ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
OUR ROOTS STRETCH BACK 140 YEARS
A R ICH HI STORY While The University of Winnipeg received its charter in 1967, the institution’s roots stretch back more than 145 years to an era of unprecedented growth and energy that gripped Winnipeg at the turn of last century. In 1938, Manitoba College and Wesley College joined forces to become United College, founded on the ideal that faith and politics can intersect to create lasting social change. Today, UWinnipeg’s vibrant urban campus — located on Treaty No. 1 land, in the heart of the Métis homeland — is home to approximately 14,000 students, faculty, staff, and researchers. With an interdisciplinary approach and undergraduate studies in arts, business and economics, education, kinesiology and applied health, and sciences — along with graduate programs; an English language program; Professional, Applied Continuing Education; and The Collegiate high school — UWinnipeg is a place that attracts and nurtures a rich diversity of learners who are ready to make a real world impact. The University of Winnipeg is committed to advancing reconciliation and is noted for academic excellence, Indigenous inclusion, environmental commitment, small class sizes, and campus diversity.
LUX ET VERITAS
SUPPLEMENT TO THE
BY THE NUMBERS $72,000
17
THE ORIGINAL COST TO BUILD WESLEY HALL
Manitoba College, UWinnipeg’s oldest founding college, opened in November 1871 with 17 students.
3008
50,000
STUDENTS ENROLLED IN 1967
UWinnipeg graduates to date
Congratulations, UWinnipeg! Proud to join you in celebrating 50 years of progress, partnerships and milestones.
Help us celebrate our rich history of growing leaders who make an impact, as we commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of The University of Winnipeg’s charter.
Duckworth Great Rock Climb
Party Like It’s 1967
Friday, September 8
Friday, September 15
Cheer on those who seek to conquer the rock at the 46th annual competition — a campus tradition. The current record to beat, set in 1979, is 9.4 seconds.
Join us for music, games, food, and fun at a 1960s-themed, Winnipeg-style social to help celebrate our Charter Day 50th anniversary! Admission is free.
Homecoming Weekend
UWinnipeg Legacy Dinner
September 14–17
Saturday, September 16
We invite all UWinnipeg alumni to our 2017 celebrations which will feature tours, reunions, the Alumni Wine and Cheese Reception, and much more.
At this very special event, we will honour our rich history of exceptional leaders who have made an impact on our community and beyond. Tickets are $100 per guest.
For more details on these events, visit:
UWINNIPEG.CA/50
ACTIVELY MAKING AN IMPACT MFS ® congratulates the University of Winnipeg as it celebrates 50 years of academic excellence, community and innovation.
Issued in Canada by MFS Investment Management Canada Limited. No securities commission or similar regulatory authority in Canada has reviewed this communication. Unless otherwise indicated, logos and product and service names are trademarks of MFS and its affiliates and may be registered in certain countries.
mfs.com
38588.1
PEOPLE OF IMPACT UWinnipeg’s story is made up of more than 50,000 stories: those of the many students, alumni, donors, faculty, and staff members who have made — and continue to make — an impact on our campus and on the world around them. Our Impact 50 project is a celebration of the collective impact of our rich and diverse University community. These are a few of the many researchers, educators, scholars, community builders, industry leaders, and UWinnipeg supporters who are making a difference.
Impact 50 is neither a ranking nor a list. It is a continually growing collection of stories — and we invite you to add yours. uwinnipeg.ca/impact
FRED PENNER
DIANE GRAY
Alumnus / Musician / Entertainer / Humanitarian
Alumna / Former Public Servant / Business Leader
Adored singer, songwriter, and entertainer, Fred Penner is synonymous with tremendous family fun. Renowned for his song The Cat Came Back, which resonates with children of all ages, Penner has entertained children across the country and around the world for decades. In 1991 he recieved the Order of Canada for his work as an entertainer and humanitarian.
An accomplished local business leader, Diane Gray is the founding president and CEO of CentrePort Canada — North America’s largest inland port. She has been instrumental in developing the unconventional idea into a 20,000-acre national and international transportation hub that continues to expand and thrive.
