Discover their impact and watch them address the graduates at each of their ceremonies.

Wayne Suk-Wing Chiu
C.M., AOE, BSc(ME)(Manitoba), ICD.D

For more than three decades, Wayne Chiu has been dedicated to building communities.

An award-winning businessman, activist, and philanthropist, Mr. Chiu founded Calgary-based Trico Group in 1992. In 2004, Trico was on a corporate retreat in Thailand when a catastrophic tsunami hit. As he clung to a tree watching misery below him, Mr. Chiu had an epiphany that led to him and his wife launching the Trico Charitable Foundation in 2008 that focuses on social entrepreneurship to use business to solve problems in society.

Mr. Chui’s company has erected tens of thousands of single and multi-family homes in Alberta – including affordable units – and has partnered to provide subsidies to first-time homeowners. In 2015, Trico Homes worked to restore 159 Chiniki First Nation homes that had been destroyed by Alberta floods.

Mr. Chiu has also made an extraordinary impact through his support of the Women in Need Society (WINS). Providing promotion and financial support, he has helped the society to expand its efforts, growing communities and connecting women and their families with resources to thrive.

He is a Member of the Order of Canada and an appointee of the Alberta Order of Excellence and has been awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond and Platinum Jubilee Medals.

The University of Manitoba is proud to award a Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, to Wayne Chiu in recognition of his life-changing impact as a builder, activist and philanthropist and his dedication to growing and supporting communities in Western Canada.

Read Mr. Chiu’s full citation
Watch Mr. Chiu’s Convocation address

Jennifer Gunter
MD (Manitoba)

For more than 27 years, Dr. Jennifer Gunter has made outstanding contributions to medicine, accessibility, and our understanding of reproductive health, sexual health, and menopause.

Once referred to as “the world’s most famous gynecologist,” the physician, best-selling author and women’s health expert has long been an unapologetic advocate for patient empowerment and accessible information. Her approach as an OB/GYN and a pain medicine physician is centered on evidence-based medicine integrated with a focus on empathy and the patient’s experience.

Dr. Gunter wrote her #1 national bestseller The Vagina Bible as a reaction to the large amounts of false and dangerous information about female health on the internet. She has used her voice to debunk medical myths, advocate for a “better medical internet” and call out exploitative pseudoscience. Her goal is to have more medical experts involved in disseminating medical information in ways that are accessible to the public and to correct the misinformation and disinformation available online, especially as it relates to women’s physical, reproductive and sexual health.

Since 2006, Dr. Gunter has been managing a health clinic for women in the Chronic Pelvic Pain & Vulvo-Vaginal Disorders division at The Permanent Medical Group of Kaiser Permanente in Northern California.

Her prominent social media presence has led to the nickname “Twitter’s Resident OB/GYN” and she often references her Winnipeg roots and credits her prairie upbringing for her confidence and direct approach.

The University of Manitoba is proud to award a Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, to Dr. Jennifer Gunter in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the field of gynecology and her lifelong advocacy for accessibility and women’s health.

Read Dr. Gunter’s full citation
Watch Dr. Gunter’s Convocation address

Thomas Quinn
BS, MSc (Notre Dame), MD (Northwestern)

Dr. Thomas Quinn is a world-renowned scientist known for his groundbreaking HIV/AIDS research. He was one of the first researchers to identify the AIDS epidemic and its cause, the HIV virus.

As one of the top clinician-scientists in the world, he has been a leader in the world’s response to the HIV/AIDS pandemic, working to decrease the rate of illness, the number of deaths, and reduced transmission rates with antiretroviral therapy, particularly in developing countries. In addition, through a clinical trial, his team reported the benefits of voluntary male circumcision to reduce HIV acquisition by half in Uganda.

Dr. Quinn is currently a professor of medicine and pathology at Johns Hopkins University and is the founding director of the university’s Center for Global Health. He is also a NIH distinguished investigator and associate director of international research at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

At the forefront of developing public health and research capacity in Africa, Dr. Quinn has mentored many clinicians and scientists. His leadership and commitment has contributed to the training of more than 13,000 health-care providers in Africa to combat the AIDS epidemic.

The University of Manitoba is proud to award a Doctor of Science, honoris causa, to Dr. Thomas Quinn for his commitment to understanding the complexities of the HIV virus and his pursuit of improving the health of people around the world.

Read Dr. Quinn’s full citation
Watch Dr. Quinn’s Convocation address

Lara Rae

As a trailblazing force in Canada’s comedy scene for more than three decades, Lara Rae is an orator, an entertainer, a teacher and an advocate.

Born in Glasgow, Scotland, Ms. Rae moved to Winnipeg in the mid-1990s, where she founded the Winnipeg Comedy Festival with Tom Anniko in 2002 and served as the Festival’s Artistic Director for 18 years.

A longtime contributor, writer, columnist, and producer on CBC radio and television, Rae has written for programs such as Blackfly, Big Sound, What a Week, Definitely Not the Opera, and Monsoon House.

