Hosted by Dr. Kelley Main, Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies,  the 2025 Faculty of Graduate Studies Awards Reception marked the faculty’s first in-person awards reception celebration since the fall of 2019, as an opportunity to come together and recognize the outstanding achievements of graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, staff, and faculty.

Dr. Michael Benarroch, President of the University of Manitoba, presented the Faculty of Graduate Studies Outstanding Support Staff Award, recognizing excellence in administrative service to graduate students. This year’s recipient, Susan Ducharme, Graduate Programs Coordinator in Peace and Conflict Studies, was celebrated for her dedication, responsiveness, and unwavering support of both students and faculty.

The ceremony also included greetings from Dr. Diane Hiebert-Murphy, Provost and Vice-President (Academic), who presented the Outstanding Administrator Award to Dr. Melanie Janzen, Professor in the Faculty of Education. Dr. Janzen was applauded for her exemplary leadership and commitment to graduate student success.

Highlighting the value of mentorship in graduate education, the Excellence in Graduate Student Mentoring Awards were presented across three academic categories.

• In Social Sciences and Humanities, Dr. Robert Hoppa, Associate Dean (Research) and Professor of Anthropology, was recognized for his sustained mentorship and dedication to scholarly growth, presented by Dr. Dawn Sutherland, Associate Dean in the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
• In Natural and Applied Sciences, Dr. Gail Davoren, Professor of Biological Sciences, received the honour for her commitment to fostering critical thinking and research excellence, presented by Dr. Steve Kirkland, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies
• In Health Sciences, the award was presented to Dr. Judith Scanlan, Associate Professor in the College of Nursing, whose mentorship has left a lasting impact on her students’ academic and professional development, presented by Dr. Greg Smith, Vice Provost, Academic Planning and Programs.

The spotlight then turned to emerging research leaders with the presentation of the Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellow Awards presented by Dean, Dr. Kelley Main.

• In Health Sciences, Dr. Kathleen Kenny of the Manitoba Centre for Health Policy and Rady Faculty of Health Sciences was acknowledged for her innovative research and mentorship of junior researchers.
• In Natural Sciences and Engineering, Dr. Ruth Rivkin from the Department of Biological Sciences was honoured for her significant contributions, though she was unable to attend in person.

A poignant moment of the afternoon came as Dr. Steve Kirkland presented the newly established James House Memorial Awards for Excellence in Postdoctoral Mentoring, named in memory of Dr. James (Jim) House, a respected scholar and mentor who passed away in 2024.

• The award in Health Sciences was presented to Dr. Keith Fowke, Professor of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, for his dedication to fostering postdoctoral development.
• The award in Natural and Applied Sciences was awarded to Dr. Miyoung Suh, Professor in the Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences. Accepting the award on her behalf was Kristin Hildahl-Shawn, Associate Department Head.

The ceremony concluded with remarks from Dr. Kelley Main, who commended all recipients for their dedication and contributions to the university’s academic community. “This celebration reflects the deep commitment our faculty, staff, researchers, postdoctoral fellows and students have to supporting and advancing graduate education,” said Dr. Main. “Today, we honour their passion, mentorship, and the remarkable impact they have on shaping the future through scholarship and research.”

The 2025 Faculty of Graduate Studies Awards Reception was not just about handing out awards — it was a chance to come together and celebrate the incredible achievements of everyone recognized. It was a meaningful reminder of the University of Manitoba’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and the strong sense of community that supports it all.

To see the awards recipients recognized at this year’s event, please visit 2025-awards-reception.pdf.

Dr. Anderson presented the “Cultural Safety and Anti-Racism in Health Care: An evolving theory of change” to the UM and SJC communities, where she defined cultural safety and racism and discussed how we can all influence positive change and adopt paradigm-shifting policies moving forward.

Her presentation distinguished between visible and invisible organizational culture where the invisible influences of assumptions, perceptions, and values influence how the system is organized and how decisions are made.

Dr. Anderson argues for multi-level change, which needs to happen in all sectors of the healthcare system. We all need to acknowledge and understand the barriers to change and implement essential strategies that challenge normative paradigms. She outlined several strategies to implement this multi-level change, including group leadership coaching, restorative justice, and team-based training.

