Michael Lackmanec says, “Not learning should be the scary thing.”

Michael Lackmanec, Certificate in Manitoba Municipal Administration graduate

Michael Lackmanec’s council asked if he would like to take the Certificate in Manitoba Municipal Administration (CMMA) through UM Extended Education.

“Of course, I said yes,” says the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) for Cartier, who now holds his CMMA.

“As a CAO, there are very broad-spectrum penicillin types of things that you do in your daily work commitments and that involves oversight,” Lackmanec says. “There is a what and a how to do things. And in the municipal world, you know the what is usually a construct of legislation, rules, policies, et cetera. But the how is everyone’s own special sauce. And I think it’s your own unique brand of how you get things done and that’s informed by your education experience and exposures.”

With Extended Education, he says, “Most instructors have the municipal boots on the ground experience and exposure to many of the concerns and issues affecting the municipal world. It was similar to the MBA I did because they wouldn’t allow professors to teach at the MBA unless they had their own business. Working with the Extended Education office was an absolute pleasure. It was definitely Brendan and the team that provided, we’ll call it the precursors to success for the studies.”

Working professional development programs and courses into a busy life is about time management, Lackmanec says.

“When has learning concrete skills, becoming more knowledgeable, and professionally developing one’s own toolkit ever been a detriment to you as an individual or your organization, or your family, or society as a whole? The idea is that learning is not something you should be afraid of. Not learning should be the scary thing.”

Employers recognize learning, and it can take you to unexpected places, he says.

“Definitely all astute employers realize change is the constant in the world, and those that are comfortable with change and have the skill sets to manage forward will ultimately be rewarded for their perspectives and successes. Education is a way to be able to traverse the woods and go through the hills and valleys, and you know, everybody’s life will be different, but the learning will definitely assist in whatever you embark upon.”

Derek Scott is working on his next certificate with Extended Education.

Derek Scott, Certificate in Program Development for Adult Learners graduate

Derek Scott started off as a power cableman for Manitoba Hydro, and now he is training people to be system operators who make sure the lights stay on.

Scott is graduating with his Certificate in Program Development for Adult Learners. It was a requirement for the position he holds.

“I think I was looking for some guidance on how to make our program better, and some tools and techniques that could elevate our training and get more return on investment in the training we provide to our system operators,” says Scott. “To just offer an all-around better program to the people we educate.”

In addition to the knowledge and skills he is learning with Extended Education, Scott says he has also come to realize that, despite being over 40, he could go back to school and be successful in his studies.

“The most important thing is that learning never ends. That you can continue on your journey of learning. And no matter what your age or your life or what’s going on, you can do it and you can still advance and you know you are not stuck where you are. You can always grow.”

To anyone considering taking a program or course to advance in their life and career, he says, “Just do it. Go for it. I was scared coming into this too, but you can get back in the swing of things and you can do it.

“I would absolutely recommend the continuing education here at UM Extended Education, to grow and to learn, and to use the knowledge you gain to advance in your career.”

Scott is happy to be celebrating his program completion but he is also now working on his next certificate with Extended Education, in Applied Management. “It’s nice to be graduating, to be finally done and see the completion at the end. But I am also enrolled in another program. So, I am continuing on my journey.”

Barakat Bamidele pivoted from tech to HR.

Barakat Bamidele, Certificate in Human Resource Management graduate

Barakat Bamidele didn’t know a thing about human resources or CPHR Manitoba, the province’s professional HR organization when she started to study with UM Extended Education. Now she’s working as a human resources coordinator with Canad Inns.

“My certificate is one of the reasons I got the job. It’s actually given me the experience, the certification I need to be able to practice HR here in Canada,” says Bamidele, looking forward to her Fall 2025 Extended Education Graduation. She is graduating from the Applied Human Resource Management program at Extended Education, with her Certificate in Human Resource Management.

“My family is all back in Nigeria. I have friends that I have made here. They will be there for me. To my Human Resource Management colleagues, I say congratulations to each and every one of us. I am very proud of us. I can’t wait for us to meet in the future, you know, being great, doing great in this profession we have chosen to go to do.

“I see myself being at the top of the chain of this profession, you know, being a human resource manager in the future. That’s a dream of mine.”

With a previous degree in computer science and certifications in Python and Java, Bamidele says she was ready for a change. “I know that I just got tired, you know, of sitting in front of the computer. And not having human interaction.”

Her best friend completed the same program before her and inspired her to do it. “Seeing her do well was actually the push that I needed to say sure I can do this. And here I am doing it.”

At Extended Education, she says, “I found community. I found a network. I found great instructors. I know that everything I was taught I still remember, from legislation to total compensation, to strategic human resource management.  I won’t forget the instructors and I won’t forget the way they made me feel welcome.”

In 2024, Bamidele made the Dean’s List and received a Student Excellence Award at Empowering Excellence, UM’s continuing education showcase. “It was actually something I was not expecting. So actually it was a push for me to keep going, stay on the right path.”

For anyone planning to go back to school and change careers, she offers her own push. She strongly recommends Extended Education, especially for anyone considering going into the HR profession without prior knowledge or experience. But no matter what you choose to pursue, she says, “You can actually do it. It’s not going to be easy. However, it is doable. You can do it. My advice is that you just start.”