Her autobiographical play, Dragonfly, which explores her “gender odyssey” and her journey as a transgender woman, won the 2020 Chris Johnson Award for Best Play by a Manitoba playwright. She was the first transgender woman to guest host the CBC flagship news program The Current.

In addition to her cultural and creative works, Ms. Rae founded Pantry, a local food project that provides home-cooked meals, winter clothing and other essentials to her neighbours in Winnipeg’s West Broadway area who are struggling with food and shelter insecurities.

Ms. Rae continues to write and perform comedy in Winnipeg and is an instructor at the University of Winnipeg’s Department of Women and Gender Studies.

The University of Manitoba is proud to award a Doctor of Letters, honoris causa, to Lara Rae in recognition of her trailblazing impact on Canada’s comedy scene, her dedication to the cultural and social life of Manitobans and her tireless advocacy for Winnipeg’s 2SLGBTQ+ community.

Read Ms. Rae’s full citation
Watch Ms. Rae’s address

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, C.C., C.M.M., C.O.M., O.Q., C.D., LLD(McGill, Queen’s, Trent, Memorial, Guelph, Carleton, Alberta., British Columbia, Victoria, Calgary, Western Ontario), LHD (Mount Saint Vincent)

Since beginning her career as a radio broadcaster with the CBC Northern Service (now CBC North), Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon has made significant contributions to Canadian broadcasting, public service and diplomacy.

A leader, constitutional negotiator and diplomat of Inuit ancestry, Ms. Simon was appointed as Canada’s 30th Governor General in 2021, becoming the country’s first Indigenous Governor General.

Ms. Simon has gained national and international recognition for her work on Arctic and Indigenous issues, and for her efforts in advocating for Inuit rights, youth, education and culture. She was responsible for the implementation of the first land claims agreement in Canada, the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement, and in 2008, on behalf of Inuit, she stood in the House of Commons and delivered a response to the Government’s formal apology on residential schools.

The University of Manitoba is proud to award Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon with a Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, in recognition of her immense impact on Indigenous communities in Canada, and her lifelong dedication to public service and diplomacy.

Read Ms. Simon’s full citation
Watch Ms. Simon’s Convocation address

Donald Triggs
BSA (Hons) (Manitoba), MBA (Western Ontario)

For decades, renowned Manitoba-born entrepreneur Donald Triggs has been making a profound impact on the Canadian economy.

From his humble beginnings growing up on the family farm, Mr. Triggs’ ambitions first began to take shape after he completed his honours degree in Agriculture at UM, receiving the Lieutenant-Governors Gold Medal in Agriculture and the Co-operative Promotion Board Gold Medal in Agricultural Economics upon graduation.

In 1989, his ambitions grew further when the chance to buy beer-maker John Labatt Ltd.’s wine division. Mr. Triggs and his wife Elaine, against the advice of their bankers, made the risky decision to re-mortgage their house and pool their life savings with other partners to take the gamble and form their own company, Vincor. Boasting 14 wineries and 2,250 employees, Vincor became the first Canadian wine company to succeed worldwide.

Co-founded with former colleague Allan Jackson in 1991, Jackson-Triggs Winery transformed Canada’s small wine industry into an economic powerhouse. By 2003, their company was Canada’s largest wine producer and the world’s eighth largest.

Now retired, Mr. Triggs is credited with making a major contribution towards transforming the quality and reputation of Canadian wines and establishing international markets to benefit all winemakers. He also guided the industry as chair of both the Canadian Vintners Association and the Ontario Wine Council.

The University of Manitoba is proud to award a Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, to Donald Triggs in recognition of his transformative impact on the Canadian wine industry and his immense contributions to the Canadian economy.

Read Mr. Trigg’s full citation
Watch Mr. Trigg’s Convocation address

Nardos Ghebremeskel [BComm(Hons)/23]

“Even though I have done a lot for Asper, it does not compare to how much Asper has done for me.”

Nardos Ghebremeskel receives her Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) degree from Asper this June. Majoring in Leadership and Marketing, she reflects on her involvement at Asper during her undergraduate degree and considers what is next in her career journey.

Ghebremeskel kept busy during her degree. She was co-chair of the 55^th annual Commerce Students’ Association Business Banquet and VP of Events for JDC West. She also competed in multiple national and international case competitions, landing on the podium with her team at Creative Shock, UBC Impact and the IG Case Competition.

As she moves into the next chapter of her professional life, she hopes to pursue her passions for event planning and entrepreneurship. Ghebremeskel is moving to Toronto to set up an event planning business with a friend and will look for online learning or even graduate opportunities to bring a competition pitch idea to life—an app she pitched at a University of Winnipeg competition earlier this year.

“There are so many opportunities out there, and I believe we need to be proactive in taking advantage of as many as we can. It is never easy at first, but I know taking one step at a time will help me achieve my goals,” she says.

Arifin Zaman [MBA/23]

After completing his bachelor’s degree at the University of Dhaka in Bangladesh, Zaman came to Winnipeg in 2021 to pursue his MBA at the Asper School of Business with a focus in Marketing.

