An honorary degree is the highest honour UM can bestow upon an individual for achieving pre-eminence in science, culture, scholarship or public service. This fall’s recipients are business leader L. Kerry Vickar and theatre designer Mary Kerr.

A visionary leader

L. Kerry Vickar
LL.B. (Manitoba)
Wednesday, October 22 at 3pm
Doctor of Laws (honoris causa) 

L. Kerry Vickar is an accomplished business leader, philanthropist and mentor, recognized for his integrity, civic engagement and commitment to stronger communities.

After earning his law degree from UM in 1980, he transitioned from law to business, leading Gravure Graphics Ltd. to significant growth before founding CorrFlex Graphics, a North American leader in retail displays. His business ventures continued with the transformation of an insolvent equipment rental company into the largest Hyundai heavy equipment dealer in North America and the world’s largest Bell Truck dealer. He now serves as Executive Chairman of an injection mold manufacturing firm.

Mr. Vickar’s philanthropic legacy is equally profound. Through the Kerry and Simone Vickar Family Foundation, he supports health, education, and the arts, including endowed chairs at Cedars Sinai and the Levine Cancer Institute, and a Civic Centre in Melfort, Saskatchewan that bears his name. At UM, he established the L. Kerry Vickar Business Law Clinic, offering free legal services to underserved entrepreneurs while providing experiential learning for law students.

In recognition of his visionary leadership, philanthropy and enduring commitment to education and community, L. Kerry Vickar will receive a Doctor of Laws, honoris causa.

An innovative designer

Mary Kerr
BFA (Hons) (Manitoba), DCL (honoris causa) (St. John’s College, Manitoba)
Thursday, October 23 at 3pm
Doctor of Letters (honoris causa) 

Dr. Mary Kerr is a visionary artist, designer and educator who has earned international acclaim as one of Canada’s pre-eminent theatre creators. For more than four decades, she has transformed the worlds of theatre, ballet, opera, film, television and special events with her conceptually inventive and striking designs. Born in Winnipeg, she earned a BFA (Hons) in sculpture and literature from UM before pursuing graduate studies at the University of Toronto’s Medieval Centre, where she realized the world of theatre was where she could combine all the arts she loved.

Her award-winning career includes credits at the Stratford and Shaw Festivals, the Canadian Opera Company, the National Ballet of Canada, the Danny Grossman Dance Company and the Paris Opera Ballet. Her work was showcased globally at Expo 67, Expo 86, and the 1994 Commonwealth Games opening and closing ceremonies.

Dr. Kerr is the only theatre designer elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and is a member of the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts. As a mentor and educator, she has inspired generations of designers and championed equity for women production designers in Canadian theatre art.

For her remarkable achievements in performance design, her leadership in advancing the art of Canadian scenography, and her enduring commitment to mentorship and collaboration, Dr. Mary Kerr will receive a Doctor of Letters, honoris causa.

Other special honours and awards

During Fall Convocation, the university will also honour five faculty members:

• Warren Cariou, Lisa Lix and Joerg Stetefeld will be appointed Distinguished Professors.
• Jocelyn Thorpe will receive the Dr. and Mrs. H.H. Saunderson Award for Excellence in Teaching.
• Wan Wang will receive the Olive Beatrice Stanton Award for Excellence in Teaching.

Learn more about the recipients in the Convocation program.

Marking the moment

During Spring Convocation from June 4 to 6, 2025, the Fort Garry campus will have an atmosphere of pride and excitement! Find key information you need to join the festivities on the Convocation home page:

• View the ceremony schedules, link to the live streams and explore the Convocation program for each ceremony.
• Learn what time to show up, where to park and details about Convocation accessibility. 
• Explore Convocation traditions, like the meaning of the coloured stoles and hoods worn by the graduates and the significance of the Indigenous motifs on the robes worn by the Chancellor and President.

For more detailed information that will help Convocation day go smoothly:

• Graduates are encouraged to view the Convocation day schedule and read our 10 Tips for an unforgettable Convocation.
• Anyone driving to campus will find the latest construction update for road closures and alternate routes helpful as Construction season is in full swing on and around the Fort Garry campus. 

