Raised in Winnipeg’s Silver Heights neighbourhood, Rick enrolled in the Faculty of Science in 1964, propelled by a scholarship and his parents’ encouragement.

The first member of his family to attend university, Rick was a devoted student, in both science and “extracurricular” activities. He admits skipping math as a freshman to learn bridge in the Parker Building.

“In those days, every student lounge on campus had a bridge game going, usually with a few dollars at stake,” Rick says.

Rick completed his Bachelor of Science in 1968 and began working as a lab technician in the Department of Plant Science. It was there that he met and fell in love with Paulina, a Ph.D. student whom he would marry in 1972.

After obtaining a Master of Science in cereal chemistry from UM, Rick continued with the department, spending his career as a research associate. 

Paulina, meanwhile, was a high school teacher for 37 years. She taught biology and math at St. Norbert Collegiate, then Mandarin Chinese at Vincent Massey Collegiate. 

“Her career lasted so long because her students and colleagues genuinely liked and respected her,” Rick says. 

Sadly, after 48 years of marriage, Paulina passed away in 2020. 

To carry on her legacy of helping students, Rick decided to make a planned gift to UM, which will fund a scholarship in her name. 

The Miaw Jin Scholarship is an entrance scholarship for graduates of St. Norbert Collegiate and Vincent Massey Collegiate—the schools where she shaped hundreds of young minds during her teaching career. It was given out for the first time ahead of the 2023-24 school year and supported by the planned gift, carrying on Paulina’s legacy as a committed educator to a new generation of students. 

“This scholarship is the ideal legacy for her. She was such a dedicated teacher and always encouraged her students to keep on learning,” Rick says. 

In addition to facilitating access to higher education, scholarships had an incredible personal impact on Rick and Paulina’s relationship: had it not been for a scholarship, they may never have crossed paths. 

“She was awarded a National Research Council Scholarship herself, which enabled her to come to Canada from Taiwan to continue her studies in horticulture at the University of Saskatchewan, and ultimately for us to meet at the University of Manitoba,” he says. 

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Isbister Legacy Society, a society comprised of planned giving donors at UM. Currently, the Society recognizes more than 700 individuals who have set up a gift to UM. 

Becoming a planned giving donor, Rick says, is an opportunity to give back to the university and help deserving students. 

To find out more about planned giving at the University of Manitoba, please visit our website.

“My parents are both graduates of the University of Manitoba. My sister and I went to Mini U as kids, so UM was very ingrained in our family. I didn’t even think about going anywhere else,” she says. “I also ran track and field, so being able to continue to do that was important.”  

Her husband, Brian [BA(Adv)/96], was also involved in Bisons sports as a competitive swimmer but says what appealed to him about UM was the large offering of programs.  

“I hadn’t yet decided on a career path, so I saw UM as a huge advantage to be able to have more options available to me for my academic experience,” says Brian.  

Since graduation, they have continued to build their relationship with UM. Brian, Winnipeg’s former mayor, has previously served as the President of the Alumni Council and Tracy is currently the Executive Director of Alumni Relations. As their family began to grow, they decided it was time to sit down with their lawyer and financial advisor to talk about a will. 

“I think that’s usual for most people when they start having children. You need to make sure you cover all the ‘what-if’ situations but then you also start to think about what kind of legacy you will leave for your children,” says Tracy. 

While working with their advisor, they were asked ‘is there anywhere else you would like to direct some of your estate?’ and without question, they both said the University of Manitoba. Having both received scholarships in university, they understood firsthand how important and beneficial that money can be for students. Now, through their planned gift, they are committed to helping the next generation of students. 

“UM has had the greatest impact on my life,” says Brian. “My professional life has been shaped by the opportunities that were afforded to me as a student. I met Tracy here, and we’ve built a life together now with our two children. And a lot of our friends are people that we met while studying here.” 

With their planned gift, they have established the Tracy and Brian Bowman Swimming Student Award, which was given for the first time this year. They are also in talks about increasing the gift in the future to potentially set up a track and field scholarship. 

