Happy New Year! I hope you had a restful break and are ready for another big year.

We’re starting 2026 with a significant  moment in our university’s history. Join me on January 20 as we launch Building Bold: UM’s Capital Plan for People, Place and Possibility, the University of Manitoba’s new 30-year capital plan and prioritization framework.

For over a century, the University of Manitoba has adapted and grown to meet the needs of students, researchers, and our community. Today, however, we face a different challenge. How do we build for the next 150 years while honouring our commitments to Reconciliation, sustainability, and academic excellence?

Building Bold is our roadmap that will guide how we renew, enhance, and expand our campuses to match the ambitions of our teaching, learning, and research mission. You can learn more about it at digital displays located in the Brodie Atrium on the Bannatyne campus and in the Fireside Lounge on the Fort Garry campus. 

During this launch event, I will be joined by Raman Dhaliwal, Associate Vice-President (Administration), who led the plan’s development and will speak about our community’s bold vision for the short and long term, and how we get there. We’ll also share digital renderings and take your questions.

Register now and please join us in person or online on January 20. The event runs from 9:45 – 11:15 a.m. in the Multi-Purpose Room of UMSU University Centre.

If you have questions about the event, please email rsvp@umanitoba.ca or visit our intranet page. 

I look forward to seeing you there. And here’s to a big year full of bold ideas!

Thank you,
Michael Benarroch, PhD
President and Vice-Chancellor

This appointment means UM will help guide strategy, outreach, and educational efforts across the continent, working closely with the Global Network Secretariat to shape global initiatives.

The designation aligns directly with MOMENTUM, UM’s strategic plan and our commitment to fostering a vibrant community rooted in equity, diversity, human dignity, inclusivity, respect, well-being, and care for one another. Becoming the North American lead reinforces UM’s dedication to lifelong learning, intergenerational engagement, and research that addresses the needs of an aging society.

Decades of leadership in aging research and advocacy

UM has been at the forefront of aging-related work for decades as demonstrated by establishing Canada’s first research centre on aging in 1982. The Centre on Aging has earned a national and international reputation for excellence in research.

UM was the first Canadian university – and among the first globally – to endorse the age-friendly university principles launched by Dublin City University and joined the official AFU Global Network in 2016.

Through the Centre on Aging, UM has demonstrated leadership in interdisciplinary research, community engagement, and age-friendly programming. Early research with citizen scientists shaped thinking around how universities can enable older individuals to engage fully in academic life. UM has actively encouraged other universities to join the AFU network, providing tools and guidance to support their efforts.

“The University of Manitoba is an ideal candidate for this leadership role, building on UM’s long-standing excellence in research and related activities that promote global age-friendly cities and environments,” says Tina Chen, Vice-Provost (Equity). “We are also committed to embedding an age-inclusivity lens across all priority areas to foster a truly supportive environment for students, staff, and faculty of every age.”

Meet the new regional co-leads

Michelle Porter
Director of the Centre on Aging and Professor in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management.
Porter has been a driving force behind UM’s age-friendly initiatives since 2015. Her research spans physical activity and aging, ageism, and mobility, and she has held leadership roles in national organizations like Active Aging Canada. She was instrumental in UM becoming Canada’s first AFU and brings decades of expertise in aging research and advocacy.

Angie Conrad
Anti-Ableism and Age-Inclusivity Specialist in the Office of Equity Transformation.
Conrad joined UM in 2025, bringing extensive experience in accessibility policy and program development from roles at Canada Post and the Manitoba government. Her work focuses on dismantling systemic barriers and fostering inclusive frameworks, making her a strong advocate for age-inclusive practices within the university.

Current Age-Friendly Programming at UM

“For years, UM has provided a great range of opportunities for people of all ages through employment, research participation, lifelong learning, recreational and wellness programs, cultural or sporting events, and intergenerational engagement,” says Michelle Porter. “Our commitment to age-friendly principles is helping to break down barriers and welcome a growing community of older learners – and that is very encouraging to see.”

Here are some initiatives aligned with the Ten AFU Principles:

• Age-Friendly University Hub: An online resource showcasing UM’s commitment to age-inclusivity and providing tools for learners and educators.
  

  Sofia Clunie, Extended Education, talks with an attendee of the Age-Friendly University Showcase 2025.

