Honouring Emeriti 2023

On November 22, 18 distinguished former and current members of the UM faculty and administration were honoured as the University of Manitoba officially conferred their annual Emeritus appointments.

This year’s event celebrated vice-presidents, deans, professors for their outstanding contributions to their units, the university and the world. The title of emeritus is one the highest honours at the university, and individuals are selected based on their distinguished service to administrative leadership, teaching, research, creative and scholarly works, and service.

Among the group of highly accomplished and celebrated recipients were five individuals receiving notable distinctions: Vice-President Emeritus, Distinguished Professor Emeriti and Dean Emeriti.

Dr. Digvir S. Jayas was a dedicated faculty member for nearly 40 years and a senior administrator for 25 years, making significant research contributions in the field of grain storage and in building the research infrastructure at the University of Manitoba. For his work in advancing agricultural practices worldwide, and for promotion of academic and scientific research in Canada, Dr. Jayas was appointed to the Order of Canada in 2018. He was conferred the titles of Vice-President Emeritus and Distinguished Professor Emeritus.

Dr. Brian Postl has dedicated his career to excellence in academics and health care across Canada. He led many innovative initiatives, as the founding President & CEO of the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, and during his tenure as Dean of Max Rady College of Medicine and the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences.  For his transformative work, he received both the Orders of Manitoba and of Canada. The University of Manitoba was honoured to confer upon Dr. Brian Postl the titles of Dean Emeritus and Professor Emeritus.

Dr. Thomas F. Hack was awarded the title of Distinguished Professor Emeritus for his groundbreaking research in psychosocial oncology. His work transformed the face of oncology treatment, investigating the use of and effectiveness of providing cancer patients with audio-recordings of medical consultation, which has become standard practice at many cancer centres around the world. Dr. Hack was also a dedicated teacher and mentor, and served as president on national and international oncology associations.

UM was honoured to confer upon Dr. David Collins the distinction of Dean Emeritus. Dr. Collins served as the Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy from 1999 to 2010, and later assumed the role of Vice-Provost (Academic Planning and Programs). As Dean, he led the redevelopment of the undergraduate pharmacy curriculum to emphasize the integration of pharmaceutical sciences and clinical practice. His leadership was instrumental in elevating the pharmacy program to one of the top three programs nationally, and in the establishment of the Apotex Centre as the new home for the Faculty of Pharmacy.

A distinguished leader, researcher and educator, Dr. Lori Wallace served as Dean of Extended Education at the University of Manitoba from 2006 to 2013. She was known for her strategic innovation, principled decision-making, accountability and entrepreneurship. Under her leadership, Extended Education expanded programs, enrolment, revenue and research to become one of the largest and most diverse units of its kind in Canada. The University of Manitoba was honoured to confer upon Dr. Wallace the title of Dean Emerita.

Congratulations to all the 2023 honorees: (alphabetical order)

Dr. Brian Blakley, Professor Emeritus

Dr. Nancy Chow, Professor Emerita

Dr. David Collins, Dean Emeritus

Dr. Joanne Embree, Professor Emerita

Dr. Thomas Hack, Distinguished Professor Emeritus

Dr. Brenda Hann, Professor Emerita

Dr. Grant Hatch, Professor Emeritus

Dr. Digvir Jayas, Vice-President Emeritus and Distinguished Professor Emeritus

Dr. Witold Kinsner, Professor Emeritus

Dr. David Mandzuk, Professor Emeritus

Dr. Francine Morin, Professor Emerita   

Dr. Gregg Olsen, Professor Emeritus

Dr. Joseph Pear, Professor Emeritus

Dr. Hélène Perreault, Professor Emerita   

Dr. Brian Postl, Dean Emeritus and Professor Emeritus  

Dr. Gayle Restall, Professor Emerita

Dr. Lori Wallace, Dean Emerita

Dr. Pamela Wener, Professor Emerita

To read more about the 2023 Emeritus honourees, please click here to read their individual citations.

Emeriti titles are one of several awards given annually by the university in celebrating and recognizing the success of colleagues and other distinguished individuals. Learn about the university awards nomination process.