“Brian and I are very passionate about Bisons sports and understand the sacrifices that athletes at that level make,” says Tracy. “They’re expected to have a 3.5 or 4.0 grade point average and commit 20-to-40 hours a week to their sport. They’re traveling and training and it really takes a lot.” 

Since Alexander Kennedy Isbister left the first planned gift to the University of Manitoba 140 years ago, his legacy of giving has continued to inspire people like the Bowmans to plan their own gifts and pay it forward to the next generations of UM students and researchers. To celebrate Isbister’s dedication to philanthropy, UM is looking to welcome 40 new members to the Isbister Legacy Society during this remarkable 140th anniversary year. The Isbister Legacy Society is comprised of those who have committed to leaving a planned gift — a meaningful way to give back with no immediate cost — to UM. 

“We’re hoping that what we’re doing, which is inspired by the giving of others, can also in turn inspire folks who haven’t considered to give in this way to do so,” says Brian.  

Tracy adds: “Brian and I made this will over 10 years ago, so we do hope a lot of alumni, particularly younger alumni, start to understand it’s never too early to start thinking about how you can impact an organization that’s meaningful to you. 

“We truly believe in the power of paying it forward. We try to instill that in our children as well. We’re only as great as a community for doing this all together and supporting people, but especially those who perhaps need more support than others,” says Tracy.  

“Philanthropy is one way in which we can work with our friends and neighbours to do something positive in the world,” adds Brian. 

“My parents got their degrees and did all their education in Croatia, and came to Canada after the Bosnian Civil War,” she says. “They had to do a little bit of extra schooling and basically rebuild their life, but they eventually started their own business in freight forwarding. I look up to them a lot, and whenever I’m in doubt, I ask them for advice.” 

Another part of the I.H. Asper School of Business that drew Miljkovic’s attention was the International Exchange Program, which allows students the chance to study at one of over 60 business schools around the world. 

“My parents also always spoke so highly of their education overseas, and it made me want to experience it for myself,” she says.  

But to be able to go on the exchange program, Miljkovic had to make some serious financial decisions. Because she was going to be gone for months, she had to quit her job. Without that source of income, she worried about how to cover tuition, travel and the cost of living. Through school, she was able to apply for the Hartley T. Richardson International Travel Bursary. 

“This bursary helped me so much stress-wise. Between the pandemic and the rise of inflation, I had to balance and work two jobs while still being full-time in school, so that I could save extra money,” she says. “Having the extra money from the bursary relieved me of my stress. I knew I had that extra safety on top of my savings, which helped me to focus more on school.” 

The Hartley T. Richardson International Travel Bursary provides students with transformative educational experiences that shape their personal and professional lives, fostering a lifelong appreciation for cultural diversity and global citizenship.  

“Having the opportunity to do the Asper exchange program was a super eye-opening experience. I was not only able to continue my education, but along the way I learned about different cultures and more about myself,” she says. 

Miljkovic says one of her biggest takeaways from this experience is the difference between schooling and lifestyle in terms of work-life balance. 

“I am constantly on the go and always have back-to-back assignments and just don’t really have time to breathe,” she says. “When I got to England, I was able to prioritize learning the content rather than having to rush through assignments, which helped me really retain what I was learning. I also learned to achieve a work-life balance.”

Since its establishment, this bursary combined with the Hartley T. Richardson Bachelor of Commerce Bursary has provided $70,000 to support 14 deserving students.  

“There’s so many people who want to get an education, but they can’t because they don’t have the financial means. They’re constantly in this cycle of prioritizing work so that they can get into school, but end up not getting a proper education because their focus is on work rather than school,” says Miljkovic. “Scholarships and bursaries help give individuals some financial relief, allowing them to focus more on their education to build a better life. This bursary had a great impact on me both emotionally and academically. I’m extremely thankful for the opportunity to have that support and to be chosen to receive this bursary.” 

The bursary is part of the Hartley T. Richardson Student Support Fund, which was established by family, friends and fellow UM alumni in 2019 in honour of Dr. Hartley T. Richardson [BComm(Hons)/77, LLD/04] receiving the International Distinguished Entrepreneur Award (IDEA). Dr. Richardson is the President and CEO of James Richardson & Sons, which has a decades-long partnership with UM. The philanthropic spirit of the company’s giving arm, the Richardson Foundation, has had a wide reach across UM, funding the renovation of 110 spaces in 12 faculties at the Fort Garry Campus, establishing the Richardson Centre for Food Technology and Research, and backing initiatives at both St. John’s and St. Paul’s colleges. 