Zaman led the Asper Professional Graduate Student Association (APGSA) as president. In collaboration with APGSA director of finance Stéphane Lacroix-Pouliot [MBA/22], he took an organization previously open only to MBA students and expanded its scope to welcome all Asper professional graduate programs including the Master of Finance and Master of Supply Chain Management and Logistics.

“I am driven by change and improvement, and I strongly felt the need to create an inclusive association that represents all the programs and gives students a voice. Recognizing the importance of inclusivity, I embarked on the journey to establish APGSA,” says Zaman.

Though he is graduating, Zaman will hopefully stay in the Drake Centre as a business/professional development consultant at the Asper Career Development Centre, a position he started during his MBA.

“My commitment to Asper and my desire to make a meaningful impact drives me to stay engaged and continue giving back to the institution that has provided me with so many valuable opportunities,” he says.

Lianne Huberdeau [MBA/23]

Huberdeau graduates this spring with an Asper MBA. Beginning in Winter 2019, she focused her coursework on Leadership and Organizations while also becoming a star on the graduate case competition circuit.

Huberdeau worked frequently with fellow students Daniel Kokan, Elliot Codispodi and Kaushal Patel, typically under the team name Vanguard Consulting. Together, they brought home multiple first-place victories including Asper’s first international graduate case competition win.

Her experience with case competitions brought more than accolades. She reflects on the opportunity to grow with and learn from her team members and to be coached and mentored by talented leaders. Saying goodbye to the team is bittersweet, she says, but the trust and flow they developed was invaluable and unforgettable.

Huberdeau now hopes to continue growing as an HR executive focused on transforming the employee experience.

“I’m excited to take my broad business and strategic education to add more value and support business transformation and organizational development. Case competitions and the MBA provided me with this foundation and the ability to think critically and solve some of the most common and complex business challenges.”

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Congratulations to the graduating class of 2023!

More Asper convocation stories:

Jamie Theroux, MBA – MBA grad champions Inclusion and strives to create more opportunities for women

Students regularly share that participating in university life beyond the classroom is what makes their undergraduate experience more complete and satisfying. El-Shaddai is no exception to that. Once in her program of choice, she pursued many opportunities to actively engage in extracurricular activities and contribute to her community. She demonstrated her commitment to empowering and supporting fellow students as a co-chair of the Black Student Empowerment Society. She has been honoured with various scholarships for her academic achievements and community work, such as the Hon. James A Richardson Minister of National Defense Scholarship, the Fred Penner Scholarship and the West Broadway Youth Outreach Infinity Scholarship. And, she was exposed to learning through hands-on research with a professor.

El-Shaddai worked as a research assistant for Dr. Orysia Kulick looking at the history of international tribunals and the precedents they set in prosecuting sex and gender-based violence. “This topic contains heavy and graphic material which, at times, was very difficult to review,” shared El-Shaddai. “Dr. Kulick was amazingly supportive in ensuring our own wellbeing and promoting self-care.” To deepen El-Shaddai’s understanding of the process of conducting research, Dr. Kulick, “always asked the right questions to encourage deeper research to help us produce thorough results.”

Sometimes a particular teacher or course can provide a favourite memory. El-Shaddai expressed her admiration for Dr. Lori Wilkinson in the Department of Sociology and Criminology, not only for her inspiring research in the settlement experiences of immigrants and refugees, but also for her kindness, patience and support as a professor. “Our time together during office hours ended up being broad discussions about life or social issues,” said El-Shaddai. These office hours conversations often help guide students through their degree and on to their post-graduation path.

El-Shaddai is now moving on to a ten-month internship with the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. It is open to six students per year and many UM graduates have taken this opportunity over the years to experience the legislative process firsthand. El-Shaddai is preparing to learn about the inner workings of a legislature, work with Manitoba political, business, communications and non-profit sector leaders and produce an academic paper on a Manitoba public policy issue.

“From very early in my studies, mentors, alumni and professors strongly recommended this internship to me so I kept my eye on it during my degree,” said El-Shaddai. She is looking forward to the opportunity to apply what she’s learned during her degree in a practical way and then bring that political experience back with her as she pursues graduate studies.

To fellow graduating students, El-Shaddai shared some valuable advice. “Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there, even if it means failing sometimes! Some of my best experiences at UM were because I took a risk and was content with whatever came of it. This motto is what I will always try to live by.”

As many exceptional students, such as El-Shaddai, graduate this spring, their accomplishments will serve as an inspiration to their peers. Their dedication, involvement in extracurricular activities, research contributions and pursuit of opportunities showcase their commitment to personal and academic growth. In their time at UM, they have embodied the spirit of the university and have left a positive impact on the university community.

The Faculty of Arts congratulates the graduates of 2023 and wishes everyone the best the future has to bring.