Celebrating every story

One of the best parts of the Convocation celebration is recognizing and honouring student achievement. It’s also a time for students to reflect— on what they’ve learned, what has ignited their passions and where they want to go from here. Here are some of their stories:

• The highest standing- Meet the Spring 2025 Governor General medal winners: Graduating from any program is an incredible accomplishment. Meet six students who did so at the top of their class. They have been awarded Governor General’s Academic Medals for outstanding achievement at their level of study.
• Full circle moment for grads attending Annual Traditional Graduation Pow Wow: Elora, a member of Norway House Cree Nation and a linguistics major, shares how she’s using her education to revitalize Indigenous languages. Lauren, of Sabe Clan, is a Red River Michif Health Studies graduate interested in creating more equitable health systems and spaces for gender-diverse communities. And Dane, Peguis First Nation band, shares how UM has helped shape his educational journey and what it means to his community. 
• Manitoba’s newest dentists, dental hygienists and pharmacists graduate: Farah Cheah was attracted to dental hygiene because of its focus on prevention and education. Catherine He was a dental hygienist before entering dentistry. And Scott Thomas was inspired to pursue pharmacy because a pharmacist once went “above and beyond”  to help his mother when she ran out of medication.

Read more 2025 Spring Convocation stories

Recognizing those who inspire

Along with celebrating student achievement, Convocation is a time for the university to recognize honorary degree recipients who have made an impact. We also celebrate teaching excellence and outstanding contributions to the development and governance of the university.

At the Spring 2025 ceremonies, honorary degrees will be bestowed on:

• Sister Lesley Sacouman, a compassionate educator, community builder and faith leader who has dedicated her life to creating sanctuaries for Winnipeg’s marginalized communities. (May 15 morning ceremony)
• Rosanna Deerchild, a Cree storyteller, journalist, poet, playwright and radio host whose voice has transformed the Canadian media and literary landscape. (June 4 afternoon ceremony)
• Dr. Catherine (Kate) Bowler, a raised-in-Winnipeg historian and New York Times bestselling author who is known for her profound contributions to public understanding of faith, resilience and imperfection. (June 6 morning ceremony)
• Dr. Greg Selinger, a former social worker, politician and Premier of Manitoba whose decades-long commitment to social justice and linguistic equality has had a lasting impact on Manitoba. (June 16 afternoon ceremony, Université de Saint-Boniface) 

Read more about these four extraordinary Canadians

Two faculty members, Dr. Wan Wang (Psychology) and Dr. Jennifer Watt (Education) are receiving the Olive Beatrice Stanton Award for Excellence in Teaching. Laurel Hyde received the Peter D. Curry Chancellor’s Award at a ceremony on May 15.

Learn more about the award winners in the Convocation program.

Welcoming a new Chancellor

Dave Angus will be installed as the University of Manitoba’s 15th Chancellor at the Convocation ceremony on Wednesday, June 4 at 9 a.m. Get to know him by reading The Next Chancellor, a feature story in UM Today: The Magazine.

UM Bisons are at the centre of it all, making a difference here in Manitoba and around the world. 3058 degrees are being awarded at Spring Convocation 2025, bringing the total number of UM graduates to 4200 so far this year. Many of these new alumni will stay in Manitoba, supplying high-demand skills to the labour market and contributing to UM’s $7.3 billion economic impact on our community.

Live stream the ceremony

Convocation details

During convocation October 22, 23, and 31, UM campuses have an atmosphere of excitement, pride and celebration. For anyone attending ceremonies either in person or virtually, the Convocation landing page on umanitoba.ca is the gateway to everything you need to know. Find the ceremony schedules, access the live stream on event day and get information on what to wear and where to park. This is also where you’ll find the Convocation program. Do you want to know the meaning of the coloured stoles and hoods worn by the graduates, or the significance of the Indigenous motifs on the robes worn by the Chancellor and President? You can find that here too!

If you’re a graduating student, you’ll want to check out our 10 tips to make Convocation day a memorable experience. If you are a supporter tuning into ceremonies from home, you’ll want to find out how to use the interactive virtual event platform.

Celebrating student success

One of the best parts of the Convocation celebration is recognizing and honouring student academic achievement. It’s also a time for students to reflect— on what they’ve learned, what has ignited their passions and where they want to go from here. Here are some of their stories:

• Medal-winning students share their journey, advice at Fall Convocation. Alexander Senden’s passion for computer science began in high school. Now he’s graduating with Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours) and the Governor General’s Silver Medal. Jimmy Szutu already has a degree in athletic therapy. Now he’s graduating with a Bachelor of Respiratory Therapy and a University Gold Medal. 
• Celebrating the Ansininew Cohort in Inclusion and Reconciliation. 19 Indigenous teachers are graduating with their Post Baccalaureate Diploma in Education this October.
• Two 2024 Vanier scholars are graduating this fall with their master’s degrees in Psychology and are starting PhD programs at UM.  Sydney Levasseur-Puhach plans to develop a culturally specific mental health program for Indigenous mothers based on knowledge gathered from the women themselves. Dallas Murphy aims to resolve the “treatment gap” that sees more people suffering from challenges with their mental health than are being treated.
• Meet five Asper graduates taking the stage at Fall Convocation. Learn how their educational journeys have been enhanced by experiential learning, extracurriculars and mentorship. 
• The College of Nursing welcomes 105 new nurses to the profession. Four graduates reflect on the moments that got them here.