RBC’s donation creates a powerful opportunity to harness the expertise and curiosity of researchers and students in the UM Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences to develop made-in-Manitoba solutions that have the potential to have global impact in this critical area. 

“Following in the legacy of Dr. Baldur Stefansson’s development of canola, UM is proud to be a leader in agricultural innovation,” says Dr. Michael Benarroch, UM President and Vice-Chancellor. “We are incredibly thankful to RBC for this generous gift that will allow us to carry on this vital research, which will meet worldwide challenges head-on.” 

The research program will be based in UM’s Glenlea Research Station, the world’s longest continuous running field-scale greenhouse gas monitoring facility. Located south of Winnipeg, the facility was described by John Stackhouse, RBC Senior Vice-President and host of RBC’s podcast The Disruptors, as “a national treasure” during a recent visit.  

“RBC’s important investment ensures that we are preparing the next generation of sustainable food producers,” says Dr. Martin Scanlon, Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences. “Students will work closely with top researchers as well as producer organizations in areas of the students’ choice, such as regenerative agriculture, soil health and livestock nutrition in the quest for climate-smart agricultural systems.” 

“The Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences has a long history of educating future professionals in the food production industry and has been on the forefront of devising new agricultural practices,” says Rod Whitfield, [BSA/95] Vice-President Senior Commercial Markets at RBC. “Given the faculty’s strong links to industry commodity groups and the hands-on training opportunities at Glenlea Research Station, it was clear that UM was well positioned to lead this project to prepare the next generation of food producers.” 

RBC’s gift to UM is part of a nationwide climate-change strategy and a total commitment of more than $6 million to Canadian post-secondary institutions to help build the talent pool needed for a net-zero economy. UM is proud to partner with RBC and be part of this broader effort with universities across Canada to take on this important work.  

With a focus on low-emissions agriculture and the opportunity to work with leading experts in the field, students will develop specific skills that will help to lead innovation and change in the agricultural sector. They will pursue specialized research to design innovative farming solutions involving fertilizer use, regenerative agriculture, livestock feed additives and selective breeding. Students will also pursue innovative and practical solutions to benefit the agricultural industry and support the transition to more sustainable food production methods and processing. This focus on research and trying new things is what drew Whitfield to the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences as a student. 

“I don’t think that I could have switched from an animal science major to becoming a leader in the banking sector without having that experience at UM,” says Whitfield. “It really pushed me to try new things and to be open minded and experience some things that maybe were outside of my typical comfort zone. I’m proud of the fact that I’m a UM grad and that the University is taking such a strong initiative toward addressing climate change.” 

As a result of RBC’s investment, undergraduate students undertaking summer research projects will gain valuable work experience and mentorship from other students and their supervisor. Graduate students will be supported for a two-year program, allowing them time and resources to complete their research and their studies. Both groups will have ample opportunities to collaborate and make industry connections that will help them enter the workforce after graduation. 

Through the RBC Climate Action Institute, RBC hopes to leverage its thought leadership capabilities to inform policy and inspire action towards a net-zero future in Canada, help convene key stakeholders to discuss ideas and develop pragmatic climate solutions, and work with industry partners to help clients and communities apply climate solutions.  

“To inform and inspire a sustainable future, we need to share insights and ideas to help communities, governments, and organizations build better solutions,” says Whitfield. “Through research supported by this gift, I think Manitoba can take the stage globally with some of the impacts and changes that will be coming from an environmental sustainability perspective in agriculture.” 

Learn more about the RBC Scholars in Sustainable Agriculture on our website.

His wife, Maria [BA/65] also immigrated to Winnipeg with her mother and three sisters after her father was killed in the Second World War. To help their mother, each sister took turns leaving school to work for short periods. During one of her leaves, Maria recollects a particular event that changed her future when the principal of her school, Dr. Morgan, knocked on the family’s door.

