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University of Manitoba Gold Medal in Management

Reid Glatz – BComm (Hons) – Finance

At Spring 2023 convocation, Reid Glatz received the Gold Medal for graduating with the highest undergraduate academic standing at the Asper School of Business.

Glatz arrived at UM from Alberta on a full athletic scholarship to swim for the Bisons, becoming the Men’s Swimming Representative on the University of Manitoba Athletic Council (UMAC) in his second year. As a varsity athlete, Glatz represented the Bisons at the U Sports Championships and the Canada West Championships, and in 2019 he set a team record in the 200-metre butterfly.

Majoring in finance at Asper, Glatz stayed engaged in the faculty and his field by participating in several student-action groups. During his Bachelor of Commerce degree, he served as Events Ticketing Manager in the Finance Portfolio of the Commerce Students’ Association (CSA), Executive Logistic Coordinator for the Asper School of Business Accounting Association (ASBAA), and Director of Finance for the University of Manitoba Finance Organization (UMFO).

He also represented Asper at an international case competition, traveling to Bangkok, Thailand to compete in the Thammasat Undergraduate Business Challenge (TUBC).

Since graduating, Glatz has started a career in investment banking in his hometown of Calgary. Following his outstanding five years at Asper, he is focused on his future.

“I am excited to pursue a career in finance and hope to have a positive impact on the world around me,” he says.

University of Manitoba Silver Medal in Management

Brenna Neufeld – BComm (Hons) – Accounting

Asper’s Silver Medal recipient Brenna Neufeld began her university career part-time in the summer of 2018, becoming a full-time student that fall and joining the Asper School of Business in the Fall 2019 term.

Neufeld majored in accounting in her Bachelor of Commerce degree and looks forward to continuing her education. She is currently enrolled in the CPA program while articling at Krahn Friesen Neufeld Chartered Professional Accountants.

Like many of her peers in the Class of 2023, her undergraduate experience was impacted by the pandemic and university closures. An exchange trip to Croatia was unfortunately cancelled in the wake of these safety measures.

Neufeld is nonetheless grateful for the people she met during her degree and the friends she made. She is also taking opportunities now to travel, heading to Europe with a close friend this month and planning to explore Peru in the fall. 

University of Manitoba Bronze Medal in Management

Kayla Bryson – BComm (Hons) – Accounting

Kayla Bryson is the Asper School of Business Bronze Medal recipient.

An accounting major, Bryson spent the last two years of her Bachelor of Commerce degree working as a teaching assistant and lab instructor, where she was glad to meet other students and contribute to their learning experiences at Asper.

“Helping other students learn was such a rewarding experience that showed me a new perspective of education,” she says.

Bryson looks forward to continuing her education. This September, she will begin a Master of Science in Management, focusing on data analytics, at the Ivey Business School at the University of Western Ontario.

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Congratulations to the 2023 Asper School of Business Medal Winners!

“I always dreamed I would get to this moment and feel this sense of accomplishment.”

Deidre Dewar joined the Bachelor of Commerce (BComm) program at the Asper School of Business as a mature student and a mother. This spring, she joins the Asper Class of 2023 at convocation.

Her undergraduate career began five years ago at Red River College Polytechnic. Through the Joint Articulation agreement, she was able to continue her studies at UM.

Dewar’s journey actually began much earlier with that ever-present dream and her unwavering passion for learning. A degree was more than a credential to her, and as she moved through life’s challenges and competing priorities, it took on more meaning.

As a child, Dewar observed her mother completing her bachelor’s degree, and in June she becomes the second in her family to do the same. She hopes to carry on this tradition, setting a strong example for her children, giving back to her community and inspiring other First Nations women.

Dewar reflects on her achievement, what it meant as a dream and how it is opening doors for her now.

“I wanted to pursue self-determination to secure a better quality of life for myself and my family—to be a role model for my kids and show them that persistence and dedication can help you achieve your goals.”

