Congratulations to the graduating classes of 2020 and 2021!

The entire University of Manitoba community is delighted to celebrate you and your UM graduation in person – and the time for that long-awaited celebration is now here!

UM’s 2020 and 2021 Convocation Celebration on March 11, 2023 at the RBC Convention Centre will include formal convocation regalia (cap and gown), crossing the stage, hearing your name called, special speakers, a post-ceremony reception and more.

Watch our social media channels for live coverage on March 11.

Ahead of the celebration, you can catch up with some of our 2020 and 2021 grads at the links below:

• Sandy Deng [BSW/20] 
• Mackenzie Booker [BA(Geog)/19, Dip.Agric/21] 
• Braden Ganetsky [BSc(ME)/21] 
• Pete Giesbrecht [DipAgric/20] 
• Dana Malenko [BMus(MusEd)/20, BEd/22] 

 “My university path has loops, bridges, trap doors, and fallen trees, but I learned more about myself with every change I made. If I had stuck to the first thing I chose, I know I would not be happy and I would have missed out on learning everything that I have,” she says. 

Booker graduated from the School of Agriculture in 2021 with a diploma in agriculture. Now, post-graduation, she says she’s happy with how everything turned out because she’s found a career in agriculture that suits her skills and interests. 

“The program allowed me to network with a lot of different groups and exposed me to various careers. I learned about ag tech, marketing, sales and agronomy so it gave me the experience and knowledge to decide on a career I like and am interested in.”  

Before settling on ag, Booker followed her interests in geography and environmental studies, architecture and design, as well as psychiatric nursing. While working her summer job with the department of soil science, she realized that concepts of agriculture resonated with her values and allowed her to make deeper connections to her family and their family history. 

“I’m curious and I want to try things before I rule them out, so I’m going to continue to keep all my doors open in ag,” she says. “I’m now working on my Certified Crop Advisor certification, which is more on the agronomy side of ag so I can add that knowledge to my buying and sales background as well.” 

Booker admits that jumping around and trying different career options and not finding something you like can be discouraging, but for her there was always an element of optimism and hope that the next thing she tried could be the one to stick. And now she’s excited to take the time to celebrate her jump into ag at UM’s 2020 and 2021 Convocation Celebration. 

“I’m excited to celebrate with people I’ve built connections with and for my family to see me walk the stage and really take in that moment.” 

Post-graduation, Ganetsky still maintains that belief and remains in contact with the people on the WE (Wind Energy) Design team in the Price Faculty of Engineering. During his time at UM, he was the first Team Lead so he enjoys the opportunity to provide insight, participate in design reviews and serve as an advisor to the current team.  

“For me, going to school wasn’t really about my classes or getting my degree,” he says. “Of course, that was important, but I spent most of my time doing UMES (student council) or WE Design things. So, on top of getting my engineering degree, I also got experience in team building, management, event planning, communication, all of which I use in my job every day.” 

These skills are also useful to him in his participation in the Young Friends of Engineering group and in volunteering with Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba. He often jokes he has a team management and event planning degree that just happens to also be mechanical engineering. 

“The really great thing about university, and the Price Faculty of Engineering specifically, is that you can be a part of a team that’s building cool things. But even if you don’t want to be the one doing the actual building, there are roles on that team for management, social media, financial planning, sponsorship, which leads to you getting a well-rounded education.” 

Because community is so important to Ganetsky, he says it was really a no brainer for him to attend UM’s 2020 and 2021 Convocation Celebration. 

“I attended the Price Faculty of Engineering reception last year, which capped off my time in the faculty. But I also want to attend a convocation ceremony to hear my name called and get to walk across the stage in my cap and gown to bookend my time at university.” 

But she persisted and graduated in 2020 from UM with a Bachelor of Social Work. She then moved to Vancouver to work as an Academic Program Facilitator at Pacific Community Resources Society where she is currently leading a tutoring program for youth in downtown Vancouver.  

“One of my courses in the UM Inner City Social Work program focused on large metropolitan cities in Canada and the social issues that people are facing in areas considered to be low-income. It opened my eyes to what area of social work I want to be in.” 

