective of convocations at Bannatyne campus below.

The ceremony included greetings from Elder Charlotte Nolin, of Ongomiizwin – Indigenous Institute of Health and Healing, UM president Dr. Michael Benarroch and UM Chancellor Dave Angus, who encouraged the graduates to be curious and seek inspiration as they enter the next chapter of their lives. 

“When you are curious, that comes with empathy, that comes with understanding and innovative new thinking and ideas,” Angus said. “There is inspiration all around us. Seek it out, because those who are inspired are the ones who inspire others.” 

Respiratory therapy graduate Rachel Donelly received the UM’s Gold Medal, which is awarded to the student with the highest standing in an undergraduate faculty, college or school. Donnelly worked as a respiratory therapy assistant at St. Boniface Hospital while in the program, and now works there as a full-time RT. 

“I’m super grateful,” she said. “Our class was very competitive, so it’s an honour to get this award.” 

Praise Okafor

Praise Okafor graduated with a Master of Science (Rehabilitation) degree. Her thesis was on the impact of post-COVID symptoms among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.  

Okafor has a physiotherapy degree from Nigeria and moved to Manitoba to study at UM in 2022. She plans to work as a physiotherapist in Canada and bridge clinical practice with research. 

“I am so grateful,” she said. “One thing I really learned from my program was to appreciate evidence-based practice, and also the importance of an individualized holistic approach with individuals and their own symptoms.” 

MPAS students feel pride 

MPAS graduate Anna Zrinyi has already started working in pediatric general surgery at Health Sciences Centre. She said it was a proud moment crossing the stage.  

(L to R) Hailee Morisseau and Anna Zrinyi

“I felt proud to be a UM alum. I felt proud to be a physician assistant entering the health-care field. It was honestly a moment of gratitude,” said Zrinyi, who grew up in Winnipeg.  

Hailee Morisseau, also an MPAS graduate, has also started work in general surgery but in Brandon, Man. She said her rural rotations were a highlight of the program because she got to spend time in a few different communities, work alongside great mentors and be involved in patient care.  

“It was really special to finish this off with all my classmates. It’s been a really long journey, but it’s also gone by really fast. It was really special to wrap it up with them today and celebrate and just recognize all the accomplishments of everyone here,” said Morisseau, who grew up in Portage la Prairie, Man. 

Students awarded at luncheon 

Prior to the convocation, the College of Rehabilitation Sciences held its annual convocation award luncheon at Canad Inns at Health Sciences Centre. Twenty-one students received awards, with a total value of over $10,000 – including medals and professional association memberships.  

Kiera Martin-Shimoji and instructor Lisa Diamond-Burchuk.

“Being able to be recognized for the hard work that we’ve done throughout the program, it just feels great,” said occupational therapy graduate Kiera Martin-Shimoji, who won three awards. 

Martin-Shimoji is currently working in transitional care at Misericordia Health Centre. She said she’d also like to one day work in stroke rehabilitation or pediatrics. 

“I really love the holistic nature of the profession and the values that it holds when it comes to care for individuals,” she said. 

Among the other winners was Karanveer Multani, who won the Marjorie Spence Physical Therapy Achievement Prize for his community involvement and leadership qualities. 

Multani, who grew up in Winnipeg, is now working at a private physiotherapy clinic in the city. 

“I’m focused on continuing to grow my skills as a physiotherapist and pursue further education so I can better serve my clients. I’m excited to learn to see where this journey takes me,” he said. 

Watch a social media reel from the convocation.

“I’m ready to dive right in.” 

College of Nursing dean Dr. Kellie Thiessen presents Judah Chepil with his nursing pin.

Chepil was one of 97 new nurses who joined the profession on Oct. 22 at the College of Nursing’s pinning ceremony at the Desautels Concert Hall on Fort Garry campus. 

At the ceremony, the new graduates received their nursing pin and recited the UM Bachelor of Nursing Pledge, which was adapted from the 1893 Florence Nightingale Pledge. 

Dr. Kellie Thiessen, dean of the College of Nursing, emceed the event and congratulated the group before presenting them with their pins. 

“We are excited to commemorate your achievement of this significant milestone as you celebrate today with your friends and family,” she said. 

The ceremony also included an honour song performed by Elder Carl Stone and remarks from Wanda Phillips-Beck, associate professor of Indigenous initiatives at the college and Seven Generations Scholar at the First Nations Health and Social Secretariat of Manitoba.  

