Late on an October Monday night, George Springer smashed a three-run homer to send nearly 45,000 fans in Toronto’s Rogers Centre — and a record national television audience — into a frenzy.

Six outs later, the Blue Jays had qualified for the 2025 World Series against the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers.

It had the feeling of a denouement. Yet, like other famed home runs in Blue Jays history, Springer’s blast was just one step in the long journey through baseball’s three playoff rounds.

Edwin Encarnacion’s extra-inning walk-off homer against the Baltimore Orioles in 2016 only won an elimination wildcard game.

A year earlier, Jose Bautista’s then-audacious bat flip followed a dramatic home run — also like Springer’s hit in the seventh inning — that moved the Blue Jays onto the same championship series round that they had not won since 1993. Until this year.

Toronto Blue Jays’ Jose Bautista flips his bat after hitting a three-run homer during seventh inning of Game 5 of the American League Division Series in Toronto in 2015. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young

The enduring legacy of 1993

Invoking 1993 holds special resonance for Blue Jays fans. It’s the last time the team won, let alone reached, the World Series.

That year produced the most dramatic home run in team history. Joe Carter’s Game 6, ninth-inning, three-run blast to left field was only the second time a World Series had ended with a walk-off home run. It clinched the team’s second straight championship.

It is easy to tell the story of the Blue Jays through the lens of dramatic game-winning home runs. However, the context of the team’s championships —and near misses — offers a more nuanced tale.

Toronto Blue Jay Joe Carter celebrates his game-winning, three-run home run in the ninth inning of Game 6 of the World Series in Toronto in 1993. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)

Building a contending team

Toronto, thanks to funding from Labatt Breweries, was granted an American League expansion franchise in 1977, alongside the Seattle Mariners — the team Toronto just vanquished in the championship series this year. The Mariners remain the only current franchise never to have played in a World Series.

Following a handful of dire losing seasons, Blue Jays management earned a reputation for talent development. The first crop of stars — Dave Stieb, George Bell and Tony Fernandez — won a division championship in the team’s ninth season. They fell one game short of qualifying for the World Series, losing the only seventh game in a post-season series in franchise history prior to this year.

That team played in an open-air, refurbished football stadium. Fans chilled by the cool breezes off Lake Ontario did not enjoy the irony of cheering on their brewery-owned team in a venue where beer sales were prohibited by provincial edict.

Modernity came to Toronto in 1989 when the team moved into SkyDome, a then-state-of the-art domed stadium complete with retractable roof (and by then, beer vendors) that was funded and operated by a public-private partnership.

A U.S. marine honour guard flies the Canadian flag upside down during Game 2 of the 1992 World Series in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1992. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Hans Deryk

After playoff disappointments in 1989 and 1991, that generation of BlueJays stars broke through in 1992 to reach the World Series for the first time. Prior to the second game at Atlanta’s Fulton County Stadium, the U.S. Marine Corps colour guard walked onto the field with the Canadian flag flying upside down.

The controversy was integrated into circulating narratives that Americans did not respect Canadian teams. It is a still-perpetuated trope: the Toronto Star has spent this playoff run reporting on “what the U.S. media said” about Blue Jays’ victories, as though that matters.

The Blue Jays 2025 success — realizing the promise of a new generation of star prospects headlined by Vladimir Guererro Jr. and Bo Bichette — has rekindled memories of these past glories: the first winning teams of the 1980s, the back-to-back champions in 1992-93 and the bravado of the Bautista-Encarnacion-Josh Donaldson teams from a decade ago.

Lost in this pantheon of star players and dramatic moments, however, is the two decades of mediocrity that followed the heights of the Carter home run.

Changes in corporate ownership

The Blue Jays core aged or moved on and Labatt’s was purchased by the Belgian conglomerate, Interbrew SA.

A more dispassionate, bottom-line ownership led to teams that failed to reap the talents of Hall of Famers like Roy Halladay and major stars like Carlos Delgado and Shawn Green.

Rogers Communications purchased 80 per cent of the Blue Jays in 2000, with Interbrew retaining 20 per cent. The on-field performance changed little, but the business model evolved significantly.

