Top stories of 2019

Another amazing year comes to a close at UM and we would like to share some of our most noteworthy stories from 2019.

Alumnus wins Nobel Prize in Physics

In October, the Swedish Academy of Sciences announced that a UM alumnus, acclaimed cosmologist Dr. James Peebles [BSc(Hons)/58, DSc/89], had won the 2019 Nobel Prize in Physics.

Dr. Peebles, professor emeritus at Princeton University, was cited for “theoretical discoveries in physical cosmology,” and shares the award with two Swiss astronomers, Michel Mayor, 77, and Didier Queloz, 53, who discovered a planet orbiting a binary star.

During a news conference on Oct. 8, Peebles expressed gratitude to the University of Manitoba. “I’m deeply indebted to the department of physics and its faculty and fellow students for showing me that I love physics.” Read more.

University of Manitoba announces 12th President and Vice-Chancellor

The University of Manitoba announced in November it had appointed a demonstrated bridge-builder and a committed leader in community engagement, a sought-after global economic outlook expert, and a proud Manitoban, Dr. Michael Benarroch, as its 12th president and vice-chancellor.

Raised in Winnipeg, Dr. Benarroch will take office as UM president and vice-chancellor on July 1, 2020, succeeding Dr. David T. Barnard, who completes 12 years of distinguished service as president.

Dr. Benarroch is currently the provost and vice-president, academic at Ryerson University in Toronto, a role he has held since 2017, providing leadership as Ryerson’s chief academic officer and chief operating officer. Prior to his time at Ryerson, he led the I. H. Asper School of Business at the University of Manitoba as dean, and was founding dean of the Faculty of Business and Economics at the University of Winnipeg. Read more.

Head of the class

He remembers how nervous he was his first day at the University of Manitoba. Backpack in tow‚ he navigated through the Isbister Building and found his classroom. Students‚ all older than him‚ had begun to trickle in. The 19-year-old took his place at the front‚ wearing a carefully chosen blazer and bowtie to offset his boyish looks.

“My name is Aandeg Muldrew and I’ll be your instructor.”

It was two years ago that Muldrew became the university’s youngest sessional instructor‚ teaching introductory Ojibwe at the Faculty of Arts Language Centre. Read more.

UM enters new era with appointment of first-ever VP (Indigenous)

Dr. Catherine Cook is the University of Manitoba’s inaugural Vice-President (Indigenous). On Oct. 29, 2019, the Executive Committee, on behalf of the Board of Governors, approved the appointment of Dr. Cook, Vice-Dean (Indigenous) in the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, to the position of Vice-President (Indigenous), for an interim period to June 30, 2022.

“Dr. Cook has been a strong contributor to the University of Manitoba both within her home faculty and across the university. Her insight has been widely sought-after by governments, boards and agencies, and she has excelled as a leader, an advisor and a collaborator,” said President David Barnard.

Dr. Cook will transition from her responsibilities in the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences to the Vice-President (Indigenous) position, beginning Jan. 1, 2020. Read more.

University of Manitoba injects $2.4 billion into city and province

More than $2.4 billion in province-wide economic activity is stimulated by the University of Manitoba, according to a study released in December.

The University of Manitoba Economic Impact Analysis for 2014-2019, produced by PricewaterhouseCoopers and commissioned by the University of Manitoba, shows that the University has far-reaching positive impacts upon all Manitobans. Read more.

Six minds that will change our society now call the U of M home

A record six University of Manitoba graduate students are recipients of 2019 Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships.

These awards, considered the Canadian equivalent of the United Kingdom’s Rhodes Scholarships, help recruit and keep in Canada top doctoral students from across the country and around the world. Read more.

University of Manitoba unveils new logo

The university began exploring the evolution of its brand in 2018. Since then, more than 7,000 students, faculty, alumni, donors and community partners have joined in the conversation, including many who participated in brand focus group sessions across Manitoba, as well as in Calgary and Toronto.

While the brand story is still evolving, a new logo was unveiled in June.

The U of M’s new visual identity reflects a brand that positions the university as a welcoming and inclusive community uniquely strengthened by Indigenous knowledges and perspectives. The new logo acknowledges the past and looks forward to the future, expressing a strong connection to the Prairies, learning in a digital world and a commitment to reconciliation. Read more.

University welcomes $10 million gift, new graduate school

The University of Manitoba has received a transformational gift to the Front and Centre campaign that will enhance the I.H. Asper School of Business’ role as a leader in business education and research.

Stu Clark, an esteemed alumnus and entrepreneur, has donated $10 million to the I.H. Asper School of Business at University of Manitoba. In recognition of this gift, the university is establishing the Stu Clark Graduate School at the I.H. Asper School of Business. Read more.

Applied Health Sciences student takes top spot at 3MT finals

Kevin Boreskie practiced his Three Minute Thesis (3MT) while driving in his vehicle with the radio cranked up. He thought that if he could master his presentation with that much distraction, he was set to succeed.

This creative method of preparation paid off for the doctoral student in Applied Health Sciences, a joint program between the College of Rehabilitation Sciences and the Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management. Boreskie took home the Dr. Archie McNicol Prize for First Place ($2,500) at the 3MT finals held on March 18 on the Fort Garry campus. Read more.

2019 Distinguished Alumni Awards Celebration of Excellence

Over six decades, the Distinguished Alumni Awards have celebrated outstanding University of Manitoba alumni including Olympians, Nobel prize winners, and world-renowned advocates of human rights.

On May 8, 2019, at the University of Manitoba Distinguished Alumni Awards, five new recipients were welcomed into this list of esteemed individuals. This year, the awards celebration returned to the university’s Fort Garry campus, where the Manitoba Room in UMSU University Centre was transformed into a multi-stage event, complete with musical productions and inspiring conversations. Read more.

UM Today Staff