Jovanna Desjarlais – is First Nations from Norway House, Manitoba who graduated from Maples Collegiate. Jovanna is a creative problem solver graduating from Electrical Engineering with a Power & Energy Systems focus. Jovanna is deeply passionate about environmental issues, particularly in the realms of cleaner water, sustainable energy and effective waste disposal. Additionally, she holds a strong interest in space exploration. Jovanna has been described as “an inspiration as she continues to pursue opportunities for her future. Her intelligence, tenacity and ambition are evidence of the important role she plays in being a positive role model for young Indigenous women both locally and globally”.

Autumn Garnham – a Métis student originally from Northern British Columbia, achieved her graduation from Portage Collegiate. She displayed resilience in a male-dominated sport, dedicating most of her time to hockey, both on the road and on the ice. This commitment led her to earn a hockey and academic scholarship at the University of Toronto (U of T). Besides playing for U of T, Autumn has actively participated in the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships with Team Manitoba. Autumn holds a Bachelor of Science (General) and is currently in the process of completing her Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. She is presently employed at Urban Systems.

Ryan Ketchum – a First Nations individual from Rat Portage, Ontario, graduated from Beaver Brae Secondary School. He is currently completing his degree in Electrical Engineering with a focus on Physics. Beyond his academic achievements, Ryan is a talented musician, showcasing his skills in classical guitar and versed in French, German and Russian languages. In the summer of 2023, he worked as an Assistant Project Manager for Public Services and Procurement Canada, following a role as a General Researcher on transmission lines for the Price Faculty of Engineering in 2022. Ryan is excited to pursue a career path in project management or electrical engineering.

RJ Oolooyuk – hailing from Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, RJ is the first Inuk ENGAP graduate and has a unique journey. Prior to joining the University of Manitoba, he served as an apprentice mechanic with Toromont Cat. Engaging in and organizing cross-country racing were among RJ’s pursuits before his UM venture. He holds a Mechanical Engineering Technology Diploma from Red River College Polytechnic and has successfully completed his degree in Mechanical Engineering. Currently, RJ is employed as a Technical Services Coordinator with Parks Canada. His aspiration is to inspire fellow Inuit to pursue engineering degrees.

Matthew Pitura – grew up in a home with renewable energy technology, where his closest neighbours were moose, wolves and lynx. In high school, he earned the Science North Award for the highest average in grade 12 science courses, and numerous team sports awards. Throughout his tenure at the University of Manitoba, Matthew received several scholarships, including the UM Queen Elizabeth II Entrance Scholarship (President’s Scholar), Fairfax Award, and the Faculty of Engineering Centenary Scholarship. Matthew is a Métis student who is set to graduate from the Department of Mechanical Engineering. He aspires to eventually establish his own engineering firm.

Kortney Rogers – grew up in a community East of Winnipeg, Manitoba and graduated from a French Immersion high school. Kortney is a Métis student in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, specializing in Thermofluids with the Co-op option. She hopes to encourage and inspire the participation of women in STEM fields and advocate for diversity in the workplace. Kortney envisions contributing to the field in impactful ways, using her passion for innovation and helping others.

Skylar Trudeau – a Métis student from Winnipeg, Manitoba, graduated from Windsor Park Collegiate, where he actively participated in volleyball, ultimate frisbee and rugby. Currently completing his degree in Computer Engineering, Skylar has a passion for creating things, exploring how they work and is an enthusiast in 3D printing. Having worked with the National Research Council of Canada in the Automotive and Surface Transportation Research Centre, Skylar brings valuable experience to the field. Eager to contribute, he is motivated to innovate and create technologies that are both new and exciting.

What inspired you to pursue engineering at the University of Manitoba?

“I grew up using, fixing and tinkering with offroad vehicles, ATV’s, snowmobiles and so on. I enjoyed learning how engines, suspensions, and everything to do with them work, and how to modify or optimize them for the arctic, this is what led me into mechanical engineering. The Engineering Access Program (ENGAP) did a recruitment presentation at my high school and that is how I became aware of that path into engineering.”

