2022 Magis Prize Recipients
2022 Celebration of Giving and Sharing honours award winners
Organized by the St. Paul’s College Ignatian Society
It was a “full house” at this year’s Vegas-themed Celebration of Giving and Sharing at St. Paul’s College. After three years of being unable to meet in person due to the pandemic, there were a great many smiles, hugs, and joy-filled laughter as familiar faces came together in person for this favoured event. Organized by the St. Paul’s College Ignatian Society, alumni and friends, the Celebration of Giving and Sharing is enjoyed each fall before the commencement of Advent. Starting almost 13 years ago, the open house event invites the accomplishments of our alumni, supporters, volunteers, students, staff, and faculty to be acknowledged and celebrated.
The College’s new Chaplin, Fr. Mark Filips, began the evening in Christ the King Chapel with a service of evening prayer and a reflection upon ‘The Widow’s Offering’ (Gospel of Luke 21.1-4). Guests then proceeded to Hanley Hall for a Vegas-themed evening of games, delicious food served by the Belltower Café and wonderful company among friends and associates of the College’s community.
The evening culminated in the presentation of the 2022 St. Paul’s College Ignatian Society Magis Prizes presented by alumnus Cynthia Uzozie (UM/SPC’18), student member Jasmine Tavares, and Ignatian Society Stick of Office Victoria Nwabuisi (UM/SPC’20). The Magis Prizes are given to recognize those in our community who have exemplified doing more for others in the areas of innovation, peacebuilding, leadership, and service for others.
Pillars in our community, through their leadership, generosity and commitment to service, Ruth and Steve Chipman [LL.B UM/SPC SPC’72’73’75’82] were awarded the “Magis Prize for Influence and Leadership.” Active members of the Christian Life Community, Ruth, and Steve’s many voluntary works include serving on boards and volunteer committees and developing numerous initiatives. Most notably for 19 years, Ruth and Steve organized and led the Immaculate Conception Drop-In and Parish Soup Kitchen in Winnipeg’s North End. Together, they have inspired many in our community to do the same.
For a lifetime of service to students and our community, Sister Susan Wikeem [B.A UM/SPC 1974] was awarded the “Magis Prize for Service for Others.” During her 36 years of service as a teacher, a principal and a Director of St. Mary’s Academy, Sr. Wikeem has guided, motivated and supported countless students along with members of her greater community to become more. She has also obtained a degree in canon law and is a highly sought-after leader in volunteer governance.
Passionate about helping people and organizations achieve their dreams and potential, Dave Jaworski [B.Sc UM/SPC 82] received the “Magis Prize for Ingenuity and Innovation.” David’s exciting career with innovative endeavours has helped organizations in multiple industries across the globe including such endeavors as (RED)’s digital music magazine – with (RED) and U2 to fight AIDS in Africa. He was the third employee at Microsoft Canada and was instrumental in launching Microsoft’s Canadian operation and was awarded the first-ever Bill Gates’ Chairman’s Award of Excellence, recognizing him as Microsoft’s #1 employee. Dave and his team created the original “Microsoft Office”. Unable to attend in person, his parents and uncle received the award on his behalf.
One of the first Peace and Conflict Studies professors at the University of Manitoba, Dr. Jessica Senehi received the “Magis Prize for Peace and Reconciliation.” Serving as Associate Director of the Arthur V. Mauro Institute for Peace and Justice at St. Paul’s College from 2003 through 2014, she also established the Winnipeg International Storytelling Festival: Storytelling on the Path to Peace (2006) and the award-winning graduate-level Summer Institute for Peace and Renewing Community (2007). She and her husband Dr. Sean Byrne with their daughter Katie have made Winnipeg and St. Paul’s College their home.
The Celebration of Giving and Sharing has become a waypoint in the year for our community to reconnect, recognize accomplishments and enjoy each other’s presence. We wish a heartfelt thank you to each volunteer and everyone who attended, shared in our community by coming together and celebrating each other.