Phillips-Beck told graduates the values in nursing are no different from the seven teachings that guide Indigenous people – respect, honour, truth, wisdom, humility, courage and love. 

“I hope that you leave here today understanding that nursing is not just an occupation, it is a commitment to uphold those values and to the communities that we serve,” she said. 

Valedictorians cite support system, connections with patients 

Valedictorians Olivia Steininger (L) and Sarah Livingstone (R).

Most of the graduating students began the bachelor of nursing program in Summer 2023, the first time the college offered a summer intake as part of its expansion. This includes co-valedictorians Sarah Livingstone and Olivia Steininger, both of whom are already working in Winnipeg hospitals. 

Livingstone said the fast pace of the 28-month program was challenging, but that she and her classmates were a strong support system for each other. “Nobody outside of your nursing cohort really understands what you’re going through like your classmates do.” 

Steininger said what she will remember most are the “human connections” she made with patients while on clinical rotations. 

“Even though you’re a student, you are dealing with real people when you’re in the hospital, people that are sick and arguably in one of the worst places of their life. Any part of their day that I can make better … I think that’s just huge,” she said. 

20 new nurse practitioners convocate 

The students’ convocation was held the previous day, Oct. 21. There, 28 students from the college’s graduate programs also crossed the stage to receive their degrees, including 20 graduates from the nurse practitioner (NP) program.  

NP graduate Jaypee Benitez Buhisan is originally from the Philippines, where he worked as a nurse educator. Buhisan plans to work in primary care in Winnipeg. “I am passionate about health promotion and disease prevention efforts and I want to be part of a health care team that supports that goal.” 

Jessica Smart graduated from the administrative stream of the college’s master’s program. Her thesis focused on the retention of nurses in Canada and how leadership can play a role in shaping a more sustainable workforce. 

“We know that in Canada there’s a significant shortage of health-care providers and nurses are really at the centre of this crisis,” she said.  

Smart said building relationships with advisors, classmates and professors was a major highlight of her time in the program. 

“I think what sets the University of Manitoba program apart is that you’re learning alongside people that you will be working with in the future, and maybe work with already. That was the most exciting part for me.” 

UM Bisons are at the centre of it all, making a difference here in Manitoba and around the world. 1,395 students are graduating this fall, bringing the number of graduates in the class of 2025 to 5,586 so far. 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. 

Photo of Chiamaka Ilozue [LLM/25]

Chiamaka Ilozue

Thesis: “Shareholder proposal in Canada: questions, concerns, and opportunities for improvement.”

Advisor: Professor Darcy MacPherson

Chiamaka Ilozue completed her LLB at Lancaster University in the UK in 2019, and received her BL (Barrister-at-Law) in 2021 at Nigerian Law School in Lagos, Nigeria. Prior to commencing studies in her LLM at Robson Hall, she worked as a Legal Officer at the Securities and Exchange Commission, and was Legal Counsel at Etiaba & Co, Etiaba Chambers in the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria. Ilozue has worked as a graduate research assistant at the University of Manitoba Faculty of Law while completing requirements for her LLM degree.

What is your thesis on and who is your advisor?

My thesis is on the corporate aspect of law. This is because my interests in corporate law were naturally informed by the inconsistency laws on claims and tort governing the business environment I grew up in. Hence, my thesis topic is on: Shareholder Proposal in Canada: Questions, Concerns and Opportunities for Improvement. My thesis advisor is Professor Darcy MacPherson.

Where did you previously study or practice law?

I had my first degree at the University of Lancaster. Then, I proceeded to the Nigerian Law School where I was called to one of the largest bar associations in Africa as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. Thus, I was practicing law in Nigeria before I came to Canada.  

How did you come to study at the UM Faculty of Law?

Pretty much, I was searching for schools that offered a Master of Laws (LLM) program and came across the University of Manitoba. However, I was more particular about the University of Manitoba, specifically for graduate studies in Master of Laws (LLM) because of its renowned reputation in quality education and superior learning systems. Professors at the university are widely known for their intensive research and expertise from Contract Law to Human Rights Law. 

What do you hope to do with your LLM?

Obtaining an LLM (Master of Laws) from the University of Manitoba will guide me to what public and corporate legal teams I would love to be part of, equipping me with a dynamic and evolving range of skills to work anywhere in public and private markets. 

What have been your favourite aspects of studying at Robson Hall so far?