What do you plan on doing after you graduate? Do you envision leveraging your engineering education to make a positive impact within your community or beyond?

“I am moving back home after graduation and working with Parks Canada as a Technical Services Coordinator. Managing the construction, maintenance, repairs, renovations etc. of Parks Canada assets and equipment. I just hope that I can inspire other Inuit to pursue an engineering degree as well. I would happily and eagerly provide advice and support in any way I can to help them be successful, and hopefully return home as leaders of their community and in Nunavut.”

What was it like to work on your studies far from home? What sort of supports helped you along the way?

“Engineering is a very challenging degree and requires unwavering motivation and dedication to be successful. For me initially, moving away from my community, family and friends, I was too easily side tracked whenever family or friends came to Winnipeg. I had difficulty maintaining the level of dedication towards studies that was needed to be successful. The ENGAP program provided a home away from home and was the reason I was able to make it into engineering in the first place, and to ultimately complete it.”

Is there a particularly memorable project that you worked on during your studies?

“This would be my final engineering capstone project. I was lucky enough to be selected for the team who researched and redesigned the reed valve petal for Polaris Inc. for their snowmobile engines. A reed valve is an engine component used to control air flow into a 2-stroke engine. My love and interest for these kinds of things is what led me into mechanical engineering. Having this as one of the options for a final engineering design project, and being selected to be a part of it, couldn’t make me happier.”

Is there any advice that you would give to other Inuit wanting to pursue this degree?

“Stay extremely dedicated and motivated to do well and you can do it. Find and utilize all the resources available, such as a program like ENGAP which was a huge help in my education. They provided me with the academic upgrading I needed to make it into engineering and supported me throughout my years as a student. I know there are many more Inuit like me who enjoy tinkering with and understanding engines, suspensions and basically any mechanical system. I hope my completion of Mechanical Engineering will shed some light for Inuit towards engineering and show it is possible to achieve.”

The Price Faculty of Engineering congratulates RJ on his accomplishments, and wishes him the best in his future endeavors.

For more information about the Engineering Access Program, please visit their website. 

Listen here

The evening began with a traditional Blessing of the Feast spoken by Elder Norman Meade. Randy Herrmann, director of ENGAP, welcomed guests to the sold-out event which included the graduates, faculty, and many supportive sponsors such as Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba, Hatch Ltd, Hudbay, MB Aerospace, MB Hydro, PCL, Price Industries and Tetra Tech to name a few.

The pandemic had interfered with several years of being able to congratulate graduating students in person. However, in November of 2022, ENGAP celebrated seven graduates informally at Maxime’s Restaurant: Robin Armstrong (Mechanical), Reed Forrest (Biosystems), Emma Gillespie (Electrical), Sean Pigeau (Mechanical), Connor Tompkins (Mechanical), Nolan Mizeracki (Civil) and Caden Wallace – Booth (Electrical).

This year’s 2023 formal celebration honoured: Megan Carriere (Biosystems), Jarell Crampton (Electrical), Nicholas Hince (Electrical), Dylan Labiuk (Computer), Jordan Mitchell (Mechanical), Tianna Philippot (Biosystems), Reid Piper (Mechanical), Ashoka Subedar (Mechanical), Dawson Switzer (Civil), and Lynden Travers (Civil).

“Since my first day at the University of Manitoba, I have always felt welcome in ENGAP,” says Switzer. “Their support through the years made my university experience unforgettable.”

During the delicious dinner of stuffed chicken with brie, was the enchanting sound of ENGAP student Ryan Ketchum, guitarist extraordinaire and his talented girlfriend, Erica Rothschild on the flute.

The dinner was followed by speeches beginning with Greg Smith, vice-provost (academic planning and programs), who said a few words on behalf of the president of the University of Manitoba. He was followed by Marcia Friesen, dean of the Price Faculty of Engineering who congratulated the ENGAP graduates. Dean Friesen had also generously purchased two tables for many of the faculty’s staff to attend the celebration.