“It was 1955, and I was heading into Grade 11. Dr. Morgan came over to our house to convince my mother that I was exceptionally bright and had tremendous potential. He believed I should continue to pursue my education,” says Maria. “So, they came to an agreement, and I was able to continue in school. Dr. Morgan, out of his own pocket, offered a gift of $150, which at that time was a lot of money, to help support the family.”

After completing their post-secondary studies at UM, Walter and Maria moved to Toronto where they built the Dominion Bond Rating Service (DBRS), which became the fourth-largest bond-rating agency in the world. When they sold their business in 2014, the Schroeders decided to devote themselves and their resources to helping others. To this day, even though decades have passed, the kindness that Dr. Morgan showed Maria continues to inspire them. And their passion for education as a way out of poverty has brought their focus back to the city where they grew up.

“Winnipeg is where our heart is, and we truly believe in education over poverty,” says Walter. “We believe that our own lives are proof. The education we received provided the foundation that enabled us to succeed.”

Walter and Maria are now paying forward Dr. Morgan’s generous act, in a big way. In the last five years, the Schroeders have been creating a wave of change within schools throughout the city to create better outcomes for students in high school and in post-secondary studies.

In 2018, they created the Schroeder Foundation Scholarships at UM for students from three high schools, St. John’s High School, Sisler High School and their former high school, Daniel McIntyre Collegiate Institute. Their program is unique and prestigious. It offers students full tuition and is renewable for up to four years for a total scholarship award of $30,000. New students selected for the program attend a three-week summer school, with stipends provided, that helps prepare them for the transition to university. For students that require residence accommodations, the program covers that, too. Additionally, tutoring and mentorship are offered from an educator assigned to Schroeder students. Walter and Maria hope their program can help students, and Indigenous students in particular, pursue their education in a well-supported environment.

Since founding their program, the Schroeders have committed an incredible $3.3 million to UM and their vision for it is growing. The number of new students selected each year has grown from 10 to 23. This year, between past graduates, new and renewing students, there have been 83 students who have received the Schroeder Scholarship.

For Walter and Maria, they want to remove any barrier, big or small, that might stand in the way of a student’s success. In taking a tour of a school once, they noticed teachers supplying food for the students out of their own limited funding, inspiring them to start a food program that has since expanded to other schools. They see the places where they can make a difference and jump right into solving the problem.

“We simply want to go all in and create something that is meaningful and has impact. We’ve never been interested in a temporary fix. In the case of Manitoba, Winnipeg specifically, it’s about making sure that students are taken care of and that they’re given every opportunity to succeed,” they said.

For their tireless dedication to philanthropy, Walter and Maria are being recognized with the Outstanding Philanthropist Award at the Association of Fundraising Professionals 2023 Manitoba Philanthropy Awards. However, the real reward for them is not in the accolades or the recognition, but in seeing a student succeed.

“We get a lot of satisfaction in doing good for others, and we hope this gift will leave a generational impact. At the end of the day if all you’ve got is money, you’ve led a meaningless life,” they said.   

“This is a significant investment that will greatly enhance our capacity for research, education programs, and collaborations with producers for more sustainable crop production,” said Dr. Martin Scanlon, Dean, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, UM.

Building on the faculty’s world-class reputation for innovation and discovery, the 20,000 sq. ft. facility is set to become Canada’s pre-eminent resource for field crop research and innovation, capable of driving success across the agriculture and agri-food sector.

Nutrien Ag Solutions is one of the organizations that  pledged funds to make this facility a reality at UM. Senior vice president of North American retail at Nutrien Ag Solutions, David Elser, says it’s an important initiative for the company.

“We understand the important role that research has in improving the quality of crops available to feed the future and are proud to support this program and the education it will provide to the next generation of agriculture professionals,” says Elser.

“[UM researchers have] done an exceptional job of providing solutions to help us advance in the world market,” says past chair of the Manitoba Crop Alliance, Fred Greig, a donor to the project. “As stewards of the land, we appreciate information that helps us make the right decisions in our farming practices. It is our turn to help with the entire research process, to support the infrastructure and provide tools for students, faculty and staff to develop the next generation of scientists.”