Now, three years post-graduation, Deng has even bigger aspirations. She says her next step is to get her master’s in public policy, which will help her get into politics or academia. The program will also provide her with the opportunity to work with people who share her interest in social policy, immigration and human rights.  

“I was never taught by a Black professor, and I thought why is that. I know people who are educated and who can be in those positions, but the opportunity is not there and that is where we need to start making changes. I want young women who look like me to dream that they can come to Canada as a refugee and make it.” 

Deng says she wants to be an active minority, someone people can see and relate to and have a say in decisions. She believes representation matters and says her lived experience as a refugee, Black woman combined with her educational background can work together to help further her cause at the decision-making table. 

“Any marginalized person who has a dream, who has ambition shouldn’t have these barriers put on them that prevent their contribution to society. Even though I just have one perspective to add to the conversation, it has the possibility to serve a reminder for others and create possibilities for positive change.”   

While many of these goals are still a few years out, Deng is excited to take a step back and celebrate the accomplishment of her UM degree at the 2020 and 2021 Convocation Celebration. 

“It was always my mother’s dream to see me walk the stage. I also want to show my kids that if I can go to school with four kids at home while also still working full-time, there’s no excuse for them not to get an education. And for all the young immigrant and refugee women who think they can’t get an education, my walking across that stage shows them they can.”  

“What I love about teaching is that you get to work with so many different people throughout the day,” she says. “And being a substitute right now, I get to work with band students, which I love, but I also get to work with students in math or English.” 

Malenko is a self-proclaimed people-person. She enjoys talking to her students about their various passion areas and takes every opportunity to learn from other staff members and mentors. She plans to take all these experiences to become the kind of teacher she wants to be: one who instills musical passion and knows the importance of music in a child’s life. 

“I started taking piano lessons when I was five, and I took lessons all through school. Growing up in music, I got exposed to various instruments and brass, especially trombone, really spoke to me. Music shaped my life and the person I am, and I want to inspire other kids to pursue music too,” she says. 

Malenko followed her musical passion to UM where she not only developed her skill as a musician but also fully discovered a new passion area of becoming a teacher. What she loves most is that she still gets to learn while she’s teaching. 

“I think what’s cool about getting a degree is that you learn a variety of skills, and you can use those skills to become specialized in what you studied, or you can branch off and try something new.” 

The music community is tightknit in Manitoba, and Malenko likes that she can easily stay connected to her professors and classmates and be part of UM even though she’s not a student anymore. It’s this connection and opportunity to celebrate that prompted her to attend UM’s 2020 and 2021 Convocation Celebration. 

“We didn’t get to have anything in-person in 2020, so I’m looking forward for the chance to see the other people I would have graduated with and celebrate the success of my classmates. It really is going to be a once in a lifetime experience.” 

“Since graduating I’ve been given the opportunity to come back to UM and teach a plant science course to first year agriculture diploma students,” he says. “It was challenging at first, but I really enjoy it.” 

Giesbrecht’s interest in plants stemmed long before he decided to come to UM. He grew up on a farm and has always enjoyed the ag lifestyle. He’s been building his own plant-breeding business for the past 13 years, which he has now turned into his full-time job. 

“Protein Industries Canada helped fund a project which enabled me to expand my business into a commercial space with an indoor growth facility where I’m working to develop new field pea varieties.” 

Prior to UM, Giesbrecht worked for almost 20 years in the ag industry. He says it was early on in his career when he worked for a company that was heavily involved in research and variety development that sparked his interest in where he wanted his career to take him.  

“That interest only grew as time went on. I’m a very curious person, and I like doing research and exploring the intricacies of nature and creation so ag was just a natural fit for me.” 

Coming back to UM as a teacher feels full circle for Giesbrecht, as being in the program himself has helped him understand his students. While it was great to complete his diploma, the most valuable thing to him is the connections and relationships he’s built. He’s looking forward to the opportunity to celebrate that at UM’s 2020 and 2021 Convocation Celebration. 