On behalf of St John’s College, we thank Dr. Marcia Anderson for this informative talk at this significant academic event.

We look forward to hosting the 41st Annual lecture again in March in 2025.

These scholarships and bursaries are given out yearly to college members who join St John’s College. Each year, we hand out $200,000 worth of scholarships to students given generously by our donors some of whom joined us on Sunday, November 5th, at our Annual Luncheon.  

Following the convocation ceremony in the Chapel, we met a few of this year’s scholarship recipients to discuss what these recognitions mean to them.   

Karis Park – Dr. June Marion James Bursary  

The third Faculty of Science student has had a love for science since back in high school. Since then, she has pushed herself to follow her passion as she works towards getting into medicine. After taking the MCAT this past summer, Karis is awaiting her results as she hopes to pursue her medicine dreams next fall using this Bursary from the College.   

“I’ve been a part of the College since my second year, and it’s been a great experience. Finding a community here and having scholarship opportunities like this is beneficial. It’s rewarding to know that my hard work is paying off, and I hope to continue with medicine next year if everything goes to plan.”   

Karis would like to thank her family, friends, and the College for their support.   

Congratulations, Karis! 

Abby Vovchuk – Hoskins Scholarship  

When you think of SJCSA, Abby is one of the first names you will hear. As the former Senior Stick, Abby is no stranger to the College community and has been around all areas of the College since 2021. She joined during the global pandemic when she needed a sense of belonging to help her get through her university experience. The fifth-year science student is in the process of finishing her final year of studies as she continues to work on her thesis, which she hopes to complete in the next year.  

“This scholarship is awarded to students in the Faculty of Science with a high ranking in calculus, so it’s validating to know that I’m on the right path, doing the right thing, and pursuing my passion.”   

Abby would like to thank the College, parents, friends, and family for supporting and encouraging her academic journey.   

Congratulations, Abby! 

Catherine van Reenan – Colin Inkster Memorial Award  

Studying in the Religion department and working towards her Ph.D, Catherine has utilized the College experience, like the study carrels, to help her pursue her studies. In her third year of her PhD, Catherine loves being a part of a community within the larger campus where she connects with colleagues, enjoys the daily Bread Café, and builds a network with other academics.   

“It’s a wonderful accomplishment and honour. People who wrote for me gave me validation that I’m meant to go for my Ph.D. and pursue my academic dreams. This scholarship will help me travel to Komagan for a conference I will be attending that is a niche in my field of study. I’m very excited because I get to learn from some inspiring people and professionals I’ve looked up to my whole life.”   

Catherine would like to thank her committee for supporting her throughout her academic journey who also inspired her to pursue her PhD.  

Congratulations, Catherine!   

Doris Goubran – R. Kelly McGinnis Memorial Scholarship  

A motivated Health Sciences student, Doris Goubran is on her way to big things as she enters the Max Rady College of Medicine. Learning about the College from St. John’s Ravenscourt, Doris has enjoyed her experience with its warm and comforting environment. Doris credits the Study Carrels as an excellent place to study for her MCAT and other courses. In winning the scholarship for her future career, here is what she had to say.   

“I plan on using this scholarship for my academic journey into medicine. It encouraged me to believe that I belong in medicine and my path in school. When you first apply to medicine, it’s super nerve-racking and intimating, and winning this scholarship proved that I can do it.”   

Doris would like to thank the College and its donors for this recognition and her family and friends for always supporting her in her studies.   

Congratulations, Doris!   

Meghann Robern – Arthur Uniacke Chipman Graduate Scholarship  

The road has been challenging for Meghann in the last year. It’s been an uphill battle after being hospitalized last November and starting a new academic journey, but Meghann wouldn’t want it any other way. In being a part of past former College member, Meghann knew she needed a community within the campus to feel comforted, welcomed, and a sense of home; St John’s College quickly became her place. “The level of connection in the community that combines with my values and rituals is what I appreciate the most,” said Meghann. As she continues her Ph.D. journey in the Department of English, Media, and Flim, Meghann feels a sense of validation after her scholarship recognition.   