Researchers in the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences use drones to measure reflected energy in studies of crop growth. // Photo from Krista Hanis-Gervais

Generous support has also been received from Manitoba Canola Growers Association, The McCain Foundation and the J.R. Simplot Company Foundation, along with student contributions from the Student Initiative Fund in the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences.

“The PCSRF sets the stage for our researchers to develop an integrated approach to robust agronomic systems that will benefit Western Canadian producers and consumers across Canada for years to come. At the same time this will allow our students to become the next generation of agri-food leaders,” adds Scanlon.

Corinne Bernard will be one of those agri-food leaders. She is excited about the opportunities the facility will provide to her and other students.

“The new facility will help prepare us for after graduation by giving us hands-on experience to complement the knowledge we are learning in the classroom and will set UM apart from other universities with similar programs,” says Bernard.

Once built, the PCSRF will expand and modernize agronomic research and training. It will meet the emerging needs of Canadian farmers and the industry across several areas including nutrient management, cropping systems, digital agronomy and breeding.

The concept and plan were developed through a multi-year consultation with agronomists, entomologists, pathologists, plant breeders, geneticists, soil scientists and other industry experts. 

The facility is expected to be operational by June, 2026.

As a young girl growing up in the Philippines, Centeno always knew that one day she would attend a post-secondary institution. Once she arrived in Canada, she knew the University of Manitoba was the place she wanted to pursue her studies. “Growing up in the Philippines, the great importance of finishing higher education was ingrained in me,” Centeno says.

Centeno is grateful to The Asper Foundation for getting her academic journey off to the right start. In her freshman year, Centeno received The Asper Foundation Entrance Bursary after learning about it from a friend and past recipient.

The award validated Centeno’s belief in her ability to accomplish her goals, providing vital financial support that allowed her to pursue extracurricular activities that were previously inaccessible.

The bursary has a significant impact on its high-achieving recipients with demonstrated financial need, placing their post-secondary dreams within reach. When receiving their entrance letter, students find out if they have received the $1,000 award, which in turn allows them to plan for their freshman year well before the first day of classes. The bursary is also renewable for three consecutive years, so students can continue to benefit from The Asper Foundation’s generosity after they launch their post-secondary career. By choosing to endow this award, The Asper Foundation will support students in perpetuity. After 10 years, the Foundation will have created opportunities for more than 1,300 students, who will have received bursaries totaling $1.3 million.

The Asper Foundation Entrance Bursary is available to qualifying students studying at the University of Manitoba registered in undergraduate or graduate programs as full-time or part-time students.

“As a first-generation immigrant, financial security has always been at the forefront of my mind. Because of The Asper Foundation’s generosity, I can focus on my studies more without being financially stressed. Their kindness has allowed me to pursue my studies and extracurriculars that I otherwise would not have been able to, because of my financial circumstances,” Centeno says. “The Asper Foundation has helped open more doors of opportunities for me than I could ever do on my own.”

Pursuing a career in the finance sector, Centeno plans to specialize in human resources, hoping to foster inclusivity and sustainability in her field.

“I hope that by continually advocating for improvements in the workplace, I can contribute to the careers and professional growth of other individuals which leads to a more equitable and supportive environment for all,” Centeno says.
“The bursary has certainly made me feel like I am blessed and has inspired me to work harder to achieve my dreams.”

Hosted by the University of Manitoba on May 11, the event marked the anniversary of Alexander Kennedy Isbister’s generous bequest to the university 140 years ago. Isbister’s gift of $83,000 and nearly 5,000 books—with a value of millions of dollars today—marked UM’s first-ever planned gift and started a tradition of impressive and impactful philanthropy.

Isbister’s bequest—a gift of money or property left in a will or trust—continues to pay dividends for thousands of students today and into the future.

The decades of Isbister’s impact were on display at this year’s milestone luncheon. Among those in attendance were three past recipients of the Isbister Scholarship—John Vail (‘56), Calvin Loi (‘20) and Kezia Wong (who is a current student)—who spoke on a panel about its impact on their education and careers.