• Micro-certificate in Facilitating Older Adult Learning: Launched in 2022, this program trains teachers and professional care workers to better serve older adults.
• Adult Companionship Services Directory: The directory connects older adults and their caregivers within the UM community with students offering support through companionship services.
• ESSENCE project: Informed by consultations with Senior Scholars and Professors Emeriti, a number of new programs and benefits were rolled out in Fall 2025 to increase engagement of UM’s Emeriti and Senior Scholars.
• Retirement Readiness resources: The Road to Retirement self-directed course on UM Learn helps staff and faculty navigate the non-financial aspects of retirement and a peer network allows for social connection and conversation about the impact of this significant life transition.
  

  Jasmine Brar, Rady Family Centre, at Age-Friendly University Showcase

• Age-Friendly University Showcase: Hosted by the Centre on Aging in conjunction with their annual spring research symposium, the AFU Showcase features programs, resources and opportunities for the UM community and the general public.
• Other time-limited projects: Initiatives such as technology training, an inter-generational art project, and campus wayfinding. 

Looking Ahead: Expanding Age-Friendly Practices Across North America

“There is more potential for UM to grow as a leader in this space, helping advance the adoption of age-inclusive practices beyond individual AFU universities to broader engagement across the region,” says Angie Conrad.

UM’s leadership role will amplify its influence in shaping inclusive education and research, ensuring that learners of all ages feel welcomed and supported.

Award-winning scholar and human being

Having started law school with a BA in Criminology Bunn settled into law’s challenging academic program as a John Mitchell Scholarship recipient, later receiving the Wendy Whitecloud Bursary in Law. “Both as a law student and fellow Dakota winyan (woman), Wendy is a tremendous inspiration to me,” Bunn wrote in a LinkedIn post. “As the first Indigenous female law professor at the Faculty of Law, Wendy is a trailblazer who paved the way for me and other Indigenous women pursuing careers in law.”

In her second year of law school, Bunn received First Peoples Law LLP’s Indigenous Law Student Scholarship.

In 2024, she was recognized as a CBC Future 40 recipient, an honour celebrating Manitoba’s new generation of leaders, builders, and change-makers under 40. “This recognition is not mine alone; it is shared with my family, my nation, and all the communities and organizations I am fortunate to serve and be part of,” Bunn wrote.

At the end of the year, she was named to Ace Burpee’s Top 100 most fascinating Manitobans of 2024.

Tréchelle Bun was presented with the King Charles III Coronation Medal in 2024. Source: LinkedIn.

The new year started with Bunn being named the 2025 Youth – First Nations Indspire Award Laureat, shortly followed with a most distinguished award: the King Charles III Coronation Medal, which recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to Canada and their respective provinces. “This recognition is a collective achievement, shared with my family, community, and all those who have supported me throughout my journey,” Bunn shared on social media about the Royal recognition.

This fall, Bunn was honoured with a University of Manitoba Distinguished Alumni Award in the Outstanding Alumni category.

She has spoken on countless panels and conferences, and gave a TEDx Fort Garry talk this past September. Most recently, she was selected to serve on Hockey Canada’s inaugural Indigenous Advisory Circle; spoke on Indspire’s National Education Gathering Youth Panel in Winnipeg; and was the keynote speaker for Sport Manitoba’s 2025 Sport Event Forum.

Truth and Reconciliation

On September 27, 2025, Bunn organized the 4^th Reconciliation Run in recognition of Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30). As it happens, the distance between the former Birtle Residential School Ruins in Birtle, Manitoba to the Birdtail Sioux First Nation equals a half marathon (21.1k), inspiring the transformation of what originally started out as a walk into a run. She explained to Dean Jochelson during an episode of the Robson Radio podcast, “The Reconciliation Run kind of started as a second iteration of what my family and community were calling a healing walk. These originally started on July 1^st, 2021 and it was sparked by the 215 discoveries of unmarked graves and Kamloops. Reflecting back on that time, it was a heavy time for Indigenous peoples and communities all across Turtle Island.”

Wishing to honour Residential School Survivors in their own community, she asked her parents what they could do. Their conversation reminded her of something her grandfather, whom she calls her Unkan Donald (“Unkan” meaning “grandfather” in Dakota) had shared with her years before: that when he was at the Birtle Residential school, he wanted nothing more than to run away and go home. “That’s when the thought connected,” she said. “Why don’t we go back to the former Birtle Residential School and run and walk home in honour of my Unkan Donald and all those who never got the chance to?”

Chief Tréchelle Bunn (far right) at the 4th Reconciliation Run with classmate Josh Gandier (3L) (left), and Elizabeth McCandless, Director of Clinics, Faculty of Law (middle).