Honorary degrees and other honours

Along with celebrating student achievement, Convocation is a time for the university to recognize honorary degree recipients who have made our province and country better. We also celebrate teaching excellence and outstanding contributions to the development and governance of the University.

At the Fall 2024 ceremony, honorary degrees will be bestowed on:

• Walter and Maria Schroeder, entrepreneurs turned philanthropists who are committed to improving health services for all Canadians and removing barriers so that students can pursue their dreams without financial burden. They will be honoured at the ceremony on Tuesday, October 22 at 2 p.m.
• David T. Barnard, former UM President and Vice-Chancellor who transformed our community through his visionary leadership in advancing Reconciliation, fostering interdisciplinary research and achieving record-breaking philanthropic support. He will be honoured at the ceremony on Wednesday, October 23 at 3 p.m.

Read the UM Today story to learn more about the honorary degree recipients. 

Two faculty members, Dr. Evelyn L. Forget and Dr. Nariman Sepehri, will be named Distinguished Professors. Nandika Bandara will receive the University of Manitoba Graduate Students’ Association Teaching Award.

Congratulations to the class of 2024 and all the award and honorary degree recipients!

UM Bisons are at the centre of it all, making a difference here in Manitoba and around the world. 1,429 degrees are being awarded at Fall Convocation, bringing the number of graduates in the class of 2024 to just over 5,500. Many of these new alumni will stay in Manitoba, contributing high-demand skills to the labour market and injecting nearly $300 million into the province’s economy each year.

The honorary degree is the highest honour UM can bestow upon an individual for achieving pre-eminence in science, culture, scholarship, or public service. This year’s recipients have transformed education, health care, and the University of Manitoba. They are President Emeritus David T. Barnard, and Walter and Maria Schroeder.

Walter and Maria Schroeder

Tuesday, October 22 at 2 p.m          

Walter and Maria Schroeder have transformed countless lives through their remarkable philanthropy. Their commitment to education stems from personal experience: Maria was offered financial support to attend the University of Manitoba, an act that shaped her lifelong dedication to removing barriers for students.

After founding Dominion Bond Rating Service in 1975 with just $1,000, the Schroeders built it into the fourth-largest bond-rating agency in the world. Upon selling their business in 2014, they turned to philanthropy, committing over $500 million to various causes, including $5 million annually to Winnipeg’s education system. They plan to commit a total of $1 billion in their lifetime to various causes that benefit Canadians. 

In addition to education, they have invested heavily in health care, with major contributions to arthritis, brain and heart care. Their latest endeavor is the creation of a new, forward-thinking Ambulatory Surgical Centre in Ontario that will transform patient treatment and medical training.

Walter and Maria Schroeder not only desire a better country, but they act on it—always looking for where they can make a difference. They are extraordinary role models whose compassion, vision and generosity have changed our world.

David T. Barnard

Wednesday, October 23 at 3 p.m.

David T. Barnard’s 12-year tenure as President of the University of Manitoba was marked by significant achievements in Reconciliation, research and community building. Early on, he positioned UM as a leader in Indigenous education, making it the first university in Canada to apologize for its role in the residential school system and helping UM be named as host of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. He also established the Office of the Vice-President (Indigenous) to foster Indigenous excellence.

Under his leadership, UM saw a 50 per cent increase in research funding and joined the U15 Group of Canadian research-intensive universities. Dr. Barnard also launched the record-breaking Front and Centre Campaign, raising $626 million, and oversaw major infrastructure projects like the Active Living Centre and Southwood Circle. Beyond UM, he served on various boards, influencing higher education across Canada.

David T. Barnard is a scholar, leader, and advocate for the transformative power of higher education who has made enduring contributions to the university and the broader community. 