Next in line was ENGAP’s undergraduate coordinator, Diana Klassen, to offer a tribute gift of little moccasins to the two First Nation graduates. David Beaudin, the Manitoba Métis Federation’s minister of agriculture and associate minister of education, presented Métis sashes to eight of the graduates. Lastly, Brendan Kropla, ENGAP student and president of the Engineering Access Student Association (EASA) brought a warm and inspiring congratulations from the ENGAP student body.

Each graduate was presented with a gorgeous soapstone carving designed by Keith Proulx at Cree-Ations & Artist Showcase.

This wonderful event closed with a very successful silent auction with Elder Norman Meade winning one of the Grand Prizes–a 50” UHD-4K TV!

Jarell Crampton

What was your most memorable moment from your time in Engineering?

“I have many memorable moments from my time in engineering. My two favorite memories were the day of my capstone final presentation and during an overnighter at the ENGAP lounge studying for a final. After my team presented our capstone project over Teams. We celebrated with champagne and an evening bonfire. I recall seeing smiles from ear to ear from my team because we felt so accomplished after having worked 8 months and a project and completing it. My other fond memory was with my ENGAP peers in the lounge, we were studying for a final exam in a difficult course and a peer, and I had ordered some food and tea. My peer received hot water but no tea bag to mix. I thought this was funny and laughed. After I was halfway through my tea, my peers had asked, how I had received my tea. They suggested checking what kind, so I opened the lid to my cup, and I was simply drinking hot water. We were all buzzing with laughter. I don’t recall the exam or the term or even which course, but I remember the people there and it being a fun time.”

What are some self-care tips that you would’ve wanted to know when you started engineering?

“In my opinion, I would suggest prioritizing your health before your career. Whether it’s proper sleep, sufficient hydration, or quality nutrition, I suggest making them a priority. The corollary to this, is to be diligent in your studies and course work. Starting course work as soon as possible allows for proper sleep the night before a presentation or final exam, as well as the time to take proper care of one’s self without having to spend many successive hours to complete the large workload that engineering studies entail. You will also reduce your stress this way.”

What do you hope to accomplish with your engineering career?

“On a personal level, I’ve grown up wanting to be a pillar of support for my friends and family. So, for my career, I would simply like to make a net positive impact to my network and society through a challenging career.”

Caden Wallace-Booth

What was your most memorable moment from your time in Engineering?

My most memorable times in engineering would be the end of term exam study sessions with my fellow classmates. We would spend endless hours finishing assignments and cramming for exams. This would of course be accompanied with many snacks and celebration beverages.

What are some self-care tips that you would’ve wanted to know when you started engineering?

If I could start engineering again I would make sure to focus more on time management. I would recommend treating school like a 9-5 job. Be productive in the mornings/days and leave evenings for hanging out with friends or extra curricular activities. The exception of course of exam season. Also put a heavy emphasis on work experience. If you can afford to divert some efforts into applying for internships and networking it will pay off by the time graduation comes around.

What do you hope to accomplish with your engineering career?

Currently, I am working in the gold mining industry and hope to continue learning about large project development and how to sustainability implement them all over the world.

Emma Gillespie

What was your most memorable moment from your time in Engineering?

My most memorable time in engineering was playing in the sponge tournament every year with all of my friends from ENGAP.

What are some self-care tips that you would’ve wanted to know when you started engineering?

Schedule time to do nothing, an occasional afternoon of rest can do wonders for your energy levels and prevent burnout.

What do you hope to accomplish with your engineering career?

I hope to be apart of making cleaner and more reliable energy. I also want to show others that Indigenous women have a place in the field of engineering.

Zachary Harris

What was your most memorable moment from your time in Engineering?

Coming back from online course to capstone lectures in EITC 229 reminded me of taking the intro to design back in my first year of university.

What are some self-care tips that you would’ve wanted to know when you started engineering?

Extended co-op terms can be helpful for your resume. But be careful on the effects it may have on time tables and course selection.

What do you hope to accomplish with your engineering career?

