The highest standing

Graduating from any program is an incredible accomplishment; today, we’re highlighting six students who did so at the top of their class. They have been awarded Governor General’s Academic Medals for outstanding achievement at their level of study. Before they cross the convocation stage, take a moment to meet the graduates behind the accomplishments.

Alwyn Gomez
Governor General’s Gold Medal (Ph.D)
(for outstanding performance at the graduate level)
Doctor of Philosophy: Medical Sciences

Midway through his neurosurgery residency, Alwyn Gomez chose to pause his clinical training and pursue a PhD. The decision was sparked during a call shift at Health Sciences Centre, where he treated a young patient with a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).

“I spent hours talking with the family,” Gomez says. “But in the end, they just wanted to know how their loved one was going to do. I did not know. The truth is no one knew.”

Determined to help improve outcomes for TBI patients, Gomez focused his doctoral work on brain injury research. He contributed to HEMOTION, a multi-institutional randomized control trial studying blood transfusion strategies in TBI care, which was later published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

At UM, Gomez remained deeply involved in the academic community. He taught anatomy, served as an examiner for medical students and developed a cadaver-based technical skills program to support surgical trainees.

Looking ahead, he hopes to build a research program that explores the physiology of the injured brain and advances more personalized approaches to care.

He credits his success to the support of his wife and daughter and reflects on the importance of appreciating the journey: “I would say this to my past self: you’re doing the right thing taking the time to smell the roses.”

Dallas Murphy
Governor General’s Gold Medal (Master’s)
(for outstanding performance at the graduate level)
Master of Arts: Clinical Psychology

Dallas Murphy didn’t imagine he’d end up here. In his first year of undergrad at UM, he failed some courses, barely passed others and eventually stepped away from university entirely. Two years later, he returned and everything changed when he chose to study clinical psychology.

“I came back to university after my break and started pursuing a degree I wasn’t interested in because it was what I thought I ‘should’ do. I hated every second of it. It wasn’t until I finally committed to pursuing clinical psychology that coming to UM every day became a joy,” Murphy says.

Now, his passion lies in applied research that makes mental healthcare more accessible. His work has included developing interventions to reduce internalized ageism in older adults, examining the neuropsychological effects of therapy for PTSD and evaluating strategies to boost academic performance in university students.

He also served as president of the Graduate Association of Students in Psychology, volunteered as a mentor through Project Short and held a regional leadership role with a nonprofit dedicated to fighting prejudice on campuses.

Murphy credits his success to his wife Rebecca, who proofread every document he wrote, and to a group of mentors who supported him throughout his degree.

To his younger self, he offers this: “Follow your interests and passion. Everything is easier when you deeply care about the work you’re doing. And don’t be afraid to bet on yourself.”

Dylan Ricard
Governor General’s Silver Medal
(for the undergraduate student who achieves the highest academic standing in a Bachelor degree program)
Bachelor of Science in Engineering: Mechanical Engineering

Growing up on a mixed grain and beef farm in southern Manitoba, Dylan Ricard didn’t set out with a clear plan to study engineering. At first, he considered accounting, inspired by an aunt and his time as treasurer for four student groups. But a conversation with his high school guidance counsellor changed everything.

“You like both math and science. Have you considered engineering?” the counsellor asked. That question eventually led Ricard to UM and to a degree in mechanical engineering.

Still, it took time to find his path. A first-year thermodynamics course sparked his interest and a fourth-year elective in HVAC sealed it. That course not only defined his career focus but led him to co-found the U of M ASHRAE Student Branch, a group that now hosts regular events and encourages students to explore careers in heating, ventilation and air-conditioning design.

Ricard also volunteered as a Buddy Leader in engineering orientation, worked as a TA and completed summer research modifying particle imaging software to track river flow from drone footage.

Now working in mechanical building design, he continues to advocate for sustainable building practices and student engagement in HVAC through his new role with the ASHRAE Manitoba Chapter.

“If you embrace uncertainty and keep an open mind, you will find opportunities for a fulfilling career, perhaps in areas you never expected.”

Jodh Ghuman
Governor General’s Silver Medal
(for the undergraduate student who achieves the highest academic standing in a Bachelor degree program)
Bachelor of Science

Born and raised in Squamish, B.C., Jodh Ghuman developed a deep connection with the natural world early on. That curiosity led him to UM, where he explored the biological systems that govern health and disease—ultimately focusing on microbiology and the impact of microbes on human health.