Lydia Gork

University Gold Medal
Lydia Gork
B.A. Advanced (Indigenous Studies)

The University Gold Medal is an opportunity to honour the best in the undergraduate graduating class of each faculty. A gold medal is awarded to the undergraduate student in the Faculty of Arts who has achieved the highest standing. This year’s recipient is Lydia Gork, a member of the Liberty Local (Manitoba Métis Federation), Red River Métis Nation and a BMO Financial Group Indigenous Leader of Tomorrow scholarship winner. Lydia is graduating with a B.A. Advanced degree with a major in Indigenous studies and a minor in political studies.

Lydia is moving on to a master’s program in Indigenous studies at UM this fall. During her undergraduate degree, she realized her passion for research. This led to many opportunities including an Undergraduate Research Award (URA), an internship at the UM Institute for the Humanities, presentations, prizes and more. Courses on Indigenous theory and public administration showed her how theory can be used to think through real world issues and how academic research can be used by governments that can ultimately have consequences on citizens’ lives. In 2023, Lydia was named the first place winner in the Social Sciences and Humanities category of the Undergraduate Research Poster Competition for her URA work on Métis History and Relationality. “Winning first place was a proud moment for myself, my family, ancestors and community who’s knowledge and experiences I honoured through the poster, as well as for Indigenous studies,” said Lydia. Lydia hopes that her future research will lead her to work in the Métis national government, perhaps in policy work for youth programming.

“My favourite memories during my degree happened in spaces where students learned collaboratively – where students could interact, challenge one another and share their unique and diverse knowledge and life experience,” she shared.

Reflecting upon her time and success in the Faculty of Arts, Lydia emphasized the importance of following one’s passion, seeking support and exploring different subject areas early on. She encourages other students to “follow your heart. Every field is meaningful in our society and will impact someone’s life. Be confident, reach out for help when you need it and go forward doing your work with integrity.”

Zlata Odribets

Faculty of Arts Honours Medal
Zlata Odribets
B.A. Honours (Linguistics and English)

Zlata Odribets is this year’s recipient of the Faculty of Arts Honours Medal awarded to the student with the highest standing in a Bachelor of Arts four-year Honours Degree Program. Zlata is an international student from Kyiv, Ukraine who is graduating with a double major in linguistics and English.

“I will never forget the time I spent in Dr. Will Oxford’s office,” Zlata shares about her favourite undergraduate memories. “545 Fletcher Argue quickly became a safe space for me on campus. Will was happy to answer any of my questions, no matter how silly (like why he chooses to put his commas outside of the quotation marks instead of within), but I would be lying if I said that we didn’t mostly talk about syntax. I can pinpoint moments in our conversations that have defined my understanding of syntax and my career as a syntactician so far. I’ll always remember the time he taught me about the DP Hypothesis ahead of the curriculum like he was letting me in on a secret, when he told me I should apply for the Undergraduate Research Award (which I held twice), or our conversation about ergativity and how he suggested I read a paper by his colleague at McGill, who I now plan to work with for my master’s degree. As much as I enjoyed my last year of university and the return to in-person teaching, it was not the same with Will’s office being empty and him away at MIT. I would not have been able to achieve half of the things I did without Will’s constant support and unwavering belief in my abilities.” Zlata would like to thank her family, friends and professors, especially Dr. Will Oxford and Dr. David Watt (who she recently feted at the 2023 UM Students’ Teacher Recognition Awards).

Angela Gail Ciceron

Faculty of Arts Advanced Medal
Angela Gail Ciceron
B.A. Advanced (Global Political Economy)

The award for the highest standing in a Bachelor of Arts four-year Advanced Degree Program goes to Angela Gail Ciceron. During her undergraduate degree, she majored in global political economy (GPE).

Angela received Undergraduate Research Awards in 2021 and 2022. She had the opportunity to conduct research in the fields of economics and then sociology. Engaging in those projects solidified her interest in research and this fall, she will begin a master’s program in Economics at UM with a focus on gender and labour within the Filipino diaspora in Canada and her home country of the Philippines. As she graduates, Angela has some advice for incoming Arts students, “don’t be afraid to take up space, whether it be in your classes, in conversations, or in everyday life, especially when you have something meaningful to say. Many times, in my degree, I chose to hold back and keep my insights to myself, in part because of my identity as a queer Filipino woman. Because of my own anxiety, I was afraid that my voice was not worth listening to, and I now regret that. So, to anyone who’s anxious, or afraid of talking too much, or saying the wrong thing: take up the space you deserve.”  Angela is grateful for the support of the faculty and community of the GPE and economics and society programs and would like to especially thank her family and friends (and her cat!) who were “so wonderfully present during times of hardship. Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat.”

Faculty of Arts General Medal
Daniel Rosenthal
B.A. General (Psychology)

Daniel Rosenthal is the 2023 recipient of the Faculty of Arts General Medal, awarded for highest standing in a Bachelor of Arts three-year General Degree Program. Daniel completed a major in psychology and a minor in sociology.

Adam Buhler

Faculty of Arts Integrated Studies Medal
Adam Buhler
B.A. Integrated Studies (English)

The award for the highest standing in a Bachelor of Arts Integrated Studies Degree Program goes to Adam Buhler. Adam graduates with a concentration in English.

