Brian Dobie to deliver 41st Annual Marjorie Ward Lecture
St John’s College is set to host the 41st Annual Marjorie Ward Lecture, featuring esteemed Bisons football head coach Brian Dobie as this year’s keynote speaker. The event will take place on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at the Robert B. Schultz Lecture Theatre.
A storied career in Canadian football
Dobie, a pillar of Canadian university football, has made a profound impact on the sport. He took over as head coach of the Manitoba Bisons in 1996, inheriting a team that had finished 0-8 the previous season. Under his leadership, the Bisons rapidly improved, culminating in a first-place finish and a Hardy Cup appearance in 2000. Since then, Dobie brought the Bisons to their first Hardy Cup Championship victory in over three decades, three Canada West Championships and two appearances at the Vanier Cup, including their first national championship title. Coach Dobie also earned the title of U SPORTS Coach of the Year in 2001 as well as five-time Canada West Coach of the Year.
Making a difference on and off the field
Brian Dobie’s influence goes beyond game strategy. In 2022, he made history by recruiting Maya Turner to the Bisons, making her the first woman to score a point in U SPORTS history. This groundbreaking move not only showcased his commitment to inclusivity in sports but also inspired countless young female athletes across the nation.
Furthermore, Dobie has been a vocal advocate for integrity in athletics. Following concerns about performance-enhancing drug use among aspiring professional athletes, Dobie emphasized the importance of clean competition and the need for stringent regulations within the CFL. His advocacy outlined the pressures athletes face and the critical need for support systems to uphold ethical standards in sports.
An evening of football, food and reflection
This year’s lecture, titled Reflecting on the Future of Football in Canada, will explore the evolution of the sport and its significance in Canadian athletics. The evening kicks off with a pre-talk tailgate at 5:00 p.m., offering attendees a selection of burgers, veggie burgers, smokies, beer, punch, and popcorn. The main event begins at 6:30 p.m., with Coach Dobie sharing his insights, followed by a post-event reception with light refreshments.
Event Details
- Date: Tuesday, March 11, 2025
- Location: Robert B. Schultz Lecture Theatre, University of Manitoba, 91 Ralph Campbell Rd, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2M5
- Parking: Free parking available in the Q Lot
Attendees are required to RSVP in advanced to secure their spot at this highly anticipated event.
For further details or questions, please reach out to the Dean of Studies at St John’s College, sarah.teetzel@umanitoba.ca