Which potential alumni representatives will be nominated this year? Will you be one of them? 

We encourage you to consider nominating yourself or another UM graduate you know for this essential leadership role. Your unique perspective could be vital in helping guide the direction of UM going forward and make a meaningful impact on our wider community.  

Our alumni are the face of our university, and by contributing your voice to our Board of Governors, as a nominator or nominee, you or someone you know could play an active role in providing insight into what matters to our past graduates and what their aspirations are for our students, staff, faculty and the community at large. It’s an opportunity to be an active voice for your fellow alumni and help develop your professional skills in the process. 

Tasked with overseeing the administrative and business affairs of the University, the Board of Governors plays a powerful role in guiding some of the University’s decision-making, from deciding what lectureships, bursaries, fellowships and prizes to pursue, to appointing presidents, vice-presidents, deans, directors and more across our faculties, departments and colleges. If you are interested in what other duties the Board is responsible for, we encourage you to learn more.

The Governance and Board Development Committee of the UM Board of Governors has identified the following as desirable qualities in prospective Board of Governors members:

• Experience with large and complex organizations
• Experience in forward-looking strategic and financial planning
• Board and leadership experience
• Expertise in overseeing risk management

Want to make your voice heard or know someone who can make a positive impact? Submit your name or nominate a fellow UM graduate for the chance to serve as a voice for alumni in UM governance on the Board of Governors. 

Nominate today and help play an active role in defining UM’s future.  

Nominations close at 11:59 p.m. CDT on March 10, 2025. For more details on the process and election timeline, visit the alumni Board of Governors website. 

Dr. Irene Fakankun [PhD/21], incumbent of the University of Manitoba Board of Governors, has indicated that she will be running for another three-year term. 

An Evening of Connection and Community

The event welcomed attendees into the heart of Migizii Agamik, a culturally significant space for Indigenous students at the University of Manitoba. Sarah Shuttleworth (2L), MILSA’s VP Social Coordinator, reflected on the choice of venue, saying, “Networking events can be intimidating, especially for Indigenous law students, so we, as MILSA, wanted to ensure this event felt warm and welcoming—a reason why we chose to host the event at Migizii Agamik.”

From 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, the space buzzed with conversation, laughter, and a sense of shared purpose as participants connected, shared experiences, and celebrated the strength of the Manitoba Indigenous legal community.

Guests were treated to appetizers and snacks from Indigenous-owned businesses, including Sharecuterie and Bistro on Notre Dame, alongside a variety of non-alcoholic beverages. These thoughtful details set a tone of inclusivity and warmth, ensuring everyone felt at ease.

Reflecting on the event, Chloe Dreilich-Girard (2L), MILSA’s VP External – Métis, shared, “Hosting this networking event for Indigenous law students and lawyers in Migizii Agamik—a space already known to many who have been students at UM—was truly special. As soon as you entered the room, you could feel the energy—the warmth, the connection, the sense of belonging.”

Albert (2L) echoed this sentiment: “For me, this gathering felt like a celebration of connection and belonging—a momentary escape to the familiarity of home while attending the University of Manitoba. It’s often challenging to replicate the warmth and customs of life back on the rez, especially in an institution where practices and values can starkly contrast with the experiences I grew up with in Northern Manitoba, in my community of Kinosao Sipi. Yet, the atmosphere at Migizii Agamik during the event brought a sense of home that I am often missing while attending law school.”

Innovative Networking Activities

The event featured networking bingo, a creative and engaging activity designed to spark conversations in a relaxed environment. The bingo cards included prompts related to Robson Hall, MILSA, and the legal profession. Attendees eagerly connected to complete their cards, with lawyers like Stacey Soldier [JD/07] enthusiastically participating. Soldier, along with Genevieve Benoit [JD/20] and Janell Jackson (2L), won prizes for completing their bingo sheets first.

Reflecting on the atmosphere, Shuttleworth shared, “It was uplifting to watch everyone in the room talk and laugh—it felt as if we were all one big family.”