The 2025 run saw about 150 attendees including runners, walkers, volunteers and community members with participating Faculty of Law community members including Elizabeth McCandless, Director of Clinics, Bunn’s 3L classmates Logan Nadeau, Joshua Gandier, (runners) and Kaitlyn Clarke (volunteer), and The Honourable Justice Alain Huberdeau of the Court of King’s Bench, who volunteered for a second year in a row. “The weather was beautiful, and it’s always amazing to see how far participants travel each year,” said Bunn. “We had runners join us again from Vancouver, and even some virtual participants from as far away as Australia!”

Solid Leadership

Upon starting law school, Bunn had already been moving in the world as a leader in both competitive hockey as a top player and coach, and as Southern Chief’s Organization Youth Chief. During summer break, 2024, Bunn represented 34 Anishinaabe and Dakota First Nations at the 17^thSession of the United Nations Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Geneva, Switzerland. As part of a contingent of SCO Chiefs, she moderated the SCO panel on Self-Determination and Indigenous Health.

Bunn has been involved locally with the Manitoba Indigenous Law Students’ Association and its activities, but last spring, she modestly posted on her LinkedIn, “I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as Chief at Birdtail Sioux First Nation!”

Tréchelle Bunn in Geneva, Switzerland, where she moderated a panel at the 17th Session of the United Nations Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Wait – what? Indeed, the 25-year-old second year law student had thrown her hat in the ring and ended up the successful candidate in her First Nation’s election. For the next four years, she will be in charge of overseeing the lives of many people living in the Birdtail Sioux First Nation. As UM professor and Free Press columnist Niigaan Sinclair wrote, she has her work cut out for her. Speaking with Chief Bunn last April after she finished exams, Dr. Richard Jochelson, Dean of Law, spoke to her about what lay ahead, raised that daunting situation. Bunn responded with a positive outlook, rather than with a sense of being intimidated, saying, “Yeah, I think Niigaan said I was ambitious. I do probably come across as ambitious and in terms of taking on this role at such a young age and also managing that with everything else I have going on. But I think there’s a lot of potential to do some really great, fantastic things in my community. And I know my community is excited to enter a new era, this new chapter together alongside me. So, I think that’s really exciting.”

Bunn fully recognized the challenges she was walking into as the new chief, but chose to look forward and rise to the challenge. She assured Jochelson that her legal training thus far would certainly be helpful. “The writing skills and critical thinking skills that have really been enhanced throughout my last two years in law school will be really important for me going forward. Even negotiations in my community and having community meetings and having those important conversations and, drafting band council resolutions and stuff like that.

“I think my experience through law school has really shaped that as one of my strengths that I think communication and the ability to be an effective communicator and writer. In terms of reintegrating traditional legal systems in my community, I think that’s definitely a priority.”

Recalling her years of hockey training, she realized the skills it taught her including time management and work ethic. “I’m not scared to put my head down and go to work and to grind things out,” she said. “I kind of mentioned it earlier, but I’ve never been really one to back down from a challenge. And I do enjoy a good challenge.”

Dr. Richard Jochelson, Dean of Law, records an episode of the Robson Radio podcast with Tréchelle Bunn, Chief of the Birdtail Sioux First Nation and a third-year law student at Robson Hall.

Listen to a complete conversation with Tréchelle Bunn about her extraordinary year with Dr. Richard Jochelson and Christine Mazur on the Robson Radio Podcast.

Fresh produce is scarce at OCN, where nearly half of the adult population lives with diabetes and hypertension. Miyoung Suh, a professor in the Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences at UM, is working with the community to grow “supercharged” greens that could help.

We asked her: What does it take to grow vegetables that fight disease?

Grow smarter

In the “smart” vertical farm at OCN, Suh works with community members to grow microgreens—young veggies picked soon after they sprout—under tightly controlled conditions.

Artificial intelligence and computer systems regulate light, nutrients, water and carbon dioxide, creating an environment that pushes the plants to produce more of their natural protective compounds.

“This technology lets us grow vegetables with more nutrients than what’s usually available in the community,” Suh says.

Vegetables in the Brassica family like kale and broccoli are already known for their bioactives—natural compounds such as phenolics and glucosinolates. These compounds are linked to blood sugar control, lower inflammation and better heart health.

By adjusting how the plants grow, Suh explains, they can encourage microgreens to produce even more of these compounds. The result is food that is not only fresher but has more potential to help protect against diabetes and hypertension.

Miyoung Suh, professor of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences at UM

Evidence-based science

Back in her lab at the St. Boniface Hospital Research Centre, Suh dries and grounds the vegetables into powders so they can be tested more closely. The first step was comparing them to store-bought vegetables and to Health Canada’s nutrition tables. The OCN-grown samples consistently showed higher levels of key nutrients.

