Matriculation marks your formal welcome into the St John’s community, a celebration that connects you to centuries of members, Fellows, and staff who have been part of the College before you. Whether you are a new student joining us for the first time or a continuing member showing your support, this ceremony is a special moment to gather as Johnians and celebrate our shared community. 

This event will include a short ceremony, words of welcome from our College leadership, and the signing of the Matricula; an enduring record of all who have been part of St John’s College. Following the ceremony, you are welcome to enjoy light refreshments and connect with your fellow Johnians.

Date: Monday, September 15th
Time: 1:00 – 2:00 pm
Location: St John’s Chapel

A storied career in Canadian football

Dobie, a pillar of Canadian university football, has made a profound impact on the sport. He took over as head coach of the Manitoba Bisons in 1996, inheriting a team that had finished 0-8 the previous season. Under his leadership, the Bisons rapidly improved, culminating in a first-place finish and a Hardy Cup appearance in 2000. Since then, Dobie brought the Bisons to their first Hardy Cup Championship victory in over three decades, three Canada West Championships and two appearances at the Vanier Cup, including their first national championship title. Coach Dobie also earned the title of U SPORTS Coach of the Year in 2001 as well as five-time Canada West Coach of the Year.

Making a difference on and off the field

Brian Dobie’s influence goes beyond game strategy. In 2022, he made history by recruiting Maya Turner to the Bisons, making her the first woman to score a point in U SPORTS history. This groundbreaking move not only showcased his commitment to inclusivity in sports but also inspired countless young female athletes across the nation.

Furthermore, Dobie has been a vocal advocate for integrity in athletics. Following concerns about performance-enhancing drug use among aspiring professional athletes, Dobie emphasized the importance of clean competition and the need for stringent regulations within the CFL. His advocacy outlined the pressures athletes face and the critical need for support systems to uphold ethical standards in sports.

An evening of football, food and reflection

This year’s lecture, titled Reflecting on the Future of Football in Canada, will explore the evolution of the sport and its significance in Canadian athletics. The evening kicks off with a pre-talk tailgate at 5:00 p.m., offering attendees a selection of burgers, veggie burgers, smokies, beer, punch, and popcorn. The main event begins at 6:30 p.m., with Coach Dobie sharing his insights, followed by a post-event reception with light refreshments.

Event Details

• Date: Tuesday, March 11, 2025
• Location: Robert B. Schultz Lecture Theatre, University of Manitoba, 91 Ralph Campbell Rd, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2M5
• Parking: Free parking available in the Q Lot

Attendees are required to RSVP in advanced to secure their spot at this highly anticipated event. 

For further details or questions, please reach out to the Dean of Studies at St John’s College, sarah.teetzel@umanitoba.ca

St. John’s College oversees the art component of the competition, while the Desautels Faculty of Music manages the music component. The two come together on April 7th at the St John’s Chapel for a special celebration of the arts, where students’ talents will be highlighted in a live showcase and awards ceremony. Last year, we received sixteen submissions and the three finalists included Valentine Okoye Chukwukamike, Guiliana DaCunha Moura, and Emily Ramsay.

Want a chance to showcase your artwork?

Participants are encouraged to submit one art piece, less than one meter across, to the St. John’s College General Office by February 24th at 4:30PM. Art work must be ready to hang from two anchor points using wire and s-hooks. 

All art submissions will be displayed in the Daily Bread Cafe (100 St John’s College) on February 28th at 9:30AM.

Want to get involved in voting?

Drop by the Daily Bread Cafe any time from March 3rd to April 6th to submit a vote for an art piece, and visit the St John’s Chapel on April 7th to vote for your favourite live performance. A judges panel will also select the top two winners of the art component based on artistic merit.

When will winners be announced?

On April 7th at 12:30PM, we will begin in the St John’s Chapel with live performances by the finalists of the Desautels Faculty of Music Competition. The event will proceed to the Daily Bread Cafe where all winners from the Music & Art Competition will be announced!

For more details on how to enter, visit the St. John’s College website or follow the college on social media.

Don’t miss out on this chance to celebrate the vibrant artistic community at the University of Manitoba—whether you’re performing, creating, or cheering on your fellow students, the 3rd Annual Music & Art Competition promises to be an event to remember.

For the 2024 convocation on November 3, SJC is proud to recognize Rt Rev. Helen Kennedy, Dr. Evelyn Forget, and Mr. Jim Ripley. Each of these individuals has had a significant impact on our community, whether as students, on the Council, or in our chapel.

