Convocation 2019 – Governor General’s medal recipients

In celebration of the University of Manitoba’s 140^th Spring Convocation, UM Today is celebrating some of the outstanding students who are graduating.

These five exceptional students will be awarded the Governor General’s academic medals, for outstanding achievement at their level of study.

Ifeanyi Nwachukwu is the recipient of the Governor General’s Gold Medal, awarded to a student with the highest academic achievement in coursework completed for any doctoral degree. A Vanier Scholar, Ifeanyi was also active in research and student activities, including serving as president of the Human Nutritional Sciences Graduate Students’ Association. He graduated with a Doctor of Philosophy in human nutritional sciences from the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences in February.

Abin Chandrakumar is the recipient of the Governor General’s Gold Medal, awarded to a student with the highest academic achievement in coursework completed for any master’s degree. Abin’s studies helped him develop the professional competencies and personal attributes needed to make a real-life impact; a highlight was working as a research assistant in clinical studies that explored pediatric chronic diseases.  Abin graduated with a master’s degree in pharmacology and therapeutics from the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences in February.

Derek Ammeter is the recipient of the Governor General’s Silver Medal, awarded to a student with the highest academic achievement in coursework completed for any undergraduate degree of at least four years in length. Alongside his studies, Derek helped to create the U of M Undergraduate Leaders in Healthcare group, and volunteers with a variety of organizations including Winnipeg Harvest. Derek is graduating this June with a Bachelor of Science from the Faculty of Science.

Nada A. K. El Tobgy is the recipient of the Governor General’s Silver Medal, awarded to a student with the highest academic achievement in coursework completed for any undergraduate degree of less than four years in length. Nada will receive a Bachelor of Science degree from the Faculty of Science.

Michelle Pottinger is the recipient of the Governor General’s Bronze Medal, awarded to the student with the highest academic standing in a two-year diploma program in agriculture. The close, welcoming community she found in the Faculty of Agricultural & Food Sciences had a positive impact on her education and made her experience gratifying. Not only did the program provide an overall look at the agricultural industry, the program’s unique Management Planning Project taught her valuable lessons about farm management that she will apply in the future. Michelle graduated at the School of Agriculture convocation earlier this month.

At its 2019 Spring Convocation, the University of Manitoba will confer degrees, diplomas and certificates on 2,848 graduates.

Don’t forget to check our student accounts on Instagram and Facebook to learn more about some of the students graduating this week. You can also join the ‘Convocation conversation’ on social media by following #umanitoba2019.

UM TODAY STAFF