Rogers acquired the remaining 20 per cent of the team in July 2004. Before the year was out, it had gained control of SkyDome for $25 million, a fraction of the $600 million that the stadium has cost to build only 15 years earlier. Now fully privately owned, it was renamed the Rogers Centre.

Today, the Blue Jays reflect the vertical integration of modern commercial sports. The team is the primary tenant in a stadium operated by their owners. Their games are broadcast on television channels, radio stations and streaming services owned and operated by Rogers Communications. These channels market other Rogers-owned content during Blue Jays games.

Meanwhile, fans consume this content on cable subscriptions and internet services that are Rogers’ core businesses. The newest extension of this revenue-generation model is the increasing prominence of sports betting, which is integrated fully into broadcasts by on-screen commentators providing odds as though delivering sports “news,” not paid advertising

Canada’s team

The production and circulation of dominant narratives is a consequence of such a structure, what sociologist David Whitson termed “circuits of promotion.”

One of the most powerful is that the support for the Blue Jays is nationwide. They are Canada’s team. There is an element of truth to this. The Blue Jays’ fan base is considerable, particularly when they are winning.

Toronto Blue Jays’ George Springer connects for a three-run home run against the Seattle Mariners during the seventh inning in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series, on Oct. 20, 2025, in Toronto. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

But this is also a marketing construct — one that benefits from the Blue Jays being the only remaining Canadian-based team in a U.S.-operated professional sports league. This would be a much harder narrative to sell if the Montreal Expos were not now the Washington Nationals, and it is not entirely novel.

Basketball’s Toronto Raptors, themselves the beneficiaries of the relocation of the Vancouver Grizzlies, capitalized on both the team’s appeal as well as its monopoly on Canadian markets with its wildly popular 2019 marketing campaign, “We The North.”

Come Friday night, when Trey Yesavage throws the first pitch of the 2025 World Series, the absence of other Canadian-based teams and the centralization of media outlets in Toronto will ensure there will be a ready (and passionate) audience across the country all ready to chant: “Let’s go, Blue Jays!”

Newest mural decorates student residence

The newest mural appears in Pembina Hall student residence, freehand painted by Ojibway artist, Jackie Traverse [BFA/09].

Set in a high-traffic hallway where hundreds of students pass through daily, it’s a bold and beautiful sight for those who’ve come from around the world, calling student residence their home away from home.

Titled “The Courage to Walk Your Own Path”, Traverse’s piece draws on one of the Seven Sacred Teachings, courage, echoing the bravery of every student carving their journey far from home.

After five hours of free-hand painting, the once-blank wall now radiates energy to all who pass by.

More to explore…

This piece does not stand alone. If you’ve wandered through the Fort Garry or Bannatyne campuses, you’ve likely seen other bold and impressive artworks brightening shared spaces.

These murals tell stories through symbolism and intricate details, shaped by each artist’s community, lived experiences and unique artistic style.

They reflect Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing—offering familiarity and connection, and inviting reflection and curiosity.

Truth and Reconciliation and Engineering

Just outside the Dean’s Office in the Price Faculty of Engineering, a 9 x 40 ft mural by local Métis artist, Mike Valcourt, sparks dialogue through art.

The mural honours the understanding that Indigenous Peoples were the first engineers, illustrating how innovation has always been tied to Indigenous knowledge systems and deep relationships with land.

“We are aware that some industries have had a greater impact on Indigenous communities than others, and the engineering department acknowledges its role in this. By reminding the academic community of the resilience and voices of Indigenous peoples, this work promotes dialogue and introspection. It’s a nod to the past, and a promise to the future.” – Mike Valcourt

Indigenous health principles

In the Active Living Centre, a vibrant mural by Kristin Flattery, Ozhaawashkwaa Mashkode-Bizhiki (Blue Buffalo Womyn) [BFA(Hons)/17, BEd/20] centers Indigenous knowledge systems.

The mural is a visual re-telling of an Indigenous creation story passed down in Ininew (Cree), Anishinaabe (Ojibway) and Oyate (Dakota) cultures through oral traditions.

The Anishinaabe-Oyate artist depicts a holistic understanding of health in her mural—one that includes spirituality, relationships and the environment—aspects often overlooked in Western approaches to wellness.