Dr. Evelyn Forget – Honorary Doctor of Canon Law (honoris causa) 

The Professor of Economics and Community Health Sciences is grateful for the recognition of the research she has conducted throughout her UM career. As a researcher examining the health and social implications of poverty and inequality, and as a fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and an Officer of the Order of Canada, Dr. Forget is being recognized for her efforts and petitions to the Federal Government in favor of Guaranteed Basic Income for all Canadians.

In talking with her about what this recognition means, she notes how significant SJC has been in her career. 

“It’s always nice for people to recognize the work that you are doing. I’m also very conscious that the work we do as researchers is very collaborative and being recognized for my work and for having worked with many St John’s fellows is special.”

Evelyn would like to thank SJC Chancellor, Bishop Geoffrey Woodcroft for his support throughout the years on many projects. More generally, she is grateful for the colleagues and students she’s had the pleasure of working with.

Rt. Rev. Helen Kennedy – Honorary Doctor of Divinity (jure Dignitatis)

From UM student to former Council member, Helen Kennedy, Bishop of Qu’Appelle, has made her impact on the College in many ways.

As a Council member who participated in St John’s residence renewal and is committed to the well-being, support, and theological education of young people in managing ministries at the diocesan level, Helen is honoured to receive this recognition. 

“I’m very flattered and grateful for the College. This honour is more than just an award to me; a College is a place of learning, and it’s helped me become the Bishop I am today.”

In her work to become a Bishop, Helen expresses her thanks to former Bishop of Rupert’s Land Don Phillips, former SJC Warden Chris Trott, and her husband for their constant support throughout the years, which helped get her where she is today. 

Mr. Jim Ripley – Honorary Fellowship 

The highly respected lawyer with TDS is being honoured for his more than 25 years of service to the College on Council, and his many contributions to the College.

The College graduate from 1976 was an exceptional Council member, offering critical guidance on many issues. His contributions allowed Mr. Ripley to make a difference in the College community to what it is today.

In catching up with Jim to hear his excitement for November 3, he thanks a few people for helping him get involved.

“I want to thank Bernie Beare for asking me to be involved. He’s a wonderful person.“

“Thank you to St John’s for this award and recognition, and the people currently involved in the College for designating me as an honorary fellow.”

 

In addition to these honorary guests who will be recognized on Sunday, November 3, we also recognize St John’s College student members who will receive various scholarships and bursaries supported by our SJC alumni and community.

These scholarships and bursary recipients include UM students from faculties across campus, including science, art, and engineering. As part of the College membership, these scholarships are one of many opportunities available to students on campus.

On behalf of St John’s College, congratulations to all the 2024 recipients!

The Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources student studying for his master’s in microbiology felt isolated when he arrived in Canada. He did not know what to expect but was excited to get started. 

“When I first arrived in Canada, I felt alone. I didn’t have any friends or know where to go on campus; I was just trying to figure out my way.” 

Since arriving in Canada in September 2023, Rei Shibue has stayed in St John’s residence, where he’s been able to be close to his classes and build friendships that have helped him find his home away from home.

“For the first while in the residence, I kept to myself. I didn’t talk much, ate alone in the dining room, and attended classes. Over the last year, though, that’s changed significantly.”

As Rei continues his studies in microbiology, where he is investigating microbes in the Arctic Ocean, he also finds his community in St John’s residence at monthly events and has become a residence don on the student support team.

“Attending events and getting involved in the residence has helped me meet some of my closest friends.”

“It’s the community I needed outside of class to feel like I’m home.” 

Looking to make a difference in the residence, Rei knew he wanted to get involved on the dons team to help students navigate the problems he once faced when coming to Canada.

“Being a don allows me to continue building relationships in the residence while giving back to the community and the students here.” 

As the dons prepare to welcome more new students into the residence in Winter 2025, Rei has found being a resident to be rewarding and fulfilling in more ways than he could imagine.

“I’m grateful to be a part of this team and community, which has given me so much.”

To learn more about St John’s residence, visit our website. 

To submit your application for Winter 2025 accommodations, contact our Dean of Residence.

The third-year Faculty of Science student, she recently travelled to South Africa over the summer as the recipient of the Undergraduate Student Research Award.

During her time in South Africa, she applied her skills to real-life situations and reflected on the importance of healthcare and the difference she wants to make.

“I’ve always seen myself working in healthcare. I wasn’t sure what kind of care specifically, but I knew I wanted to make a difference with the people I work with.”

