Supporting continued excellence: UM launches ESSENCE project for senior scholars and emeriti

UM’s faculty are at the heart of the university, leading its teaching mission and advancing knowledge through their research. Among this community, a deeply valued group is our Emeriti and Senior Scholars.

These long-serving members of the university bring a wealth of experience and expertise, continuing to contribute to academic life even after stepping back from full-time, tenured positions.

To enhance this engagement, the ESSENCE project – Emeriti and Senior Scholars Engaged in Navigating Continued Excellence – has been launched. Led by the Office of the Vice-Provost (Academic Affairs) and funded by the 2025–2026 Strategic Initiatives Support Fund, the ESSENCE project offers new ways to connect, collaborate and celebrate the ongoing contributions of Emeriti and Senior Scholars. It also supports UM’s commitment to age inclusivity and strengthens our designation as an Age-Friendly University.

“The ESSENCE Project seeks to celebrate and strengthen the engagement of our Emeriti and Senior Scholars, individuals whose wisdom and contributions continue to shape the University of Manitoba,” says Tracey Peter, Vice-Provost (Academic Affairs). “Through connection, mentorship and collaboration, we aim to honour their legacy while creating new opportunities for shared growth and discovery.”

Emeriti and senior scholars, along with invited guests, listen to presentations at the ESSENCE project launch event on September 29, 2025.

Several initiatives were introduced at a kick-off networking event held on September 29, designed to support the continuation of academic work, foster knowledge transfer to the next generation of academics, and strengthen a sense of community.

New programs and benefits

Intergenerational Research Planning Grant

This funding opportunity, offering up to $5,000, supports collaboration between emeriti/senior scholars and early career researchers (within five years of beginning their careers). The goal is to foster mentorship, knowledge exchange, and joint planning for future research. (The current application period has now closed.)

Complimentary resources

Emeriti and Senior Scholars can apply for an M365 A3 license and enjoy complimentary parking when visiting campus for academic purposes.

Emeriti and Senior Scholars Newsletter

The inaugural issue of this new publication was distributed in August 2025, with the goal to keep community members informed about news and events and offer a place for reflection, reconnection and recognition. Members are invited to join the editorial team or contribute content ideas.

Peter Zadraka and Robert Shiu, professors emeriti, reconnect at the ESSENCE project launch event.

Events

Regularly programming is being offered for Emeriti and Senior Scholars at the UMGSA Lounge in UMSU University Centre. Visit the UM events calendar (category Academics: Emeriti and Senior Scholars) for information on upcoming events.

MomentUM Mentorship Program – coming soon!

Stay tuned for details on this new program designed to connect Emeriti and Senior Scholars with early career faculty for career planning, institutional navigation and community building. Mentorship will be offered flexible formats, either one-on-one or in small groups. Those interested in signing up as a mentor can complete the MomentUM Mentorship Interest Form.

Get involved

To learn more about all of these initiatives, please visit the Emeriti and Senior Scholars webpage.

Have questions? Please contact Francene Perehinec, ESSENCE project coordinator at Francene.Perehinec@umanitoba.ca.