“My wife really encouraged me to attend, and I want to celebrate with her and my kids. It will be a special moment for me and my family.” 

You’ll be in good company. Many people keep learning with us. In fact, in October, Extended Education celebrated its virtual (online) fall convocation, recognizing 305 graduates from 19 different programs including part-time programs like Management and Administration, Human Resource Management, and Municipal Administration.

For example, the Municipal Administration program is one of our partnership programs that connect us with our community. It is offered in long-time partnership with the Manitoba Municipal Administrators’ Association. Executive director, Adrienne Bestland, says, “The program arms our members with the ability to do a very difficult task, being Chief Administrative Officers of municipalities. It’s a specific skill set that isn’t necessarily acquired in any other program.”

Three grads share how they are now facing the pandemic, with the power of their new UM Certificate in Manitoba Municipal Administration (CMMA). As David Mandzuk, Acting Dean, Extended Education told his fall graduates, “Although there is much uncertainty that lies ahead, we have faith that all of you will be able to navigate any turbulence that lies ahead thanks to what you have learned in Extended Education.”

Jodi Thorkelsson, Municipal Administration Grad

Jodi Thorkelsson, West Interlake
Municipal Administration graduate, Jodi Thorkelsson is the administrative assistant for the Rural Municipality of West Interlake. She was born and raised in Ashern, Manitoba.

“The biggest challenge we’ve had is the constant release of updated health care recommendations, how we’ll be moving forward doing municipal operations. Now we have a lot more procedures and guidelines to make sure everyone is safe,” says Thorkelsson.

A friend originally suggested Thorkelsson apply for the job in the municipality. She’s been there for a few years now and really enjoys it. “The program helps me be a better administrator.”

More specifically, she built on her knowledge of municipal administration, governance, and budgeting. Having to prepare a budget was new to her, and she says she felt very prepared having taken the Municipal Finance course.

“In municipal government, we’re pretty quick to adapt. So I feel like COVID was just another one of those things that just pop up and you know, you just take the information you have and go from there.”

Laurel-Lee Kidd, Municipal Administration Grad

Laurel-Lee Kidd, Selkirk
Municipal Administration graduate, Laurel-Lee Kidd is an accounting clerk for the City of Selkirk. She lives in Selkirk, Manitoba.

“For me, I think, for the biggest challenge for municipalities on COVID is making sure that they are keeping their citizens safe and their municipality boundaries safe and making sure they’re adjusting their budget accordingly for any losses that may be happening because of the COVID,” says Kidd.

With the program, she increased her knowledge of the various acts that govern how a municipality operates including The Municipal Act. She adds her UM certificate to her resume, eagerly using her new knowledge in her work.

Kidd shared her graduation with her two young sons, eager to let them know that yes, you can continue your education and graduate from a program later in life. She also inspired her husband to consider continuing his education and moving into a new career, encouraging him to start looking at Extended Education.

“What I see are the numbers of what COVID is actually costing the city. So we’ve actually been lucky enough that we are almost pretty on par of not losing money because of COVID for some of our programming where as there are other municipalities by us that we are seeing are having really negative effects because of COVID.”

Paul Boily, Municipal Administration Grad

Paul Boily, La Broquerie
Municipal Administration graduate, Paul Boily is administration and finance clerk for the Rural Municipality of La Broquerie. He was born, raised, and continues to live in La Broquerie, Manitoba.

“Every part of how we operate has had to adapt to this and it’s been a challenge. Until now the public could easily come in and voice their concerns in-person and so on, and those are the things we need to make sure don’t get lost here. We still want the public engaged with their municipality and having their concerns heard,” says Boily.

Boily considers his municipality like one big family and enjoys his work, doing something to help his community. His Chief Administration Officer encouraged him to take the program and he was glad he did.

“Graduating was very enriching and it is something I will cherish for a long time. I grew as a person in the municipal world both personally and professionally.”

These grads have done it. You can too. May their success inspire you to learn more about our online, part-time programs today.

Explore programs and courses

As published in the Winnipeg Free Press

This is a momentous occasion; for you, and our community. I hope you can sense all of us – the thousands of us – here with you. Celebrating you.