“We wanted to create something that inspired a movement in healthy living for everybody, so not only was I trying to promote healthy living and insert our traditional knowledge… I want (the community) to be motivated toward teamwork and helping each other.” – Kristin Flattery

Indigenous youth rise

At the Brodie Centre Atrium on the Bannatyne campus, a mural by Anishinaabe artist Blake Angeconeb, member of Lac Seul First Nation, anchors the heart of the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences.

Colourful and symbolic, the mural tells a story of little birds beginning their journeys at the bottom. Centered above them is a thunderbird with outstretched wings offering guidance.

Three face figures represent everyone, and smaller thunderbirds soar across the top—symbolizing teachings, growth and our individual journeys.

Honouring truth, legal traditions and belonging

In the Faculty of Law, Anishinaabe artist and second-year law student Jessie Canard painted a mural titled “Turtle Island” outside the Manitoba Indigenous Law Students’ Association (MILSA) office.

The mural depicts the turtle from the Seven Sacred Grandfather teachings, embodying the importance of truth, grounded in Indigenous legal traditions.

This piece is one of four murals greeting you as you enter the MILSA office. The other three are representative of Inuit, Métis and First Nations cultures. Canard hopes her art reminds students of where they come from, helping guide them during their law school journey.

Connections, community and collaborative spirit

Outdoors, the UMCycle building is decorated with vibrant artwork by Ojibwe artist and a member of Skownan First Nation, Dee Barsy [BFA/08] and Métis artist, Kenneth Lavallee [BFA/08], created in collaboration with Elders and community leaders from Migizii Agamik.

The piece reflects themes of movement and connections to land and water, using bold colours and incorporating the medicine wheel.

Both artists emphasized the importance of community involvement and hope the mural inspires more collaborative projects on campus.

Brightening campus and sharing stories

As more students, staff, faculty and visitors encounter these murals and designs, the campus grows into a place where art teaches, reclaims and connects.

They carry meaning that goes beyond aesthetics, inviting everyone on campus to engage with Indigenous art and worldviews in ways that are accessible, lasting and contribute to a sense of belonging.

More Indigenous art across campus:

• New student lounge, mural bring ‘sense of belonging’ to Indigenous nursing students
• New mural connecting Indigenous knowledges and The Centre for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning: ‘Hoops for now’ featured at the Centre for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning at 65 Dafoe Road
• ‘For those willing to travel by a different route’ Indigenous Art and Placemaking signs come to Fort Garry campus
• A flurry of underground colour

He talks about competing internationally for the first time, preparing for the event, and what it means to represent both the University of Manitoba and Team Canada.

Turner also shares the support he’s received from Neepawa and what’s next on his athletic calendar.

To listen to the entire conversation, please follow the link to CBC Manitoba.

“In all my years of playing organized sports, I don’t think I have truly been a part of a team that worked as well as we did,” says first-year kinesiology student Jonathan Hiebert. “Not only were we all teammates, but we became genuine friends.”

Team captain and fourth-year kinesiology student Nicholas Klassen says the Kin Games are an opportunity to build a stronger community among students across the country. While the competition is the anchor of the event, he says the best part of the games is the chance to connect with students from schools they might never interact with.

“We made our team name known to all 28 other schools who came to compete, and winning first place overall was really only a small part of that,” says Klassen. “It is an amazing feeling that I know and have a connection with some of the future professionals across every province in the country.”

The Kin Games bring teams representing universities from across Canada to compete in four categories of challenges including academics, athletics, dance and spirit. While the categories remain the same each year, the events can differ. The team competed in events like dodgeball, speedball, capture the flag and more.

For the academic challenge, the team had to create a case study pre-conference, present an academic poster and play a kinesiology-based trivia game that also involved rock climbing.

“It was such a surreal feeling of accomplishment and pride that I will never forget,” says Millie Saccoh, team captain and fourth-year kinesiology student.

Saccoh says her final year at the games was “fulfilling and wholesome,” with the team captains working hard to build a sense of community within the team. Karine Boucher, team captain and fourth-year athletic therapy student, says the team becomes like a home.

