“The minute I walked into the classroom; I knew this was truly my passion. I absolutely love our students, to watch them grow and cross the stage at graduation,” says Sheare.

The full-time instructor and instructor mentor invited everyone to join her at the second annual Empowering Excellence UM continuing education showcase.

A glamourous evening

“Last year, we didn’t know what to expect. But it was a really nice evening, glamourous and so well done,” says the recipient of a 2023 Instructor Excellence Award. “I was inviting other instructors. I had no idea I would receive an award. Standing up there, hearing the cheering for me, I have never experienced anything like this in my career. I will never forget it.”

The recognition of her students and her peers means the world to Sheare, and so does how much she continues to learn from her students and the instructors she mentors. “Teaching and mentoring are really about learning from each other, offering support and building relationships.”

In a competitive job market, HR jobs are about connections, so Sheare says she does everything she can to support her students. She often sees them again as a mentor with CPHR Manitoba. “I am so proud of them.”

Patti Sheare, Extended Education instructor

Same-day Career Fair

Of course, she encourages all students and alumni to check out the Career Fair too. It’s a great opportunity to network and learn about new careers.

Sheare enjoyed attending Empowering Excellence. “It’s about collaboration and bringing people together over dinner and a social evening. The more we get to know each other, the stronger our connections. It brings together instructors, staff, industry and students in an event that will grow over time. We should all go to this.”

Instructors show their support for Extended Education and see each other in a social setting. Industry comes out to understand more about what Extended Education programs and partnerships are all about, she says.

“It brings us all together to enjoy a nice evening. I really look forward to it.”

Adrienne Bestland

When Adrienne Bestland and the Manitoba Municipal Administrators (MMA) attend a conference or event, they now bring their 2023 Partnership Excellence Award from Extended Education. It recognizes the about 50-year partnership MMA has had with UM.

“Winning this award not only recognizes our long-standing collaboration but also validates the MMA’s mission to promote Municipal Administration as a career and enhance the professional growth of our members,” says Bestland, Executive Director, MMA. “It significantly strengthens the MMA’s reputation, enhancing our credibility and visibility as an association.”

Bestland also completed the Certificate in Manitoba Municipal Administration offered by UM in partnership with MMA. “We are now making changes to the program to meet the changing needs of our members, and it has been wonderful working with Extended Education.”

Connection and collaboration

Last year, Bestland attended Empowering Excellence with Duane Nicol and Nettie Neudorf, both now past presidents of MMA. Nicol and Neudorf have both been instructors in the program. Neudorf received a 2023 Instructor Service Award.

“It was great to meet a lot of Extended Education staff, instructors and other partners,” says Bestland. “It reminds us of the importance of supporting one another and how important these collaborations are.”

Empowering Excellence provides a more personal connection than the usual, she says. “It’s not just an email. People are often so busy. This helps us to take time to put a face to names, in a social context.”

Bestland says she and the MMA are honoured to be a part of Empowering Excellence. “It is a privilege to be a part of this group, to be in this space, to connect and celebrate with others.”

Since they received an award, she has also noticed that registrations in her partnership program have increased.

“Holding this partnership award means we are worth checking out. People like it.”

Learn more about Empowering Excellence

“We invite our students, alumni, instructors, industry professionals, and university colleagues to attend,” says Rod Lastra, Acting Dean, Extended Education. “It’s a great opportunity to network, build partnerships, and celebrate educational excellence. We are dedicated to shaping a brighter future for learners and educators alike.”

This is an inaugural event recognizing the connections between Extended Education as part of the greater University of Manitoba, and the community,” says Lastra. “UM has a long history of valued contributions to community and making an impact.”

The day begins with an afternoon Career Fair, where students and alumni will have the opportunity to network and connect with industry partners. Students will explore career prospects and partners will meet potential employees.

The evening begins with a cocktail and networking reception, followed by dinner and a program that celebrates achievement and presents awards to our outstanding students, instructors and industry partners.

Awards

Award categories for the evening:

Industry – Partnership Excellence Award, Industry Placement Host Award

Instructors – Instructor Excellence Award, Instructor Long Service Awards

Students – Dr. Ronald Kristjanson Memorial Scholarship, Dean’s Honour List

Extended Education is the division of UM that provides continuing education and pathways to degree studies.  Among the professional development credentials offered are certificates including Artificial Intelligence: Machine Learning Solutions, and micro-certificates including Facilitating Older Adult Learning, and Media Literacy, Critical Thinking and Investigative Journalism.

“Continuing Education brings community together for the benefit of community. For me, the value of the CE unit is to ensure we maintain, sustain and acknowledge our relationships with our partners and learners. It’s not just about us. Many make a valued contribution to upskilling and reskilling, and that makes a difference.”

Buy your tickets

“With this event, Extended Education aims to inspire a passion for education and lifelong learning. We want our students, instructors, and industry partners to feel valued and appreciated. We want to connect, collaborate, and gain new perspectives. We want to share the relevance of our educational programs and their impact on society,” says Lastra.

“This event underscores the ethos of continuing education and the UM – efforts that embody the spirit of lifelong learning, uniting diverse communities for the greater good of all. We hope everyone will leave with a sense of empowerment and a belief in the transformative power of education.”

Buy your tickets for the Gala Evening Empowering Excellence