My favorite aspects of studying at Robson Hall are my classes. I get the opportunity to vehemently express myself on the different area of laws as they come. Thankfully, the lecturers are always quite engaging with their stimulating questions. 

How has the graduate seminar been of help to you in the preparation of your thesis?

The graduate seminar is indeed a stimulating one. It has helped me approach my thesis in a different light by exposing me to various research methods in order to achieve the goal of finishing my thesis in a timely manner.

What would you tell other students about the benefits of taking an LLM degree?

Lastly, I would advise students to take on the LLM program as it directs you to a new phase in a career marathon of learning from experienced Legal professionals.

Lovelyn Osiele [LLM/25]

Lovelyn Osiele

Thesis: “Examination of securities regulation in Canada.”

Advisor: Professor Darcy MacPherson

Lovelyn Osiele completed her LLB at Benson Idahosa University, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria in 2019 and received her BL (Barrister-at-Law) from The Nigerian Law School in Lagos, Nigeria in 2021. She enrolled in the University of Manitoba’s LLM program in 2023.

What is your thesis on and who is your advisor?

My Thesis Topic: A Comparative Analysis of Securities Regulation in Canada and the United States.  My Thesis advisor is Professor Darcy MacPherson.

Where did you previously study or practice law?

I had my Bachelor of Laws degree (LLB) from Benson Idahosa University, Nigeria where I also practice law.

How did you come to study at the UM Faculty of Law?

I had a couple of friends who always discussed about the University of Manitoba, Winnipeg Canada, so I picked an interest and decided to research about the University on my own. I found a lot of interesting things about the school I just couldn’t let go. I studied how highly the University of Manitoba is ranked, the various scholarships offered, and how supportive the Professors are, I noticed the student-teacher relationship, and the University of Manitoba from my research is best known as a research institution and has the best law program. 

What do you hope to do with your LLM?

I am pursuing this degree in Law because I have been looking forward to getting the role as a Senior lawyer in my place of work which has been eluding due to my inability to acquire a higher professional degree. I am particularly certain that on completion of my program, I will be adequately equipped with the skills I hope to acquire from my Law certificate, I will also have acquired the requisite qualifications to stand as a good candidate for the role in my organization.

What have been your favourite aspects of studying at Robson Hall so far?

The lecturers and Professors are friendly and ensure they provide everything needed for a successful academic year. The E.K. Williams Law Library is so equipped and I have access to learning materials. Also being taught by intelligent professors gives me so much edge and confidence. 

Read a feature story about Oluwafisayo Stephen Ayita of this class, who graduated in June, 2025. He is now a student in the Internationally Trained Lawyer program, working towards becoming licensed to practice law in Manitoba.

Applications for the Master of Laws program at the University of Manitoba are now open until December 15, 2025. Apply now.

Marking the moment

During Fall Convocation from October 21-23 (Fort Garry) and on November 6 (Bannatyne), UM campuses will have an atmosphere of pride and excitement! Find key information you need to join the festivities on the Convocation home page:

• View the ceremony schedules, link to the live streams and explore the Convocation program for each ceremony.
• Learn what time to show up, where to park and details about Convocation accessibility. 
• Explore Convocation traditions, like the meaning of the coloured stoles and hoods worn by the graduates and the significance of the Indigenous motifs on the robes worn by the Chancellor and President.

For more detailed information that will help Convocation day go smoothly:

• Graduates are encouraged to view the Convocation day schedule and read our 10 Tips for a memorable Convocation experience
• Anyone driving to campus should review current service disruptions and road closures as there is active construction on and around the Fort Garry campus. 

Celebrating every story

One of the best parts of the Convocation celebration is recognizing and honouring student achievement. It’s also a time for students to reflect— on what they’ve learned, what has ignited their passions and where they want to go from here. Here are some of their stories:

• After battling Hodgkin’s lymphoma three times, Joshua Chuwang-Kwa has been in remission since 2020. Now, he’s graduating with a Bachelor of Science from UM and sharing his story to inspire others to keep going, no matter the challenge. Hear more about his journey and the support that helped him succeed. 
• Graduating from any program is an incredible accomplishment; meet two students who did so at the top of their class:
  • Talia Smith (she/they), a bachelor of arts (advanced) grad was pursuing psychology at UM when she took an optional philosophy course and it fundamentally changed the way she thinks.
  •  Rachel Donnelly (she/her), a bachelor of respiratory therapy grad , was working in Alzheimer’s research and at a group home during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic while trying to determine her next move. She took a leap of faith when she applied to the College of Rehabilitation Sciences (CoRS).  
• UM nursing alum Ashley Bell seeks to close gaps for 2SLGBTQIA+ families with infants in intensive care: When working in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), she saw some 2SLGBTQIA+ families were not receiving the same level of care as other families. That experience led Bell to return to UM to pursue a master’s degree with a thesis on the lived care experience of 2SLGBTQIA+ families with an infant in a NICU.