“It’s validating knowing I can still do this after being out of school for ten years. In a year of so much change, and I was trying so hard to find my footing, my belonging in the community while still living within my values, it was a sense of my hard work being recognized.”  

Meaghann would like to thank her wife and two kids, who have supported her endlessly.   

Sharaina Cottick – Jocelyn & Warren Barnard Scholarship  

Embracing the whole College experience as much as she can, Sharaina has taken full advantage of the college experience, positively impacting her university experience. The fourth-year accounting student from the Asper School of Business is the former Vice-Stick and now Co-Communications Director of SJCSA, where she built the council from the ground up alongside Abby Vovchuk. Finishing up the Asper School of Business in the fall, Sharaina is excited to start her career in the College as the Assistant Bursar in the General Office in the new year following school. After graduation, Sharaina also plans to return to school soon to complete her CPA.   

“This scholarship means a lot because it is only given to accounting majors. Sitting with and learning about Jocelyn and Warren, who funded this award on Sunday, was even more special. It recognizes the hard work that I’ve done and accomplished over the years.”  

Sharaina would like to thank the College for this opportunity, Jocelyn and Warren for the support, and her family.   

Congratulations, Sharaina!  

St John’s College is proud to recognize all of our 2022/23 graduates and scholarship recipients this year.   

Click here to learn more about our scholarship and bursary opportunities. 

All UM Students are eligible to apply for scholarships and bursaries, once they have become a member of St John’s College.

“Your journey has been nothing short of extraordinary,” said Raman-Wilms, dean of the College of Pharmacy, during her address at the May 18 afternoon Convocation ceremony on the Bannatyne campus.

The ceremony recognized 108 graduates representing the Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry, the School of Dental Hygiene and the College of Pharmacy, all within the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences.

Graduates in the PharmD program focused on clinical practice, experiential learning and pharmaceutical sciences.

Forty-nine graduates made up the University of Manitoba’s first PharmD graduating class. PharmD, which replaced the bachelor’s in pharmacy, is a four-year undergraduate doctoral program that focuses on clinical practice, experiential learning and pharmaceutical sciences.

“As the graduating Class of 2023, you are a remarkable group of highly trained pharmacists who will help lead the profession to new heights,” Raman-Wilms said.

“You’re well prepared to enter a changing health-care environment. You’ve grown as professionals. You’ve gained a strong foundation in pharmacy practice and have the skills to effectively contribute to the profession by meeting the medicine-related health needs of Manitobans.”

PharmD graduate Christine Vaccaro remembers the first day of the program, when everyone was shy. Five years later (because this class uniquely completed one year of the previous program before transitioning to the PharmD program), she said they’re now close friends. In an interview, she had a message for her classmates.

“I hope that in your next journey, in your career, you remember the power our unity and our advocacy had and continue to apply that when advocating for your patients and the profession,” Vaccaro said.

PharmD graduate Grace Okunnu said that when she started the program, she second-guessed herself because it was challenging.

“I learned how much capacity I had to grow and to stretch because honestly, you never know what you can accomplish and what you can do until you get into certain situations,” Okunnu said.

UM President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Michael Benarroch spoke at the ceremony and thanked the graduands for their hard work throughout the exceptional challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Many of you stepped into leadership roles, volunteered and helped where you could,” Benarroch said. “What you did as students for the health of Manitobans is remarkable and important.”

Before the students received their parchments, UM Chancellor Anne Mahon challenged them to do great things in their future endeavors.

Twenty-four students graduated from the School of Dental Hygiene.

“You’re extraordinary students forged in extraordinary times,” she said. “Never, ever forget this. And be proud of yourselves.”

The Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry honoured 27 doctor of dental medicine (DMD) graduates, eight graduates who earned DMDs through the International Dentist Degree Program, and 24 graduates from the School of Dental Hygiene.

Dr. Anastasia Kelekis-Cholakis, dean of dentistry, said that graduating under normal circumstances requires endless hard work, perseverance and dedication, but the challenges the Class of 2023 faced made their accomplishments even more commendable.

“Despite a pandemic impeding your in-person learning and a faculty strike affecting your course sequencing, you successfully completed your requirements and competencies on time,” Kelekis-Cholakis told the grads. “And even beyond that, I’m proud to say that the Dentistry Class of 2023 was able to challenge a brand new national dental exam in March with a 100 per cent pass rate.”