I would like to make my way to a management position and continue to work on larger infrastructure projects and provide a more contributing role to the completion of these projects.

We extend our congratulations to the ENGAP Class of 2022 and all the engineering graduates celebrating this convocation season!

Meet the Graduates

Kayden Gauthier

Indigenous background: Métis

Area of Study: My focus was in civil engineering. Specialization was not chosen specifically, but all of my co-op work experiences and research term was within the geotechnical field of civil engineering.

Plans/goals for next year / 5 years / 10 years: This coming year, professionally, I have been hired at KGS Group full time. In 5 years, my hope is to become a Professional Engineer in Geotechnical Engineering and potentially return to complete a MSc. in geotechnical engineering. My goal for 10 years would be continuing my career and hopefully helping future graduates with their career choices. I would love to be a representative of Geotechnical Engineering in Manitoba/Canada and make more people aware of this wonderful career path.

Most memorable moment from your time in the Faculty:

My most memorable moment was being part of UMES and organizing various events for the engineering students, such as Halloween Dodgeball and Winter Spongee tournament. It was a great way to meet students and connect.

Favorite engineering Prof: Dr. James Blatz.

One piece of advice to your first-year self: Experience everything available to you within the faculty. The U of M engineering program has so many opportunities available to students. Never shy away from what is ahead.

Eric Kapilik

Indigenous background: Métis

Area of Study: Computer Engineering – Embedded Systems + Co-op

Plans/goals for next year / 5 years / 10 years: My plans are to continue pursuing a career in developing innovative technology. I am currently working at a company which develops fully autonomous systems for agricultural machinery.

Most memorable moment from your time in the Faculty: Receiving the Price Scholarship in Engineering and being a part of giving a speech and gift on behalf of ENGAP to Dr. Price.

Favorite engineering Prof: Some of my favorite classes were with Dr. Ken Ferens. I also really enjoyed taking Parallel Processing with Dr. Ian Jeffrey.

One piece of advice to your first-year self: Go to more socials.

Michael MacCarthy

Indigenous background: Métis

Area of Study: Computer Engineering

Plans/goals for next year / 5 years / 10 years: My goals are to keep learning wherever possible while spending as much time as I can with my family.

Most memorable moment from your time in the Faculty: The feeling of existential dread I felt when the whole class was told we did terrible on one of Trim’s term tests.

Favorite engineering Prof: Dr. Donald Trim.

One piece of advice to your first-year self: Don’t get complacent.

Matthew MacKay

Indigenous background: Métis

Area of Study: Mechanical Engineering

Plans /goals for next year / 5 years / 10 years: Working towards my professional engineering designation in the consulting industry.

Most memorable moment from your time in the Faculty: When I received my first A+ in the program.

Favorite engineering Prof: I can’t choose so here are a two, Paul Labossiere and Nishant Balakrishnan.

One piece of advice to your first-year self: Nobody is gifted with knowledge in engineering, education is directly correlated to how hard you work at it.

Tianna Philippot

Indigenous background: Red River Métis

Area of Study: Biosystems Engineering, Environmental Specialization

Plan/goals for next year / 5 years / 10 years: I plan to work in engineering consulting on sustainable development, water, and energy sovereignty in Indigenous communities. I am passionate about greenhouse gas mitigation strategies and carbon capture sequestration and utilization and would like to continue my academic career studying this field after gaining industry experience.

Most memorable moment from your time in the Faculty: I cannot recall one moment in particular, however, I recall many late-night study sessions in EITC with my friends (who I believe are lifelong friends), being so enjoyable because of all the laughs we had. Sometimes we barely got any actual studying done, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. The thing I will remember the most about my time in engineering was the immense amount of support we all gave each other, especially in ENGAP, everyone really looked out for each other.

Favorite engineering Prof: My favorite engineering prof is Dr. Qiang Zhang. He was always so easy to learn from because he was very patient, motivating, and kind.

One piece of advice to your first-year self: To be less serious and focus on having more of a work-life balance!