Read more 2025 Fall Convocation stories

Recognizing those who inspire

Along with celebrating student achievement, Convocation is a time for the university to recognize honorary degree recipients who have made an impact. We also celebrate teaching excellence and outstanding contributions to the development and governance of the university.

L-R: Dr. Mary Kerr, L. Kerry Vickar

At the Fall 2025 ceremonies, honorary degrees will be bestowed on:

• L. Kerry Vickar, an accomplished business leader, philanthropist and mentor, recognized for his integrity, civic engagement and commitment to stronger communities. (Wednesday Oct 22 ceremony)
• Mary Kerr, a visionary artist, designer and educator who has earned international acclaim as one of Canada’s pre-eminent theatre creators. (October 23 ceremony)

Read more about these two extraordinary Canadians

Other special honours and awards

During Fall Convocation, the university will also honour five faculty members:

• Warren Cariou, Lisa Lix and Joerg Stetefeld will be appointed Distinguished Professors.
• Jocelyn Thorpe will receive the Dr. and Mrs. H.H. Saunderson Award for Excellence in Teaching.
• Wan Wang will receive the Olive Beatrice Stanton Award for Excellence in Teaching.

Learn more about the award winners in the Convocation program.

UM Bisons are at the centre of it all, making a difference here in Manitoba and around the world. 1395 degrees are being awarded at Fall Convocation, bringing the number of graduates in the class of 2025 to 5586. 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.

Each year, there are hundreds of success stories within the walls of the Asper School of Business. Here are just a few of the stories of those graduating on October 21, 2025.

Jamie O’Neill, BComm (Hons.)

Jamie O’Neill completed her BComm (Hons.) degree in record time. Already equipped with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in psychology, she came to Asper in the Fall 2024 semester with a goal to become a post-secondary instructor. She wanted to expand the subjects she could teach.

Yes, you’re reading that right. While majoring in Marketing and Human Resource Management, and adding a minor in Labour Studies, O’Neill completed her BComm degree in a single year. All this while involving herself in the University of Manitoba Indigenous Commerce Students group, the Land and Water: Indigenous Land-Based Education Program, and attending many of Asper’s networking and extracurricular events.

Oh, yeah, and she runs her own business, Boligrafo Bonito, where she uses sustainably sourced wood to create handmade, beautiful and comfortable-to-use ballpoint pens. She also built a brand, and manages production and operations, for her family’s business, 15 Feathers.

It’s safe to say that O’Neill kept busy during her time at Asper. But, even with everything she had going on, you could almost always find her in the IBEP lounge hanging out with other students. She’s now a student of the MSc Management program, focusing on Organizational Behaviour.

“I am looking forward to completing my thesis and making my way onto the faculty at Asper so that I can help teach the next round of Bisons and keep giving back to this amazing community that welcomed me so completely,” she says.

To students, she offers the following advice: “You don’t have to go it alone. The best part about being at Asper was meeting other students, participating in events, and connecting with the staff and faculty. We’re all here waiting to cheer you on and we want to be able to help you succeed.”

Garrison Glatz, BComm (Hons.)

It’s kind of an accident that Garrison Glatz ended up where he did.

As many do when they’re starting University, Glatz wasn’t too sure what he wanted to do, and picked a subject semi-randomly. He thought he might enjoy Business and figured it would open doors for him, so he tried it.

Turns out, he liked it, so he kept going. While he initially majored in Marketing, and planned on going into sales without a second thought, his path took an unexpected turn during an impromptu hallway conversation with the professor Howard Harmatz (Garrison describes him as “legendary”). During their conversation, Harmatz casually remarked that Glatz should go into finance. So he did.

“It ended up working out very well!” He says.

Glatz takes special pride in the case competitions that he participated in at Asper. In March 2025, Glatz and his teammates Evan Adair and Kayla Odidison finished first in the Scotiabank International Case Competition, a massive international win for Asper.