JAMIL MAHMOOD
MARY YOUNG
Alumnus / Community Leader / Advocate
Alumna / Indigenous Advocate / Former Faculty Member
Hundreds of youth in Winnipeg’s West End have access to a 24-hour safe space thanks to International Development Studies graduate, Jamil Mahmood. He has also helped create youth sports teams, homework clubs, and drop-in programming for inner-city and refugee youth in the neighbourhood, which is one of the poorest urban areas in Canada.
The late Mary Young was an inspirational mentor and advocate who worked diligently to reconnect many Indigenous youths with their home communities, cultures, and languages. She worked to help residential school survivors combat discrimination, incorporate the wisdom of Elders into modern society, and ensure the survival of Indigenous languages.
DR. LOIS WILSON
KATRINA LECLERC
Alumna / Minister / Diplomat / Author / Human Rights Advocate
Alumna / Youth Leader / Human Rights Advocate
After graduating from United College in 1950, Dr. Lois Wilson was ordained in the United Church. She is widely known for being the first woman moderator of the United Church of Canada and for her work in government. She is a Companion of the Order of Canada and a recipient of the Pearson Medal of Peace.
Katrina Leclerc is the Lead Youth Advisor for Manitoba Senator Marilou McPhedran. She works to bring Canadian youth from all walks of life together to create engagement, demystify the Senate, and learn about relevant youth issues. She is a bilingual young woman whose passions lie in good governance and international women’s rights.
CONGRATULATIONS ON AN AMAZING FIRST Wishing UWinnipeg many more years of success as a centre of academic excellence, world-class athletics and outstanding community engagement.
Canadian Mennonite University congratulates
University of Winnipeg on their 50th anniversary! CMU is pleased to collaborate with UW through the contribution of Menno Simons College and other shared initiatives.
CANADIAN MENNONITE UNIVERSITY
A UNIQUE APPROACH TO CAMPUS AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
The University of Winnipeg Community Renewal Corporation (UWCRC) is a values-driven, not-for-profit charitable development corporation, founded in 2005. According to UWCRC’s Managing Director, Sherman Kreiner, the organization is guided by a four-pillared concept of sustainability: environmental, social, economic, and cultural. “We actively seek opportunities to develop innovative projects in creative partnerships with community, private, and public sector organizations.” Since its creation, UWCRC has developed and/ or managed over $200 million in downtown capital projects, including the Axworthy Health and RecPlex, the Buhler Centre, Leatherdale Hall (expansion to Wesley Hall), McFeetors Hall: Great-West Life Student Residence, and the Richardson College for the Environment and Science Complex. UWCRC also served as project manager for the University of Winnipeg Student Association’s day care and is currently involved as the project manager for its expansion.
Most of UWCRC’s projects have received environmental sustainability, design, and/ or accessibility awards, including five LEED designations, and have been featured in various architectural, engineering, construction, scholarly, and community publications. UWCRC recently completed the $31 million Downtown Commons, a mixed-income residential tower at 320 Colony Street (August 2016). The building features a combination of premium, market, and affordable apartment units — with an innovative design that supports a diverse community and encourages sustainable living. Tenants include newcomer, refugee, Indigenous, and student families, along with seniors and professionals. UWCRC is also serving as the developer and project manager for the much anticipated Merchants Hotel project on Selkirk Avenue (to be completed December 2017), which incorporates commercial, community, university, and residential uses.
UWCRC, in partnership with SEED Winnipeg, also founded Diversity Foods, a social enterprise that provides food service on UWinnipeg’s campus, Fort Whyte Alive, and The Players Golf Course. Diversity Foods is recognized by the AASHE STARS program as having the most sustainable campus food program in Canada, and provides jobs to more than 100 individuals with barriers to employment, including newcomers and Indigenous residents in the University neighbourhood. While UWCRC was initially created to address UWinnipeg’s infrastructure needs and fortify its role in downtown revitalization, UWCRC’s board expanded its mandate in 2016 and established another arm that will mobilize the development corporation’s expertise: UWCRC 2.0. “The goal of UWCRC 2.0 is to apply the skills, competence, experience, and principles that UWCRC has developed over the last ten years to further revitalize diverse urban communities,” said Kreiner. UWCRC 2.0 is currently engaged in several development projects for post-secondary and community organizations — including the provision of pre-development services for Brandon University’s downtown campus project. Sound planning and design are important to UWCRC and UWCRC 2.0 and their projects, which incorporate innovative green technologies and green transportation features. All buildings are constructed to a minimum LEED Silver (or equivalent) standard and incorporate elements of social and cultural sustainability and community development. Consistent with UWinnipeg’s commitment to Indigenization, UWCRC and UWCRC 2.0 also provide capacity-building supports to First Nation and Métis clients in business and economic development.