This is my first convocation as President, and I have to say, it feels so good to be home.

Each one of you has tremendous potential and now, more than ever, it’s important that you share it with the world. We know you are ready.

Communities thrive though connections – ones that exchange ideas, spark innovation, meet challenges, respect and learn from one another. As you start a new journey you’ll notice how the U of M is closely linked to others throughout Manitoba and around the world. We are connected through research, partnerships with Indigenous communities and our ties with local organizations and industry.

It’s the power of people which elevates our communities and propels us to make a difference. We have a responsibility to turn our ideas, knowledge and skills into a new path forward for all of us. Our time – your time – is now.

Yan Wang, Bachelor of Science in Engineering – Computer, Price Faculty of Engineering

GOVERNOR GENERAL’S SILVER MEDAL – Awarded for outstanding achievement at the undergraduate level

When Yan Wang finished high school in Nanjing, China, he searched the world for a place to study and chose the University of Manitoba for its reputation for excellence in research.

“I think Winnipeg is a good place to study. It is very quiet and peaceful,” Wang says. “Many people hate the wintertime here, but, in my opinion, the long wintertime is helpful for focusing on study and research.”

Wang has a keen interest in Machine Learning (ML), especially in the area of reinforced learning.  Wang says machine learning has profoundly changed the world and will continue to change it.

“Machine Learning will have a wider application in the future. For example, a doctor will be able to use artificial intelligence to accelerate cancer diagnostic. Autopilot will be smarter and more useful to reduce accident rate,” Wang says.

Among his many awards and scholarships, Wang received the Dr. A.W. Hogg Undergraduate Scholarship and Isbister Scholarship in Engineering in 2017, the Price Scholarship in Engineering and the Grettir Eggertson Memorial Scholarship in 2018 and the Vaughn Betz Engineering Centenary Award and Dr. Kwan Chi Kao Scholarship in Computer Eng. in 2019.

Wang credits engineering professor Dr. Kinsner Witold for recognizing his love of research and motivating him to maintain a high standard of performance. He says Dr. Ian Jeffrey encouraged him to apply for a master’s degree and was “an enormous support” through the application process. He’s started graduate studies at the University of Alberta and hopes to find work in artificial intelligence after graduation.

Winning the Governor General’s Silver Medal is Yan Wang’s most treasured memory of UM.

“It’s a significant achievement and a recognition of my best efforts,” Wang says.

Rachel Jamie Veitch, Bachelor of Respiratory Therapy, College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences

UNIVERSITY GOLD MEDAL – Awarded for highest standing in an undergraduate faculty, college or school

UNIVERSITY PROGRAM MEDAL – Awarded for outstanding achievement in the College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences

When the UM’s double medal winner daydreams, she is lounging in a sunny Tuscan piazza enjoying the chef’s special of the day. But until travel is more of an option, Rachel Veitch, who won both the 2020 University Gold Medal and the University Program Medal will be celebrating in Manitoba.

Veitch lives and grew up in Rivers in southwestern Manitoba. She learned about UM’s Respiratory Therapy (RT) program in high school and set her sights on attending the University to complete the course.

“I’ve always been interested in science and biology and I like learning how things function,” Veitch says. “I felt I wanted to practice in a career where I was able to directly help people on a daily basis.”

Veitch has been working as a respiratory therapist at Brandon Regional Health Centre since May 2020. She says she decided to study respiratory therapy because clinicians work with people at many different stages of life.

“We are able to participate in the care of newborn babies to the elderly and I enjoyed the mix of being able to use our practical skills while also working with technology,” she says.

Veitch’s studies were supported by many UM scholarships including the President’s Scholarship in 2016, Manitoba Medical Foundation College Entrance Scholarship for Rehabilitation Sciences in 2017 and the University of Manitoba Emerging Leader Award in 2019.

Veitch credits her family for supporting her academic journey.

“Moving away from home for school meant I didn’t get to see my family as often as I would have liked, but they were always there to answer my phone calls when I needed to talk to them about school or had problems I needed help with….like tech help from Dad!” Veitch says.