A Celebratory Turnout

“In Good Relations” saw an impressive turnout, including a strong presence of 2L law students and representatives from all levels of the Manitoba Indigenous Bar. Attendees included special guests Wendy Whitecloud, Robson Hall’s Elder-in-Residence, and Loretta Ross, Manitoba’s Treaty Commissioner. Their presence underscored the event’s importance in fostering relationships and inspiring the next generation of Indigenous legal professionals.

Sharing big laughs, playing bingo all night, and reflecting on our shared purpose of entering the legal profession to create meaningful change for Indigenous people reminded me why I chose this path, even during moments where I am questioning myself ‘Why am I doing this?’ Events like this are not just gatherings—they are affirmations of why we do what we do. – Julianna Albert, 2L

Albert (2L) reflected on the impact of the evening, saying, “It was a breath of fresh air to meet and connect with role models who have inspired my own journey to law school—trailblazers like Daphne Comegan [JD/21], Jeremy McKay [JD/18], and Alyssa Bird [JD/19]—true Indigenous legal powerhouses. They carved out paths and created spaces in law school where they once had to run, so students like me can now walk. Sharing big laughs, playing bingo all night, and reflecting on our shared purpose of entering the legal profession to create meaningful change for Indigenous people reminded me why I chose this path, even during moments where I am questioning myself ‘Why am I doing this?’ Events like this are not just gatherings—they are affirmations of why we do what we do.”

A Vision for the Future

This event, conceptualized by Chloe Dreilich-Girard (2L), VP External – Métis, and Kiersten Sanderson (2L), VP Professional Development, highlighted the power of informal networking to build community. The MILSA executive team worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life, and their efforts paid off in an evening that exceeded expectations.

The success of “In Good Relations” has sparked hope that it will become an annual tradition, continuing to provide a space for relationship-building within the Manitoba Indigenous Bar. Dreilich-Girard said, “While this was our first time hosting an event like this, I truly hope it won’t be the last. We need more spaces where we can come together as Indigenous peoples in the legal profession, where we can be our authentic selves, collaborate, and build meaningful relationships.”

Gratitude and Looking Ahead

Ekosani kinanaskomitinawaw MILSA for the hard work and care that went into creating such a memorable experience. It’s not every day that you can share your mlahs, those big auntie laughs, and speak your rez slang without hesitation or shyness. Thank you for making space for that joy, and for reminding me of the community I carry with me even while away from home. – Julianna Albert, 2L

MILSA extends its heartfelt thanks to the lawyers, students, and graduates who attended, as well as the volunteers and executives who dedicated their time and energy to planning the event. As this initiative grows, it promises to strengthen connections and create lasting impacts on the Indigenous legal community in Manitoba.

Albert offered her gratitude, saying, “Ekosani kinanaskomitinawaw MILSA for the hard work and care that went into creating such a memorable experience. It’s not every day that you can share your mlahs, those big auntie laughs, and speak your rez slang without hesitation or shyness. Thank you for making space for that joy, and for reminding me of the community I carry with me even while away from home.”

With its emphasis on community, collaboration, and mentorship, “In Good Relations” serves as a shining example of how shared spaces and shared stories can unite and inspire.

Justice Scott was the province’s longest-serving Chief Justice, known for his deep intellect and sound judgment, his kindness, humility, and unwavering commitment to justice. A distinguished graduate of the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Law, Justice Scott began his career as a civil litigator before ascending through the judiciary to lead Manitoba’s highest court.

“Justice Scott’s impact on the law in Manitoba and Canada is immeasurable,” said Dr. Richard Jochelson, Dean of Law. “Beyond the courtroom, his legacy of leadership, mentorship, and integrity set a standard to which we all aspire.”

Among his many notable contributions was presiding over the landmark case of R. v. Lavallee, which recognized “battered woman syndrome” in Canadian law—a decision that demonstrated his courage and compassion in the pursuit of justice. Beyond his judicial duties, Justice Scott played key roles in shaping the ethical framework for Canada’s judiciary through his work with the Canadian Judicial Council.