The B.A. Integrated Studies degree was a great fit for Adam when he decided to switch careers. He’s moving from being a project manager in the construction industry and has goals of teaching high school. He will start his education degree this fall. “What I’ll remember most is not what I was taught, but how I was taught,” said Adam. “With my goal of becoming a teacher, I really valued the ways some of my professors accommodated different learning styles and made the classroom (or zoom session) feel inviting and inclusive. Dr. Erin Keating (English) and David Peters (School of Art) were brilliant at this, and always made time for my questions about teaching.”

Congratulations to the Faculty of Arts medal winners.

At its 2023 UM Convocation, the University of Manitoba will confer degrees, diplomas and certificates to over 4,000 graduates.
Visit the UM Student Instagram  and Faculty of Arts Instagram to learn more about some of the students graduating in 2023. You’ll find congratulations messages from fellow graduates and professors, stories about fellow graduates, more information about convocation and tips for new alumni. Be sure to tag @umartsfaculty so we can share your photos. You can also join the ‘Convocation conversation’ on social media by following #umanitoba2023 and #SpringConvocation2023. 

Jamie Chi Yan Wan
Diploma in Agriculture

WHY DID YOU PICK YOUR PROGRAM?

After working in a University farm in Hong Kong for six years, I would like to pursue a more professional career in the ag industry, that’s why I came all the way to Canada to take the Agriculture Diploma program. I believe that I made the right choice as I am now enjoying working under the vast Prairie sky, operating farm machinery, engaging in fieldwork and applying the knowledge I gained from the Ag Dip program.

YOU JUST CAME THROUGH A VERY UNIQUE EXPERIENCE (I.E. UNIVERSITY DURING COVID) – WHAT WAS THAT LIKE?

As someone accustomed to attending in-person lectures, adapting to online classes and seeing my classmates confined to little grey boxes on Zoom was quite challenging. However, this experience also introduced me to new modes of communication that undoubtedly proved valuable when we returned to the traditional classroom setting. But personally I still prefer having personal interaction with my classmates and instructors.

FAVORITE MEMORY OF YOUR PROGRAM?

One of my favourite memories of the program was our field trips, where we had the opportunity to learn outside the classroom. Visiting various agricultural operations and attending events like the bison ranch, Ag Days, KAP AGM, dairy farms, seed company, flower producer and Oak Hammock Marsh allowed me to gain valuable insights into local farms and the supporting communities.

WHERE ARE YOU GOING NEXT?

After completing the Agriculture Diploma program, my next step is to return to school to complete my degree program. Through my experience as a summer technician in a research company, I discovered a strong interest in a research-oriented career in the agricultural field, with the ultimate goal of contributing to the community by generating valuable agricultural knowledge. This has motivated me to further my education and enhance my skills in this field.

Fatima Saqib
Bachelor of Science (Human Nutritional Sciences)

WHY DID YOU PICK YOUR PROGRAM?

The Human Nutritional Science degree is the best mixture of applied science, health studies, and food production to provide a holistic understanding of how what we eat impacts our health. The program also leads to various career opportunities, such as working as a registered dietitian.

YOU JUST CAME THROUGH A VERY UNIQUE EXPERIENCE (I.E. UNIVERSITY DURING COVID) – WHAT WAS THAT LIKE?

There were both positives and negatives of online learning. I felt like I had more time to do other activities, as I could watch lectures when most convenient for me. However, I missed out on the ‘real’ school experience, didn’t get to explore campus as much, and wish I got to know my classmates better.

FAVORITE MEMORY OF YOUR PROGRAM?

Planning nutrition and health related events for the faculty!

WHERE ARE YOU GOING NEXT?

I will be starting medical school at the U of M this fall!

LaDawn Duerksen
Bachelor of Science (Human Nutritional Sciences – Dietetics – 2nd degree)

WHY DID YOU PICK YOUR PROGRAM?

I graduated with a B. Human Ecology (Foods) in 2001 and planned to pursue a career in food research. My life took a different direction though and I ended up spending almost 20 years in the social services field, helping women adjust to motherhood. During COVID, I took the opportunity to return to university to complete the nutrition component of my degree and better align my love of food science with my joy of helping families with everyday life skills.

YOU JUST CAME THROUGH A VERY UNIQUE EXPERIENCE (I.E. UNIVERSITY DURING COVID) – WHAT WAS THAT LIKE?

I was nervous to return to university as a mature student, so learning on-line for the first year helped to ease myself in. Being back on campus for the last year was at first a stretch, but I ended up really enjoying meeting my fellow students and felt much more energized being around everyone in person. I met some really incredible new friends and appreciated their acceptance of me.

FAVORITE MEMORY OF YOUR PROGRAM?

My favorite memory is the 4140 Food Quantity Labs. Working together as a team to make a lunch menu was fun, community building and rewarding. We laughed as we worked together to solve mistakes and got our lab coats very stained with all sorts of splatters!