A turning point came during an infectious diseases course, where he began to see illness in a broader context.

“Diseases are more than just a scientific process,” Ghuman says. “Culture, politics and climate affect the spread and prevention of diseases.”

Outside the classroom, Ghuman immersed himself in initiatives that support well-being, equity and environmental awareness. He volunteered as a peer educator with Healthy U, later working as a staff member in the Student Wellness Centre. He led first aid training sessions as a medical first responder with St. John Ambulance and supported new students as a Supplemental Instruction Leader.

Through his work with Save Our Seine, he helped organize and lead river tours for more than 440 people, raising awareness of conservation efforts. Nationally, he has advocated for integrated youth services through Huddle Manitoba, Foundry’s Provincial Youth Advisory and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health’s national youth advisory.

This fall, Ghuman begins medical school at UM, where he plans to keep building connections with individuals and communities.

“In hindsight, I would tell myself to do my best, ask more questions and create early plans… join clubs, volunteer and try to gain more knowledge, skills and experience, all while having fun.”

Trent Delichte
Governor General’s Bronze Medal
(for the undergraduate student who achieves the highest academic standing in the Diploma in Agriculture program)
Diploma in Agriculture

For Trent Delichte, agriculture isn’t just a career—it’s a way of life. Raised in St. Alphonse, Manitoba, he enrolled in UM’s Diploma in Agriculture program to sharpen his farm management skills and prepare for the future of his family’s farm.

“I hope to be an advocate within my farm, the community and the industry for using new technology to help make our businesses and operations more successful,” Delichte says. With input costs rising and margins shrinking, he sees innovation and efficiency as essential to sustainability.

The Farm Management Project had a lasting impact. Working hands-on with his farm’s financials helped him understand the long-term effects of business decisions in a way that felt both practical and empowering.

“It will help me down the line, when I become lead farmer,” he says.

Outside of class, Delichte stayed connected to his community by volunteering at his local church and lending a hand when needed. He also played rec hockey and basketball during the school year.

He credits the diploma program’s structure, the support of instructors and peers and the friendships he formed along the way for helping him succeed.

Looking back, Delichte says he’d tell his past self to slow down and appreciate the experience: “I think I would tell myself to not be so worried and to live in the moment more… take each day one at a time and don’t overlook the little things, as once your university journey is over, you will look back and not regret it.”

Kiara Stefansson
Governor General’s Bronze Medal
(for highest standing in a diploma program of at least two years other than the Diploma in Agriculture)
Diploma in Dental Hygiene

Kiara Stefansson has long been passionate about preventative healthcare and applied science. After completing a Bachelor of Science at UM, she returned to pursue dental hygiene—drawn to a profession that blends clinical care with public education and advocacy.

“Oral health is deeply interconnected with overall well-being,” Stefansson says. “Through this profession, I can educate my patients to make informed decisions that positively impact their health.”

During her studies, Stefansson spent a week in Churchill, Manitoba as part of Oral Health Promotion Week. Alongside a classmate and their program director, she delivered K–12 presentations, provided clinical care and worked with the Medicine Water Women’s Group on oral health programming.

“It was a life changing experience to visit such a warm and welcoming community, and I hope to return in the future,” she says.

Stefansson plans to work to the full scope of her profession, promoting prevention-based care and expanding access to services in underserved areas—especially rural communities like the one she grew up in.

She credits her third-year clinical instructor, Kaleigh Warden, with helping her become a confident and capable professional.

“She found a way to create an environment that is conducive to learning, fostering curiosity and allowing you to make mistakes, while also being able to give you that gentle push out of your comfort zone,” Stefansson says.

Reflecting on her journey, Stefansson offers this advice: “Your grades do not define you… when you look back in time, it will be the positive impact you had on the people around you that will matter most.”

UM Bisons are at the centre of it all, making a difference here in Manitoba and around the world. 3058 degrees are being awarded at Spring Convocation 2025, bringing the total number of UM graduates to 4200 so far this year. Many of these new alumni will stay in Manitoba, supplying high-demand skills to the labour market and contributing to UM’s $7.3 billion economic impact on our community.