UM Bisons are at the centre of it all, making a difference here in Manitoba and around the world. 1,429 degrees are being awarded at Fall Convocation, bringing the number of graduates in the class of 2024 to just over 5,500. Many of these new alumni will stay in Manitoba, contributing high-demand skills to the labour market and injecting nearly $300 million into the province’s economy each year.

Author David Robertson and palliative care researcher Dr. Linda J. Kristjanson will be recognized for their distinguished achievements in the arts and scholarship.

Discover their impact and watch them address the graduates at each of their ceremonies as they receive UM’s highest honour, beginning on Oct. 17.

Dr. Linda J. Kristjanson
BN, MN (Manitoba), PhD (Arizona), AO
Tuesday, October 17, 2023, 3:00 p.m.

Dr. Linda Kristjanson has taught us how to have the most difficult conversations, and how to compassionately care for patients and their families facing grim certainties.

Every day, her impact is felt around the world. It began in 1991 when her dissertation exposed the challenges people face when dealing with palliative care. She uncovered the questions and concerns families had but couldn’t bring themselves to ask or say. She illuminated a new field of query and went on to improve palliative care for all.

The University of Manitoba spotted the enormity of her talent early on. In 1993 it recognized her with the University of Manitoba Winnipeg Rh Institute Foundation Rh award, which is given to early-career researchers showing exceptional promise.

Today, Dr. Kristjanson is considered a pioneer in the field of palliative care, celebrated for the vast contributions she has made. In 2012, for instance, she received the Bethlehem Griffith Research Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award. She has also received the Canadian Nurses Foundation Ross Award for Nursing Leadership in Research, and was named the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada’s Balfour Mount Professorship in Palliative Medicine, as well as Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering, and an Officer of the Order of Australia.

Dr. Kristjanson is one of the most highly cited researchers in her field and she has procured more than 110 grants totaling more than $30 million dollars from organizations in Canada, the USA and Australia. This is an outstanding sum matched by few other nursing research scientists.

She is a gifted collaborator, having published with 150 different authors across a number of countries, including at her first alma mater where she has an ongoing relationship with UM’s Manitoba Palliative Care Research Unit.

Indeed, her connection to this university has remained strong throughout her career. Before leaving Canada in 1997 to build a program in palliative care at Edith Cowan University in Australia, she served as the co-director of the Cancer Nursing Research Centre at UM.

She left her mark on generations of palliative care nurse researchers in Manitoba and across Australia where she has led and taught for many years. She has done the same on the global stage too, through her involvement with 47 boards and committees, including the International Palliative Care Society, which she founded.

The University of Manitoba is proud to award a Doctor of Science, honoris causa, to professor Linda Kristjanson for her distinguished achievement as a scholar, leader, and a humanitarian who has improved health care everywhere.

David A. Robertson
BA (Winnipeg)
Thursday, October 19, 2023, 3:00 p.m.

David Alexander Robertson is a voice for a new generation, one that smites the stigma of mental illness and unveils truths so that Reconciliation can follow.

As a Cree boy going to school in Winnipeg, Mr. Robertson felt disconnected from his heritage, partly because his school did not teach about Indigenous cultures and histories. But he also found that textbooks on these (or any) matters were uninviting and vapid, unlike comics, which captivated him. Thinking that other children may also be disconnected from their history and textbooks like he was, he began writing graphic novels that not only enthrall, but teach. He firmly believes that understanding Indigenous cultures and Indigenous peoples’ place within Canadian history is imperative for all Canadians.

Today, having written more than 25 books, some of which are now widely used in classrooms across the country, he has brought Indigenous characters and voices into curriculum that for too long had excluded them. His book When We Were Alone, was recognized with many awards, including the 2017 Governor General’s Literary Award, and his other works, like The Misewa Saga series, have been a hit with young readers.

Mr. Robertson’s voice is an important one that is helping to spark change. His novels delve into issues of identity, family, connection, and relationships. They offer an open and frank examination of colonialism’s ongoing impact as well as systemic and overt racism.

He also weaves themes of mental health into his writing and his public speaking, providing people with a foundation to understand mental health struggles and see that speaking about it is as normal as talking about having the flu.

His books are nationally known and critically acclaimed, winning numerous awards. Indeed, Mr. Robertson’s memoir Black Water: Family, Legacy and Blood Memory earned the 2020 Carol Shields Winnipeg Book Award, won the Alexander Kennedy Isbister award for non-fiction, and was named Book of the Year by the Globe and Mail and Quill & Quire. He also received the 2021 Writers’ Union of Canada Freedom to Read Award.