Dewar made sacrifices to complete an undergraduate program while balancing family life. Ultimately, her family’s support and the years she spent working before returning to school were what helped her succeed.

“When I was younger, the first time around, I didn’t have a lot of security or as many supportive people around me. This time, I do, but it took time to set that up for myself,” she says.

Early mornings getting her kids ready for daycare before class and late nights studying math were manageable thanks to this support and her conviction that the sacrifices would be worth it.

Dewar also came into the program with an eye for possibility, an ability to imagine success for herself and take advantage of every learning opportunity.

At Asper, she joined the President’s Student Leadership Program (PSLP), surrounding herself with a diverse group of student leaders from a range of backgrounds.

“PSLP was amazing,” she says. “It was an exploration of leadership at all levels, and Dr. Suzanne Gagnon was an integral part of that journey.”

Gagnon, Leadership and Organization Director at the Burns Leadership Institute, introduced Dewar to the Women’s Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (WEKH) at Asper and WEKH Indigenous Lead Ashley Richard. Dewar eventually secured a research assistant position at WEKH and worked on their See It Be It campaign which increases visibility and representation of women entrepreneurs.

Dewar is also a graduate of Indigenous Business Education Partners (IBEP) at Asper, where she accessed tutoring and career services.

“The team at IBEP were great mentors, and they helped me see what’s out there, including jobs that are more equity seeking or Indigenous-friendly. There are larger institutions that I never thought I could work at, but IBEP was very supportive, bringing those employers in and empowering me to see myself in those roles.”

Dewar’s experiences with PSLP and IBEP expanded the boundaries of what she believed was possible for herself; they revealed more paths forward than she had expected.

As she reflects on graduation, Dewar is in no rush to choose which path to follow. Instead, she is embracing this feeling of possibility and taking time to celebrate her achievement.

“I went to the Graduation Pow Wow and celebrated with other Indigenous graduates. I am glad to wear my ribbon skirt and practice my cultural identity through graduation. Asper has helped me be more confident in my cultural identity as well as my business skills.”

She has a few new dreams for her future—while she might pursue entrepreneurship on the side, she is currently considering graduate studies. She might even like to teach one day.

“Right now, I’m taking it all in, all the years of hard work, all the patience, all the sacrifice,” she says.

She has arrived at the moment she always dreamed of, and that arrival brings a sense of purpose. “I don’t yet know exactly what that purpose is, but it’s coming together—it’s manifesting,” she says.

Dewar worked for years to secure something more important than a singular purpose. In committing to learning, making sacrifices and embracing her story—challenges and all—she found possibility.

This year’s graduates of the year are:

Jordynn Barrett

BPE Grad of the Year

Jordynn Barrett’s education journey, like many of our graduates, was partially remote due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although this was a struggle, when Barrett did return to in person learning, she readily jumped into every opportunity available.

Barrett was a member of PERKS Council, a student elected group dedicated to the enrichment of academic learning, professional development, and social experiences for all students in the faculty, in her final two years. She also was a member of the Kinesiology Games team, which participated in the annual KIN Games.

“Through all of these experiences, I met so many amazing people and have formed many friendships that I hope will be lifelong,” said Barrett.

Next, Barrett will be starting her Bachelor’s of Education in the Early Years stream, with her goal to help create safe and inclusive spaces where students feel free to be themselves!

Jordynn would like to thank her family for supporting her every step and Shelley Harms, for her kindness and wonderful mentorship throughout her time in FKRM.

Antonina Kandiurin

BKIN Grad of the Year

When Antonina Kandiurin was 17, she moved over 1000 kilometres from her hometown of Churchill, Manitoba to Winnipeg to pursue her post-secondary education, becoming the first member of her family to do so.

Life in a new city got lonely at times, especially during the pandemic when few students could be on campus, said Kandiurin. But thanks to the support of people like Heather McRae, Kandiurin said she felt welcomed, supported, and cared for as she became involved with the PERKS Council and the Indigenous Engagement Committee.

