Christine A. Butterill, Ph.D. (SPC ’81,’88)
Citizenship Award celebrates Dr. Christine A. Butterill’s legacy
The Board of Directors of St. Paul’s College Foundation Inc. and the Board of Governors of St. Paul’s College are pleased to announce the recently established Christine A. Butterill, Ph.D. (SPC’81,’88) Citizenship Award Endowment Fund
The Board of Directors of St. Paul’s College Foundation Inc. and the Board of Governors of St. Paul’s College are pleased to announce the recently established Christine A. Butterill, Ph.D. (SPC ’81,’88) Citizenship Award Endowment Fund. The Fund, created by Robert and Lori (Cassidy) Semchyshyn and their family, celebrates Dr. Butterill’s contribution to the life of the College, the University of Manitoba, and the Winnipeg and Provincial extended community.
“Christine has been a mentor and friend to the Semchyshyn family for over twenty-five years. We are very grateful for her friendship and contributions to the College and broader community. Everyone who comes to know Christine is better for it. She truly embodies what it means to be a person for others. She always encourages those around her to ‘keep going’ to strive to become their best selves”, said Matthew Semchyshyn (SPC ’13), the eldest of the Semchyshyn children and former Senior Stick of the St. Paul’s College Students’ Association and Ignatian Society.
An alumna of St. Paul’s College, she served the University of Manitoba as a lecturer and administrator on many committees. She assisted in developing the University One program, where she later served as the acting director from 2010 to 2011. During her academic career, Chris taught in Counselling Services, the Academic Learning Centre, the Department of History, and the Jesuit Centre for Catholic Studies.
Very active in the life of St. Paul’s, Christine served as the Dean of Studies for 13 years. She was an energetic member of the Catholic-Mennonite Dialogue hosted by the College and Canadian Mennonite University College and currently represents the College on the Winnipeg Bat Kol Tri-Diocesan Committee. She also remains a dynamic voice on the College’s Assembly and served as editor of the College’s book, St. Paul’s College, University of Manitoba: Facing the Millennium (2016). Chris also previously participated on the Ignatian Society Council, the College’s Board of Governors, and was Chair of the St. Paul’s College Alumni and Friends Association Inc. She continues to serve on the College’s Art Committee and the Hanley Lecture Committee.
In the broader Manitoba community, Christine’s service includes such causes as Variety, the Children’s Charity; Rossbrook House; Holy Names House of Peace; and the Immaculate Conception Drop-In Centre. She continues to help with local Christian Life Community apostolates and is involved in St. Ignatius Church where she is a highly respected Ignatian Spiritual mentor and guide. She is also an Associate of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, serves on the Associates’ Leadership Team, and is a passionate supporter of St. Mary’s Academy and its alumnae association.
Annually, a second-year College student member enrolled at the University of Manitoba will be the recipient of this citizenship award. In keeping with Dr. Butterill’s deep connection with the Ignatian spiritual exercises, along with her dedication to being an actively engaged citizen for the betterment of all, the award is a reflection of her core values. The award will be presented during the virtual St. Paul’s College Baccalaureate Celebrations on June 6th, 2021.
When asked to comment on the award, Chris added, “I am very honoured to be associated with the recognition of student achievement. With this award and thanks to its generous patrons, the Semchyshyn family, and others, will recognize and encourage, in the Ignatian tradition, the contributions of College students. These students will have demonstrated service to others in areas like citizenship, leadership, or engagement in the Ignatian Leadership Program (ILP), the mentorship of other students, Student Council activities, or as a community volunteer. I hope it will inspire students, now and in the future, to carry this ‘service to others’ with them throughout their lives, in all they do.”
If you would like to contribute to the Endowment Fund for this award, you may do so online through CanadaHelps.org (search St. Paul’s College Foundation Inc.) or by making your gift of a cheque or money order to St. Paul’s College Foundation Inc. 213-70 Dysart Rd., Winnipeg, MB R3T 2M6.