St. Paul’s College Hosts the 2024 Celebration of Giving and Sharing
On Tuesday, November 26, St. Paul’s College celebrated the spirit of gratefulness and community as it hosted the 2024 Celebration of Giving and Sharing. This cherished annual event, held in Hanley Hall, brought together students, alumni, faculty, and friends of the College to celebrate individuals whose contributions embody the Ignatian values of service, leadership, innovation, and reconciliation.
The evening began with an address by Mr. Luca Calista, Senior Stick of the St. Paul’s College Students’ Association, followed by opening remarks from Dr. Christopher J. Adams, Rector of St. Paul’s College, with a warm welcome, emphasizing the College’s legacy of fostering community and service. This year’s celebration theme was one of folklore, stories of community and history that serve as bridges to the past and guide us to our future.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Magis Awards, named after the Latin word for “greater,” which honours individuals who exemplify the Ignatian commitment to doing more for others. This year’s recipients were recognized for their exceptional contributions across four categories:
Magis Award for Ingenuity and Innovation
Recipient: Leanne Boyd
Julia Vossen presented this award recognizing Boyd’s groundbreaking work in social work and mental health advocacy. Boyd’s initiatives, including her leadership at the Manitoba Adolescent Treatment Centre and the Healthy Child Manitoba Initiative, have transformed mental health services for children and youth, leaving a profound and lasting impact on the province.
Magis Award for Service to Others
Recipient: Reverend Rudolph (Rudy) LeMaître
Presented by his granddaughter, Bénédicte LeMaître, this award honoured Reverend LeMaître’s lifelong dedication to service through his work as a deacon, teacher, and chaplain. His decades of selfless contributions have touched countless lives and exemplify the Ignatian spirit of compassion and generosity.
Magis Award for Peace and Reconciliation
Recipient: Dr. Raymond Currie
Former student Dr. Stan Amaladas presented this award to Dr. Currie, whose pioneering work with Circles for Reconciliation has fostered understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. A former Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Currie’s commitment to social justice and equity continues to inspire and pave the way for meaningful change.
Magis Award for Influence and Leadership
Recipients: Michelle and Rick Soenen
Presented by their nephew Braeden Cornick, this award celebrated the Soenens’ exceptional contributions as leaders and philanthropists. Their dedication to education, mentorship, and community support has created a legacy of generosity and faith, benefiting countless individuals and organizations.
The Celebration of Giving and Sharing was organized by a dedicated committee, including Luca Calista, Jason Cornick, Julia DaCosta, Meghan Lemoine, Bridget Scott, Matt Semchyshyn, and Julia Vossen. The Magis Award Committee, composed of Dr. Christine Butterill, Marlene Coughlin, Julia DaCosta, and Christopher Schmidt, ensured the recognition of truly deserving individuals.
“It is a privilege to come together to celebrate our community and honour several members who exemplify what it means to be a Person for Others with a Magis Award,” said Matt Semchyshyn. “To me, what makes the Celebration of Giving and Sharing so special is the people – It’s the people we are honouring with the Magis Awards; It’s the people who are on the planning committee who have given their time to ensure the event is a success; and of course, it’s about the people who attend the event. From the moment you walk into the event, you are welcomed with a familiar face.”
The event not only celebrated the Magis Award recipients but also honoured those in attendance whose stories have also enriched our community. These narratives transform St. Paul’s College into more than just an institution—they make it a vibrant testament to service and creating a better world. As the evening drew to a close, attendees were left reflecting on the lasting impact of the awardees’ contributions and the significance of uniting to recognize acts of service, leadership, and community.