Kandiurin is taking a position with the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority at the Churchill Health Centre as a Women’s Group Leader, where she plans to take her experiences with the Indigenous community at the U of M and bring them back home to create a safe space for women to gather, connect, and improve overall health excellence.

“It’s has always been a goal of mine to show other youth and other people like me, that we belong in these institutions and we’re fully capable of attaining whatever goal and dreams we want to achieve,” said Kandiurin.

Antonina would like to thank her community within FKRM, including classmates and faculty, as well as Jackie Elliot (Athletic Therapy Director) and Michelle Sung (Women’s Basketball Coach) for their constant support. She’d also like to thank her communities in Churchill and York Factory First Nation, as well as her parents and granny, a day school survivor of the residential school system, who has been her strength and inspiration to pursue higher education.

Faith Jelagat

BRMCD Grad of the Year

Faith Jelagat said the beginning of university can be overwhelming for many, with so many paths to choose and decisions to make. Jelagat said it’s thanks to the support of people like Karin Nowak-Bailey, that she could find her place in FKRM.

While living away from home can be a struggle, Jelagat also saw it as an opportunity to help support her community back home.

Jelagat returned home during the summer of 2019 to bring what she had learned at FKRM to work with school children in her community. This was part of a partnership with TEPAD Kenya, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of marginalized communities through education, research, and training.

Additionally, Jelagat has been working with TEPAD Kenya to help sponsor a student back home, ensuring they have access to education. In the future, Jelagat hopes to work in a community-based organization where she can help foster quality of life, inclusivity, and community engagement.

“Ultimately, I hope to create meaningful and sustainable experiences for individuals of all backgrounds and ages,” said Jelagat.

Faith would like to thank her parents as well as Karin Nowak-Bailey, Douglas Brown, Colleen Plumton, and all the faculty members from FKRM for their continued support and for recognizing her efforts by awarding her the University of Manitoba Mentorship Leadership Excellence in Sports (MILES) scholarship.

The Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management is proud to congratulate all of our graduating students on what they have achieved within the faculty and the difference they are already making in the world.

AWARD WINNERS

Diploma medal winners include Jamie Chi Yan Wan who received the Governor General’s Bronze Medal, an award given to the graduate with the highest academic standing in the two-year Diploma Program in Agriculture.

Tanner Olmstead received the President’s Medal, given annually to a student who combines scholarship with outstanding qualities and has demonstrated leadership to the members of the graduating class throughout their time enrolled in their program.

Degree program medals are presented to students with the highest standing in their program. This year’s recipients include: George Meggison who received the B.Sc. (Agribusiness) Medal; Bobby Conrad who received the B.Sc. (Agriculture) Medal; Gaganjot Kaur Sekhon who received the B.Sc. (Food Science) Medal; and LaDawn Duerksen who received the B.Sc. (Human Nutritional Sciences) Medal.

Anna Macdonald who graduated with a B.Sc. (Human Nutritional Sciences) was honoured with the University Gold Medal in Agricultural and Food Sciences given for the highest grade point average.

Fatima Saqib who graduated with a B.Sc. (Human Nutritional Sciences) was awarded the Lieutenant Governor’s Gold Medal, given on the basis of scholarship, personal excellence and leadership.

The School of Agriculture Teacher of the Year Awards were presented in recognition of teaching excellence and contribution to the students’ program of study. The First Year award, selected by first-year diploma students, was given to Marla Riekman, Department of Soil Science. The Second Year award, selected by the graduating class of diploma students, went to Gwendolyn Donohoe, Department of Animal Science.

Degree students named Doug Cattani, Department of Plant Science, as Professor of the Year, an honour voted on by the graduating class.

Meet some of the members of the Class of 2023.

Liz Markwart

Master of Arts (Kinesiology and Recreation Management)

Liz Markwart has been dancing since age three and said her dream was to one day open a studio. She achieved this goal and completed an undergraduate degree in dance from York University. But once she was operating her studio, she couldn’t help but wonder about things she felt were off in the dance community. 