Justice Scott graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Arts in 1959 and a Bachelor of Laws in 1963. Upon his law school graduation and call to the bar, he became an associate at Thompson, Dilts, Jones, Hall, Dewar & Ritchie (now TDS) where he had worked throughout his law school studies. He later became a partner and in 1976, was made a member of the Queen’s Counsel (now K.C.). He and was appointed to the bench in 1985, and promoted to Associate Chief Justice three months later. In 1990 he was appointed to the Manitoba Court of Appeal as the 10^th Chief Justice of Manitoba. After retiring in 2013 Joined Hill Sokalski Walsh Olson in 2015 as a lawyer conducting arbitration and mediation practice.

Justice Scott continued to serve the profession even after retirement, demonstrating his lifelong dedication to the law and the principles it upholds. The Law Society of Manitoba’s Richard J. Scott Award, established in 2013 in his honour, is presented annually to an individual who advances the rule of law and contributes to a strong and independent legal profession through advocacy, litigation, teaching, research, writing or mentoring.

Faculty of Law professor, Darcy L. MacPherson, interviewed Justice Scott in 2011 (see: “An Interview with Chief Justice Richard J. Scott,”pages 1 to 30) for The Manitoba Law Journal’s Volume 36 Issue 1 titled Five Decades of Chief Justices of Manitoba, published in 2012. The article that follows the interview titled “A Lawyer with a Whistle: The Jurisprudence of Chief Justice Richard J. Scott” (pages 31 to 66) by Michael E. Rice, Melanie R. Bueckert and Ainslie Schroeder, provides an in-depth examination of a number of his most important decisions.

The Faculty of Law extends heartfelt condolences to Justice Scott’s family, friends, and colleagues. His passing is a great loss to the legal community, and he will be deeply missed.

1. Homecoming is not…just for older alumni and major milestones.

“Homecoming is a great reason to come back and celebrate your connection to University of Manitoba,” explains Bowman. “Whether you love football, music, art, lectures, campus tours or reunions, there is something for every alum, whether you’re a new grad, you graduated 25 years ago or you graduated 50 years ago. It’s also an opportunity to spend quality time with your family and friends on campus, a place you spent some of your most formative years.”

2. Homecoming is not…boring and stuffy.

“Homecoming has a long and storied history, but every year we put a fun and modern twist on this tradition!” says Bowman. “We’re kicking off Homecoming with a fun and exciting family-friendly event in the Bisons Football Game and Tailgate Party. Our exceptional UM musicians and singers will be showing off our brand-new concert hall up close and personal.  Every single year, something changes on campus and there’s always something new to see and discover when you come back and visit. Not only can you reconnect with your faculty, but you can also enjoy the celebrations with the greater UM community. Campus comes alive with a vibrancy during Homecoming as alumni of all ages mix and mingle on campus with the students – the next generation of alumni!”

3. Homecoming is not…just a football game.

“We start off with a football game, but we also celebrate,” explains Bowman. “It’s a great way to see our wonderful alumni, faculty and student musicians who put on a wonderful concert that’s open to everyone in the community. We also have a School of Art demonstrations where you can literally see what our School of Art students are doing, whether it’s pottery, drawing, sculpting and more. Whether you live in Hong Kong or whether you live in Winnipeg, you can participate in a learning for life opportunities. And we also use Homecoming as a wonderful environment to celebrate some very distinguished alumni during the Distinguished Alumni Awards Gala, where we share their stories and recognize the meaningful impacts they’ve made in every sector imaginable.”

4. Homecoming is not…just for alumni.

“It’s a great excuse for alumni to come back to celebrate with their fellow classmates, but really Homecoming is open to our entire community, including students, faculty, staff, and the community at large,” says Bowman. “It’s meant as a place to celebrate UM and participate in campus events. Most of our activities are free, whether you’re alumni or not. We’re opening the doors to our beautiful campus because we live in Winnipeg, we are proud of serving Manitobans, so we’re showing our community that UM is a destination to learn, create, work and play..”

5. Homecoming is not…just for adults.

“There are so many different opportunities, no matter the age,” says Bowman. “We encourage everyone to bring their kids and their grandkids to many of activities, and the one that usually is a very big family favorite is the Bisons football game. Kids get in free and there’s lots of great family-friendly activities at the tailgate party.  You won’t want to miss it. You don’t have to be a football fan to have fun at this beloved tradition!”

We can’t wait to see you back on campus for Homecoming 2024. Visit our webpage to learn more about the week’s events and celebrations.