WHERE ARE YOU GOING NEXT?

This summer I am working as a research assistant under Dr. Protudjer at the Protudjer Food Allergy Lab. In September, I will be starting the Masters of Applied Human Nutrition program and will see where I end up landing after that.

Tanner Olmstead
Diploma in Agriculture

WHY DID YOU PICK YOUR PROGRAM?

I chose the diploma program as I wanted to expand my knowledge in farm management and learn better agronomic practices, and also to network and make connections in the ag industry.

YOU JUST CAME THROUGH A VERY UNIQUE EXPERIENCE (I.E. UNIVERSITY DURING COVID) – WHAT WAS THAT LIKE?

University during covid was not ideal for networking but helped me save money and maintain a better GPA than I would have gotten in person.

FAVORITE MEMORY OF YOUR PROGRAM?

My advice for a student considering it would be do it! There are lots of opportunities to learn and make connections in the industry.

WHERE ARE YOU GOING NEXT?

Next, I am going to work in Australia for harvest and then come back to the family farm where I will live out the rest of my days.

While pursuing his degree, Chris remained dedicated to his service in the Canadian Armed Forces as a part-time army reservist. Balancing his military duties and academic workload was a challenging task, particularly during the pandemic. Chris recognized the practical connection between his military experience and theoretical coursework, enhancing his capabilities as an officer. His expertise was acknowledged when he was invited to speak as a panelist at the Political Studies Students’ Conference in February 2023 alongside high-ranking military professionals. “My fellow panelists included a full colonel and a general from the air force. As a much more junior officer and grad student, I found myself in equal dialogue with individuals far senior to me,” said Chris. “To say this was a great experience and a confidence booster would be a supreme understatement.”  

During his studies, Chris displayed a remarkable commitment to his academics, where he engaged in captivating coursework and specialized in strategic studies under the guidance of renowned faculty, including his research supervisor, Dr. James Fergusson.

Chris’ thesis topic was inspired by his experience training the Ukrainian army. He felt the need to delve deeper into the academic foundations and complexities surrounding these phenomena. Throughout his research, Chris received invaluable support and guidance from Dr. Fergusson, who fostered an environment of high expectations, encouragement and patience. His research and studies have directly influenced his position in the Canadian Army reserve, particularly his involvement in Canadian Army Influence Activities. The knowledge and theories he acquired during his studies significantly enhanced his performance as an officer, enabling him to share his deep understanding with his unit. Despite no longer actively serving in the military, Chris plans to continue his research in this area and share his findings through channels such as the Army Journal.

Chris’s dedication and achievements were recognized through the prestigious J.W. Dafoe Graduate Fellowship for Study in International Relations. Beyond his academic pursuits, Chris actively participated in SAMPA, the student association for Masters of Political and Public Administration, where he organized events and advocated for the needs of fellow students. “Getting involved was a great way to meet fellow students who were not in my classes, network with faculty and professionals in related fields, and of course have some fun,” says Chris.

Reflecting on his journey at UM, Chris cherishes the experience of taking Dr. Fergusson’s Contemporary Strategic and Security Studies class. The course’s structure, challenging readings and stimulating class discussions pushed Chris and his peers to expand their intellectual limits. Dr. Fergusson’s thought-provoking questions and guidance elevated their understanding and honed their analytical abilities.

Chris encourages his fellow graduating students to recognize the value and significance of an Arts education. He believes that as Arts graduates, they join a tradition of thinkers, storytellers, innovators and dreamers. Chris considers their shared knowledge and perspectives to hold true transcendent value and it is their duty to share it with the world. Chris’s journey at UM exemplifies an admirable balance between academic pursuit and military service. His dedication to learning, teaching and research, combined with his practical experience, positions him for a bright future. As he continues his path, Chris will undoubtedly make significant contributions to his field and inspire others along the way.

After graduation, Chris has transitioned to the supplementary reserve and is focused on pursuing opportunities in higher education and research. He currently works at Assiniboine Community College in student affairs, nurturing his passion for teaching and supporting students. Chris plans to explore teaching opportunities at Brandon University and potentially return to UM in the future. He is also continuing with his research endeavors and is scheduled to speak at a conference on the historical role of the Dakota in British-American relations, directly related to his thesis work.

When Bell acquired MTS, Theroux took an opportunity and a severance package to provide a buffer for her to pursue her MBA part-time, something she had always considered with some reservation.

“My biggest concern about quitting work was that I went to University to have a career; that was my plan in life,” she says. “I was happy to take a few years off with my kids, but I always worried about taking that time off then re-entering the workforce. I didn’t work to restart at the bottom.”

The Asper MBA offered Theroux the flexibility she needed to be with her family and re-enter the work force with more credentials and advanced business and leadership education.

For Theroux, flexibility was non-negotiable. She is a mother of two, and her youngest daughter has an intellectual disability. Her daughter’s disability was unexpected, and both her diagnosis and prognosis brought many unknowns. Theroux has learned plenty from both of her children and motherhood, and she came to intimately understand life’s unpredictability and demand for adaptability.

