Spring 2004 Convocation Citations
(in Alphabetical Order)
The Honourable Lloyd Axworthy, PC, BA, PhD, LLD, OC, OM
The University of Winnipeg's Sixth President and Vice-Chancellor
Today, The University of Winnipeg proudly welcomes its sixth President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Lloyd Axworthy.
Axworthy brings a wealth of experience to this leadership role, both within the University's own walls as student, professor, and director, and from the world beyond as federal cabinet minister and Special Envoy to the UN. “I am pleased that an individual with impeccable integrity, leadership experience and acumen, commitment to the local and global community, and vision will be joining the remarkable administrative team assembled at the University,” said Board Chair Richard.
“It's a great feeling returning to the place that gave me my start,” said Axworthy, a member of United College's Class of 1961. “ When I attended here, my friends and I thought we could change the world. Times may have changed, but the need for engaged citizens has never been stronger.”
Axworthy's vision for the University's future includes promoting a vibrant, inclusive community of learners that builds on the strengths of our multicultural and Aboriginal population. Preparing students to become critical thinkers, problem-solvers, and active participants in their communities and abroad, remain key and crucial components to the University's mission.
As a downtown, urban post-secondary institution, The University of Winnipeg will join its neighbours and partners in revitalizing the heart of our city. With renovations already started on Wesley Hall, the construction of a new Aboriginal Student Services Centre underway, and further refurbishments in the planning stages, The University of Winnipeg is looking toward a future where its students, faculty, and staff are engaged with the world around them.
The University will also take a more active role on the world stage, bringing global issues to the local level. “The reality is that we are all global citizens,” said Axworthy. “We are connected with the world as never before,” he points out.
That connection extends to reaching out to alumni—for their input and their support. “The University of Winnipeg has taught decades of enlivened citizens the value of education and of responsibility that goes with it,” stated Axworthy. “The time has come, with the assistance of The University of Winnipeg Foundation and its dedicated Board of Directors, to rebuild this fine institution.” Starting his presidency with an institution firmly on solid financial footing, Axworthy is looking forward to the launch of a capital campaign which will enhance the University's scholarships, a cademic programming, and facilities.
A graduate of United College (1961), Dr. Axworthy completed both an MA and PhD at Princeton. He later returned to his alma mater as founder and Director of The University of Winnipeg's Institute of Urban Studies, and a professor of political science. In 1973 his path took him into provincial politics and six years in the Manitoba Legislative Assembly. The next 21 years were spent as a member of Federal Parliament, where he held several significant Cabinet positions, including Minister of Employment and Immigration, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, Minister of Transport, of Human Resources Development, of Western Economic Diversification, and Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Axworthy's work for the advancement of the human security concept, in particular, the Ottawa Treaty—a landmark global treaty banning anti-personnel landmines—has garnered international attention and a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize.
For his efforts in establishing the International Criminal Court and the Protocol on child soldiers, he received the North-South Institute's Peace Award. Dr. Axworthy is also a member of the Order of Manitoba and the Order of Canada, and in 1998, The University of Winnipeg presented Dr. Axworthy with an Honorary Doctorate for his contributions at home and abroad. Most recently, Axworthy was the Director and CEO of the Liu Institute for Global Issues at the University of British Columbia, and is currently UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan's Special Envoy for Ethiopia and Eritrea.
Spring Convocation officially marks the start of Axworthy's new role as The University of Winnipeg's President and Vice-Chancellor. The University of Winnipeg is honoured and pleased to welcome him today.
Keith Black
Honorary Doctor of Laws
A life devoted to caring for the welfare of children is a life well spent—especially when it concerns the most vulnerable and disadvantaged among us. And that's been social worker Keith Black's focus over the past 40 years.
Today an Honorary Law Degree is being conferred on Keith Black '60, who has served the needs of troubled youth in Winnipeg as a social worker with Children's Aid Society, Executive Director of Knowles School for Boys, and Director of the Child Guidance Clinic of Winnipeg.
Under Black's leadership, the Knowles School became a full treatment centre for emotionally disturbed boys. While at the Child Guidance Clinic of Winnipeg, he was part of multi-disciplinary community-based committees that developed critical Child Sexual Abuse and Child Physical Abuse policies.