While interested in learning about the systemic shortcomings of representation across dance in Canada, particularly within the university sphere, Markwart didn’t initially plan on completing a master’s. However, with encouragement from FKRM Associate Dean Leisha Strachan, a teacher at her studio, Markwart returned to education full-time, completing her thesis titled: Still Colorblind: Using Mapping and Interviews with Former Students to Explore the Racial and Ethnic Diversity in University Dance Programs in Canada.

Her work involved speaking with students from various dance programs nationwide and getting their perspectives on how race is used.

“It just kind of opened up this whole door of what needs to be done and that there’s not enough being done about it,” said Markwart. “It [dance] is such an incredibly physical, emotional, artistic, creative thing to do that barriers shouldn’t be there for anybody.”

Markwart is also engaging in anti-racism work with several professional dance divisions in the city.

“I’m seeing the progress that can be made when people who are in it are listened to,” said Markwart.

Markwart will continue her work looking at the under-studied traumas in dance as she begins her PhD program in Peace and Conflict Studies at UM this fall. In the future, Markwart hopes to teach at the University.

Liz wants to thank her advisor, Leisha Strachan, her committee members, David Yi and Fenton Litwiller, Graduate Studies Coordinator Jody Bohonos, and her husband and three children.

“They teach me every day that I am worth the time and effort, and remind me that I am capable while setting an example that we can be anything we want to be if we work hard and are good to people.”

Chris Voth

Master of Arts (Kinesiology and Recreation Management)

Chris Voth doesn’t have an issue with saying yes. He said his current challenge is trying to find a balance between being open to new experiences and deciding what his long-term plans are.

Voth’s excitement at the possibility of new experiences is evident when looking back on his time with FKRM. He joined the faculty in 2010 and began working towards his BPE. However, before finishing his degree, the Bison player left Winnipeg to play professional volleyball in Europe and on the Canadian National Team during the summer before returning and finishing before the COVID-19 pandemic began.

While the pandemic changed almost all graduates’ education journeys, it also enabled Voth to start and complete his master’s as he coached volleyball professionally in Europe. His thesis, Shining a Light on the Unseen Athletes: Exploring the Experiences of Gay Team Sport Professional Athletes, emerged after Voth wrote some articles for the Huffington Post on his experience as an openly gay team sport athlete.

“I thought, okay, well, wouldn’t it be interesting to then share experiences of team sport athletes and try and figure out what’s holding them back?” said Voth. “Why couldn’t they come out or what happened when they did come out, and the long-term repercussions of that.”

Voth saw a need for more representation when it came to male athletes coming out, and even more so in professional sports, where changing teams often meant facing different personal environments.

“It was just about trying to share their experiences and to give people an appreciation for what gay team sport athletes go through on a daily basis,” said Voth.

Today the experienced writer is completing a book reflecting on his time playing professional volleyball while also coaching overseas.

Chris would like to thank his parents, Lloyd and Val, his sister Ashley, and associate professor Kyoung June Yi for their constant support and patience. Additionally, Chris would like to thank his teammates over the years and the support of Bisons Volleyball alum, Allan Edie, who provided scholarship opportunities for Bisons athletes.

“My parents supported me in anything I pursued while my sister was a shining beacon, always showing me the way and being an incredible role model.”

Courtney Addison

Master of Science (Kinesiology and Recreation Management)

Courtney Addison’s connection to her education has always been close to her heart. Her thesis, Finding Memories Through Music and Movement in Cognitive Impairment, was inspired by her relationship with her Papa, who lived with Alzheimer’s disease. Addison said whenever she talked about her work, she talked about her Papa.

“He always said I could do anything I set my mind to and shoot for the stars,” said Addison. “I just hope that I did him proud.”

Addison’s work looks at the different impacts of self-chosen music versus researcher-chosen music and how they can improve movement performance, and anxiety in persons with mild to moderate cognitive impairment.