“Case competitions were the most impactful thing for me. I made some of my best friends, got better at working with others, and opened up my career opportunities,” he says.

He emphasizes the value of experiential learning; case competitions gave him a drive that he couldn’t have found in a classroom.

Glatz has already capitalized on the opportunities that opened up to him, and has started working in commercial banking at TD. But he acknowledges that work and material success aren’t everything. All the goals you aim for in school and in work, should be in service of something in your character that can’t be bought.

“Money and impressive job titles are nice to have, but they’re only a small part of what really makes someone impressive,” he says.

With his education at Asper behind him, Glatz no longer feels like he’s throwing darts at a dartboard, trying to find the right career or life path. He feels certain and excited about the path he’s chosen.

Sam Paknia, Master of Finance (MFin)

After moving to Canada, Sam Paknia wanted a program that not only deepened his technical skills but also connected him to the Canadian financial community. The Asper MFin was just right.

Paknia was heavily involved during his time at Asper, participating in case competitions, and becoming a voice for his peers as Vice President (MFin) with the Asper Profession Graduate Students Association, as well as a Senator with the University of Manitoba Iranian Students Association.

“The biggest lessons I’ve taken away are the importance of collaboration, communication, and community-building,” says Paknia. “Altogether, these experiences showed me that professional growth is as much about people as it is about technical knowledge.”

He plans to continue his professional journey in wealth management and investment analysis while pursuing CFA Level II.

For future Asper students, he recommends taking full advantage of the opportunities outside the classroom, and to know that what will stay with you the longest are connections.

“Asper is a place that rewards curiosity, collaboration, and community spirit.”

Shivam Patel, Master of Supply Chain Management (MSCM)

Shivam Patel was working in a family textile business in India, when he started to notice that their company was losing lots of money because of poor transportation planning and a lack of infrastructure. That was when he started to become curious about the supply chain.

When he came to Canada, he decided to take an Asper MSCM, starting in 2023, to learn more about global supply chain practices and understand how international markets work.

Patel admits that when he first arrived, he was very shy: “I was very introverted and couldn’t even speak confidently in front of two people,” he says.

However, when he pushed himself out of his comfort zone and participated in extracurriculars, he found his world opening up: “I learned how to communicate better, think under pressure, and present my ideas with confidence. Meeting successful professionals and CEOs also inspired me to dream bigger.”

His highlight reel includes a 3rd place finish at the 2024-2025 MBA games in BC, a co-op placement at NFI Parts, and even involvement in UM intramural volleyball and racquetball.

He feels lucky to have all of these opportunities, as well as to have the chance to make new friends along the way.

“What made this journey special were the people, the friends who became like family, the professors who guided me, and the mentors who supported me at every step,” says Patel.

“This is just the beginning, and I’m excited to see where the next chapter takes me.”

—

With more than 180 new graduates in the BComm degree and in Stu Clark Graduate School’s degree programs at Fall Convocation 2025, the Asper School of Business’ alumni community of 23,000 continues to grow. Stay connected as an alum no matter where your education and career take you.

—

UM Bisons are at the centre of it all, making a difference here in Manitoba and around the world. 1395 degrees are being awarded at Fall Convocation, bringing the number of graduates in the class of 2025 to 5586. 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.

“I hope to be an advocate for the career and to educate others on the importance of RTs in health care.”

Rachel Donnelly

Donnelly was working in Alzheimer’s research and at a group home during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic while trying to determine her next move. The previous UM grad with an honours degree in biological sciences took a leap of faith when she applied to the College of Rehabilitation Sciences (CoRS).  

“I had always wanted to pursue a career in health care but was unsure of where I would fit in the medical community,” she says.

After stumbling onto the CoRS webpage and reading about the respiratory therapy (RT) program, she wasn’t 100 per cent sure what the career would look like but took a chance and applied the same day. “It was one of the best decisions I have ever made,” she says.

During her degree, Donnelly was regularly inspired by her instructors’ passion for the RT profession, especially their advocacy around RTs practising at their full scope as part of primary care in Manitoba.

She also had the opportunity to go to Rwanda with a small group of RT students. There, the group shadowed health professionals in hospitals and learned more about the barriers to health care experienced by people in marginalized communities. Now, as she graduates and begins her career in respiratory therapy, having a positive impact on her community remains a key goal.