Sean Pigeau

Indigenous background: Métis

Area of Study: Mechanical Engineering, Co-op Option

Plan/goals for next year / 5 years / 10 years: In the next year, I hope to move into my own home. Within the next five years, I am looking to start my MBA.

Most memorable moment from your time in the Faculty: My most memorable times were attending the Formula Student competitions in Michigan. Seeing my designs on the Formula car compete against universities from across the world. The sounds of engines at their rev limiter and the smell of race fuel. Getting to competition was one of the hardest things I’ve had to do while dealing with a full time class schedule and working part-time. I spent many late night hours working on our car, either manufacturing, testing or repairing and seeing the car compete was the most valuable experience from my time in university.

Favorite engineering Prof: I had two professors that made a significant impact on my experience in university. The first was Paul Labossiere. When I first met him, he was the faculty advisor to the Formula student team. He is extremely passionate about engineering and made a significant impact on my learning. The other is Nishant Balakrishnan. I was a student in his fist time teaching and his teaching ended up following my degree path. I ended up in the first version of every course he taught in the mechanical department. His focus on improving the education delivered to the mechanical engineering student made me feel like my feedback in courses was valuable. He was also always open to a conversation about a project in any class. He has a unique ability to ask questions that I would never have considered and guide me down the rabbit hole of a project. This really helped my learning and helped me gain a better understanding of every design I worked on.

One piece of advice to your first-year self: Enjoy your time in university. Participate in extra-curriculars, go to the beer gardens, have a blast. Time flies and you’ll be out of here in no time and by the end you’ll be asking: “where did all the time go?”.

Reid Piper

Indigenous background: Métis

Area of Study: Mechanical Engineering

Plan/goals for next year / 5 years / 10 years: Plans for the next year are to find an EIT position that I’m interested in, start working in industry and increase my knowledge and responsibility within the field. Within 5/10 years I hope to have completed my P.Eng. Designation and am working at a company where I am pursuing my interest in engineering.

Most memorable moment from your time in the Faculty: Most memorable moment within the faculty would be the shop time working on the UMSAE formula car.

Favorite engineering Prof: My favorite engineering prof would be Nishant Balakrishnan.

One piece of advice to your first-year self: If I could give one piece of advice to my past first year self it would be to never give up, even when it’s getting rough and utilize what ENGAP offers you early to assist throughout your degree.

Messages from former ENGAP Students

“I work for Urban Systems now as a consultant. I’m in northern Alberta working on a water and wastewater infrastructure installation project for a small community south of Fort McMurray. Although this project is for a municipality, I have been involved with quite a bit of work on Indigenous communities as well. I will be forever grateful for the support from the ENGAP program. I hope things in Winnipeg and the University are going well. I will for sure drop by when I visit Winnipeg later this year.” – Matt Moore

“I felt compelled to share my success with you because this wouldn’t have been possible without all the time and care that the ENGAP crew showed me. I know that I’m not an ENGAP student anymore, but I feel like sharing my progress with you is the very least I can do to show my immense gratitude for all the work and care you invested in me during some pretty rough parts of my life. I’m a much better person for having met and learned from the both [Randy and Diana]. In my mind, these successes belong as much to [Randy] and Diana as they do to me, and I just want both of them to know how much that means and will always mean to me.” – Matt Prince 

Randy Herrmann, the director of the U of M’s successful Engineering Access Program (ENGAP), and electrical and computer engineering professor Ekram Hossain are two of the 49 other professionals from across Canada to receive this prestigious honour.

“It is very gratifying to see these remarkable and dedicated community members recognized in this way. Dr. Hossain’s exceptional work is of critical importance to our modern way of life, and Mr. Herrmann has helped our Faculty’s access program continually train more and more students who may not otherwise have joined this profession. I am truly proud their achievements,” says Jonathan Beddoes, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering.

The CAE is the national institution through which Canada’s most distinguished and experienced engineers provide strategic advice on matters of critical importance to Canada. Fellows are elected based on their distinguished achievements and career-long service to the engineering profession. They are committed to ensuring that Canada’s engineering expertise is applied to the benefit of all Canadians.