The eldest living recipient of the award, John Vail joined the panel to share his memories of being awarded the Isbister Scholarship at the age of 13. The scholarship, $150 at that time, enabled him to complete his Master of Science in 1956. But the scholarship did more than just lighten the financial load—it gave him the confidence to be a scholar.

“I had just started as an apprentice scholar, and when I came out with the Isbister Scholarship, particularly with the top grades, I began to think, ‘Y’know, maybe I can do this. Maybe I can really be a professional scholar, earn my living doing what I love all day every day for 55 years,” Vail recalls.

Calvin Loi, a Bachelor of Commerce grad, co-founded the Westland Foundation Scholars Committee to aid Winnipeg youth seeking post-secondary education. He credited the Isbister Scholarship, which he received during the 2018-19 academic year, for shaping his perspective on charitable giving.

“[The scholarship] has reaffirmed my personal belief in the importance of [giving],” Loi says. “As someone who went to high school in inner Winnipeg, I’ve heard countless stories of people who were unable to attend or access post-secondary education because of financial constraints. I am personally even more committed now to help remove those financial constraints for people.”

Kezia Wong, currently studying in the Faculty of Arts, is completing her honours thesis in psychology and conducting her second year of sociology research this summer. A 2020-21 recipient of the Isbister Undergraduate Scholarship and the current racialized student representative on the Arts Student Council, Wong says the scholarship was a pleasant surprise.

“It was quite a big surprise to me. It happened during COVID, and there weren’t many exciting things happening during that period, so this was just a hopeful and encouraging thing that I was able to receive and I’m appreciative of the ways that it has helped in my academic career,” Wong says.

Reflecting on how the scholarship has helped her find success as a student, Wong says she is grateful for Alexander Kennedy Isbister’s generosity and honoured to be a part of his continuing legacy.

“I think just in learning about his legacy and how he was a Métis man, he was a lawyer, he was an advocate, he was a philanthropist—I think that’s an incredible legacy that is empowering students now and prior students as well,” Wong says.

Isbister’s generosity created the framework for thoughtful donors to plan ahead and leave a lasting impact on the University of Manitoba for years to come. Isbister made his gift with an exceptional stipulation for the time: that the money be used for scholarships and prizes for anyone who deserves them, regardless of sex, race, creed, language, or nationality. For many individuals who had faced significant barriers to receiving a university education, this stipulation provided unprecedented access to a world of opportunity.

To date, thousands of students have benefitted from those who have considered UM in their estate planning.

Currently, the Society honours more than 700 individuals who have planned to leave a gift to UM, as well as those whose gifts are supporting a new generation of students and researchers. This year, to honour the 140th anniversary of Isbister’s transformational gift, UM is putting a spotlight on our alumni and friends who choose the same path as Alexander Kennedy Isbister, helping the next John, Calvin and Kezia who step into a UM lecture hall or lab. These students and researchers have big ideas for how to make their mark on the world, and donors who leave their legacy with UM will allow those ideas to come to life.

Read more about Alexander Isbister and UM’s Isbister Legacy Society.

Now on the verge of retirement, he is reflecting on his legacy, recognizing the people and institutions that enabled his cherished career.

“There’s a Chinese proverb that says, ‘You can drink the water, but just remember where the water is coming from,’” he says. “You don’t just turn on the tap and expect water to come out. People had to do a lot of work just so that you could have a sip of that water.”

Young says the education and support he received at UM proved invaluable to his career and he passionately recognizes his role in ensuring future generations of students have the same opportunities that helped him thrive.

“The UM [Dr. Gerald Niznick College] of Dentistry is an excellent school, and it equipped me incredibly well for all the challenges in the future,” he says. “I enjoy my work every day, I love what I do, and I’m never burnt out. But to enjoy your work, and to truly love it, you need to be well-equipped in terms of knowledge, skill, experience and equipment. I am grateful that UM gave me that.”

After more than two decades of practising dentistry and being a regular supporter of UM, Young made his largest gift to date, $250,000, to the College. Knowing the importance of innovative teaching and student spaces, Young decided to renovate the Dentistry student lounge, an essential space where he developed lasting friendships.