Addison’s thesis work exposed her to the idea of becoming a recreation therapist and lead her to complete a recreation therapy diploma at Mohawk College in Ontario. Now working as a full-time recreation therapist at Misericordia Health Centre, Addison is also working on achieving her Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) certification.

“I know parts of what I learned through my master’s thesis, I’ve transferred here with the music I’ve put forward with curated playlists,” said Addison about her work at Misericordia.

Addison said that in the future, she hopes to help develop new pathways for recreation therapists here in Manitoba and one day take her field experience and bring it to the classroom.

Courtney would like to thank her family and nana, advisor Cheryl Glazebrook and committee members Zahra Moussavi and Shaelyn Strachan for their support and belief in her over the years. Additionally she wants to thank her papa, John Addison, who was the inspiration for her thesis.

“He always told me to shoot for the stars and I did just that. I hope I made him proud.”

The Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management is proud to congratulate all of our graduate students on what they have achieved within the faculty and the difference they are already making in the world.

Earlier this month in Niagara on the Lake, the UM conferred an honorary Doctor of Laws degree upon Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences alumni Donald Triggs, who graduated in 1966 with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (Honours).

Donald Triggs, BSA(Hons)(Manitoba), MBA(Western)

For decades, renowned Manitoba-born entrepreneur Donald Triggs has been making a profound impact on the Canadian economy.

With a passion to create a robust premium Canadian wine industry, Mr. Triggs’ ambition, vision and fearlessness has made him one of the most influential figures in the Canadian wine industry today.

From his humble beginnings growing up on the family farm, Mr. Triggs’ ambitions first began to take shape after he completed his honours degree in Agriculture at UM, receiving the Lieutenant-Governors Gold Medal in Agriculture and the Co-operative Promotion Board Gold Medal in Agricultural Economics upon graduation. He completed his MBA at Western and then began a career in marketing, working his way up to become president of beer-maker John Labatt Ltd.’s wine division.

In 1989, his ambitions grew further when the chance to buy the division arose and he saw an irresistible opportunity to create a global market for premium Canadian wine that did not yet exist. Mr. Triggs and his wife Elaine, against the advice of their bankers, made the risky decision to re-mortgage their house and pool their life savings with other partners to take the gamble and form their own company, Vincor.

Boasting 14 wineries and 2,250 employees, Vincor became the first Canadian wine company to succeed worldwide. In 1998, the couple purchased 100 acres of land along the Niagara Parkway and created Delaine Vineyard, a research vineyard that provided premium quality vinifera grapes for Vincor’s Niagara Region wineries and the Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate.

Co-founded with former colleague Allan Jackson in 1991, Jackson-Triggs Winery transformed Canada’s small wine industry into an economic powerhouse. Together with a talented executive team, the pair acquired small wineries, planted better grapes, invested in technology, and turned the Jackson-Triggs label into Canada’s bestselling premium-wine brand, winning Best Canadian Winery numerous times in Canadian and International wine competitions.

By 2003, their company was Canada’s largest wine producer and the world’s eighth largest. Until 2006, Don served as Chief Executive Officer and President of Jackson-Triggs’ parent company, Vincor International Inc. His enthusiasm for ultra-premium winemaking led Don and Elaine to launch Culmina Family Estate Winery in the Okanagan valley in 2007.

Now retired, Triggs is credited with making a major contribution towards transforming the quality and reputation of Canadian wines and establishing international markets to benefit all winemakers. He also guided the industry as chair of both the Canadian Vintners Association and the Ontario Wine Council. Mr. Triggs has received many accolades for his entrepreneurial spirit and community involvement where

Don and Elaine actively supported the arts and education; Don was enthusiastic about the Triggs International Premium Vinifera Lecture Series which brings international experts on viticulture to share the world’s leading research with Ontario and Okanagan growers every two years. Don’s awards also included Marketer of the Year and Entrepreneur of the Year, and three honorary doctorate degrees. In 2006, Don received the Ten-Year Volunteer Service Award from the Government of Ontario and was honored with the Award of Distinction by the Canadian Vintners Association in 2016.