FROM THE ARCHIVES 03.
05. 01.
06. IMAGE 01. Library card catalogues, 1971 IMAGE 02. UWinnipeg students take part in the annual Great Rock Climb, 1975
02.
04.
IMAGE 03. Registration day in Ashdown Hall, 1967 IMAGE 04. United College students in Manitoba Hall, 1960s
IMAGE 05. First Spring Convocation at Manitoba Centennnial Centre Concert Hall, 1968 IMAGE 06. Students gathered in Riddell Hall, 1976
CAMPUS SUSTAINABILITY: A COLLECTIVE EFFORT From banning the sale of bottled water to retrofitting the heating system on campus, The University of Winnipeg’s sustainability accomplishments over the last decade have resulted from a collective effort. The University’s first sustainability strategy, formally adopted in 2006, marked the coming together of existing sustainability initiatives by students, faculty, and staff. “A team of leaders and champions from all over campus came forward to work environmental and social responsibility into the fabric of our day-to-day decisions. This team recognized the importance of walking the talk,” said Alana Lajoie-O’Malley, Senior Advisor, UWinnipeg Research and Sustainability. The first strategy created targets for significant greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction, environmentally responsible procurement, waste reduction, sustainable transportation, water management, and social sustainability. Today,
sustainability and environmental stewardship is an ingrained part of UWinnipeg’s culture and academic mission. Sustainability is also a core principle of UWinnipeg’s Strategic Directions and its Integrated Academic and Research Plan. UWinnipeg has established itself as a leader in sustainability with achievements that include: decreasing GHG emissions by 32% — despite a 48% increase in the University’s physical footprint since 1990; introducing a campus-wide compost program; becoming the first cosmetic pesticide-free campus in Manitoba; and committing to LEED Silver standards (or better) for all new buildings. However, Lajoie-O’Malley stresses that the work is far from over. To keep progressing, the University’s sustainability strategy is regularly reviewed and updated, with a new one just approved by the Board of Regents and set to be released this fall.
“The new strategy builds on this foundation to support more integrated collective action,” said Lajoie-O’Malley. “We want to grow our connections to the many communities we belong to, and we want our work to contribute in meaningful, substantial ways to the fundamental transformations required to address climate change, and to ensure the health and vitality of people and the ecosystems that sustain us.”
Since 1990, we have reduced greenhouse gas emmissions by 32% while growing the campus footprint by 48%.
Congratulations to the University of Winnipeg on their 50th Anniversary. Manitoba Hydro Power Smart* is proud to have supported the University of Winnipeg with its long-standing commitment to reduce energy use and demonstrated leadership on both energy efficient design of new buildings and extensive renovations to existing facilities.
With its history of advancing social justice, the University of Winnipeg stands as a beacon for students from all walks of life. At Grant Thornton LLP, we’re proud to be associated with this diverse, innovative, progressive university, and we look forward to their achievements over the next 50 years. Winnipeg 94 Commerce Drive T +1 204 944 0100
Improve energy efficiency and lower operating costs. Visit hydro.mb.ca/psfb Available in accessible formats upon request.
*Manitoba Hydro is a licensee of the Trademark and Official Mark.