“One day, I hope to be an advocate for the career and to educate others on the importance of RTs in health care,” she says.  “Whether that means speaking in schools, working in primary care clinics or travelling abroad to help teach acute care life support courses, only time will tell!”

Her advice for her past self, and anyone embarking on their educational journey? “Keep going; it will all be worth it. And don’t worry about three years of school, it goes by fast!”

UM Bisons are at the center of it all, making a difference here in Manitoba and around the world. 1,395 students are graduating this Fall, bringing the number of graduates in the class of 2025 to 5,586 so far. Many of these new alumni will stay in Manitoba, contributing high-demand skills to the labour market and injecting nearly $300 million into the province’s economy each year.

 “My time at UM taught me that university is one of the best places to get a sense of who you want to be in an increasingly complex world.”

Talia Smith

An elective course “fundamentally changed the way I think,” Talia Smith says. She was pursuing psychology at UM when she took the optional philosophy class with Dr. Carl Matheson.

“He presented philosophy as a discipline where creativity and curiosity collide…where you’re encouraged to challenge the ideas that have built the very foundation of our lives,” Smith says. “I recognized that philosophy was the best avenue for me to explore and reconceptualize how we exist in the world.”

Now Smith is graduating from UM and has already begun graduate studies at the University of Oxford, something they never thought would be possible. They were encouraged to apply by Dr. Steve Lecce, a key mentor during their time at UM.

At times, Smith questioned their capacity to excel in academic spaces. They initially reached out to Dr. Lecce for help on a paper. The political theory professor became a consistent voice of support and encouragement over the course of three years. He “helped me find opportunities to challenge myself in new ways to build my confidence,” she says.

Smith received an Undergraduate Research Award to explore the politics of gifted education alongside Lecce and presented their work at a conference for political theorists from across Canada, an experience that was both enriching and illuminating, she says.

So far, their career path has been non-linear. They hope to use the diverse experience they’ve gained to build bridges between academic and professional spaces, generating new ways of thinking. Environmental governance is Smith’s current focus, specifically our relationship to wildlife in places and contexts where humans are considered primary stakeholders.

 “My time at UM taught me that university is one of the best places to get a sense of who you want to be in an increasingly complex world,” she says. “As long as you remain actively engaged, open to new opportunities, and take classes and build relationships with professors who challenge you to think deeply, you’ll emerge a more thoughtful version of yourself who can hold nuance and tackle challenges with equal parts grace and rigour.”

UM Bisons are at the center of it all, making a difference here in Manitoba and around the world. 1,395 students are graduating this Fall, bringing the number of graduates in the class of 2025 to 5,586 so far. Many of these new alumni will stay in Manitoba, contributing high-demand skills to the labour market and injecting nearly $300 million into the province’s economy each year.

An honorary degree is the highest honour UM can bestow upon an individual for achieving pre-eminence in science, culture, scholarship or public service. This fall’s recipients are business leader L. Kerry Vickar and theatre designer Mary Kerr.

A visionary leader

L. Kerry Vickar
LL.B. (Manitoba)
Wednesday, October 22 at 3pm
Doctor of Laws (honoris causa) 

L. Kerry Vickar is an accomplished business leader, philanthropist and mentor, recognized for his integrity, civic engagement and commitment to stronger communities.

After earning his law degree from UM in 1980, he transitioned from law to business, leading Gravure Graphics Ltd. to significant growth before founding CorrFlex Graphics, a North American leader in retail displays. His business ventures continued with the transformation of an insolvent equipment rental company into the largest Hyundai heavy equipment dealer in North America and the world’s largest Bell Truck dealer. He now serves as Executive Chairman of an injection mold manufacturing firm.

Mr. Vickar’s philanthropic legacy is equally profound. Through the Kerry and Simone Vickar Family Foundation, he supports health, education, and the arts, including endowed chairs at Cedars Sinai and the Levine Cancer Institute, and a Civic Centre in Melfort, Saskatchewan that bears his name. At UM, he established the L. Kerry Vickar Business Law Clinic, offering free legal services to underserved entrepreneurs while providing experiential learning for law students.

In recognition of his visionary leadership, philanthropy and enduring commitment to education and community, L. Kerry Vickar will receive a Doctor of Laws, honoris causa.