Mr. Robertson asks people of all ages to think, to understand, to imagine, and to help build a better society. The University of Manitoba shares this vision. For his outstanding contributions in the arts and distinguished achievements, the University of Manitoba is proud to award a Doctor of Letters, honoris causa, to David Alexander Robertson.

Born and raised in Regina, Sask., Reid attended St. Paul’s College in the 1960s, earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in history and sociology, respectively. He then completed his PhD at Carlton University before founding the Angus Reid Group in 1979. (He returned to the U of M in 1996 to receive an honorary degree.)

“Over fifty years ago, I made a decision that had a powerful impact on my life and career. I decided to enroll in a small Catholic, liberal arts college at the University of Manitoba,” Reid says. “I know from first hand experience the lifelong value associated with a close-knit community of students and faculty who share a passion for the search for truth – wherever that may take them.”

His acumen helped his polling firm grow into Canada’s largest research group, asking Canadians about their views on all aspects of our society. Reid sold his business to Ipsos in 2000 and then in 2014 he created the Angus Reid Institute, a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of public opinion research in Canada. Strictly non-partisan, the Institute provides data on public opinion in order to enhance and encourage better understanding of issues and trends affecting Canadians.

As a well-known philanthropist, Reid has supported and volunteered for several academic institutions, health related organizations, and international NGOs. For his years of dedication, he has received a Canada Council Doctoral Fellowship, the Entrepreneur of the Year Award for the Pacific Region, and was inducted into the Marketing Hall of Legends.He is also a recognized and respected columnist and the author of the best-seller, Shakedown: How the New Economy is Changing our Lives.

Reid is a member of the St. Paul’s College Senior Advisory Panel and a strong supporter of the Arthur V. Mauro Centre (Institute) for Peace and Justice. On April 28th, Dr. Angus Reid will be honoured as the 2019 Ignatian Society’s Baccalaureate Breakfast guest presenter. Previous speakers include Mr. Michael C. Burns, Mr. Jeremy Semchyshyn, and Dr. Arthur V. Mauro. 

To register your attendance to the St. Paul’s College Baccalaureate celebrations please go online or call 204-474-8575. 

In 1961, married with a child on the way, he used his entire savings of $5,000 to buy a small television store in Winnipeg. Today, Advance Electronics is a multimillion-dollar operation with 170 employees.

Frieman, a member of the Order of Manitoba, shared much of his success with the community, donating large sums to the University of Manitoba, Royal Canadian Air Cadets, Manitoba Conservatory of Music, and various Jewish causes. When the Royal Winnipeg Ballet was shopping for a portable sound system but could not afford the price, he bought it for them.

“Mr. Frieman believed that one of the joys of success was the ability to give back,” said Dr. David Barnard, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Manitoba. “He and his wife Myra supported the University of Manitoba and many other organizations ranging from iconic arts groups to small, grassroots causes. Their inclusive style of philanthropy encouraged and fostered creativity and kindness.”

Frieman advanced education, business, the arts, and social justice in his adopted city. As vice-president of programming for the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, he helped bring tenor Luciano Pavarotti to Winnipeg in 1975. He created a university scholarship for student exchange between Manitoba and Hungary; and in recent years, he and his wife Myra were among the first in the Jewish community to assist Sudanese refugees.

Helping others came easily to Frieman, who was on the receiving end when he came to Winnipeg at 23 with no English and little money. Born in Sátoraljaújhely, Hungary, in 1928, to Orthodox Jewish parents, he survived the war only because he was at high school in Budapest when his family was rounded up in and taken to Auschwitz concentration camp in Poland. He returned home to try to save them but was too late; both parents, two brothers, and a sister died in the camp.

Frieman himself escaped from a forced labour camp in Russia and was taken after the war to Oslo, where he studied electronics. After a year with the Israeli Air Force during the Arab-Israeli War of Independence, he returned to Norway and chose to start a new life in Canada’s “Wild West” that he had imagined as a child.

He arrived in Winnipeg in 1951, whereupon a local Jewish family took him in and helped find him a job repairing car radios. Frieman, who already spoke four languages, learned enough English to enter university. A friend, Jewish philanthropist Minnie Heft, gave him $1,000 towards his education; he paid the rest of his way by repairing car radios he scooped up from U.S. wrecking yards and reselling them out of the trunk of his car.

Shortly after graduating with a BA in Psychology, he bought Advance Television Service, finding his calling as an entrepreneur. Frieman won a national retail excellence award and, in 2002, was named Manitoba Business Magazine’s Entrepreneur of the Year. He leaves behind his wife Myra and two daughters.