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ADVANCING RECONCILIATION AND SHARING KNOWLEDGE Located on Treaty No. 1 land, in the heart of the Métis homeland, The University of Winnipeg is is one of the top universities in the country for Indigenous participation, with 12 percent of incoming students self-identifying as First Nations, Métis, and Inuit. UWinnipeg is committed to advancing reconciliation, and in 2015 joined with other Manitoba educational partners in signing the Indigenous Education Blueprint, which acts on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s recommendations. UWinnipeg is one of the first universities in Canada to develop and introduce a mandatory Indigenous course requirement for all undergraduate students, which aims to ensure that all students have a foundational knowledge about Indigenous people and culture. More than 1,500 students signed up for this opportunity since September 2016.
Congratulations
PROGRAMS AND INITIATIVES UWinnipeg has implemented a wide range of programs and initiatives to promote Indigenous traditional knowledge and perspectives. We are guided by an Indigenous Advisory Circle, and we are expanding Indigenous language courses in Ojibwe and Cree, recognizing the central role of language as carrier of culture and community identity. We recently launched the Indigenous Summer Scholars Program, which supported eight outstanding Indigenous students who spent their summer researching projects ranging from clean water on First Nations to using art and digital media to create new dialogues in Canada. Also this summer, in partnership with the City of Winnipeg, 20 Indigenous and non-Indigenous students learned about each other while working with inner-city agencies. YouthUnited@Winnipeg was specifically designed with an overarching theme of reconciliation. UWinnipeg has a strong community learning outreach focus, recognizing that reaching children early helps foster a university-bound identity. Through our Wii Chiiwaakanak Learning Centre, a community partnership initiative, we provide free programming to more than 20,000 community members per year, including after-school youth programs focusing on culturally appropriate activities. These programs are almost entirely funded by generous private donors. We have developed and are offering a program called Indigenous Insights to help people working in the private sector, health, education, and justice fields better understand Indigenous cultures and histories.
university o f w i n n i pe g on your
50th a n n i v e r s a ry Your outstanding contributions to post-secondary education strengthen our community. Together, through opportunities like our joint master’s programs, we are producing the next generation of leaders. We look forward to our continued partnership.
BRIGHT NEW SPACE ENCOURAGES CONNECTIONS
“The Commons” in Leatherdale Hall (pictured at left) is a space for 60 people that is designed to support lectures and community events.
NY’S O T
C
AN
N E TE
Coinciding with The University of Winnipeg’s 50th anniversary, the new Leatherdale Hall has opened its doors on campus. This modern meeting space for students and the community was made possible by a generous lead gift of $2.5 million from Louise and the late Dr. Douglas Leatherdale. Adjacent to historic Wesley Hall and connected to Convocation Hall, the addition enhances UWinnipeg’s ability to bring people together to share ideas and knowledge. It includes the resurrection of Tony’s Canteen, a beloved gathering space for many. The new flexible space can seat 150 people and can be converted to a lecture hall, reception area, and break-out room for conferences. In 1953, a teenaged Dr. Leatherdale moved from his family farm in Morden, Manitoba to attend United College (now UWinnipeg) and maintained a lifelong connection to his alma mater. Passionate about education, the Leatherdales have generously contributed more than $6.5 million towards the renewal and construction of essential campus spaces, student supports, and a strengthened academic environment.
Named after Tony Kozyra, Tony’s Canteen was a meeting place for faculty, students, and graduates. Hundreds of parties and socials were planned at the original salmon-coloured tables in the basement of Wesley Hall. Whenever there were late-night events or students studying for exams, Tony kept the canteen open long after midnight — and many graduates can still recall the free cup of coffee from Tony when he knew tuition was due. Despite Kozyra’s passing in 1965, the canteen remained a fixture on campus until 2007 and was fondly recognized by students, faculty, and staff. A new iteration of Tony’s Canteen now lives on inside the recently opened Leatherdale Hall.
“Doug credited this institution with changing his life,” said Louise Leatherdale, widow of the late Dr. Douglas Leatherdale. “This campus has always held a special place in our hearts, so to have the opportunity to give back and be a part of this community for so many years is truly an honour.” “The Leatherdale family’s passion for education and building capacity in our community is an inspiration to all of us,” said Dr. Annette Trimbee, UWinnipeg President and Vice-Chancellor. “Leatherdale Hall is a bright and welcoming space that encourages conversations and connections, both for our students and the broader community.”
Louise and Dr. Doug Leatherdale
A full house in the original basement location, 1956.