The University of Manitoba is proud to award a Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, to Donald Triggs in recognition of his transformative impact on the Canadian wine industry and his immense contributions to the Canadian economy.

Jamie Chi Yan Wan
Diploma in Agriculture

WHY DID YOU PICK YOUR PROGRAM?

After working in a University farm in Hong Kong for six years, I would like to pursue a more professional career in the ag industry, that’s why I came all the way to Canada to take the Agriculture Diploma program. I believe that I made the right choice as I am now enjoying working under the vast Prairie sky, operating farm machinery, engaging in fieldwork and applying the knowledge I gained from the Ag Dip program.

YOU JUST CAME THROUGH A VERY UNIQUE EXPERIENCE (I.E. UNIVERSITY DURING COVID) – WHAT WAS THAT LIKE?

As someone accustomed to attending in-person lectures, adapting to online classes and seeing my classmates confined to little grey boxes on Zoom was quite challenging. However, this experience also introduced me to new modes of communication that undoubtedly proved valuable when we returned to the traditional classroom setting. But personally I still prefer having personal interaction with my classmates and instructors.

FAVORITE MEMORY OF YOUR PROGRAM?

One of my favourite memories of the program was our field trips, where we had the opportunity to learn outside the classroom. Visiting various agricultural operations and attending events like the bison ranch, Ag Days, KAP AGM, dairy farms, seed company, flower producer and Oak Hammock Marsh allowed me to gain valuable insights into local farms and the supporting communities.

WHERE ARE YOU GOING NEXT?

After completing the Agriculture Diploma program, my next step is to return to school to complete my degree program. Through my experience as a summer technician in a research company, I discovered a strong interest in a research-oriented career in the agricultural field, with the ultimate goal of contributing to the community by generating valuable agricultural knowledge. This has motivated me to further my education and enhance my skills in this field.

Fatima Saqib
Bachelor of Science (Human Nutritional Sciences)

WHY DID YOU PICK YOUR PROGRAM?

The Human Nutritional Science degree is the best mixture of applied science, health studies, and food production to provide a holistic understanding of how what we eat impacts our health. The program also leads to various career opportunities, such as working as a registered dietitian.

YOU JUST CAME THROUGH A VERY UNIQUE EXPERIENCE (I.E. UNIVERSITY DURING COVID) – WHAT WAS THAT LIKE?

There were both positives and negatives of online learning. I felt like I had more time to do other activities, as I could watch lectures when most convenient for me. However, I missed out on the ‘real’ school experience, didn’t get to explore campus as much, and wish I got to know my classmates better.

FAVORITE MEMORY OF YOUR PROGRAM?

Planning nutrition and health related events for the faculty!

WHERE ARE YOU GOING NEXT?

I will be starting medical school at the U of M this fall!

LaDawn Duerksen
Bachelor of Science (Human Nutritional Sciences – Dietetics – 2nd degree)

WHY DID YOU PICK YOUR PROGRAM?

I graduated with a B. Human Ecology (Foods) in 2001 and planned to pursue a career in food research. My life took a different direction though and I ended up spending almost 20 years in the social services field, helping women adjust to motherhood. During COVID, I took the opportunity to return to university to complete the nutrition component of my degree and better align my love of food science with my joy of helping families with everyday life skills.

YOU JUST CAME THROUGH A VERY UNIQUE EXPERIENCE (I.E. UNIVERSITY DURING COVID) – WHAT WAS THAT LIKE?

I was nervous to return to university as a mature student, so learning on-line for the first year helped to ease myself in. Being back on campus for the last year was at first a stretch, but I ended up really enjoying meeting my fellow students and felt much more energized being around everyone in person. I met some really incredible new friends and appreciated their acceptance of me.

FAVORITE MEMORY OF YOUR PROGRAM?