Akhil Eldho Renji congratulates his peers on their graduation.

Akhil Eldho Renji, Certificate in Business Analysis graduate

Akhil is graduating from the Applied Business Analysis program with his Certificate in Business Analysis. Completing his studies has motivated him to want to go even further.

“Extended Education was really great. They have so many programs that could help people to move further in their careers. You are good here,” he says.

Now he has the business analysis concepts and how to approach a problem.

“Always ask questions. Whatever it is, always ask questions,” he says.

Working as a business analyst back home in India had become monotonous. He felt stuck and wanted something different so he came to study with UM Extended Education.

He completed his Industry Placement at Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba. “The people were wonderful and Manuela was always there to support us.

“The instructors were the real gift from Extended Education. They were really helpful for me.”

He congratulates all of his program peers on their graduation.

“They had been through a lot to earn a credential from a reputable university like UM. It takes lot of resilience and courage and hard work to complete the course and to move further in their life. It’s a win for everyone.”

Learn more about Extended Education programs and courses

“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. 

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.

Here are 10 tips to make for a memorable and easy convocation experience:

1. Arrive on time. 
   The Fort Garry ceremonies will be held in the Investors Group Athletic Centre (IGAC). Graduates should report to the James Daly Field House in the Max Bell Centre 60-90 minutes before their ceremony. View the Convocation day schedule for details. Don’t forget– it’s construction season on and around campus, so give yourself extra time to arrive and review the latest construction update for road closures and alternate routes. 
2. Plan what to bring.
   Bring your photo ID to pick up your procession card. We recommend leaving other valuables with a friend or family member.
3. Look your best.
   Convocation is a formal occasion, meaning dress clothes are recommended even under your gown and hood. Please avoid wearing corsages, boutonnieres, fraternity or sorority adornments. Indigenous students can wear traditional Indigenous attire in addition to or instead of the other approved academic regalia (gowns, hoods, etc.). You can also pick up an Indigenous graduation stole at the James Day Field House on the day of your ceremony.
4. Know where to park.
   Complimentary parking is provided in the U lot and Q lot (as seen on the Parking Map) starting 2 hours before the ceremony begins. Accessible parking will be available in the P lot. 
5. Make any necessary arrangements for accessibility support.
   Everyone deserves to have a memorable experience! Contact Student Accessibility Services if you require assistance with seating, ASL interpretation, or other accessibility support.
6. Take graduation photos.
   Photographers will be present for individual and family photo sessions before and after the ceremony. A photographer will also be capturing the moment you cross the stage.
7. Gown drop and photo op.
   You’re officially an alumni now! Before you drop off your gown, stop by and capture all the moments at our photo booths in the Fieldhouse. (The Fieldhouse and gown return will be open for 60 minutes post ceremony.)
8. Include family, friends and loved ones no matter how far away they are.
   We encourage graduates to invite guests, but we kindly ask that you limit your in-person guests to five people. Guests should enter the IGAC and take their seats before the ceremony begins. If you have a guest with mobility issues, they should talk to an usher at the door for seating accommodations. Those unable to attend in person are welcome to tune in virtually by accessing the live stream on the Convocation website.
9. Share the experience.
   Post your pictures and videos using #UManitoba2025 and tag @umanitoba and @umstudent in your Instagram stories for your fellow graduates and the UM community to see!
10. Celebrate! 
    Convocation Day is meant to honour you and your accomplishments while looking forward to the future ahead of you. Take a moment to reflect on your journey and celebrate your success.

To stay up to date on what to expect and how to prepare for convocation, visit umanitoba.ca/convocation.

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.

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. 

Bell, who was born and raised in Winnipeg, graduates with a master of nursing degree in October, and has already started a permanent full-time research position working with her mentor, Dr. Roberta Woodgate, distinguished professor at the College of Nursing, and Canada Research Chair in child, youth and family engagement in health research and health care. 

We spoke to Bell about her research. 

What got you interested in your area of research? 

I was always very interested in supporting families and how we can improve care for families. As a queer person myself, working in the NICU, I had a certain vantage point of seeing how people received care. I saw some gaps and thought, “we can do a little better here.” I saw that there wasn’t any research out there on this topic and thought, “you have to start somewhere.” 

Some of your work involves arts-based research. How did you get interested in that? 

I really enjoy hearing people’s stories, and seeing how art can be used as a coping tool and elicitation tool to hear about people’s stories. As a person who does a lot of art and creative work myself – I like crafting and textile arts like sewing and crochet – I think there’s a really important place for that in health care and research.  

What arts-based methods did you use in your work with 2SLGBTQIA+ families with an infant in the NICU? 

Before their interviews, parents were provided instructions on creating a journey map – a way for them to creatively describe their journey, from the end stages of their pregnancy throughout their NICU stage and then a little bit as they went home. They could use pictures, words, drawings, images – whatever they wanted to communicate the ups and downs of their journey. I asked them to consider the emotional impact as well as their interactions with staff members and other individuals on the unit. 