Congratulations to the University of Winnipeg. Thank you for investing in our community and for your continued commitment to education.
At Eckler, we are celebrating our own milestone this year. Our people shape our culture with the passion and insight we bring to work every day. We are proud to be an advisor to the University of Winnipeg and look forward to many more years of growing strong together.
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SHARING KNOWLEDGE TO BENEFIT THE COMMUNITY The University of Winnipeg’s world-class researchers are taking their expertise out into the field to share and collaborate with the broader community. We call this knowledge mobilization, which means using our academic expertise for the benefit of many. From cancer research to fighting Dutch elm disease, here are some of the ways UWinnipeg professors are making an impact.
SAVING OUR TREES
DETECTING CANCER
This summer, in cooperation with the City of Winnipeg, UWinnipeg’s Centre for Forest Interdisciplinary Research conducted field research to detect and slow the spread of Dutch elm disease. Dr. Richard Westwood and two students monitored infected trees to determine the best candidates for rapid removal. This could significantly minimize the movement of disease-carrying beetles to healthy elm trees.
Dr. Anuraag Shrivastav’s research focuses on cell signaling pathways and the variations in signals that lead to the growth of cancer cells. Shrivastav and his team are currently developing a blood test that will aid in the early detection and diagnosis of colorectal cancers. The blood test is less invasive, and more sensitive than current diagnostic tools.
HELPING REFUGEES SUCCEED
ANALYZING OUR SOLAR SYSTEM
AIDING INDIGENOUS MOTHERS
The plight of refugees fleeing war is in the news daily as Canada accepts and integrates 30,000 people from Syria — more than half of whom are under the age of 17. Dr. Jan Stewart is leading a Canadian study aimed at helping refugee youth navigate school. This research can be used in classrooms to help educators do what’s best for refugee children so they can succeed in their new country.
In 2016, when NASA launched a spacecraft from the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida, UWinnipeg geography professor Dr. Ed Cloutis was part of the team. The seven-year space trip is collecting a sample from an asteroid. The mission will help scientists address the origin of our solar system, and where the Earth may have gotten its water.
When a woman from a Northern Manitoba First Nation is going to have a baby, she often makes the long journey to Winnipeg alone, leaving behind her family and community support system. This causes unnecessary stress and potential harm to both mother and infant. Dr. Jaime Cidro is the principle investigator looking at Indigenous doulas as a cultural intervention for First Nations women. She works closely with the First Nations Health and Social Secretariat of Manitoba.
UWinnipeg offers undergraduate students a wellrounded academic experience that includes valuable opportunities to engage in research alongside faculty in a vast array of topics. “University of Winnipeg students often find themselves fully engaged in all aspects of research,” said Dr. Jino Distasio, Vice-President, Research and Innovation. “The outcome is transferable skills, offering our students the ability to learn to collect and analyze data, write reports and articles, and to present findings in various settings.” Honours chemistry student Kelsey Duncan is working with Dr. Christopher Wiebe on nanotechnology research. This summer she went to the prestigious Grenoble Institute of Technology/ Institut Polytechnique de Grenoble in Grenoble, France to continue her study.
“The University of Winnipeg is a great place to get involved as there is so much support available,” said Duncan. “The smaller environment at our university offers undergrads access to opportunities that are often reserved only for graduate students at other institutions.” Participation in research programs at UWinnipeg gives students the rare opportunity as an undergraduate to publish their research in peer-reviewed journals and present at national and international conferences. For example, third-year physical chemistry student Megan Rutherford recently took a top prize at the Canadian Chemistry Conference and Exhibition in Toronto. Similarly, fourth-year science honours student Mohamed Abo Aoun received the 2017 American Society of Pharmacognosy (ASP) Research Award. Abo Aoun will present his research at next year’s ASP meeting at Lexington, Kentucky.
STUDENT RESEARCH ABOUNDS
Congratulations on 50 extraordinary years of leadership in research and education!
190 Rupert Avenue / Winnipeg, Manitoba @ManitobaMuseum ManitobaMuseum.ca
Kelsey Duncan (pictured left) and Megan Rutherford (right).