Kelly Hiebert, 39, has been seconded for two years to the Department of Education and Early Childhood Learning to create a new unit for Manitoba’s Grade 11 students. He’s also been asked to assess current Holocaust lessons from kindergarten to Grade 10 and make recommendations to update the curriculum.

“It’s a huge honour and privilege to have been asked to do this,” said Hiebert, who has been a teacher for 17 years.

To read full story, please visit Winnipeg Free Press 

At a time when people are at their most vulnerable — at the end of their lives — Dr. Harvey Max Chochinov’s work has been there to help them feel comforted. He is one of the most prolific and respected researchers in supportive and palliative care in the world today, and his research-informed best practices are recognized globally for enhancing the psychological well-being and quality-of-life of patients with advanced disease. For all his compassionate, critical and globally renowned work as a pioneer in the field of the emotional dimensions of end-of-life care, Dr. Chochinov is being honoured by UM. 

“I chose to study at the University of Manitoba because Winnipeg was home. I did my undergraduate work here, and then entered the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Manitoba. After finishing my psychiatry residency, I went on to complete my doctoral studies in the Faculty of Community Health Sciences at the University of Manitoba,” says Dr. Chochinov. “Having been privileged to lecture at academic institutions around the world, I now feel the quality of education at the University of Manitoba is second to none. Our students receive extraordinary medical training, setting them up to pursue whatever goals they have in mind, wherever their professional pathway may take them.”  

Dr. Chochinov has long maintained a connection with UM, where he is currently a Distinguished Professor of Psychiatry, and has supervised students in the faculties of medicine, psychology, nursing and community health services for more than 30 years. He has also served as a global emissary for UM, delivering more than 500 invited lectures at prestigious institutions ranging from Harvard, Cornell and Johns Hopkins to Stanford and Oxford.  

One of Dr. Chochinov’s most ground-breaking achievements through his research was bringing dignity to patient care in tangible, practical ways. More specifically, Dr. Chochinov’s research has resulted in concrete methods of measuring dignity-related distress, effectively eliciting personhood in clinical practice, and founding Dignity Therapy, a narrative-based psychotherapy technique. Dignity Therapy has undergone 10 systematic reviews, with scores of international clinical trials and publications affirming its merits of mitigating distress and enhancing patient quality of life.  

“At the start of my research career, I learned that loss of dignity was the most frequent reason cited by physicians who had helped their patients end their lives, but nobody had every studied what dignity meant to patients,” says Dr. Chochinov. He and his team discovered that patients’ perceptions regarding how they are seen by their healthcare providers was the most significant predictor of sense of dignity. “This was an epiphany, which said good end of life care was not just about what you did with the patient or what you said to the patient, but fundamentally, was how you saw or appreciated your patient.” 

Dr. Chochinov has closely studied the patient experience in supportive and palliative care, in turn improving psychological well-being and quality of life while reducing suffering and enriching the care of those with advanced illnesses across the globe. As a Senior Scientist at the Paul Albrechtsen Research Institute CancerCare Manitoba, he has explored the experience of life-limiting cancer through his research, covering elements including depression, hopelessness, suffering, prognostic awareness, suicidality, desire for death, will-to-live, sense of burden to others, quality of life, dependency, spirituality, and existential distress. He has also researched the patient-healthcare professional relationship, such as: elements of effective communication; issues related to equity, diversity, inclusiveness; and core efficiencies of dignity conserving care.   

“A more recent area I’ve dug into is the idea of the platinum rule, which says do unto others as they would want done unto themselves,” says Dr. Chochinov. “The platinum rule acknowledges that our perception of patients may be skewed or bias. We might, for instance, make assumptions about someones suffering or quality of life, when that is really more about us and our narrow lived experience, and not about the actual patient.” 

As evidenced by the number of firsts he has achieved, Dr. Chochinov has been a trailblazer throughout his career. He was the first Canadian to complete a fellowship in psycho-oncology at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Centre. He then became the first psychiatrist to receive funding from the National Cancer Institute of Canada and later, the first awarded a Canada Research Chair in Palliative Care.  