“The team is my family and will always be. A fellow teammate is my bridesmaid and another will be my officiant at my wedding this summer,” says Boucher. “My team has been my motivation throughout the years.”

Naomi Hudson, a third-year athletic therapy student, says the Kin Games have been one of the best experiences of her time at the university so far. She says the team has helped her find a community in the faculty.

“Feeling like you’re part of a family and being so welcomed into a group of people is amazing,” says Hudson. “I took a chance by joining Kin Games and the people on the team each year have become some of my closest friends and helped me find my footing in university.”

Boucher says that events like the Kin Games strengthen the relationship between kinesiology-related fields by bringing people together to share in a common goal. She says you never know where your path might lead, but events like the Kin Games give you a cross-country community of friends to lean on.

Angus, who has served in her role for almost two decades, has witnessed generations of students reap the rewards of recreation programming at UM. Speaking to what she enjoys most about supporting this programming, she reflects, “I love seeing students find activities that bring them joy, whether it’s discovering a new passion for yoga, joining an intramural team, or simply making fitness a part of their routine. Recreation is a key part of student life, and fostering a sense of community, inclusivity, and well-being through our programs is incredibly rewarding.”

A core tenet of Recreation Services is that it provides opportunities for all students to engage, and not just seasoned athletes. Different programs can meet students where they are, across a spectrum of experience, interests and time or energy commitments. Angus provides some suggestions to help students giving Recreation Services a try for the first time:

• Start small and explore. You don’t have to come with any previous experience or make a big commitment. Some great entry points are beginner-friendly group fitness classes or recreational sports.
• Find what you enjoy. There’s something for everyone, so look for what piques your interest and try a few options. Different programs like structured classes, solo workouts, or team sports have appeal for different kinds of people and lifestyles.
• Bring a friend. Trying new activities can be easier with a buddy! It’s also a great way to integrate physical activity and social time in your schedule.
• Ask for help. Staff and trainers are here for you and happy to help you find the right opportunities, whether you’re looking for specialized programs or general ways to get more active. You can even start by booking a Strong Start session, which is a half hour timeslot that connects you with a fitness attendant who can discuss your interests and provide a free customized tour. These sessions are free with the sole purpose of setting you up for success.

The benefits of participating in recreation extend far beyond physical fitness. Angus emphasizes that physical activity is especially important for students, saying “it’s about mental health, resilience, and community.” There is a multitude of reasons for students to get active, depending on their personal interests and goals. “Whether a student wants to train for a marathon, relieve stress with a fun game of volleyball, or simply take a break from studying with a group fitness class, we want to provide those opportunities,” describes Angus. Exercise is often one of the first things dropped from routines when life gets busy, despite how integral it is for supporting students in all other areas of wellness and success. By recognizing exercise as a core aspect of student life, rather than an auxiliary activity, students can reap the full benefits. As Angus explains, “Recreation helps students build healthy habits that can stay with them for life. Research also shows that students that are engaged in campus recreation are more likely to graduate and have higher GPAs.”

Recreation programming falls under several categories that serve different purposes. Here’s a basic breakdown:

• Intramural Sports: Fun, recreational leagues where students can compete in sports like basketball, hockey, volleyball, soccer, innertube water polo and more.
• Recreational Clubs: Student-led clubs focused on activities like badminton, climbing, rugby, soccer, synchronized skating, tennis, ultimate, volleyball, and wrestling. (A new dance club is coming this spring, as well!)
• Group Fitness & Wellness Classes: Yoga, HIIT, spin, and other instructor-led classes designed for all fitness levels.
• Personal Training: One-on-one personal training and group training to help you meet all your fitness goals.
• Adult & Community Programs: Open to the broader community, offering dance, martial arts, and recreation programs.

Even within each of these categories, there is a range of different types of activities and sports to explore. Angus and the Recreation Services team are always working to keep up a selection of varied programming that is fun and inclusive. Updates to the program offerings, such as the new Pilates Reformer class coming soon, are always in the works.