“Mr. Herrmann and Dr. Hossain have made outstanding contributions, not only to the University of Manitoba and its students, but also to the broader international community,” says Digvir Jayas, vice-president (research and international) and Distinguished Professor at the University of Manitoba. “I congratulate them for earning this great honour.”

Randy Herrmann has provided exceptional leadership as the Director of the Engineering Access Program in the Faculty of Engineering at the U of M. This program has graduated well over 100 engineers of Indigenous heritage who have gone on to demonstrate the importance of engineers who share the cultural heritage of Indigenous Peoples. Randy is widely recognized as the leading Canadian authority on programs that support Indigenous Peoples, particularly those from isolated communities, as they pursue engineering degrees. More than any other Canadian engineer, Randy has shaped the future of Indigenous Peoples in Canada.

Ekram Hossain is an internationally recognized expert in wireless communications and networking. His pioneering research contributions in radio resource management for cellular wireless and cognitive radio networks have significantly impacted research and development in this area and enabled advancement of broadband wireless communications technology. His research works have been highly cited and have received international recognitions. He is an extraordinary engineering educator and mentor of engineering graduate students. He has provided outstanding professional services to the communications research community through involvement in numerous journal editorial and conference activities.

This year, 10 students will graduate  (the largest in program history) from both First Nations and the Métis Nation. The graduates include: Kyler Allard ­(Civil Engineering with co-op option), Brendan Butler (Civil Engineering with co-op option and management minor), Brenden Carlson (Mechanical Engineering), Joshua Hodgson (Civil Engineering), Christopher Kemp (Mechanical Engineering with aerospace option), Nicole Lambert (Electrical Engineering with co-op option and communications systems focus), Keith Lamoureux (Civil Engineering), Eric Malo (Electrical Engineering), Sam Marriott (Computer Engineering), and Trevor Rusk (Mechanical Engineering with co-op option).

Each of the graduates was presented with a gift from the ENGAP office and a tribute speech to each of them was delivered by Randy Herrman, Director of ENGAP, and Diana Klassen, Undergraduate Coordinator. Eight of the Métis students received a red Métis sash from the Manitoba Métis Federation which was woven with various colours, each representing a different point in time for the nation. Each of the two First Nations grads received a small pair of moccasins.

Josh Hodgson will begin full time employment at PCL following graduation.

The evening provided an opportunity for students to offer their thanks to the ENGAP Program, many of whom presented staff with gifts as tokens of appreciation for their support along their engineering journey.  The evening also featured entertainment by Derek Hotomani & The Buffalo Red Thunder Singers who performed a number songs and dances and told stories on the history of the songs and dances and what it means for their culture and heritage.

Josh Hodgson said that ENGAP was more than just a support service, but rather provided him with a place to call home while at the University. “The ENGAP community has become a second family to me, the support network available both through the staff and through my peers has been instrumental in finishing my degree. Because of support received within ENGAP, including resume building and employer outreach, I have secured full-time employment starting soon after my final exam.”

Similar sentiments were echoed by Eric Malo an electrical engineering grad who will begin work immediately following exams at Nutrien in Rocanville, Saskatchewan as an electrical automation engineer.

“Words cannot describe how thankful I am that the University has the ENGAP program.” – Eric Malo

“I have always felt tremendous support by ENGAP, and [graduation ceremony] only provided more proof that ENGAP goes above and beyond to support its’ students. The staff are always available to talk and help work through struggles that accompany pursuing post-secondary education. I thought many times about quitting or changing paths, but the ENGAP staff have always encouraged me and kept me motivated.”

The Faculty of Engineering is proud to host ENGAP, the most successful of its kind in Canada, and hopes to continue to grow the program in the years to come.

All humour aside, the gesture was characteristic of Gerry Price and his wife Barb’s decades-long support of the U of M which is far-reaching and large in scale, and a gesture that was replicated last night at a reception in EITC.