The dentistry Class of 2023 included 27 doctor of dental medicine (DMD) graduates, and eight graduates who earned DMDs through the International Dentist Degree Program.

Dr. Berardino Petrelli was one of the graduating dentistry students. When he crossed the stage to receive his parchment, he was thinking back over the past four years of dental school and everything his class had been through.

“It’s a great feeling to be done and now give back to society with what you know. In my case it would be oral care,” said Petrelli, who was also working on a PhD in biochemistry and medical genetics while training to be a dentist.

When dental hygiene graduate Nikhita Arora tossed her cap in the air after the ceremony, she felt exhilarated.

“Just tossing that hat, I felt relief because we worked so hard,” Arora said. “Just releasing that hat was releasing all that stress that’s been building for so long. It felt really good.”

Dr. Hedyeh Samady, an International Dentist Degree Program graduate who was a dentist in Iran before coming to Canada, said the Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry did a very good job of preparing her for the next stage of her career in dentistry.

“I’m a proud alumna of the University of Manitoba now,” Samady said.

“This is an incredible opportunity for Manitoba, so prospective physicians can find a place to learn and grow in their chosen career path in the province,” said Sarah Guillemard, Minister of Advanced Education and Training, inside the Brodie Centre at Rady Faculty of Health Sciences.

“The Manitoba government will be investing in the education of those who will provide care to Manitobans for years into the future, recognizing that our workforce needs to attract students from Manitoba, across the country and around the world. This work will also support the overall goal of adding 2,000 health-care providers as part of our government’s Health Human Resource Action Plan.”

This funding will ensure access to undergraduate medical education programs will keep pace with Manitoba’s population growth, while supporting a sustainable and growing number of physician graduates able to work in the province’s health-care system, Guillemard added.

“Thank you to the Government of Manitoba for today’s crucial announcement on addressing our province’s physician shortage. We are pleased with this three-pronged approach of expanding medical school seats, increasing the number of international medical graduates and increasing the number of postgrad residency seats in family medicine aimed at Canadians studying abroad,”said Dr. Peter Nickerson, dean and vice-provost (health sciences) and dean, Max Rady College of Medicine.

Manitoba Health Minister Audrey Gordon

“We want to be able to educate and train a sufficient number of physicians to meet the health care needs of Manitoba’s growing population and today’s announcement lays the groundwork for this vital expansion.”

These investments are part of the Manitoba government’s Health Human Resource Action Plan, a $200-million initiative announced in November 2022 to help retain, train and recruit 2,000 health-care workers.

“Our government is making significant investments to heal health care and we know that physicians will be essential in that healing process,” said Health Minister Audrey Gordon. “We recognize the enormous contributions of primary-care providers and pediatricians and the care they provide to Manitobans. ”

Dr. Kathryn Sibley, Assistant Professor in the department of Community Health Sciences and Scientist in the Knowledge Translation Platform at the George & Fay Yee Centre for Healthcare Innovation at the U of M, delivered the keynote address titled Bridging the Research – Practice – Research Gap: Role of the Informed Clinician.

Sibley spoke about the importance of maintaining and strengthening the connection between research and clinical practice. Currently, she said, there is a seventeen year gap between research and practice and efforts need to be made to shorten that time gap.

“Clinicians at the front lines need to stay in touch and they need to stay connected,” Sibley told the students. “But researchers at the university who are interested in making a difference in practice also need to hear from the front lines. Clinicians like you are on the front lines and we need to stay in touch and stay connected.”

After Sibley’s keynote speech the first of over twenty students research presentations commenced in the Medical Rehabilitation building.

Second-year occupational therapy students Melissa Vanwynsberghe and Alina Jones presented their research topic, Reflections in Occupational Therapy: A Scoping Review that focused on the importance of reflection for both occupational therapists and OT students.

Both students were glad to be able to apply their OT skills to their research project, to share what they’d learned and expressed appreciation for the symposium.

“We’ve really learned a lot of skills that we can apply in our future practice,” said Jones.

