2024 Distinguished Alumni Awards recipients revealed

Meet the honourees for the upcoming September celebration 

Whether they pushed the envelope in business, community health, research, community service, or storytelling, the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients have all had a major impact both locally and around the world. 

This year’s recipients were chosen from an impressive selection of grads who were nominated by their peers.  

On behalf of the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Awards Committee chair, The Honourable Dr. Pat Bovey [LLD/21], and her fellow panelists including previous award and honourary degree recipients, Alumni Council representatives, and alumni leaders, the University of Manitoba is delighted to announce the recipients for 2024 are:   

• Lifetime Achievement: Steve Kroft [BA/88] – Throughout his career, Kroft has served as an inspiration, not only through his ambitious entrepreneurship and relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence in business but also through his remarkable devotion to community service at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, CancerCare Manitoba Foundation, Business Council  of Manitoba, and the University of Manitoba, among others. Through this work, Kroft has shown a commitment to enhancing and improving life for all Manitobans. 
• Professional Achievement: Dr. Joss Reimer [MD/08, MPH/13] – Dr. Reimer has been one of the most important medical voices in our province, leading arguably the most effective COVID-19 vaccine rollout program across Canada, and her leadership continues to result in the saving of lives and long-term health for Manitobans and for all Canadians as the incoming President of the Canadian Medical Association. 
• Academic Innovation: Dr. Harvey Max Chochinov [MD/83, PhD/98] – One of the most prolific and respected researchers in supportive and palliative care in the world today, Dr. Chochinov’s research-informed best practices are recognized globally for enhancing the psychological well-being and quality-of-life of patients with advanced disease. 
• Community Service: Michael Robertson [BA/98, MArch/04] – Robertson’s commitment to community service is deeply rooted in his character, and he’s demonstrated that in many ways through his  commitment to the United Way of Winnipeg, his projects with the Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre and in his service to UM over the years as a member of the President’s Advisory Council, Board of Governors and the Faculty of Architecture’s Partners Program board. 
• Outstanding Young Alumni: Chimwemwe Undi [BA(Adv)/16, JD/20] – A vocal truth teller, poet, and published author, Undi is unafraid of calling out injustices, and she has demonstrated her commitment to her causes both while at UM serving as Vice Chair (External) of the Robson Hall Outlaws (LGBT2SQ+ Student Group) and Chair of the Robson Hall Feminist Legal Forum.  She is also an associate at TDS law firm, a member of the Canadian Association of Black Lawyers and is the Winnipeg Poet Laureate for 2023 and 2024. 

“We have been honouring  alumni at the Distinguished Alumni Awards for 65 years now, and every year it is still so exciting to learn about and share the amazing stories of the recipients,” says Tracy Bowman, Executive Director of Alumni Relations. “UM alumni are not just achievers. They’re the movers and shakers, the ones out there making waves in every corner and industry you can imagine. I look forward to celebrating UM’s alumni accomplishments this year and for many more years to come.”  

Be sure to save the date and be a part of recognizing these remarkable UM alumni! The 2024 Distinguished Alumni Awards Celebration of Excellence 65th Anniversary Gala will take place the evening of Thursday, September 19 as part of Homecoming 2024 – tickets are on sale now. For more information about becoming a sponsor, please contact Roslyn Dally.  

If you know an extraordinary UM alum who deserves to be showcased at the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Awards Celebration of Excellence, we want to hear from you! Visit our website for more information.

UM Today staff