Check out the UM Sport and Recreation Online Registration webpage to explore the full list of recreation programs. Programming runs with academic terms, so when students are registered in courses for that term, their cost of membership is included in tuition (some programs require an extra fee, and some are free with membership). Spring registration is coming up next and opens March 27, 2025 at noon. If you are not registered in spring courses but are still a UM student, there is a Student Term Rate membership available for only $150 for an entire four months, so you can continue to be active all season.

“I knew coming in to the faculty there would be things I’d learn that might impact my running, but it’s been so much more than I thought,” says Tyrell Davis, a third year Bisons track and field athlete. 

Davis, in his second year of the Bachelor of Kinesiology degree program in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management, says it isn’t uncommon for him to think of a question during practice, like why he was cramping so much, only to find the answer in a class or chapter. 

He says finding these tangible connections between his passion and schoolwork is helping him find more joy in the classroom. 

“Because I’ve found how I can relate to the content, I think these last two years have been my best years academic-wise,” says Davis. 

The year might also be one of Davis’ best on the track. Going into the Canada West championship this weekend, Davis is the number two ranked 60-metre athlete in U SPORTS with a time of 6.71 seconds. 

Davis says the whole team is hungry to do well not only at Canada West but also at the national championships in early March. 

“My focus right now is to just be healthy going into Canada West,” says Davis. “Sharpen everything up so that I can put a full race together.” 

Tyrell celebrates a performance with a hug from a teammate. Fellow Bisons sprinter, Jordan Soufi, looks on.

Davis is currently ranked number one in the Canada West conference, right beside fellow Bison Jordan Soufi, who is ranked number two. Davis says the team is hungry to do well not only at Canada West but also at the national championships in early March. 

“I think everyone’s working towards that goal of a national championship,” says Davis. The men’s team finished second during the 2023-24 season. He says the team feels this season might be their “best shot to get the job done.” 

The track and field team are one of several Bisons teams heading into the post-season championships with goals of bringing home some hardware. The women’s volleyball team, currently ranked first in U SPORTS, is set to host the U SPORTS Women’s Volleyball National Championship on their homecourt and is looking to go higher than their silver medal finish last year. 

“It definitely motivates everyone else to rise to the challenge of the other teams,” says Davis. “Iron sharpens iron.” 

While Davis’ attention is on the upcoming Canada West Championship, taking place Feb. 21-22 in Regina, Saskatchewan, he is looking forward to continuing his work in the classroom and see what new paths open up for the future. 

Dr. Madeleine Orr, a world-leading sports ecologist will give the keynote address at the University of Manitoba’s Sustainability Night on Feb. 27, with her talk titled ‘Climate change vs. sport: Keeping the score on adaptation and activism’. 

A public speaker and climate action advocate, Orr’s research focuses on the relationship between sport and the natural environment with special attention to climate change, risk adaptation, sustainability and just transitions to more inclusive and sustainable futures. The threat climate change poses to sport is clear, but with billions of participants and fans around the world who rely on the sector for entertainment, jobs, fitness and health, this is one industry we can’t afford to lose. Orr’s book, Warming Up: How Climate Change is Changing Sport, shows it doesn’t have to be this way. There are ways to mitigate, and perhaps counter, even the worst elements of climate change.

“Climate change does not affect people equally. Research indicates Indigenous, Black, and racially marginalized communities, people with disabilities, and socially vulnerable groups experience disproportionate impacts from pollution, natural disasters, poisoned resources, and extreme weather. Systemic inequities are intertwined with climate change, as well as present in the world of sport,” says Tina Chen, Vice-Provost (Equity), whose office is co-hosting the event 

“Bringing all of these together reminds us of the importance of thinking intersectionally as we take steps at UM to mitigate the impacts of climate change on diverse communities.” 

Paul Samyn, editor of the Free Press, will be the master of ceremonies and lead a question-and-answer period with Orr to conclude the formal portion of the event. Paul has been a part of the Free Press newsroom for more than a quarter century.  As the 15th editor of the Free Press, Samyn is also the chairman of the National Newspaper Awards, a member of the National NewsMedia Council and serves on the J.W. Dafoe Foundation. 

