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U of M scarves at the alumni gathering in Vancouver on December 7, 2105

Alumni celebrate in Vancouver

December 8, 2015 — 

More than 150 graduates and friends of the University of Manitoba gathered in Vancouver yesterday to share stories, learn about the $500 million Front and Centre campaign, and hear from one of the university’s most prominent scientists: Dr. David Barber [BPE/82, MNRM/89].

Canada Research Chair in Arctic System Science, and the featured speaker for the evening, Barber discussed how the research he’s involved in is helping to solve the mysteries of climate change. Working in tandem with researchers from across Canada and around the world, Barber and his team are measuring changes in Arctic sea ice to better understand how global warming is impacting the fragile Arctic ecosystem, and to develop tools to predict and manage the effects of rapidly melting sea ice.

David Barber speaks at the alumni gathering in Vancouver on December 7, 2015

David Barber speaks at the alumni gathering in Vancouver on December 7, 2015

“The University of Manitoba is home to one of the world’s most comprehensive sea ice research groups and leading authorities on Arctic climate change,” Barber said. “The level of support and recognition we’ve received from science competitions, government, industry, and the community confirms the world-class status of our university and our researchers.”

Chancellor Harvey Secter also addressed the crowd, delivering an inspiring speech about Front and Centre, and his experiences as the Honorary Campaign Chair.

“I have been heard on several occasions quoting a Greek proverb: A society grows great when old people plant trees under whose shade they know they shall never sit,” Secter shared. “That principle remains a sound one. We are all beneficiaries of those who left a legacy by investing in a future they may never have seen and in lives like ours that carried on long past their own.”

President and Vice-Chancellor David Barnard had the unique opportunity to acknowledge U of M graduate Arthur Lang [B.Sc.(C.E.)/42], who attended the event at the extraordinary age of 100. Barnard noted that Lang has probably seen more changes than anyone at the U of M.

Since launching Front and Centre on October 3, more that $365 million dollars has been raised. To ensure the entire university community stays informed about the exciting things underway, special alumni receptions have been held in Toronto, Calgary, Victoria, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur. While yesterday’s Vancouver reception concludes this year’s schedule of events, there are more receptions planned for early 2016. For more information on future dates, stay tuned to umanitoba.ca/alumni.

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