After that, I guided them through a few questions to get their perspectives, to understand the joys and challenges of being a 2SLGBTQIA+ parent in the NICU and their recommendations for care and advice for other 2SLGBTQIA+ parents in the NICU. 

I also used qualitative methods, which provided a really nice structure for understanding what the lived experience is. The overarching theme I found was called “Being Me,” which pulled from one parent’s journey map and underscores the importance of recognizing parents’ individuality – the unique factors of their identity, how that shapes their experience, and the importance of recognizing that by everyone in the care journey.  

Did anything surprise you in your research? 

The one thing that surprised me was the creativity and thoughtfulness each parent put into their journey map. They all appreciated being able to talk about their experiences, and their journey maps helped them share their insights. They valued having care from queer- and trans-identifying nurses. They found it was much more comfortable and they were able to be themselves. Some even recommended that as a change for NICUs – that they should have more staff hired that identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ to improve their care. 

What’s next for you? 

I will be publishing these findings soon. I’d also like to develop an infographic that we can send out, as a tangible way to share recommendations and how we can integrate these findings into care. 

I also just started my new position with Dr. Woodgate as a multi-methods researcher and analyst. I want to learn more about arts-based qualitative research methods and develop my skills in this area. Those are my immediate next steps. 

Through the Diversifying the UM Art Collection program, 15 artworks by 11 artists were procured during the summer of 2025. The program is the second project of this type at UM, following the Indigenous Student-Led Art Purchasing Project (ISLAPP) launched in 2023, and is a partnership with UM’s Office of Equity Transformation (OET).

Kay Maskiw-Connelly (they/them) [BAHons/12, MA/16, MBA/25] coordinated the 2SLGBTQIA+ cohort as part of their fellowship in Equity, Anti-Oppression and Social Justice through the OET, and they were also part of the art selection committee. For the master’s student working on their third degree at UM, being involved was more than a leadership opportunity; it was a way to make space and a chance to help others feel seen.

“An art project is really the perfect way for the university to normalize and raise awareness about queer identities, and queer relationships,” Maskiw-Connelly says. “There are still some folks who are not very accepting, and I think a lot of the time, it’s just this fear of the unknown.”

Kay Maskiw-Connelly

Maskiw-Connelly believes engaging with 2SLGBTQIA+ art can help inform new perspectives. “When there are these beautiful paintings like “Embrace” by Laura Lewis [BFAHons/18] which shows a female couple embracing—I think that shows people who haven’t witnessed a queer relationship that [they’re] very similar to a heteronormative relationship in the sense that there is this loving, respectful relationship between two people. Hopefully seeing that shows them that the university is an inclusive space and there are different forms of love and all of them are valid. Hopefully that creates more understanding and respect between people.”

The project recruited eight people who identify as part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community to sit on the art selection committee— primarily students and a couple of non-academic staff members. Each person researched artists individually and then the group met virtually to make recommendations and view artist portfolios together.

According to Maskiw-Connelly: “The committee feels like it was an honor to get to choose these artworks collaboratively…that they were part of such a big project where the administration is investing this money and saying ‘we trust you enough to decide for us to represent your own community.’ That’s really empowering.”

With their selections, the group focused on queer artists who are local or Canadian. Their goal was to acquire a variety of artworks of diverse mediums, and some of the themes they explored were identity, relationships and representation.

Once they had narrowed down their considerations, Maskiw-Connelly would reach out to see if the artists were interested in selling their artwork to the university and having it displayed on campus. They also confirmed that all the artists were comfortable with being identified as members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

“I think every single one of them said they were honoured to have their artwork on campus,” Maskiw-Connelly says. “Especially those who had studied at UM; it really felt very personal for them.”

The final selections include a wool blanket, photographs, digital drawings, paintings, prints, pottery and beadwork on canvas. The pieces are now with the UM Art Collection Registrar to go through the formal acquisition process and when that step is complete, they will be installed in secure areas on campus.

While the 2SLGBTQIA+ version of the project is wrapping up, the legacy will continue— through the increased representation of queer art on UM campuses, and through the relationships developed during the project.

“I was bullied a lot for my identity and really hid it for many, many years and for various reasons in various spaces,” Maskiw-Connelly says. “Meeting a lot of different [2SLGBTQIA+] people creates a sense of community and a sense of safety because the more people you know on campus, you feel like, oh— I could always go check in with that person if I needed support, and I know there are people on campus who are safe people to go to. I think for a lot of students—especially if they are undergrads who may not know a lot of people, may not have come out until recently or may still be living kind of secretly or quietly— joining projects like this is a really great opportunity to connect with other community members.”

Help create transformational change: apply for the 2025-26 committee

The 2025-26 Diversifying the UM Art Collection committee will consist of 5 to 7 students and non-academic staff who identify as Black or racially marginalized. Committee members will meet artists and curators, visit studios, and select artwork by Black or racially marginalized artists to be acquired by the University of Manitoba University Art Collections. These new acquisitions will be placed on display in public and semi-public spaces at UM.

Deadline for expression of interest: October 3, 2025

Apply now

Have questions? Please contact equity@umanitoba.ca.