This unpredictability followed Theroux into the MBA program.

“My experience wasn’t typical because 90% of my MBA was completed during COVID. That said, I don’t think I felt as alone during COVID because I was in classes having intelligent conversations and staying busy. We still had opportunities to connect and work.”

Theroux thrived on conversations with MBA candidates from different backgrounds, and she learned from each colleague’s unique perspective. She was able to reconnect in her final terms, meeting her online cohort in-person and feeling the connections that were built from shared experiences regardless of course delivery.

As her MBA came to an end, Theroux’s old fears about what to do next and losing that flexibility returned. Despite looking into corporate positions, she decided instead to say yes to an opportunity that she couldn’t have imagined pursuing before the MBA.

“A life-long friend and I are starting a program that helps women build their online client-based businesses. With technology there is so much opportunity for women to create their own businesses, but they may not have all the practical knowledge to realize their goals. We’re building a program that walks clients through all those steps so that they are ready to launch and grow their business.”

The MBA taught her many of these practical skills, but when it came to starting a business, she gained something more important. “The MBA gave me the confidence to do it—to see that I could figure out the unknowns and that I was capable of learning something new.”

Beyond her MBA, Theroux’s professional and personal life converge in her role on the board of Inclusion Winnipeg.

For Theroux, “inclusion means ensuring that every single person feels valued, accepted, included and respected no matter their background, ability or perspective. It means removing barriers, especially in our education systems and workplace.”

Barriers to inclusion go beyond accommodations for people with disabilities; they also affect people who may not yet understand how to value, accept and include those whose experience differs from their own.

Theroux’s approach to inclusion is tied to her youngest daughter’s experiences in education.

“I’ve watched her thrive being immersed with her peers for the last 15 years. I want her to feel included, but I also want her to be able to teach other people how to include her and to include everybody that is neurodivergent. As adults, we all need to feel like part of a community, and the best way to do this is to educate our children, our peers and ourselves to include people with disabilities.”

As an advocate of inclusion, Theroux embraces new, unique, sometimes challenging perspectives as learning opportunities.

In the Asper MBA, she engaged in conversations with colleagues and with innovative course content on sustainability, accessibility and reconciliation. As she pursues entrepreneurship, her goals remain to amplify perspectives, remove barriers and create more opportunities and inclusive communities.

Her story is full of unexpected conclusions, but there is one that went as planned.

When she began her MBA, she pledged to finish before her oldest daughter graduated high school. Theroux receives her degree on June 8; her oldest will receive her diploma on June 27 before beginning her Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) at Asper in Fall 2023.

As she celebrates the end of this chapter, she shares her advice for her daughter’s time at Asper: “I want her to learn and make mistakes, to allow herself to see other perspectives. That is the greatest learning and teaching that you can do.”

“Embrace the continual process of learning,” Dr. Thomas Quinn told the Max Rady College of Medicine Class of 2023 at Convocation on the morning of May 18.

“You have the potential to do almost anything. Keep an open mind. Do not shy away from dreaming the impossible dreams and seizing the unanticipated opportunities that come before you.”

Quinn, a professor of medicine and pathology at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Md., was one of the first researchers to identify the AIDS epidemic and its cause, the HIV virus. He has been a leader in the world’s response to the HIV/AIDS pandemic and is the founding director of the Center for Global Health at Johns Hopkins.

UM conferred an honorary doctor of science degree upon Quinn at the Convocation ceremony in the Brodie Centre on the Bannatyne campus.

The honoree noted that the graduates, who started medical school in the fall of 2019, have had to navigate through a different deadly pandemic, COVID-19. That has required resilience, resolve and strength of character, he said.

Quinn recalled that he faced failure for 20 years as he and other scientists struggled to find treatments and other strategies to control HIV/AIDS.

Those failures ultimately led to important discoveries, he said. “The lesson … is not to let failures dissuade you from pursuing your passions or quest for more knowledge.… Believe in yourself and your ability to find success, no matter how many failures you endure.”

The Medicine Class of 2023 was made up of 106 graduates, 77 of whom will complete their residencies in Manitoba. The class included nine students of Indigenous ancestry and three French-speaking students who graduated in the college’s bilingual stream. Forty-three graduates are from rural Manitoba or have rural attributes.

Dr. Anthony Wightman

Class valedictorian Dr. Anthony Wightman, 28, is heading to Dauphin, Man. to do his residency in rural family medicine. In his speech, he described how the members of the class relied on one another.

“[When] COVID emerged … we adapted to crisis and we showed selflessness,” Wightman said. “Even when it was tough, we could reach out to each other, lean on each other and support each other.…

“What we share is that we see people suffering and [see] where our system fails all too often, and we devote our time, our learning and our lives to helping.”

Dr. Jayelle Friesen-Enns

One of the graduates, Dr. Jayelle Friesen-Enns, is Cree and Métis from Rosenort, Man. She co-founded the Indigenous Medical Students’ Association of Canada during her studies.