Throughout his professional career, Black also served his community generously as a volunteer. He was a valued member of The University of Winnipeg Board of Regents for 13 years and served as chair from 1996-98. “He brought considered and wise advice to the Board's deliberations and contributed a levelling influence to the Board,” according to one of his nominees. Black is Honorary Life Member of The University of Winnipeg Alumni Association and currently sits on the bylaws committee of the Board of Regents.
“ Keith Black has extraordinary interpersonal skills that attract others and engage them willingly to contribute their time and energy to the Board,” said Board of Regents chair Richard Graydon. “He is well respected by faculty and staff for his conciliatory, yet empowering leadership.”
Black has served on numerous boards including Winnipeg Child Sexual Abuse Committee, Child and Family Services of Winnipeg, Children's Aid Society, Augustine United Church, and University of Winnipeg's Faculty of Theology Council and Interfaith Pastoral Institute.
Black's community involvement extends to the city's musical scene. The tenor is a decades-long member of the Winnipeg Philharmonic Choir and the Augustine United Church choir, and current president of the Winnipeg Philharmonic Choir. Equipped with a strong knowledge base of jazz, Black hosts a weekly jazz program on CKUW 95.9 FM.
In his “spare” time, Black is a distance runner and has run 11 marathons including the Boston Marathon. Reflective of his inspiring community involvement, Black had a street named after him in North Kildonan.
“Keith Black has made significant contributions to the City and the Province, and is fully deserving of our recognition,” wrote one of his nominees. “It was our additional great fortune to have him as a Regent.” And it is the University of Winnipeg's great honour to bestow upon him today an Honorary Doctor of Laws.
Patrick Deane
Robin H. Farquhar Award for Excellence in Self-Governance
When Patrick Deane took on the role of Acting President at The University of Winnipeg in 2002, circumstances couldn't have been less ideal.
At that time, the University was faced with the resignation of several key members of senior administration, including the University's President, the Chair of the Board of Regents, and the Vice-President (Finance and Administration). At the same time, the University was also in financial crisis—struggling with both a deficit and longstanding pension issues. Negative media coverage and pressure from government to resolve the University's financial problems only added to the challenge of governing the institution.
When Robin H. Farquhar established the Award for Excellence in Self-Governance, he wrote that the contributions of the University's employees are “crucial to our success and deserving of acknowledgement and gratitude,” adding that “Exceptional performance in this regard should be publicly acclaimed and rewarded.”
In nominating Deane his supporters emphasized exceptional performance , noting that as Acting President Deane served the University in the most exemplary manner in a time of multiple crises. It should also be noted that he shouldered his responsibilities as Acting President in addition to—not instead of—his duties as Vice-President (Academic).
“Thanks to Patrick's leadership, along with the vice-presidents and administration team, we have been able to rebuild and move forward,” says Richard Graydon, Chair of the Board of Regents. “His role in achieving this is extraordinary, and we owe him a great debt of gratitude.”
In Deane's first missive to the University community, he praised the strengths of the other members of the senior administrative team, the Deans, faculty, and staff. He also expressed his confidence in the ability of all to carry on and restore stability to the institution. Within Deane's tenure as Acting President, the University community did indeed pull together. The accumulated deficit was eliminated, a balanced budget presented, and the University's fundraising arm was established.
“While taking care of the financial situation, Patrick also developed both a strategic plan and an academic plan that will take the institution forward for the next five years or more,” Graydon points out. “These two documents are significant—no other institution in the country has their direction for the future mapped out the way we now do.”
Known for his quiet manner and confidence in the abilities of others, Deane's leadership style is one of thoughtful collaboration. “Rather than spending this past year promoting his position, Patrick has inspired others to teamwork,” write his nominators. “He has instilled in us the notion of cooperation rather than division.”
For his exceptional contributions as Acting President of The University of Winnipeg, Dr. Patrick Deane is awarded the Robin H. Farquhar Award for Excellence in Self-Governance.
Sterling Lyon, PC, QC, OM
Distinguished Alumnus
When Sterling Lyon reflects back to his days as an undergraduate, he thinks warmly of United College as a close-knit community where students, faculty, and staff knew each other well and worked hard together to achieve a common goal of educational excellence.