“Vegetables grown at OCN are really enriched,” Suh says.

The next step was feeding them to rats on high-fat, high-sugar diets similar to those that often lead to obesity in people. The results were striking.

“Heart function improved, blood pressure went down and body fat decreased—even when body weight didn’t change,” Suh says.

Now the team is running studies with rats that have type 2 diabetes to see if the same benefits hold true.

“As scientists, we need a complete set of data to understand how this works,” Suh says. “But what we’ve seen so far is very promising and exciting.”

Make it part of everyday food

Of course, vegetables only matter if people eat them.

At OCN, where fresh produce hasn’t been a regular part of the diet, Suh’s team is looking for ways to make the microgreens easier to embrace. That means turning them into foods the community already enjoys.

Working with chefs from Red River College’s Prairie Research Kitchen, they’ve tested recipes that add the greens into familiar dishes. A chili made with kale, for example, was handed out at OCN’s Indian Days celebration. Cornbread muffins with added kale powder were another hit.

“The people loved it,” Suh recalls. “Many of them who had never eaten kale before did not notice that the food contained about 10 per cent kale.”

It’s not about changing traditions, Suh stresses, but about adapting them.

“Even if people don’t like vegetables on their own,” Suh says, “we can carefully listen and make food they actually want to eat.”

Rooted in partnership

The project began with the community itself. OCN launched the vertical farm in 2016 and asked Suh to study its health impacts. From the start, the work has been co-designed with the OCN Health Authority, ensuring research follows community priorities.

By running the farm locally, OCN is reducing reliance on expensive southern shipments and gaining steady access to fresh produce year-round. That shift strengthens food sovereignty, giving the community control over its own supply of healthy food.

Where most people see problems, Bisons see solutions. Explore and meet UM researchers—like Miyoung Suh —who are changing lives in Manitoba and beyond.

Miyoung Suh is a professor of food and human nutritional sciences at the University of Manitoba and a principal investigator at the St. Boniface Hospital Research Centre. A registered dietitian and nutrition scientist, she is recognized for her work on lipid metabolism, diabetes and neural health, and serves as nutrition lead of the Canada Israel International Fetal Alcohol Consortium, a global initiative to reduce the impact of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.

New test farm at UM poised to beat tariff threat with local produce

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That’s how Courtney Marshall, a graduate student at the University of Manitoba’s Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, introduced her research to a group of judges at the International Congress of Academic Medicine (ICAM) in Halifax last April.  

At ICAM, the top-performing Canadian PhD student poster presenters are nominated to travel to Germany to attend a Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting — a gathering of Nobel laureates and selected young scientists from around the world. 

A global stage for young scientists 

Marshall, a PhD candidate in the department of immunology at the Max Rady College of Medicine, won three awards at ICAM, including a nomination to attend the Lindau Meeting. 

“It was a very surreal moment,” Marshall said. “I was so overwhelmed with emotions to be recognized with such a prestigious group of people and awards.” 

Dr. Neeloffer Mookherjee, a professor of internal medicine and immunology in Max Rady College of Medicine, is Marshall’s supervisor.

Janet Rossant, president of the Gairdner Foundation, presents an award to Courtney Marshall. Photo by @stoometzphoto, courtesy of ICAM.

“For a young scientist, this nomination will allow her to interact with the best of the best emerging researchers, not only within our country but internationally,” said Mookherjee. “It also gives Courtney the opportunity to meet Nobel laureates and other global leaders in research. These are the kinds of experiences that shape a scientist’s career and stay with them for life.” 

More than 100 early-career scientists presented their work at ICAM, using research posters — visual summaries combining text and graphics to clearly communicate research findings. 

“You have to tell the story of your research in a very accessible format, so that most people can understand it no matter their background,” said Marshall. 

Mookherjee said strong presentation skills are essential to win these awards. 

“One can be a brilliant scientist, but communicating your research in a way that makes it impactful for scientists and the general public is a whole other skill set,” Mookherjee said. 

The science behind the award 

Marshall’s research aims to understand how a synthetic peptide — designed to mimic the body’s natural infection-fighting proteins — can reduce airway inflammation, a key feature of asthma, and whether it works differently in male and female mice.  

“This is important because females tend to suffer more from asthma and respond less to standard treatments, yet most past research has focused on males,” said Marshall. 

Her work explores novel therapeutics for chronic diseases like severe asthma, which currently lack effective treatments. 