There, 66 students were celebrated as the first recipients of the inaugural Price Scholarships in Engineering: the Price family’s latest gift of $1 million.

This is not the first time Price [BSc(ME)/70, MSc/72, LLD(Hon)/17] – a member of the President’s Campaign Team – has given back to his alma mater or to the Front and Centre campaign. In 2016, the Price family and Price Industries donated $1.25 million towards teaching and learning spaces, scholarships and ENGAP, Canada’s most successful engineering access program.

Gerry Price (sixth from right in front row) at the Oct. 25, 2018 event celebrating the first recipients of the inaugural Price Scholarships in Engineering.

The Price Scholarships in Engineering are the fifth student awards established by the Price family.

Price has said that money has never been his objective in life but rather a by-product of a successful business. He is happy to grow a legacy measured not by wealth but by how many people have benefitted, and it is clear that he and Barb [BHEc/69, CertEd/70] believe the U of M is beneficial – for students and Manitoba.

In addition to providing financial support for engineering education – which Price has said “teaches you work ethic, persistence and a systemic approach to problem solving” – he has also strengthened the link between the U of M and professional engineers, architects, designers and the business community in Manitoba.

He is a founder of Friends of Engineering, the Partners Program in the Faculty of Architecture and the Associates of the Asper School of Business.

In 2011, Gerry and Barb were named Outstanding Philanthropists of the Year by the Manitoba Association of Fundraising Professionals.

“To have watched the global rise of the Price Group of Companies is to know that Gerry Price is one of Manitoba’s most successful innovators,” says Jonathan Beddoes, Dean of Engineering and Dean, Faculty of Architecture at the University of Manitoba. “We are honoured that he has chosen to shape the next generation of innovators here in the Faculty of Engineering through his generous support of our students from the moment they join our faculty through to their final year of education.”

As UM’s Front and Centre campaign reaches its defining moment – with a celebration to match on April 2, 2020 – we’re looking back on the inspiring people, places, and stories that have impacted all of us, here at UM and beyond. For more stories about the enduring legacy of Front and Centre, click here.

The event emcee, was recent ENGAP Mechanical Engineering Graduate, M. James Harper.  James, an excellent speaker, brought the evening together in a festive way. Ryan Ketchum, ENGAP student and guitarist extraordinaire, played guitar during dinner while the Buffalo Red Thunder drummers, dancers and singers transported guests through a colourful and vibrant world with their performance.  

Buffalo Red Thunder performer showcasing his talents at the ENGAP dinner

The evening welcome began with Randy Herrmann, ENGAP Director,  offering a special thank you to all of the generous supporters such as Lafarge, HATCH, MB Hydro, MB Aerospace, Stantec, Vector Construction, Wawanesa Insurance, Indigenous Engagement, PCL, Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba, the Faculty of Engineering and Women in Science and Engineering. He also thanked ENGAP staff,  student volunteers, and the many people who made donations toward the Silent Auction.

Some of the guests to offer a few words to the graduates were Lynn Lavallee, Vice-Provost Indigenous Engagement on behalf of Dr. David Barnard, President of the University of Manitoba and Jonathan Beddoes, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering. Sharon Varga, Director of the Louis Riel Vocational College presented eight beautiful traditional Métis sashes to each of the graduates. In addition, Jennifer Moose, the President of the Engineering Access Student Association generously offered the gift of purchasing the frames for each of the graduates’ degrees. Randy Herrmann along with Undergraduate Coordinator, Diana Klassen presented the each graduate with a gift. 

The graduates receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering are:

Travis Arnal—Electrical
Corallie DeFries—Civil
Chanse Kornik—Electrical
Alain Lagasse—Biosystems
Chad Marchand—Computer
Jeremy Partaker—Electrical
Marc Pelland—Electrical
Joey Tarko—Civil

The evening culminated with a Silent Auction, raising funds for the ENGAP students’ community events.

The evening was a huge success and the Faculty is extremely proud of the 2018 ENGAP graduates!