Some things never change.
It's been more than 50 years since Lyon's graduation in 1948, but The University of Winnipeg is still a place with an emphasis on community and high standards for academic achievement. It is also a place where Alumni take pride in the accomplishments of their fellow graduates, honouring one exceptional alumnus/alumna each year with the Distinguished Alumni Award. In recognition of his dedicated public service and place in Canadian history, Sterling Lyon will become the University's newest Distinguished Alumnus.
“It is a great honour,” says Lyon. “It brings back so many fond memories of my time at United College.”
“We are very proud to include Sterling Lyon as a member of The University of Winnipeg family of alumni,” says Dr. Chris Cottick '86, President of The University of Winnipeg Alumni Association. “His contributions to Canadian politics make him a very distinguished alumnus indeed.”
Lyon launched his university career intending to pursue a degree in commerce at the University of Manitoba, but at the end of his second year he came to United College and two years later graduated with a Bachelor of Arts. Lyon knew that the BA, combined with the Law degree he received in 1950 from the Manitoba Law School, would deepen his educational experience and broaden his career horizons.
First elected to the Manitoba Legislature in 1958, Lyon was sworn in as Attorney General at the age of 31—the youngest cabinet minister in the Roblin government. He later served as Premier of Manitoba from 1977-1981, playing a significant role during the repatriation of the constitution and the formation of The Charter of Rights and Freedoms. As Chair of the Council of Premiers, Lyon championed the inclusion of the “notwithstanding” clause, an instrument to ensure that parliamentary supremacy would not be eroded by judicial decisions.
In 1982, he was appointed to the Privy Council of Canada, and then to the Manitoba Court of Appeal, where he won the respect of the law community as someone who could be counted upon to give reliable, sensible, and well-reasoned decisions.
Never forgetting his alma mater, Lyon also served as a member of The University of Winnipeg's Board of Regents from 1972 until 1976.
For his many achievements and contributions, The University of Winnipeg is proud to present Sterling Lyon with the Distinguished Alumnus award today.
William Fraser Rannie
Robin H. Farquhar Award for Excellence in Contributing to Self-Governance
During the past 30 years, Bill Rannie has exemplified voluntarism at every level of University governance—Department, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, University, Senate, and Board of Regents.
Today Dr. Rannie is being presented with the Robin H. Farquhar Award for Excellence in Contributing to Self-Governance in recognition of his citizenship, commitment and dedication to University self-governance. He has sat on planning and advisory committees, task forces, panels, program review and selection committees, and has assumed myriad of leadership roles within The University of Winnipeg to make it a better place.
“The quantum of Bill Rannie's service to the University is of the first rank, and the quality of that service has been exceptionally high. Bill has, in fact, been responsible for a great many of the sound decisions that have determined the direction taken by The University of Winnipeg,” said a colleague, noting he has been instrumental in selecting the University Deans, Department Chairs, and scholarship winners.
Rannie chaired the Department of Geography from 1988 to 1999, continued to assist with administration of the Department, and will take over once again as Chair in July. He is also credited with developing the Undergraduate Edge, a published compendium of university students' involvement in research.
Rannie has been called “a model citizen and a consensus builder.” As a leader, he is known for respecting everyone's opinions and searching for resolutions that take into account the rights of individuals yet advance the work of the Department and the University.
“Bill never just ‘sat' on a committee. He contributed. His advice was insightful, well researched and presented in a rational, coherent and pleasant way. Bill always put the University first,” said another colleague in a letter of support.
Rannie enjoys the respect of his colleagues as a fair and effective administrator. His cool demeanour has facilitated his significant contribution to University governance.
And to Rannie, the reward is in the giving. “When you can see changes and positive results because of your actions, it's very satisfying,” he said of his involvement in self-governance. “It's wonderful to be nominated and appreciated.”
Rannie is most proud of the role he has played in establishing a “statute of limitations” or clean slate for students whose university careers got off to a bad start, chairing the four-year degree committee, co-chairing the review of the academic writing program, and chairing a committee comprised of all Department Chairs.
Nolan Reilly
Marsha Hanen Award for Excellence in Creating Community Awareness
When the Alumni Association launched the “Professors With A Passion” tour series, there was no question that Dr. Nolan Reilly fit the bill. Described by his colleagues and students as a knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and gifted teacher, Reilly was selected to lead the initial event, held last spring.