An innovative designer

Mary Kerr
BFA (Hons) (Manitoba), DCL (honoris causa) (St. John’s College, Manitoba)
Thursday, October 23 at 3pm
Doctor of Letters (honoris causa) 

Dr. Mary Kerr is a visionary artist, designer and educator who has earned international acclaim as one of Canada’s pre-eminent theatre creators. For more than four decades, she has transformed the worlds of theatre, ballet, opera, film, television and special events with her conceptually inventive and striking designs. Born in Winnipeg, she earned a BFA (Hons) in sculpture and literature from UM before pursuing graduate studies at the University of Toronto’s Medieval Centre, where she realized the world of theatre was where she could combine all the arts she loved.

Her award-winning career includes credits at the Stratford and Shaw Festivals, the Canadian Opera Company, the National Ballet of Canada, the Danny Grossman Dance Company and the Paris Opera Ballet. Her work was showcased globally at Expo 67, Expo 86, and the 1994 Commonwealth Games opening and closing ceremonies.

Dr. Kerr is the only theatre designer elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and is a member of the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts. As a mentor and educator, she has inspired generations of designers and championed equity for women production designers in Canadian theatre art.

For her remarkable achievements in performance design, her leadership in advancing the art of Canadian scenography, and her enduring commitment to mentorship and collaboration, Dr. Mary Kerr will receive a Doctor of Letters, honoris causa.

Other special honours and awards

During Fall Convocation, the university will also honour five faculty members:

• Warren Cariou, Lisa Lix and Joerg Stetefeld will be appointed Distinguished Professors.
• Jocelyn Thorpe will receive the Dr. and Mrs. H.H. Saunderson Award for Excellence in Teaching.
• Wan Wang will receive the Olive Beatrice Stanton Award for Excellence in Teaching.

Learn more about the recipients in the Convocation program.

ABOUT CONVOCATION

Ceremonies for October graduands from the Fort Garry campus will be held from October 21-23, 2025.

A separate ceremony will be held for graduating students from the Bannatyne campus on November 6, 2025.

If you are a student and have declared your intent to graduate, you should have already received emails to your UM account with instructions on how to claim your academic attire and what to expect from this year’s ceremonies. If you haven’t received the information, please email Graduation.Convocation@umanitoba.ca

You can find more information at umanitoba.ca/convocation and can view the ceremony schedules on the  Convocation Dates and Times page.

Join the conversation online by using #umanitoba2025 to celebrate.

Good evening, everyone.

Jordan Wagner, Valedictorian, Juris Doctor Class of 2025.

My name is Jordan Wagner, and it is an honour and a privilege to stand here tonight before you as your Valedictorian for the Law Class of 2025.

Unlike Mike Ross from Suits, we actually made it through law school. We didn’t fake it. Although if you saw our 3L final exams, that might still be up for debate.

I want to begin by expressing heartfelt thanks to our professors, faculty, families, and friends. Your support over the past three years has meant everything, and without it, none of us would be here tonight.

And to my classmates: oh, what a ride it’s been!

I want to take you back to that first day of law school back in September 2022. We were all packed into the Moot Court Room, not yet thinking about convocation or graduation dinners; those felt like light years away. Most of us were still wondering whether our outfits actually counted as business casual or if we’d already failed our first ungraded test.

Many of us, including myself, had this mix of excitement for starting a new chapter in our lives, paired with the realization that this was going to take a lot of work and that we’d have to make plenty of sacrifices.

And what we’ve seen over the past three years is that both of those feelings turned out to be true.

There have been moments along the way that brought out excitement in all of us, whether that was winning a high-stakes curling match on a Friday evening at the St. Vital Curling Club, doing well on an important exam that we poured countless hours into, going down to Grand Forks to cheer on our Robson Hall Jets and see yet another impressive championship, or just simply spending time with fellow classmates and seeing that relationship evolve into lifelong friendships.

But at the same time, there were moments when we were overwhelmed, studying for a 100% final exam or finishing a 7,500-word paper and submitting it at 11:59pm while quietly hoping there would be another grading snafu.

But when things felt like too much, we kept going. Not because it always felt possible but because it was necessary. Necessary because we came to law school with a purpose: To improve access to justice. To help the little guy. To fix what’s broken in the justice system. Each of us came here for something bigger than ourselves, and that’s what kept us pushing forward when things got tough.

Recently, I had the chance to speak with some of our transfer students about how their experience at the University of Manitoba compared to their previous law schools. The message was clear: what sets Robson Hall apart is the strength of its community.

