At Homecoming, Dr. Gerald and Reesa Niznick made an incredible gift of $5 million to the University of Manitoba in support of new, state-of-the-art dental clinics in the five-storey building, which was named in their honour. The Dr. Gerald and Reesa Niznick Centre is supported by $40 million of funding from the provincial government and will be home to Ongomiizwin, new classrooms for medical students, the dental clinics and a child-care centre.

We continue working together with the Manitoba government to address health workforce shortages and meet the needs of patients across the province. Thank you all, faculty and staff, for your immense amount of effort dealing with this rapid pace of growth over the last two years, and ensuring that it’s been successful and will be sustainable going forward.

Thank you for the exceptional dedication to teaching, research and service. I wish everyone a joyous and restful holiday season and a happy new year.

Last year she carried a full load as a PharmD student while serving as president of UM’s Pharmacy Students’ Association (UMPhSA) and president elect of the national branch of the Canadian Association of Pharmacy Students and Interns (CAPSI).

“I like being involved but didn’t lose sight of wanting to be the best pharmacist I can be with my studies either,” said Wong. She worked hard to find the right balance and was rewarded with four awards at the October 17, 2023, College of Pharmacy academic awards ceremony.

“Both these roles challenged me but also taught me so much about time management, leadership and wellness. This year as president of CAPSI I try to bring all that I’ve learned forward to this role so I can make the most of my year and positively impact other pharmacy student experiences.”

Wong received the David M. Collins Scholarship, Dean’s Honour Roll, Pharmacy Class of 2004 Memorial Scholarship and the William G. Eamer Community Leadership Scholarship for Student Excellence.

Likewise, PharmD student John Ancheta received accolades for his efforts with four awards of his own, including Dean’s Honour Roll, Dr. Roman (Roy) Bilous Scholarship, Isbister Scholarship in Pharmacy and Marguerite Hulme Scholarship in Pharmacy. “It was a nice reminder of how far I have come as a PharmD student,” he said. “It’s easy to be lost in all the assessments and exams that seem to follow one after the other with no end. But, taking a step back and reminding myself of the achievements I have made was reassuring and motivating.”

“We are very proud of all our students for their hard work and dedication to their learning,” said Dr. Lavern Vercaigne, associate dean (academics). “We’re extra proud of our award winners today who have excelled in a challenging program. Congratulations!”

For Ancheta, being a successful student comes down to keeping your eyes on the prize. “Studying for my PharmD has certainly been challenging but it’s been even more fulfilling knowing that what I’m learning will soon be used to help people in my community,” he said.

“I think all the lessons I have learned so far are essentially embedded within the program. More specifically, learning to adapt, being courageous and learning to be kind to yourself. If anything, my advice is to trust the process and to remain true to who you are.”

About 125 people attended the College of Pharmacy academic awards evening including learners, family, friends, donors, faculty and staff.

“I’m thankful to the College for holding these types of ceremonies,” added Wong. “It’s just a nice thing to have for students as it gives time to celebrate our achievements along the way of our pharmacy school journey. It is also a pleasure to get the chance to meet the donors that established and contributed to the awards so you can thank them in person.”

Gustafson was one of more than 40 doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) students recognized for their achievements at the annual ceremony that took place at Apotex Centre on the Banntayne campus. It was the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began that the event took place in person.

“It feels really amazing to be back in person,” said Gustafson, a second-year PharmD student.

She received six honours, including the Dr. A.W. Hogg Undergraduate Scholarship and the Flexon Silver Medal.

“I think it will definitely motivate me to keep working,” Gustafson said. “I like to work hard anyways, but it’s nice to be recognized. It definitely inspires you to keep going.”

During his welcoming remarks, Dr. Lavern Vercaigne, associate dean (academic) at the College of Pharmacy, said the students in the PharmD program showed great perseverance throughout the pandemic.

“We know you’ve worked really hard,” Vercaigne said. “We know the dedication that you’ve shown to the program. We know it’s been difficult on all of you – just getting from one year to the other – but to excel in the way that you have and to be here winning the awards is just exceptional.”

Marc Herrera

Second-year PharmD student Marc Herrera said it’s been a difficult time because of the transition back to in-person classes, but winning the William G. Eamer/College of Pharmacists of Manitoba Undergraduate Scholarship is a morale boost.

“It was something I applied for really not having too much hope because I know I have excellent classmates. It was just something available to us, so I thought I should give it a try,” Herrera said. “I’m so proud of everyone here and I’m really happy that I’m here with them.”

Rebecca Zimmer

Fourth-year PharmD student Rebecca Zimmer said it’s been tough during the pandemic but it was nice to be together with her classmates at the ceremony to celebrate their achievements. Zimmer was named to the Dean’s Honour List.

“It felt like a good achievement,” she said. “I worked hard last year, so it felt good to be recognized for it.”

View the full list of award recipients.     

Dr. Lavern Vercaigne delivered the keynote address to the graduands who are about to embark on their new careers. Dr. Vercaigne, Professor and Associate Dean (Academic) in the College of Pharmacy, was also the recipient of this year’s Fourth Year Teaching Award.

He urged graduates to “go the extra mile for at least one person every day that you’re at work. If you think about your retirement 40 years from now you’ll be able to think about all of the people that you met and the help you gave. Those will be the memories that will have really made your career worthwhile and so much more rewarding.”

It was an especially poignant convocation ceremony as it was Dr. Neal Davies last as Dean of the College of Pharmacy.

He encouraged the graduates to celebrate their accomplishments on their special day but reminded them that tomorrow the hard work really begins.

“It’s not about you now, it’s about your patients,” Davies said. “The most important legacy is not the financial one, it’s the human one, and the most important currency you can have is the effect you can have on other people.”

Valedictorian Alexis Wanner thanked the graduates’ families and faculty members, while also echoing Dean Davies’ sentiments.

“I now have a much better understanding of what it means to be part of this profession,” she said. “We have a job caring for and improving the lives of those around us, which is a passion I know everyone here today shares.”

Awards recipients included:

Gold medal: Emily Wiebe

Silver medal: Nicholas Malzahn

President’s Prize: Jacy Howarth

C.S.H.P. (Manitoba Branch) Award: Alanna Doell

Pharmacists Manitoba A. Langley Jones Leadership Award: Alexis Wanner

Fourth Year Teaching Award: Dr. Lavern Vercaigne