Her favourite UM memories are of her friends in the program.

“As the RT program has such small class sizes and you are spending every day with the same group of people, you become quite close friends,” Veitch says. “Janelle Lazaro and Eric Yuen made lab classes particularly fun with their sense of humour and their ability to keep situations light.”

An exceptional student throughout her time at UM, her advice to future students is non-academic in nature. “Although the goal of attending university is to receive an education, it is also important to build connections,” Veitch says.

Humble beginnings

I started my MBA journey on August 15, 2018. I said goodbye to my family and friends and got onto a flight to take me to Canada. I was excited, overwhelmed, and alert all at the same time. I knew the next two years were going to be filled with exciting challenges and extensive learning opportunities.

All my friends and family back in India warned me about “Winter-peg” and kept reminding me to stay warm or else I would become an “icicle” as soon as I landed. So, there I was in August, leaving the Winnipeg Airport wearing a very warm jacket in 28-degree weather.

My first interaction with my soon-to-be closest friends was on Day 1 – The Fun Mountain Day. This event was an icebreaker organized by the Graduate Student Association as a way for all the new graduate students to interact with each other in a fun setting. I remember laughing and playing with my future classmates, trying to predict my dynamics with each of them. That day, I went to bed feeling good about the relationships I built. Soon after Day 1, came the long-awaited orientation. I remember waking up at 6 a.m., excited, and getting dressed for my segue into the MBA program. 

My first job in Canada was as a barista at the home of Canada’s favourite coffee shop – Tim Hortons. The great thing about the University of Manitoba is that it has numerous student jobs available on campus. This allowed me to interact with international students like me, meet a diverse group of people, and experience the politeness that “Friendly Manitoba” is known for. I must say, the affability of most of the customers there kept me smiling through my shifts — even at 7:30 a.m.

Meeting new friends at graduate student orientation. (Photo taken prior to COVID restrictions)

Even though my first term here was hectic, I experienced one of my most memorable moments in Winnipeg. My first snowfall! Coming from one of the most humid cities in India, seeing snow for the first time is an indescribable experience. I was sitting with my peers, preparing for my Managerial Economics exam the next day, when I looked out of the window and I realized it was snowing. I ran to my room, grabbed the first jacket I could find, and raced down to witness my glimpse of an early Christmas! Even now when I think back to that day, I am completely awed by the memory of the snowflakes falling on my jacket.

Everything in between

The rest of my MBA went by in the blink of an eye. My courses were enriched with various intriguing and riveting projects and assignments. But, an MBA is incomplete without the experiential learning that one gets outside the classroom. Asper provided me with many of these learning opportunities. I joined AMBASA (Asper MBA Student Association) and was chosen to represent the Asper MBA student body at the Graduate Student Association, where I interacted with various representatives from other departments and contributed to not only the Asper student body, but also to the University’s graduate student body as well.

I was also a part of the MBA games team both winters – 2019 and 2020. Participating in the MBA games allowed me to interact with various MBA students from different parts of Canada. I participated in a wide range of activities, from case competitions to volleyball matches. I was also given opportunities to interact with community business leaders through various departments at Asper.

The Asper MBA team at the 2020 MBA Games. (Photo take prior to COVID restrictions)

I also met my extremely supportive and encouraging mentor Ms. Deanna Traa, the CMO of Bold Commerce, through the Career Development Centre’s Executive Mentorship Program.
Since the first meeting she guided me in the right direction towards fulfilling my aspirations. I was also given multiple opportunities to deliver the thank you notes at events  including the RBC Future Female Leaders: Thriving in Diversity and the James W. Burns Speaker Series featuring Jeff Carney. Interacting with these top business executives gave me the confidence to charge towards my future endeavours. 

Bittersweet endings

Everyone knows it’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey. Here I stand, so close to the ending, with my virtual convocation coming up on October 22, 2020. My MBA journey has been remarkable and has posed as a ramp into my future. Now, thanks to my peers, professors, and the staff at Asper, I can take off into an exciting future.