In their own words: Hear from the 2015 University of Manitoba Board of Governors alumni candidates
Vote by Wednesday, May 20 at 4 p.m. CST
The Board of Governors serves as the corporate governing body of the University and is responsible for overseeing the administrative and business affairs of the U of M. Duties include approving the annual budget and appointing and monitoring the performance of the President and Vice-Chancellor.
U of M alumni elect fellow graduates to serve on three of the 23 University of Manitoba Board of Governors positions. Alumni elected to serve on the Board of Governors may do so for a maximum of three consecutive three-year terms. One of these term positions is ending. As such, votes are now being accepted to fill the vacant role.
Below you’ll find submissions from the candidates expressing why they want to serve as an alumni representative on the Board of Governors. Instructions on how to vote can be found on the Alumni Network.
2015 CANDIDATES:
Shona Connelly | BA/81, MA/90
I am a graduate of the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Arts and Master’s degree in Political Science. For the past six years, I have been a member of the Board of Directors of the University of Manitoba Alumni Association and currently serve as one of its Vice-Presidents and a member of the Executive Committee.
As a member of the Board, I have seen first-hand the role that alumni can play in supporting our University and shaping its future. I was excited to be a part of the Alumni Association’s Matching Gift campaign, which saw alumni contribute over two million dollars in support of the Active Living Centre and Graduate Studies. I have had the honour of chairing the board’s alumni Achievement Committee and the Distinguished Alumni Awards Celebration of Excellence. This afforded me the opportunity to meet and truly appreciate some of the University’s extraordinary alumni; individuals who are changing the world here at home and around the globe.
Over the past year, I have also had the privilege of representing the Alumni Board on Senate. Through this experience I have gained an understanding of the governance of the University and this experience has piqued my interest in further engaging in the process. My combined experience on the Alumni Board, the Senate and my extensive community involvement has provided me the tools necessary to contribute to the Board of Governors and to be a wise decision-maker.
I believe as alumni, we should embrace the opportunity to support our alma mater as it continues to evolve to meet the ever-changing needs of the next generation of learners. Please take the time to vote.
Lindy Norris | BA/07, BComm(Hons)/09
As a proud Asper School alum, I am running for Alumni Representative to help shape an exciting future for our university as it embraces unprecedented growth. Through the University of Manitoba’s Board of Governors, I want to ensure the alumnus voice is heard and want our future leaders to receive the best education, best job offers, and best quality of life in Winnipeg. Leveraging business acumen, nonprofit leadership, and strong community ties, I would lend fresh perspective, innovative approach, and new energy to make the University of Manitoba even stronger.
Through a University of Manitoba education, I have realized valuable opportunities through an active professional career, ongoing leadership development, and community involvement. I believe giving back is the best way to build community and creates opportunity not just for our generation, but those that follow. For over a decade, I have contributed to nonprofit organizations such as Athena Leadership, United Way Winnipeg, Winnipeg Art Gallery, Young Associates, Futurpreneur, St. Amant Foundation, and more. Through this, I have expanded appreciation for unique opportunities offered by social, academic, artistic, athletic, entrepreneurial and professional communities – and understand when academic, civic, and economic development sectors work together, the strongest communities happen.
As an alumni, you have a voice. You have the power to make a difference and choose how the future of learning is offered to the next generation. By lending your voice through voting, it brings alumni energy and interest full circle in contributing to the betterment of our community.