Additionally, Dr. Chochnov’s book, Dignity Therapy: Final Words for Final Days (Oxford University Press) received the American Publisher’s Prose Award for Professional and Scholarly Excellence in Clinical Medicine. He also co-founded Canadian Virtual Hospice, the world’s largest web-based repository of information and support for people living with advanced illness, their family members, as well as clinicians, educators, and researchers.  

“What I’ve enjoyed about being an academic is the creativity of the process, the rigour that it affords and the opportunity to address large problems that are core to the human experience,” he says. “The thing that I’m aware of now more than ever is that research doesn’t fulfill its full potential if there isn’t uptake. I see the lecturing and teaching I do internationally as an important part of knowledge dissemination. I wouldn’t be where I am if not for the researchers who came before me. I’m so delighted there are now young people engaging with my work and discovering where the field of palliative care will go next.” 

For his work in psycho-oncology and palliative care, Dr. Chochinov has received countless honours. He has been appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada and was inducted into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame. He has Fellowships in the Royal Society of Canada and the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences, as well as Lifetime Achievement Awards from the Canadian Association of Psychosocial Oncology and the Arthur M Sutherland Award from the International Psycho-Oncology Society. 

Continuing his list of firsts, Dr. Chochinov is the only psychiatrist to receive the FNG Starr Award, described as the Victoria Cross of Canadian medicine, the O. Harold Warwick Prize, for significant advances in cancer control, and the Canadian Cancer Research Alliance Outstanding Research Award. This year, he will also receive the Distinguished Alumni Award for Academic Innovation. 

“It’s wonderful to be recognized by one’s colleagues and by a university that provided me educational opportunities, which have been the foundation for my entire career,” says Dr. Chochinov. “Oftentimes, the feedback one gets is from afar, and it’s gratifying to know that people here at home and at the University of Manitoba have taken notice. I don’t take what the university has given me for granted, and feel proud, honoured and humbled to be the recipient of this award.” 

The 2024 University of Manitoba Distinguished Alumni Awards Celebration of Excellence presented by TD Insurance will be held September 19, during Homecoming 2024. Get your tickets now as the event is always a sell-out! 

Good evening everyone,

I am truly honoured to stand before you tonight representing the Robson Hall Class of 2024. When I was chosen as Valedictorian, I could not have been more thrilled – then I realized I actually had to write a speech. The daunting task of capturing three tumultuous, yet rewarding, years of law school in just a few minutes seemed impossible.

Naturally, I turned to a highly academic and respected source for inspiration – the movie Legally Blonde. For those who may not know, the story follows Elle Woods, a sorority girl who attends Harvard Law School. At first, Elle is a fish completely out of water, questioning her place among classmates who seem to have credentials much beyond her. This feeling resonates with many of us, bringing to mind the all-too-familiar term “imposter syndrome” – a phrase I have heard more in these past three years than in my entire life combined. “Am I supposed to be here? Am I as capable as my incredibly intelligent, charismatic, and driven peers?”

I wanted to share a personal story with you. Not many people know that after my first-year of law school, I faced significant mental health challenges and seriously considered not continuing with my studies. The weight of the workload, the constant self doubt, and the mounting pressure to measure up made me question whether I could continue in this profession. I vividly remember a conversation I had with Rosa about what it would look like to take some time off or even discontinue my studies altogether.

Standing here today, I cannot fully express how grateful I feel to have reached this milestone. I owe so much to the incredible people in this room who believed in me, even when I struggled to believe in myself. What makes this graduating class so special is our unwavering support for one another through both the good times and the bad. As we prepare to enter a challenging and demanding profession, it’s natural to feel hesitant about the uncertainties that lie ahead. However, if our time here has taught us anything, it’s that we are strong enough to overcome obstacles. So, to my fellow graduates, if you find yourself doubting, as I have, whether you belong here, remember this: you are resilient, capable, and deserving of every success that comes your way. Most importantly, you are never alone. Together, we are about to step into the world armed with more than just a degree, but with a wealth of  shared challenges and triumphs that have prepared us for whatever the future holds.