“Sustainability Night is a great opportunity for the UM community to come together, network, and learn about the breadth of impacts related to climate change. These conversations are important as we educate the leaders of tomorrow to help make a more sustainable future for all Manitobans”, said Raman Dhaliwal, Associate Vice-President (Administration). 

Join us for an evening with Orr, followed by a Q&A and networking session with light refreshments. UM sustainability groups and community organizations will feature their initiatives and climate change projects following the event. 

Sustainability Night 2025 featuring Dr. Madeleine Orr 

Thursday, Feb. 27 
6 to 8 p.m. 
 
Robert B. Schultz Lecture Theatre, St. John’s College 
Purchase your $5 ticket to Sustainability Night. Light refreshments will be served throughout the evening. 

In past years, the Sustainability Awards were handed out on Sustainability Night, but this year, Sustainability Night will herald the call for nominations. The deadline for nominations is Mar. 7 at 4 p.m. and winners will be announced on Earth Day, Apr. 22. 

Sustainability Night is cohosted by the Office of Equity Transformation, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management, Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Earth, Environment, and Resources, Office of Sustainability and the University of Manitoba Students’ Union. 

If you have any questions about Sustainability Night or the Sustainability Awards, please contact the Office of Sustainability at sustainability@umanitoba.ca. Please also send all accommodation requests to this email no later than Feb. 24. 

Orr will also be participating in other UM events during her visit – events are free and open to all to attend: 

Conversation on Climate Change and Sport
Friday, Feb 28
9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
220 Boardroom, Active Living Centre, Fort Garry Campus

We invite students, staff, and faculty interested in the relationships to between sport, leisure, and climate change to share experiences and ideas with world-leading sport ecologist, Madeline Orr. This is an informal event, focused on conversation. All are welcome to attend, and no preparation is required. Light refreshments provided

Conversation prompts include:

• As a person active in sport and leisure, how do climate change and environmental considerations impact you and your sporting or leisure community?
• What are some of impacts (negative or positive) of your sport or leisure activities from an environmental perspective?
• How can participants and/or sport organizations take action to mitigate negative environmental impacts?

Indigenous History Walk from Upper Fort Garry to St. Boniface
Friday, Feb 28
1:00 to 2:30 p.m.
Meet at Upper Fort Garry
Join us for land-based learning with an Indigenous history walk led by Brian Rice, professor in Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management. This will be an opportunity for connection with land, history, leisure, environment and each other.

Insight Grants support research in its initial stages in the social sciences and humanities sector. Funding is available for research initiatives of two to five years in length to provide stable, long-term support.

“These projects will help understand human thought and behaviour and advance the UM strategic priority for fundamental research underlying all advances of clinical, scientific, economic and societal value,” said Dr. Mario Pinto, Vice President (Research and International) at the University of Manitoba. “I congratulate these five leading innovators, whose fundamental threads serve as a foundation upon which future inter- and multi- disciplinary themes can be built.”

UM 2024 Insight Grant recipients include:

Dr. Lara Rosenoff Gauvin

Lara Rosenoff Gauvin, Associate Professor, Department of Anthropology

Seeking Rest for the Ancestors Once More: Loving and Proactive Rematriation from the University of Manitoba

Emerging from the University of Manitoba’s ongoing Respectful Rematriation and Repatriation Ceremony, this work will facilitate the respectful and loving return of Indigenous Ancestors to descendant Nations and communities according to their own protocols, laws, and sovereignties. The removal, acceptance, and continued holding of Ancestors by and in Canadian heritage institutions is an undeniable and stark reminder of institutional complicities in genocidal policies against Indigenous people in Canada. With this work, Rosenoff Gauvin and the team hope to not only reddress these grave human rights abuses, but to provoke necessary institutional introspection and transformation that can begin to atone for the violence.

Dr. Chanqiu Yu

Changqiu Yu, Assistant Professor and CPA Research Fellowship, Accounting & Finance Department, Asper School of Business

Carbon Emissions, Environmental Transition Risks, and Firm Valuation: Evidence from Financial Analysts

Climate change is a critical global issue, and there is an urgent need to mitigate global warming by significantly reducing carbon emissions. Companies with higher emissions face greater transition risks to a low-carbon economy, however, there is little understanding on how such emissions information is incorporated into firm valuations. This research program aims to fill this gap by studying how financial analysts incorporate carbon emissions into firm valuations, particularly since analysts often explicitly include both cash flow and discount rate forecasts in their reports.