My favorite memory is the 4140 Food Quantity Labs. Working together as a team to make a lunch menu was fun, community building and rewarding. We laughed as we worked together to solve mistakes and got our lab coats very stained with all sorts of splatters!

WHERE ARE YOU GOING NEXT?

This summer I am working as a research assistant under Dr. Protudjer at the Protudjer Food Allergy Lab. In September, I will be starting the Masters of Applied Human Nutrition program and will see where I end up landing after that.

Tanner Olmstead
Diploma in Agriculture

WHY DID YOU PICK YOUR PROGRAM?

I chose the diploma program as I wanted to expand my knowledge in farm management and learn better agronomic practices, and also to network and make connections in the ag industry.

YOU JUST CAME THROUGH A VERY UNIQUE EXPERIENCE (I.E. UNIVERSITY DURING COVID) – WHAT WAS THAT LIKE?

University during covid was not ideal for networking but helped me save money and maintain a better GPA than I would have gotten in person.

FAVORITE MEMORY OF YOUR PROGRAM?

My advice for a student considering it would be do it! There are lots of opportunities to learn and make connections in the industry.

WHERE ARE YOU GOING NEXT?

Next, I am going to work in Australia for harvest and then come back to the family farm where I will live out the rest of my days.

The University of Manitoba engaged Indigenous artists to update the Chancellor’s and President’s convocation regalia, altering one of the institute’s oldest traditions to serve as a visual demonstration of UM’s commitment to reconciliation.

The new robes were designed by Beverli Barnes with artist Jackie Traverse [BFA/09], an Ojibwe woman from the Lake St. Martin First Nation, designing the floral motifs. Barnes then sewed the robes, including the embroidery of Traverse’s motifs, after which the robes were beaded by a third artist, Shannon Denney-Edwards, a Canadian of Métis, French and Islandic descent.

“I graduated in 2009 and never did I ever imagine that I would be asked to design the President’s and the Chancellor’s convocation robes,” Traverse says. “I think that it shows the willingness to learn, make changes and to be open to dialogue and creating changes for everybody….Indigenous artists really need to be represented and more included in all institutions, all places across the country, because we are on native land, right? So we should be represented and we should be included. And it’s the artists that will do that for the people.”

The new black silk robes employ gold piping as a nod to the design the President and Chancellor have worn to date, and they feature new motifs. Of her design, Traverse explains that the crocuses represent Manitoba and give a sense of place while the white, yellow, black and red represent the four symbolic nations of the medicine wheel. The use of red and orange represent missing Indigenous women and children and the roots symbolize our connections to this institution and to one another.

“Convocation is a time for celebration and symbolism and it’s so important that we have this new symbol of what our university represents,” says Dr. Catherine Cook, Vice-President

The Chancellor’s new Convocation gown

(Indigenous). “We are creating meaningful connections with Indigenous communities by embedding Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing into this important event, and I am so thankful and impressed by the thoughtful, beautiful ideas that were captured in this stunning design and artisanship.”

To amend the academic dress took much consultation, reflection and ceremony and this process began in late 2022 when Cook opened consultations with members of the Indigenous community at UM.

“This university wants to be a partner in bringing about meaningful change, and that can mean altering the most long-held traditions so that we can move forward in the true spirit of Reconciliation,” says Michael Benarroch, President and Vice-Chancellor. “I am deeply honoured and grateful to wear these robes alongside the Chancellor at this and all future convocations, and I thank everyone involved in helping us bring about this important milestone. These robes help demonstrate the University of Manitoba’s respect for the territories this university resides upon and our commitment to creating experiences that are more welcoming to Indigenous students.”

Seven Convocation ceremonies will be held between Tuesday June 6^th and Friday June 9^th. For further information about the ceremonies, visit the Convocation website.

Participation from UM staff and faculty is key to making convocation events a success. Don’t miss out on a great opportunity to contribute to these celebrations and experience the joy and excitement of our graduates and their friends and families firsthand.

For more information, and to sign up as an usher, please submit this form by May 19th.