St. Paul’s College to Honour Ignatian Society’s 2024 Magis Prize Recipients at the Celebration of Giving and Sharing

St. Paul’s College will celebrate the outstanding contributions of several remarkable individuals at its 2024 Celebration of Giving and Sharing event on Tuesday, November 26. The event will recognize those who have embodied the spirit of being a “person for others,” reflecting the core values of the Ignatian tradition. The evening will include the presentation of the Magis Awards, which honour individuals and groups who demonstrate innovation, peacebuilding, leadership, and service to others.

The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. with Vespers in the Christ the King Chapel, followed by a cocktail reception in Hanley Hall at 6:00 p.m. The presentation of the Magis Awards will take place at 6:30 p.m. During this time, St. Paul’s College will celebrate the exceptional achievements of four outstanding community members: Leanne Boyd, Reverend Rudolph LeMaître, Dr. Raymond Currie, and Michelle and Rick Soenen.

The Magis Award, derived from the Latin word meaning “more” or “greater,” is presented to those who go above and beyond to make a lasting positive impact in their community. This year’s recipients have made transformative contributions across a range of fields, including social work, community service, reconciliation, and leadership.

Leanne Boyd: Magis Award for Ingenuity and Innovation

St. Paul’s College is proud to recognize Leanne Boyd, a distinguished social worker and mental health advocate, for her groundbreaking work in community service and child and youth mental health. Boyd’s visionary leadership includes her role in developing services at the Manitoba Adolescent Treatment Centre and the Healthy Child Manitoba Initiative, which has helped countless families and children. Her work has advanced mental health outcomes and promoted inclusion and social justice in Manitoba. Inspired by her father’s legacy in social work, Boyd’s career exemplifies the Magis spirit of innovation and dedication to others.

Reverend Rudolph LeMaître: Magis Award for Service to Others

St. Paul’s College is also pleased to honour Reverend Rudolph LeMaître with the Magis Award for Service to Others. LeMaître’s life is defined by a deep commitment to service, spanning agriculture, social work, teaching, and chaplaincy. As one of Canada’s longest-serving deacons, LeMaître has spent decades helping individuals through personal and spiritual challenges. His years of dedication to serving the religious and broader community embody the values of selfless service and compassion. This recognition celebrates his enduring impact on those he has helped throughout his remarkable career.

Raymond Currie: Magis Award for Peace and Reconciliation

Dr. Raymond Currie, former Dean of the Faculty of Arts at the University of Manitoba, will receive the Magis Award for Peace and Reconciliation. Currie’s lifelong commitment to reconciliation and social justice is exemplified in his founding of Circles for Reconciliation, a movement designed to foster understanding and build bridges between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. Through his work with organizations like Special Olympics and Villa Rosa and his leadership in academic governance, Currie has demonstrated a profound commitment to advancing social equity and community engagement. His efforts continue to inspire others to work toward a more inclusive and just society.

Michelle and Rick Soenen: Magis Award for Influence and Leadership

Finally, St. Paul’s College will honour Michelle and Rick Soenen with the Magis Award for Influence and Leadership. The Soenens, whose careers span finance, accounting, and education, have made a lasting impact professionally and philanthropically. Michelle, a Chartered Professional Accountant, and Rick, a long-time finance leader, have contributed significantly to organizations like the St. Paul’s College Foundation. The Soenens have created a lasting legacy centred on faith, community, and generosity through their leadership, mentorship, and charitable giving. Their dedication to supporting education and nurturing the next generation of leaders is a testament to their shared commitment to making a difference.

 Join Us in Celebrating These Exceptional Individuals

The Celebration of Giving and Sharing is an opportunity for the St. Paul’s College community to reflect on the importance of service, leadership, and community engagement. The evening promises to be a meaningful occasion to honour these extraordinary individuals and to reaffirm our collective commitment to building a compassionate and just society.

Parking is available in Q Lot, located across from St. Paul’s College.

RSVP: To attend the event, please RSVP by Friday, November 15 by calling (204) 474-9148 or emailing spcfoundation@umanitoba.ca.

For more information on the 2024 Magis Award recipients, visit Celebration of Giving and Sharing.

St. Paul's College