Dr. Jessica Cameron

Jessica Cameron, Professor, Department of Psychology

Friends-First Initiation as a Foundation for Egalitarian and Satisfying Romantic Relationships

Longstanding inequities in power that exist within many romantic relationships threaten the ability to fulfill their basic human needs, increase their risk of violence and undermine health and well-being. Recent research by Cameron reveals that the most prevalent method of relationship initiation today is transition from long-term friendship, however, this form of relationship initiation has been virtually ignored by relationship scientists. Cameron seeks to investigate equity-relevant factors that different paths to romance nurture to enhance our understanding of the emergence of romance within a platonic friendship.

Dr. Fenton Litwiller

Fenton Litwiller, Associate Professor, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management

Genderplay, gender euphoria and contexts of oppressions: Experiences of queer youth in central Canada

For queer youth, the challenge of living in a queer-phobic society and seeing themselves predominantly represented in trauma-centered ways can constrain opportunities to explore their identities in positive ways. This project responds to this singular narrative by using drag performance as a participatory research context to understand 2SLGBTQIA+ youth experiences. Litwiller (they/them) collaborates with queer organizations to host genderplay workshops in underserved locations in Manitoba. Within this context, they investigate the potential of genderplay to facilitate joyful experiences for queer youth within the context of intersecting oppressions.

Dr. Jieying Chen

Jieying Chen, Associate Professor Business Administration

Immigrants’ proactive socialization tactics, adaptation, and career success

Many studies have found that people immigrating to Canada have poor employment outcomes when compared with those born in the country. This research seeks to identify and understand contributing psychological and behavioral factors by focusing on newcomers’ initial adaptation process, which has profound implications for their employment success in the long run. This research will use a lens of individual proactivity in understanding immigrant workplace experiences to highlight socialization tactics and evaluate the success of intervention programs.

The family tailgate party will be full of fun. Enjoy prizes, giveaways, face painting, bouncy castles, mesmerizing magic performances, and even a chance to snap a photo with Cinderella, Spiderman and  the iconic Grey Cup. Plus, the first 1,000 guests through the gates will receive a sample of UM Dairy Club’s newest ice cream flavour, made in collaboration with OMG. You won’t want to miss the exhilarating half-time show featuring the incredible X-Treme Dogs who will wow the crowd with their high-energy races.  Bring your family and friends and join the excitement!

The Bisons, already off to a 2-0 start on the season, is packed with experience and hoping to keep the momentum going. This Homecoming game also marks the last for head coach, Brian Dobie who, last month, announced his retirement at the conclusion of the 2024 campaign after 29 seasons. What a perfect time to show your Bison Pride and cheer on the team to a their third win of the season.

Homecoming football game details:

Date: Saturday, September 14
Family Tailgate Party: 1 p.m.
Kickoff: 2 p.m.
Location: Princess Auto Field
Opponent: University of Alberta Golden Bears

Claim your free tickets using the following promo codes:
Students: UMSTUDENT24
Faculty and staff: UMSTAFF24
Alumni: UMALUMNI24

Homecoming 2024: Sept. 14-21

Homecoming is always more than just a game—it’s a celebration of community and connection! Whether you’re an alum, student, or a fan, homecoming is the time to unite and share your Bison pride with something for everyone. Reconnect with fellow alumni, reminisce about your time on campus, and make new memories all week, September 14 to 21. We can’t wait to see you there.

Visit the Homecoming website for information about events happening throughout the week.

Athletes from around the world are in Paris for the 2024 Paralympic Games. The Games will feature more than 4,000 athletes with various disabilities competing in 549 medal events.

To ensure all athletes have a fair and equitable chance at achieving success at the Paralympics, organizers use a classification system that seeks to minimize the impact a person’s disability has on their performance.

Ideally, classification means that, rather than having to change the rules of the event for each competitor, the Games themselves account for the unique ways people with disabilities run, jump, throw and otherwise compete.

For more on this story, please visit The Conversation Canada.