As we reflect on our journey from anxious first-year students to confident soon-to-be graduates, it’s amazing to see how much we’ve changed and grown. For all the graduates here, I encourage you to take a moment and think back to our first day, where torts were merely desserts and the bar was a place to be visited on a Saturday night. It’s September 3^rd, 2021, and you’re sitting at your computer eagerly awaiting our online Zoom orientation. How overwhelmed we felt as we juggled syllabus after syllabus, met our professors, and yes, got our first assignment. We arrived as individuals with diverse aspirations and backgrounds, and we’ve become a cohesive group of skilled professionals.

Let me share some of the highlights that define our graduating class:

• We navigated the challenges of both online and in-person learning. While confined to those little boxes on the Zoom screen, we mastered the art of muting and unmuting at just the right moments and making sure our top half looks impeccable while secretly wearing pajama pants. When we finally transitioned back to the classroom, it was a another adjustment – with the help of free coffee from the common room, we had to relearn how to engage face-to face and manage the dynamics of a physical classroom environment. This unique blend of experiences not only tested our adaptability, but also strengthened our resilience, preparing us to handle any professional challenge with flexibility and grace.
• We didn’t just study; we excelled. Publishing legal articles, winning legal writing awards, and proving our tenacity and spirit in competitions, from negotiations to moot courts. Don’t just take it from me – Team Manitoba has literally won the “Spirit of the Laskin” award for two consecutive years. Not to mention, our law games team can now proudly add “Talent Cup Champions” to their resumes and the Robson Hall Jets hockey team has remained undefeated at the Cross Border Classic hockey tournament.
• We wholeheartedly embraced opportunities to hone our practical skills through our dedicated involvement in clinics, externships, and clerkships. These invaluable experiences, such as assisting with the process of law creation and reform, working with judges in the courtroom, and representing real clients who might otherwise lack access to legal support, allowed us to step beyond the classroom and apply our knowledge in meaningful, impactful ways.
• Under our leadership, clubs and committees at Robson Hall thrived. Our graduating class has spearheaded impactful conferences, planned extensive networking events, and organized social activities that further knitted our community together. The Social Committee did such a great job planning last years Carbolic Smoke Ball that the Forty Garry hotel might not let us back again! Thanks to the Business Law Group, Robson Hall now offers students the opportunity to participate in The Art Braid Business Law Case Competition, which has been a huge success for two years. The Communications Committee took on the daunting task of revamping our social media accounts and created an entirely new website. Members of our own Manitoba Indigenous Law Students Association have been elected to the National level, showcasing our leadership on a broader scale. These achievements are by no means exhaustive, but they reflect the dedication and collaborative spirit of our class, leaving a lasting legacy for future students at Robson Hall.
• Above all, we’ve learned the importance of trusting ourselves. We’ve built confidence in our legal instincts and analytical skills, understanding that our worth extends far beyond the accolades we accumulate. The true measure of our value lies in the resilience we’ve developed and the integrity we bring to every challenge. While our achievements may open doors, it is our recognition that each person’s well-being is just as important as their professional growth that makes our class unique.

If I could highlight one final thing about the Robson Hall class of 2024, it is our commitment  to showing up. We’ve shown up to every Carbolic, Med-Law, bomber game, law banquet, wine and cheese; even during a global pandemic. We show up academically. I remember talking to lawyers who would be impressed that our cohort is “so involved”, which is just another word for major keeners.

Above all, we show up for each other. Our time at Robson Hall has been more than just lectures and exams; it’s been about forging lasting friendships, sharing both laughter and tears, and embracing every moment. Beyond simply being classmates, we’ve become a community of friends who support each other through difficult times and celebrate each others successes. This is what truly defines our graduating class – we stand together, ready to take on the world.

Of course, none of this would have been possible without a league of extraordinary people who have made this day a reality.

To our friends and family – you’ve listened to endless rants and talked us off many ledges. Your love, encouragement, and sacrifice have been the backbone of our law school experience. We owe you more thanks than can be covered by our future lawyer salaries, and we are forever grateful for your unwavering support. A mi familia, gracias y los quiero mucho.

Thank you to our esteemed faculty and staff. Your dedication has made us more knowledgeable, thoughtful, and yes, even more opinionated. Because of you, Robson Hall has been more than a school; it’s been our community. Here, professors are not just educators, they are mentors and advocates for our success. Robson Hall has prepared us to be excellent lawyers; but it has also taught us the value of hard work, of compassion, and of building something greater together.