“It really gives us an opportunity for public speaking and also to learn what others have done,” Vanwynsberghe said. “In one day you learn a lot from various projects. It’s a wonderful learning experience.”

Now in its 29^th year, the CSHRF provides a venue for health research trainees from across Canada to present their work, network and be recognized for their contributions.

The CSHRF features research poster days, awards of excellence, tours and social events as well as a symposium – Patterns of Health: A Population Perspective – that will bring together leading scientists from across North America.

This year, 130 graduate students are entered in the Manitoba Student Research Poster Competition on June 7, and 140 are participating in the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) National Student Research Poster Competition on June 8. In total, 550 people are expected to attend the three-day event.

“We are proud to host and welcome top master’s, PhDs and post docs from across the country to the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences and the University of Manitoba. Research Days creates synergies among health sciences researchers and can lead to important, inter-disciplinary collaborations that bode well for the future of research in Canada,” said Dr. Brian Postl, Dean, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences & Vice-Provost (Health Sciences).

This year’s CSHRF event also welcomes the Canadian Society of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, which will be holding its 2016 National Student Conference in conjunction with the CSHRF. University of Manitoba graduate students were key organizers of this conference. Also in attendance this year will be participants from China’s Shantou University.

“The CSHRF continues to provide career-enhancing opportunities within a national context for our graduate students in health research,” said Dr. Ed Kroeger, Assistant Dean (Graduate Studies), Max Rady College of Medicine. “Research Days is a wonderful opportunity for our students across the health sciences to network with top students from across Canada, gain exposure and be recognized for the excellence of their work, as well as learn from internationally-renowned researchers.”

The Patterns of Health: A Population Perspective symposium takes place on June 9 in the Frederic Gaspard Theatre from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and feature the following speakers:

•  Ann Aschengrau, Sc.D.
  Boston University “Long-Term Neurotoxic Effects of Early Life Exposure to Tetrachloroethyene (PCE)-Contaminated Drinking Water”
•  Raymond J Carroll, PhD
  Texas A&M University”What Percentage of Children in the U.S. are Eating an Alarmingly Poor Diet? A Statistical Approach”
•  Sandro Galea, MD, MPH, DrPH
  Boston University “The Principles of Population Health Science, towards Scholarship of Consequence”
•  Xiangguo Qiu, MD
  National Microbiology Laboratory, “Fighting Ebola Virus Infection in the Lab and Field”
•  Kue Young, CM, MD, D.Phil, FRCPC, FCAHS
  University of Alberta “Apples and Oranges, or Oranges and Tangerines? Perils of International Comparison of Health Indicators”

Although the old location in the Isabel M. Stewart building had served the department well, a lack of space, outdated equipment, and poor heating and ventilation precipitated the move to new and improved quarters. The initial move took place in February with classes officially starting on March 1.

The newly renovated location on the third floor of the Medical Rehabilitation building not only allows for more space but for other updated features including state-of-the-art audio visual technology with two 80 inch monitors as well as new classroom and lab space with medical gas pipeline outlets that replicate what students will use in a hospital or medical facility. Another popular feature for students is a study room within the department that has already garnered positive feedback.

The renovations started two years ago and were spearheaded by former Dean of the College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Dr. Emily Etcheverry along with Dr. Brian Postl, Dean, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences and Vice-Provost (Health Sciences), and Andrew West, Department Head, Respiratory Therapy.

According to Ken Chambers, an instructor and Acting Head of the RT department, the new space has made a positive impact on faculty and students and has also created a sense of integration within the College of Rehabilitation Sciences.

“The impact of this new space on our new students was immediate. From the more spacious atmosphere and lighting, to the new AV technology, the comfortable seating and portable adjustable tables just to name a few. On a larger scale, it now allows us to look seriously at the potential increase in enrolment for our program by up to fifty percent,” Chambers said. “There is a genuine feeling that the RT department has finally moved to where it belongs, with the rest of our colleagues in the College of Rehabilitation Sciences. I believe that over time, our College will see a closer collaboration between all our students as they integrate with our new space.”

The renovations and upgrades to the new RT space were made possible by a generous gift from the Richardson Foundation. Click here to learn more about how this gift supports RT students.