Nettie Neudorf (from left), Adrienne Bestland, and Duane Nichol from Manitoba Municipal Administrators, at the first Empowering Excellence in 2023
Second annual Empowering Excellence UM continuing education showcase
Join Extended Education on Nov. 28
After many years as a Human Resources professional, Patti Sheare found her calling as an instructor in UM Extended Education.
“The minute I walked into the classroom; I knew this was truly my passion. I absolutely love our students, to watch them grow and cross the stage at graduation,” says Sheare.
The full-time instructor and instructor mentor invites everyone to join her at the second annual Empowering Excellence UM continuing education showcase on Nov. 28.
A glamourous evening
“Last year, we didn’t know what to expect. But it was a really nice evening, glamourous and so well done,” says the recipient of a 2023 Instructor Excellence Award. “I was inviting other instructors. I had no idea I would receive an award. Standing up there, hearing the cheering for me, I have never experienced anything like this in my career. I will never forget it.”
The recognition of her students and her peers means the world to Sheare, and so does how much she continues to learn from her students and the instructors she mentors. “Teaching and mentoring are really about learning from each other, offering support and building relationships.”
In a competitive job market, HR jobs are about connections, so Sheare says she does everything she can to support her students. She often sees them again as a mentor with CPHR Manitoba. “I am so proud of them.”
Patti Sheare, Extended Education instructor
Same-day Career Fair
Of course, she encourages all students and alumni to check out Career Fair 2024 too, held the same day as the gala evening. It’s a great opportunity to network and learn about new careers.
Sheare looks forward to attending Empowering Excellence again this year. “It’s about collaboration and bringing people together over dinner and a social evening. The more we get to know each other, the stronger our connections. It brings together instructors, staff, industry and students in an event that will grow over time. We should all go to this.”
Instructors can show their support for Extended Education and see each other in a social setting. Industry can come out to understand more about what Extended Education programs and partnerships are all about, she says.
“It brings us all together to enjoy a nice evening. I really look forward to it.”
Adrienne Bestland
When Adrienne Bestland and the Manitoba Municipal Administrators (MMA) attend a conference or event, they now bring their 2023 Partnership Excellence Award from Extended Education. It recognizes the about 50-year partnership MMA has had with UM.
“Winning this award not only recognizes our long-standing collaboration but also validates the MMA’s mission to promote Municipal Administration as a career and enhance the professional growth of our members,” says Bestland, Executive Director, MMA. “It significantly strengthens the MMA’s reputation, enhancing our credibility and visibility as an association.”
Bestland also completed the Certificate in Manitoba Municipal Administration offered by UM in partnership with MMA. “We are now making changes to the program to meet the changing needs of our members, and it has been wonderful working with Extended Education.”
Connection and collaboration
Last year, Bestland attended Empowering Excellence with Duane Nichol and Nettie Neudorf, both now past presidents of MMA. Nichol and Neudorf have both been instructors in the program. Neudorf received a 2023 Instructor Service Award.
“It was great to meet a lot of Extended Education staff, instructors and other partners,” says Bestland. “It reminds us of the importance of supporting one another and how important these collaborations are.”
Empowering Excellence provides a more personal connection than the usual, she says. “It’s not just an email. People are often so busy. This helps us to take time to put a face to names, in a social context.”
Bestland says she and the MMA are honoured to be a part of Empowering Excellence. “It is a privilege to be a part of this group, to be in this space, to connect and celebrate with others.”
Since they received an award last year, she has also noticed that registrations in her partnership program have increased.
“Holding this partnership award means we are worth checking out. People like it.”