And finally, to the extraordinary Class of 2024. What a ride it’s been! From our first Zoom call where we nervously adjusted our screens, to this moment. Whether our paths take us to the corridors of the Supreme Court, the boardrooms of major corporations, or even on a spaceship to Mars with Elon Musk, I am forever grateful to have shared this journey with you.

Although our time at Robson Hall is ending, I am confident that our impact on this profession is just beginning. Let’s embrace this new chapter and show the world the power of showing up — not just as lawyers, but as unwavering supporters and compassionate friends. Here’s to us and our future, may it be as bright and ambitious as the class that stands ready to embrace it. 

Thank you.

The UM and SJC alum studied environmental design during his undergraduate degree, spending countless hours at St John’s studying for exams and eating food with friends in the Daily Bread Cafe. He also received several SJC scholarships and bursaries to support his education.

Since moving to Belgium to pursue his master’s in architecture, Max has relied on the knowledge and skills he accrued during his studies at SJC and UM. He recognizes that his unique approach to his master’s research comes from his time at UM in the architecture faculty.

“I find that with my experience, I bring new ideas that are different from those of my colleagues out here. I learned many of them in my Bachelor of Environmental Design, which has helped me get to where I am today.”

Max is grateful for the experience he’s had so far, including the new ideas, techniques, and connections he’s made in Belgium.

“It’s fun to study out here. Everyone comes in with different perspectives worldwide, which has helped me learn new ideas and techniques.”

Max will complete his thesis this June and is then excited to stay in Belgium to continue his work with the various opportunities he has found in his graduate experience.

Winnipeg has long been known as the “Gateway to the West,” yet Steve Kroft has shown that our city can be the gateway to the world. He has always aspired for this city and its people to be healthier and more prosperous, and he has inspired Winnipeggers not only through his ambitious entrepreneurship but also through his devotion to community service.  Now he’s being honoured by UM for his impressive body of work.

“I wish it were named the Lifetime-So-Far Achievement award,” laughs Kroft. “Honestly, it’s very humbling. There’s a whole bunch of people behind the scenes who are really doing the heavy lifting, and so there’s always a little bit of guilt with it as well because as they say, it takes a village. I’m very proud that to receive it from my university in my city, so it means a lot.”

Kroft’s first interactions with UM were as a student, graduating from the Faculty of Arts in 1988. “I loved my classes,” recalls Kroft. “I met a professor that I really developed a great relationship with, which is often someone’s story. In my case, it was Geoff Lambert in Politics, who has since passed away. Sounds cliché, but I really broadened my horizons in terms of friend groups. I met so many different people, different kinds of people.”

He also pursued his Juris Doctor from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, where he had a successful commercial litigation practice. However, Kroft ultimately decided to leave law and enter business back home in Winnipeg. In 1997, he joined Conviron, a Winnipeg-based company founded by his father that makes controlled environments, providing researchers and entrepreneurs the ability to grow plants indoors. Steve excelled in this new arena. Under his leadership, the company expanded its reach to over 90 countries and was named Manitoba’s Exporter of the Year by the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters in 2012. In 2016, it was named Life Science Company of the Year by the Life Science Association of Manitoba.

It was really as a local entrepreneur that Kroft’s connections with UM became more significant, first and foremost as an employer. “I was just always so impressed with, especially in the last several years, the students that we recruited from the University of Manitoba.”

In the community, Steve is Director Emeritus of the Business Council of Manitoba and a member of the Board of Directors of The North West Company and the True North Youth Foundation, where he also serves as Chair of the Audit and Finance Committee. He is also the Past Chair of the Board of CancerCare Manitoba Foundation, and he has served the boards of Manitoba Hydro, Assiniboine Park Conservancy, St. John’s-Ravenscourt, Prairie Theatre Exchange and the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba. In 2022, Steve was the recipient of the Sol Kanee Distinguished Community Service Medal, which is the highest honour bestowed on a member of Manitoba’s Jewish community, recognizing outstanding dedication, leadership and service within the Jewish and general communities over many years.