Born in 1942 into the rural French-speaking agricultural community of Ste. Marthe, Saskatchewan, Fafard worked on the family farm with an innately keen observation and appreciation of the animals around him. As a young man he studied fine art at the University of Manitoba and went on to earn a Master of Fine Arts in 1968 from Pennsylvania State University.

Joseph Fafard, 2007

He returned to Saskatchewan and taught sculpture at the U of S from 1968 to 1974, when he was driven to commit to working with sculpture full-time. Save for a teaching engagement at the University of California at Davis in the early 1980s, Fafard worked and lived in Saskatchewan for most of his life.

In a distinguished career as an artist, Fafard was the modest recipient of many awards, including the Order of Canada in 1981, and the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada Allied Arts Award in 1987, the Saskatchewan Order of Merit in 2002; the National Prix Montfort in 2003; and the Lieutenant Governor’s Saskatchewan Centennial Medal for the Arts in 2005.

 “He was able to look past the familiarity of subject matter and see the world with affection and empathy. I was continually inspired by his work and was honoured to know him. He will be missed,” said David Barnard, U of M president and vice-chancellor.

Joe Fafard died at his home in Lumsden, Saskatchewan.

“Derek Riley was an outstanding example of how ‘iron sharpens iron,’ says Dr. David Barnard, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Manitoba. “A community leader and former CEO of Dominion Bronze & Iron Limited, Mr. Riley was instrumental in improving the lives of Manitobans by making others aware of needs and burning issues within our community. His support and encouragement for U of M students through bursaries and educational programs as part of the Front and Centre campaign was transformational in its scope and influence.”

In 1943, Mr. Riley completed his commerce degree while serving as an officer of the Royal Canadian Navy aboard a Destroyer during the Second World War. After the war, he completed his chartered accountant degree and took a job at the Hudson’s Bay Company, quickly establishing himself as chief financial officer of its fur trade division.

In 1987 at the age of 65, Mr. Riley became a founding investor and first chair of the North West Company, and was instrumental in brokering its purchase from the Hudson’s Bay Company. As part of his new position, he toured the North extensively and was shocked by the lack of opportunity for young Indigenous peoples in many of the communities he visited. His gifts to the University of Manitoba include bursaries for Indigenous students coming from remote communities, as well as support for mentorship and cultural programs for children and teenagers in these regions.

Possessing athleticism as well as business acumen, Mr. Riley competed as a rower in the 1952 Summer Games in Helsinki, and rowing remained a passion throughout his life. He led a campaign to build a new clubhouse for the Winnipeg Rowing Club, which now bears the Riley family name, and chaired the rowing venue for the 1967 Pan Am Games. He competed in Masters level events until the age of 75. He credited the life lessons learned in rowing as “building blocks for his personal and professional life.” Mr. Riley was inducted into the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame in 2009, received the Order of Canada in 2014, and was bestowed with an honorary degree from the U of M in 2017.

Mr. Riley’s unassuming generosity has improved the lives of Manitobans through organizations such as the Assiniboine Park Conservancy, Canadian Museum for Human Rights, United Way, Winnipeg Foundation, Royal Winnipeg Ballet, and Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre and was a member of the Associates of the Asper School of Business.

Born in Vancouver, his family resettled in Winnipeg after the war, and Everett worked at his father’s auto company in Winnipeg. By 25, Everett was vice-president of Dominion Motors and had received his law degree from the University of Manitoba. He decided to launch a chain of gas stations and came up with the idea of installing them at grocery stores, starting in Winnipeg. The iconic DOMO Gas expanded westward and, with hundreds employed, became a major industry player.

Everett then waded into federal politics, becoming—at 39—the youngest person appointed to the Senate. Outspoken on many issues such as poverty, inflation, regional development, and the role of the Senate, Everett crossed the floor twice, eventually sitting as an Independent. Perhaps his most famous act of integrity was his decision to relinquish his annual salary—a decision lauded nationwide.

Following his retirement from the Senate, Everett devoted himself to his business interests and philanthropy, donating widely within his home community. He was inducted into the Manitoba Business Hall of Fame in 2017. An honorary degree was bestowed on him by the University of Manitoba, also in 2017.

“Douglas Everett was a shining example of integrity and leadership in action,” says David Barnard, president and vice-chancellor, U of M. “Beyond his entrepreneurship and forging an iconic Manitoba business, he spoke his mind on how a government should serve its citizens.”