The Dr. Jones Young Student Lounge has provided a welcoming space for dentistry and dental hygiene students to connect with each other, take a break from the stress of studies and recharge. Young brought that cheerful attitude to his practice, as it is known for its welcoming environment that strives to put patients at ease.

In addition to his donation to the student lounge, Young has also provided consistent funding to the College’s Dentistry Endowment Fund and, in 2023, established the Dr. Jones and Katie Young Scholarship in Dentistry.

This endowment fund, founded with an initial gift of $50,000, will reward one third-year and one fourth-year student in the Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry each year starting in 2024-25.

As his retirement approaches, Young is more focused than ever on giving back to organizations that have supported him, and providing comfortable spaces where people can connect and relax.

Young says his giving to UM is inspired by other alumni donors and classmates before him, and he hopes that his support will inspire others to give generously as well, providing UM with vital resources to support its students.

“I hope what I’ve done has an impact on the next generation. I did this because I saw other alumni doing it and I thought, ‘Maybe it’s my turn to give back,’” he says.

UM will soon be home to a Research Chair in Potato Sustainability thanks to generous donations totaling more than $1.3 million from 19 partners in the potato industry. The first of its kind, this Chair will lead the charge in advancing the potato industry while firmly establishing UM as a top institution in the field.

The Chair and the work to be done will be an essential ingredient in the future of global food production and in turn addressing global food insecurities. The Chair will address research priorities ranging from economic sustainability and competitiveness to climate resilience, as the partners aim to develop strategies for a healthier, more inclusive and prosperous future for all by creating global food security to feed the world.

“Through innovative research, hands-on training and extensive knowledge translation, the UM Research Chair in Potato Sustainability will be a North American leader and support a thriving and resilient potato industry in Manitoba,” explains Dr. Nazim Çiçek, Associate Dean (Research) of the UM Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences. “The presence of a Research Chair is an important signal to the academic community, governments, granting bodies and industry partners that UM is deeply committed to potato research.”

The idea to establish the Chair stems from the 2022 Manitoba Potato Science and Technology Strategy, which posed the bold vision statement of establishing Manitoba as the Canadian leader in potato research and innovation. The province is well-positioned to make its way to the top, already serving as a major potato-producing region, a home to prominent french fry producers such as McCain and Simplot, and thriving fresh market and seed potato sectors. The strategy went on to recommend expanding UM’s research and training capacity in areas such as agronomy, soils, potato quality and sustainability.

The Chair’s research will focus on addressing global challenges such as improving soil productivity, water management, disease control and variety development while aiming to increase yields, boost quality and enhance profitability in Manitoba. Hosting the Chair establishes our university as a leader while fostering collaborations with national and international partners to drive innovation and benefit the potato sector across Canada and beyond.

In addition to the Chair pushing forward research in the potato industry, creating a pillar of stability for the global food supply, there will also be several new gains for UM’s Agricultural and Food Sciences students. With new learning opportunities, UM will attract top students and nurture their talent to create a centre of expertise.

“The Research Chair will create more training and capacity-building opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students, offering them avenues to focus on potato research and extension work. This will help Manitoba’s potato industry by ensuring an exceptional talent pool for the long term. UM will become a school of choice for future potato producers, processors, marketers and researchers,” Dr. Çiçek says.

The support of our generous donors and partners from the industry is crucial in elevating potato research and extension work at UM through the establishment of the Research Chair in Potato Sustainability.

“At Peak of the Market Ltd., we are committed to supporting endeavors that promote lifelong learning,” said Pamela Kolochuk, CEO of Peak of the Market Ltd. “Investing in research and educational programs – including the establishment of the UM Research Chair in Potato Sustainability – not only ensures the health and viability of current agricultural practices, but also creates opportunities for the next generation to hone their skills and helps Manitoba’s potato industry continue to thrive.”

“The support for the creation of a Potato Chair at the University of Manitoba emphasizes the importance of the potato industry in Manitoba and Keystone Potato Producers are anticipating the positive outcomes this will bring,” added Dan Sawatzky of Keystone Potato Producers.

With their investment in innovation and education, we can cultivate a prosperous future for Manitoba and the potato industry across the globe.