As a current St John’s student ambassador and SJCSA council member, she credits the college with helping her grow as a person and student throughout her degree.

“The community here and the friendly people have allowed me to be myself and help me grow.”

With her passion for healthcare ahead of her, Sabrina is excited to continue her studies in science and apply what’s she learning. 

To learn more about the benefits of college student membership, visit our website. 

Held in the St John’s College Chapel, this is an opportunity for our community to sign a historical book who will share their names with members of the college from over decades. With the significance of this book and the history of SJC, this event is also a celebration in welcoming new members into the college community. 

Sherry Peters, St John’s College Registrar, says this event is unique in a way of how it showcases the college’s history.

 “It’s a fascinating event to look back on the history of the college and see how it’s evolved since 1866. Back then, this book was a time to track the numbers of the college, whereas today, it’s a historical piece that our community gets excited to put their names alongside those who started this college.” 

We are excited to welcome new members of the college on, September 19 from 1:30pm – 2:30pm in the St John’s College Chapel with a reception to follow in the Cloister. 

The 2024 St John’s College art competition winner uses art to showcase the natural beauty he sees around him while producing it in the way he visualizes it.

“It’s the fulfillment and satisfaction derived from expressing my thoughts and views.” 

Since moving to Canada and finding his new home at St John’s residence, the School of Art student has loved bringing his imagination to life. As an artist who has published his work around campus, Valentine looks to not only showcase his work but also working towards his goal of building his own arts academy.

“This local exhibition is a chance for me to get my work out there and see other artists. My goal is to set up my arts academy here in Canada and back home in Nigeria where I can showcase my work, teach younger generations, and add value to my community.”

Upon arriving in Canada and settling into his art studies, Valentine has found his home away from home at St John’s residence, a small community on campus.

In a quiet place for studying and relaxing yet welcoming to students from across the world, the residence has become a place where Valentine has been able to grow into his own.

“It’s a friendly place for everyone where I’ve enjoyed meeting people on paint nights, excursions, and events around the city. What I love most is the clean and peaceful atmosphere.”

As Valentine prepares for his exhibition in October at cre8ery gallery and studio from October 1st through 26th, he is grateful for the opportunities ahead for his artwork.

From needing a place to study, meet new people, or have somewhere to go on campus, SJC is a small community that helps students succeed at UM.

The benefits students receive for the $10 membership include the following:

Eligibility for scholarships and bursaries

As part of being a member of St John’s College, students will become eligible to apply for SJC scholarships and bursaries, which offer approximately $200,000 worth of awards. Our scholarships are available each year and are open to all UM students of all faculties, including opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students.

Learn more about our scholarship opportunities on our website.

Study carrels and library

Our study carrels on the first floor and library on the third floor of SJC provide students with a space to focus, house their school items, and have a dedicated place to study for the academic year.

Applications for study carrels can be found on our website.

Food discounts at the Daily Bread Cafe

From a quick snack, grab-and-go sandwich, or study session with friends, the Daily Bread Cafe and Soup4U are places where students can catch up over a delicious meal. Students will receive 10% off all purchases as part of the college membership.

View the Daily Bread Cafe and Soup4U menus for the fall semester.

Monthly student-led events by SJCSA

Every month, our student association organizes events for students to gather, get to know each other and enjoy games and activities together. Take it from our students when they say they found their place on campus. St John’s College is here to support students throughout their academic journey in every way we can.

“St John’s has provided me with a community to meet new friends and a place to belong. I can come here, visit the student lounge, study, and know I have a place to go outside class.”

Sign up for your college student membership on our website. Visit the General Office at 214 SJC to pick up your sticker for your ID card.

The psychology student studying in the Faculty of Arts joined St John’s college as part of the college student membership, where she hoped to find people to connect with, scholarship opportunities, and a place to study on campus.

In her roles throughout campus, including university one student council, let’s talk science, and art student body council, to name a few, Kezia is proud of her involvement around SJC and UM.

“I’ve enjoyed the opportunities St John’s has offered me. Meeting other students, staff, and alumni at various events has helped me connect on campus.”

The former SJC scholarship recipient acknowledges her gratitude for the financial support she received during her undergraduate studies as a college member.

“The scholarship opportunities with the student membership are helpful. They supported my studies throughout the years.”

Stepping into a new chapter following her undergraduate studies, Kezia looks forward to continuing her studies in the fall.

To learn more about the St John’s college student membership, visit our website. To sign up for college student membership, visit the steps on our membership page.