Advice for student researchers 

When asked for advice for other students who are preparing to present their research at major conferences, Marshall gave two pointers: 

• “Show your passion and enthusiasm. When you care about something and you’re passionate about it and it comes across that way, it makes other people care about it too.” 

• “Practice, read and don’t be afraid of the question period. A lot of people think the question period is a test, when really, we’re all just asking because we’re interested in the answer — not to make sure you know the right answer.” 
   

Other UM students from Max Rady College of Medicine also stood out at the event: 

1. Allison Balasko: Gold Award, department of medical microbiology and infectious diseases 

1. Berardino Petrelli: Gold Award, department of biochemistry and medical genetics 

1. Diane Malu Tshikudi: Honourable Mention, department of immunology 

Based on our participation, UM was ranked in 6 of the 17 SDGs. 

• SDG 3: Good Health and Wellbeing: UM climbed to sixth in Canada and 82nd in the world this year from the 401–600 range globally in 2024.
  

  Jamie Blanchard, Executive Director of the University of Manitoba’s Institute for Global Public Health, in Uttar Pradesh, India.

• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation: UM is now eleventh in Canada and in the top 200 globally, reflecting strengths in water research and stewardship. 
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: With a place among the top 20 in Canada, UM continues to build its reputation for impactful research and innovation. 
• SDG 13: Climate Action: UM ranks sixth in Canada and 89th globally, reflecting our leadership in Arctic and climate research. 
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions: UM ranks 12th in Canada and in the 101–200 global range, underscoring our work in Indigenous rights, governance, and social justice. 
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: A key area of growth, UM jumped to 201–300 this year, ranking 17th in Canada, from the 401–600 range globally in 2024.  

“UM’s research and community engagement has an incredible impact throughout the world on efforts connected to UN’s Sustainable Development Goals,” said Michael Benarroch, President and Vice-Chancellor. “We are often much too humble, but we are world leaders in climate action, health as a human right, water sustainability and so much more. I’m pleased to see UM get some of the recognition it deserves for all our efforts advancing these important goals.”  

The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings are the only global performance tables that assess universities against the UN SDGs. This year’s rankings included more than 2,000 institutions worldwide, making UM’s position even more noteworthy. This is UM’s second year participating in the rankings.  

Read more about UM’s progress and commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.  

About the SDGS 

In April 2017, the president of the United Nations General Assembly wrote to higher education institutions around the world, including the University of Manitoba. The letter was delivered to spark movement and create a call-to-action to support the 2030 Agenda for Sustainability Development within the university environment. The university was encouraged to include the Global Goals as part of research, teaching and study within the institution. 

It’s time we stopped being so humble about the world-class university we’ve built together. In fact, we’re about to launch a bold campaign to attract more of the best and brightest to the University of Manitoba. Why? Because the world needs more Bisons—more of you.

Bisons are at the centre of entrepreneurship, finance, health care, Reconciliation, human rights, the arts and so much more. With an economic impact of $7.3 billion, we make a difference here and abroad. And as one of Canada’s top research universities, our influence only continues to grow. We are the primary source of Manitoba’s skilled professionals in fields as diverse as medicine, law, engineering, business and agriculture. This fall we welcomed a record-setting 30,859 students—proof that our community is thriving.

We not only train the talent that builds this province’s future, we’re at the centre of partnerships that find the solutions Manitobans need. In health care, for instance, we are improving access for all by increasing seats to train more physicians and physician assistants, nurses and respiratory therapists. Our recently opened Churchill Marine Observatory on the banks of Hudson Bay has UM researchers, along with others from around the world, studying the impact of melting sea ice and the opportunities of opening Manitoba as a global shipping port.

UM’s impact is global. Our researchers developed the antennas that led to smartphones. Our researchers discovered canola and new ways to store grains that benefit farmers and consumers. Now we are building spaces that push agricultural research beyond what was imagined to enhance food security around the world. We lead in public health too. In fact, our Institute for Global Public Health is one of the most influential bodies of its kind. Did you know UM has received more funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation than any other university in Canada—by a significant degree—for our work in maternal and infant health?

As Bisons, this is something to be proud of. Our Herd—alumni, students, faculty, staff, donors and partners—moves the world. We’re always on the go, charging ahead. Take a moment to reflect on what we are achieving together as the university for Manitoba. We’re at the centre of it all.

Michael Benarroch, PhD
President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Manitoba

This letter to all Manitobans will publish September 21 in the Free Press and has been slightly adapted for our UM community. As we prepare for our first reputational campaign in ten years, we wanted to share it with you to keep you informed and engaged as we embark on this exciting journey together.