He has remained connected to UM throughout his life, and he is currently a member of President Benarroch’s Advisory Council and of The Associates of the I.H. Asper School of Business. He is also a former member of The Young Associates and served as a member of President Emeritus David Barnard’s Front and Centre Campaign Team. While Steve was majority owner, Conviron also made generous gifts to the University of Manitoba.

“I learned a lot about the university during that time,” recalls Kroft. “When I was involved as chair of the Business Council, the discussions were around how we can better align graduates with the needs of the business community. We have a very unique situation here, in terms of where we are with reconciliation and Indigenous communities and water. There’s a lot of things that I think the University of Manitoba is extremely well positioned to lead in. It’s an exciting time.”

In every endeavour, Kroft’s aim is to bring the most benefit to others. At Conviron, he dreamed of his family’s firm helping the world address mounting challenges, such as growing food in a rapidly changing climate. He realized on this front the biggest impact he could have would be to let go. In 2022, he sold the family business to Madison Industries because he knew it could do more good for more people if it was bolstered by a much larger company. In 2023, Steve was inducted into the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters (Manitoba) Hall of Fame, which celebrates visionaries who have demonstrated leadership in the development of their company(ies) and success in their chosen industry.

“My job is to surround myself in business with people who are smarter than I am and then just provide a bit of direction and get out of the way and let outstanding people do outstanding things. And I I was able to do that in my business, which allowed me to do other things that sort of really fuel my tank. Today, I’m on five different boards. I’ve no intention of stopping that, my commitment to our city and our province is strong.”

Steve Kroft is a big dreamer and devoted Manitoban who has spent his life using his talents to benefit others. The future is no exception.

“American author Dorothy Parker said that ‘curiosity is the cure for boredom’,” says Kroft. “There is no cure for curiosity and so I am a very curious person, so I’m a lifelong learner. I look forward to learning other things. I sort of feel I’ve got another chapter to write.”

The 2024 University of Manitoba Distinguished Alumni Awards Celebration of Excellence presented by TD Insurance will be held September 19, during Homecoming 2024. Get your tickets now as the event is always a sell-out!

The votes have been counted and UM alumni have selected Reanna Merasty [BEnvD/19, MArch/21] as their next alumni representative for the UM Board of Governors. 

“I have always seen myself having a greater role at the university,” explains Merasty. “When it was suggested to me by a friend and fellow UM grad to run on a platform of Indigenous representation, I knew I had to accept.”

More than 2400 votes were cast online, and Merasty was chosen from the list of four candidates. Having graduated in the last five years, she brings both a strong Indigenous perspective and a younger generational point of view to the Board.

“Ekosi (thank you) for your support,” says Merasty. “I hope that I can represent the UM Alumni community to the best of my abilities. I hope to bring an Indigenous perspective and continue advocating for Indigenous inclusion and representation. I also hope to bring a young person’s perspective.”

Merasty is a proud Nihithaw artist, writer, and advocate from Barren Lands First Nation and an Architectural Intern with Number TEN Architectural Group. Merasty received a Master of Architecture and a Bachelor of Environmental Design from UM and she has dedicated her career to amplifying Indigenous voices in architecture.

“The UM was where I gained my confidence in speaking up and using my voice,” recalls Merasty. “It was where I found comfort in the Indigenous student community and made Migizii Agamik my home. It was where I co-founded the Indigenous Design and Planning Student Association, co-edited a book, and organized many initiatives in the Faculty of Architecture. This advocacy has continued in my professional career and in national organizations. The UM was also where I developed a passion for education, curriculum, and developing a welcoming space for young people.”

As a professional, Merasty is on the project team for Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohn, a transformation of the historic Hudson’s Bay building in downtown Winnipeg for Southern Chiefs’ Organization, and other Indigenous community-centered projects. 

She is the Chair of the Welcoming Winnipeg Committee with the City of Winnipeg, guiding the process of renaming place names and creating historical markers to reflect Indigenous histories, a sessional Instructor in the UM’s Department of Architecture, and the Manitoba Regional Director on the Royal Architecture Institute of Canada Board of Directors.  

Merasty will serve as the Board of Governors alumni representative for a three-year term beginning June 1, 2024.