Friesen-Enns, 27, is headed to Calgary for a residency in emergency medicine. She said it was “really incredible” to receive her degree wearing the purple stole that formally identifies Indigenous UM graduates.

“[Indigenous] people who are looking for role models, like kids who want to be doctors when they grow up, or undergraduate students, can see those of us with the purple stole and realize that this is something attainable for them,” she said.

Dr. Tegan Turner

Graduate Dr. Tegan Turner, 26, grew up in Winnipeg. She was a gymnast before competing nationally as a sprinter for the UM track and field team. Graduating as a doctor, she said, “You just feel really proud of what you’ve accomplished. It’s a big moment.”

Turner is staying at UM for her residency in emergency medicine. She is interested in working on the medical team at motorsport races such as the Formula 1 Grand Prix. “I plan to do some work on the track,” she said.

Dr. Fredy Mansour

Graduate Dr. Fredy Mansour, 25, grew up in Morden, Man., and is excited to be heading home to do his residency in family medicine in the Morden/Winkler area. “I get to go back and return the favour to the community that raised me and look after the people there,” he said.

As for receiving his MD, “I’m just trying to soak in the moment,” he said. “It still doesn’t feel real.”

This award recognizes an outstanding UM educator who has demonstrated pedagogical excellence and contributed to advancing teaching and learning at UM as well as nationally and internationally.

With over three decades of service at UM, Dyck is recognized as a leader in teaching—thanks to his published textbooks, peer-reviewed research and innovative course design and delivery—and a passionate advocate for social and ecological sustainability in business.

Dyck has co-authored six groundbreaking textbooks used at UM and universities around the world, praised by students and scholars alike for including multiple approaches to management and equipping students with the breadth of knowledge necessary for confronting the social and ecological challenges facing business and society.

The most recent version of his co-authored textbook Management: Financial, Social, and Ecological Well-Being received Best Book of the Year (Pedagogy/Policy) in 2019 from the International Humanistic Management Association. The same year, Dyck received the 2019 Expanded Reason Award (Teaching), becoming the first business scholar ever to receive this honour.

Dyck has also contributed revolutionary approaches to teaching in leading journals of business ethics and management education. His research shows that students who learn multiple approaches to management become better critical and ethical thinkers.

He expresses his profound gratitude for this recognition:

“It is truly a privilege to teach (and learn from) students, to nurture their growth in knowledge, skills, and a better understanding of who they are and want to become. I am deeply grateful for everyone that makes it possible, including colleagues, administrators, staff, students and citizens of Manitoba,” he says.

Bruno Silvestre, Dean of the Asper School of Business, remarked on the significance of this award and Dyck’s legacy as an educator. “I am thrilled to see Bruno Dyck receiving this award as a way to celebrate his dedication to our students and his contributions to the Asper School of Business and the University of Manitoba, as well as his impact on and reputation in business education in Canada and internationally.”

In the classroom, Dyck is known for creative, engaging methods of instruction. He invites students to co-design courses, collaborating with them to choose assignments, to determine their weight and to agree on which course topics to emphasize, all to optimize their learning.

Asper alum, Jenny Moose [BComm(Hons)/22], Operations Coordinator at the Northern Manitoba Mining Academy, highlights how Dyck’s approach to creating a more accessible classroom encouraged student success. “Everyone learns in different ways, and in Bruno’s classes, you can really focus on your strengths, share your ideas and shine,” says Moose.

Likewise, Savanna Vagianos [BComm(Hons)/19, MSc/22], describes how Dyck encouraged students to bring themselves into the conversation, fully. “Bruno teaches in a disarming way that makes students feel comfortable voicing their thoughts in front of their peers. His course content allows students to reflect on their own personal values and beliefs and to contemplate how these would impact their decisions as future leaders,” she says.

His nomination, led by Asper Associate Dean Suzanne Gagnon, was supported by Asper students and faculty, alongside colleagues from around the world, who express how Dyck has inspired them and changed their perspective—from how they see sustainability in business and how they see their own community of co-learners to how his research has reinvigorated entire curricula (a note that bodes well for Dyck’s role in the development of a new BComm (Hons) curriculum launching in Fall 2023).

To Dyck, his more significant work is as an informal leader.

“I believe I can have a more meaningful impact as an educational leader by investing my energy to strategically focus on the margins rather than through leadership roles in the center,” he says.

Bruno Dyck creates space for the knowledge, experience and individuality that every student brings into his classroom and every colleague brings into consultation, changing perspectives, advancing sustainability and encouraging growth from the margins.

Seven Convocation ceremonies will be held between Tuesday June 6^th and Friday June 9^th. For further information about the ceremonies, visit the Convocation website.

Participation from UM staff and faculty is key to making convocation events a success. Don’t miss out on a great opportunity to contribute to these celebrations and experience the joy and excitement of our graduates and their friends and families firsthand.

For more information, and to sign up as an usher, please submit this form by May 19th.