From left to right: Dr. Jonathan Peyton, Dr. Mark Hanson, Conor McNab, Miss Kentner, and Diane Hiebert-Murphy. Photo taken by Mike Latschislaw.
Graduating student and educators honored in 33rd annual Students’ Teacher Recognition Reception
Conor McNab honors his former educators as he prepares for graduation from the Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources.
This year marked the 33rd anniversary of the Students’ Teacher Recognition Reception, a cherished tradition that celebrates the profound influence educators have on students’ lives. Each year, outstanding graduating students are nominated by their faculties and schools to recognize teachers who have shaped their academic and personal journeys.
Among this year’s honorees is Conor McNab, a graduating student from the Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources. He will be receiving his Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science this year. As part of the ceremony, Conor chose two teachers to recognize for their enduring impact—one from his formative K–12 years and one from his time at the University of Manitoba.
Reflecting on his K–12 experience, Conor shared his admiration for Miss Kentner, a teacher who ignited a passion for environmental science. “Miss Kentner inspired me without hesitation to pursue my Bachelor of Environmental Science at the U of M,” Conor recalled in his speech. “Miss Kentner used inquiry-based teaching where she would ask us questions throughout our lessons to make us think critically about what we were learning or to spark further interest in a topic. I always looked forward to attending Miss Kentner’s classes because of her energetic lectures, her sense of humour, and her keen passion for fun trivia.”
Graduating student Conor McNab giving a speech next to one of his mentors, Miss Kentner. Photo taken by Mike Latschislaw
What made Miss Kentner’s teaching memorable was her ability to challenge students to think deeply. “[She] perfected the art of being able to point us in the right direction without giving us the answer to a challenging question. Miss Kentner set the foundation for me to study hard, to seek answers to tough problems, and to make best of the learning opportunities put before me.”
At the university level, Conor expressed deep gratitude for Dr. Mark Hanson, a mentor whose support and high expectations opened doors to exciting opportunities. “For the past 3 years, Mark has been a mentor from our common interests in ecotoxicology and risk assessment. I owe Mark a deep debt of gratitude for taking me in as his student, and for giving me the chance to participate in his field work and his lab’s projects.”
Mark’s dedication to student growth was evident in the diverse experiences he provided. “[Mark] sets big goals to support and allow students to work hard and succeed in these challenging projects… It is because of Mark that I may summarize my time in the Riddell Faculty in one word – opportunity.”
Dr. Mark Hanson (left) posing for a photo with Conor McNab (right) at the Riddell Faculty Convocation & Awards Reception.
As he prepares to embark on his professional journey, Conor carries forward the lessons learned from both educators: “And now as I start my career in the work world, I will hold close the steadfast lessons from both my mentors here today: to be curious, to reach big goals, and to always do it with a smile.”