Over the past three years, through every high and low, we’ve been surrounded by people who genuinely want to see us succeed. It’s unlike anything I had experienced before in my academic career, whether it was classmates sharing outlines and notes to make sure that we were ready for exams, or faculty members like Lisa Griffin and Trina McFadyen helping us get our ducks in a row from day one, the support has been constant. That sense of community has carried us from the beginning, and it’s one of the things I know we’ll remember and miss the most.

And that community extends beyond Winnipeg.

Whenever I meet lawyers from other provinces and mention that I go to Robson Hall, a smile appears. That reaction speaks volumes, whether they went here themselves, grew up in Winnipeg, or know a proud alum. That shared connection reflects the pride and enduring sense of belonging that this school fosters in everyone who passes through its halls. They know what it’s like to trudge through the winter roads to make a downtown networking event after a long day of contract and constitutional law. They’ve heard Lord John Irvine reflect on case law from centuries ago. And they share the immense pride that comes with being a graduate of this school.

If we look back to 1L, life moved fast, and we had to keep up. With seven courses per semester on our plates, we were constantly juggling readings and deadlines. As final exams rolled around, things got even more intense. Not only were we managing a busy exam schedule, but we also had to dodge the notoriously aggressive Canadian geese patrolling the front of Robson Hall like they were campus security. And through it all, we had Lord Irvine calmly delivering his lectures in full spring uniform: farm overalls and rain boots – only at Robson Hall. We were fortunate to have people like Lily Deardorff, who was always there to support us and ensure that our time at law school was as enriching and rewarding as possible.

And then came 2L. We started to find our paths. We chose classes that reflected who we wanted to become as future lawyers. Some of us leaned into criminal law. Others leaned into business, family, or Indigenous law. We heard names like Baker and Vavilov on repeat, but we also got the chance to see ourselves as future lawyers after conducting our own trials in Oral Advocacy.

By 3L, we were hitting our stride. Some of our classmates studied abroad in Sweden, the Netherlands, and England. Others stayed close to home and took part in legal clinics, where we saw firsthand how the law touches the lives of everyday Manitobans.

And we competed. And we won.

From a first-place showing at the Isaac Moot to success at the Gale, the Wilson, the Laskin, the Fox, the MacIntyre, the Sopinka, you name it, we proved that when it counted, we delivered on the national scale.

And then, something we thought might never happen, we were finally let back into the Fort Garry Hotel for our last Carbolic. We dressed to the nines, danced like no one was watching, and thanks to our incredible social committee, made memories that will last far beyond that night in March.

But this journey wouldn’t have been possible without the people around us.

To our professors: thank you for your patience, your thoughtful challenges, and your unwavering commitment to shaping us into critical thinkers and compassionate advocates. Thank you for treating us like future professionals, even before we felt like we were.

To Dean Jochelson, Associate Dean Schultz, and the entire Robson Hall team: thank you for guiding us through uncertain times. Your flexibility and steady leadership kept us moving forward, and we appreciate that.

To our families: thank you for being our foundation. For the late-night pep talks, the check-in texts that said, “You’ve got this; go crush your exam!” and for patiently listening to our endless rants about exams, grades, and the ever-complicated concept of standard of review. You saw us at our most tired, most stressed, most doubtful, and stayed by our side. I know that without the support of my brother, mom, dad, and grandma, I wouldn’t be standing up here today.

And to the Class of 2025: you are some of the most talented, driven, and generous people I’ve ever met. Thank you for the group chats, the shared outlines, the moral support, the TikTok and Instagram Reel therapy, and for never letting any of us feel like we were in this alone.

Each of us has our own version of what made these three years meaningful. It could be travelling the world with classmates. It could be getting involved in the community. Or it could be even as simple as realizing that in this profession, we have the power to evoke positive change.

These moments shaped us. And now, our paths will diverge. Some will clerk. Some will litigate. Some will stay far away from a courtroom. Some will write policy or fight for change. Others may leave the law entirely and find purpose elsewhere.

That diversity is something to be proud of. Because this degree wasn’t about fitting a mold, it was about discovering what we’re capable of and finding our place in something bigger.

We didn’t just survive law school. We built something meaningful. And now, we carry it forward into courtrooms, boardrooms, communities, and beyond.

From that first day in the Moot Court Room to this moment tonight, we’ve come full circle, and we’re ready for whatever comes next.

To the Class of 2025: Congratulations. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for everyone!