It didn't take long for the popular professor's Winnipeg General Strike bus tour to sell out, with a waiting list long enough to fill the seats for the next year's event. “The Professors with a Passion program was an instant hit,” says Alumni Relations Program Director Lois Cherney, crediting Reilly 's ability to make history come alive. “Professor Reilly truly is a prof with a passion, and that shines through.”
Reilly's willingness to share his knowledge of Winnipeg's history goes far beyond the bounds of the city itself. For four years, Reilly assisted the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Ottawa by researching and designing a permanent gallery on Winnipeg's labour history, a display which gives national prominence to our city's heritage. Similarly, Reilly has been involved with many numerous other museum projects and spoken to a variety of community and school groups.
A great sports enthusiast, Reilly got involved in youth basketball as a parent and soon became involved with the sport at an organization level. As the designer and first president of the Winnipeg Selects Club Basketball program, sharing the sport of basketball with young people is about more than just playing a game. Dedicated to fair play, building confidence, and shaping an attitude of overall fitness, the Selects is an inclusive program that teaches important life-lessons as well as building strong basketball skills. “His insights into the needs of players, coaches, and parents were remarkable,” writes one nominator. “And his passion for all players to succeed was inspiring.” He has also given of his time to local schools as a member of parent associations.
“I have always felt a responsibility to be part of the community,” says Reilly. “I believe that faculty have a privileged position in society, and we have a duty to our community that goes beyond the traditional concept of being an academic.”
Whether sharing his love of history at home and beyond, or volunteering for local school and community groups, Reilly has been described as a dedicated team player who brings his full attention and effort to each task. Reilly's many public speaking engagements, tour events, and media interviews have raised the profile of the History Department, The University of Winnipeg, and our city as a whole. Today, The University of Winnipeg is proud to present Nolan Reilly with the Marsha Hanen Award for Excellence in Creating Community Awareness for his many contributions that span the local, provincial, and national spectrum.
Laura Sokal
Clifford J. Robson Memorial Award for Excellence in Teaching
Every year since 2000, when Dr. Laura Sokal joined the faculty of the Education Program, her students have nominated her for the Robson Award for Excellence in Teaching.
This speaks volumes of her abilities as a teacher and a mentor. “She ‘hit the ground running' when she joined the Program,” said Dr. Annabelle Mays, Dean of Education. “Not only do her students receive the very best that she can give, so do her colleagues benefit from her generosity of spirit and her willingness to share of her expertise.”
Students routinely describe Sokal as an outstanding professor. “Laura (as she prefers to be called) brings passion to the subject of education which encourages others to extend their knowledge beyond the classroom…and become effective teachers,” wrote one student in nominating Sokal. Another added, “Laura's lectures are dynamic, well-researched, and even more important, practical.”
Sokal, who conducts research on gender and achievement in learning, said her teaching philosophy centres on the students themselves. “Students learn best when they feel safe and interested,” she said. “In my classroom I strive to create a learning community where interdependence is fostered and students feel comfortable sharing their ideas.” As well, she incorporates diversity in both instruction and assessment, and her teaching assessments from students are extremely high for all courses taught.
In addition to making classes fun and interesting, Sokal was also repeatedly cited for being kind and sincere. “As a person, Laura is always willing to offer advice or listen. She is very understanding and she is the most approachable professor I ever had,” one student wrote.
Time and again, students spoke of her success at motivation: “She believes in her learners, and, in turn, her learners believe in themselves,” one student noted. Another student submitted, “Laura truly cares that all her students learn the tools necessary to be successful teachers and successful people.”
To Sokal, being nominated by her students is an honour in and of itself. “It is very validating to receive this recognition for something I love to do,” Sokal said. “Teaching is so motivating and invigorating. I learn and figure out things together with the students–that's the best part.”
Sokal was humbled when she learned of her award. “There are many professors who are deserving of this award. I have the highest respect for the teaching of my colleagues.”
On behalf of her students, The University of Winnipeg is honoured to present Dr. Laura Sokal with the Clifford J. Robson Memorial Award for Excellence in Teaching.