2025 Distinguished Alumni Awards recipients revealed

From leading in business and community service to transforming public health, education, sport and Reconciliation, the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients are making a lasting impact in Manitoba and beyond. Wherever there’s a challenge to meet, a barrier to break or a future to shape, you’ll find Bisons at the centre. 

This year’s recipients were chosen from an impressive selection of grads who were nominated by their peers.  

On behalf of the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Awards Committee chair, The Honourable Dr. Pat Bovey [LLD/21], and her fellow panelists including previous award and honorary degree recipients, Alumni Council representatives and alumni leaders, the University of Manitoba is delighted to announce the recipients for 2025 are:  
 

Lifetime Achievement: Rick Duha [BComm(Hons.)/82]  

A Bison at the centre of global enterprise 

As Chairman of the Duha Group since 1978 and Managing Partner of multiple ventures, Duha has expanded a small family business into a global enterprise with customers in over 130 countries. A passionate mentor and advocate for education, he has helped shape both local and international communities through his leadership roles, including the Business Council of Manitoba and the Young Presidents’ Organization. Read more about Rick here.
 

Professional Achievement: Brian Dobie [BPE/74, Cert. Ed./75] 

A Bison at the centre of coaching excellence 

Head coach of the Bisons football program for 29 years and the winningest coach in Bisons football history, Dobie’s dedication, passion and leadership have inspired generations of athletes. His commitment to recruiting, fundraising and cultivating a family-like team culture have solidified his legacy in Canadian university sport. Read more about Brian here.
 

Academic Innovation: Dr. James (Jamie) Blanchard [BSc(Med.)/86, MD/86] 

A Bison at the centre of global public health 

A visionary public health leader, Dr. Blanchard has secured nearly a billion dollars in funding to combat infectious diseases globally. At UM’s Institute for Global Public Health, his groundbreaking research and collaborative efforts with organizations like the World Health Organization and the Gates Foundation continue to bridge the gap between science and practice, improving health outcomes worldwide. Read more about Dr. Blanchard here.

Community Service: Kristie Pearson [BPE/96]  

A Bison at the centre of philanthropic innovation 

A tireless advocate for social change, Pearson has led philanthropic campaigns for the United Way of Winnipeg and the Downtown YMCA-YWCA, among others, and founded her own nonprofit, Linking Hope, to simplify charitable giving. Her unwavering commitment to inclusivity, environmental sustainability and poverty alleviation makes her a beacon of hope for communities near and far. Read more about Kristie here.
 

Outstanding Young Alumni: Tréchelle Bunn [BA/23]  

A Bison at the centre of Reconciliation 

A proud member of Chan Kagha Otina Dakhóta Oyáte (Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation), Bunn co-launched a mentorship program for Indigenous youth while excelling as a USPORTS athlete, and she’s championed Reconciliation through initiatives like the Reconciliation Run Scholarship for Indigenous Student Athletes. Currently pursuing her Juris Doctor at Robson Hall, Bunn addresses critical issues on the global stage, including the United Nations Human Rights Council. Read more about Tréchelle here.

The 2025 Distinguished Alumni Awards Celebration of Excellence presented by TD Insurance, will take place on the evening of Thursday, September 18 as part of Homecoming 2025. Individual tickets and tables are officially sold out! Thank you to the following sponsors:

Presenting Sponsor: TD Insurance  

Entertainment sponsor: Trane 

Making Memories Sponsor: iA Financial Group 

Event Champions Sponsors: Duha Group and Improving  

Specialty Cocktail Sponsor: Sobr Market and Patent 5 Distillery

VIP Reception Sponsor: Aramark and AVentPro

Media Sponsor: Free Press