Three Fellows Chosen For Spring 2012 Convocation

Lesley Sisler has been called the memory and conscience of UWinnipeg's Collegiate, our high school on campus. During her tenure as Associate Dean, she helped shape the Collegiate and was instrumental in creating the Mission Statement and revising the Instructor's Handbook. As an educator, she was so highly esteemed by her colleagues that she was nominated for and received the Prime Minister's Teaching Excellence Award. Sisler joined UWinnipeg in 1978 and quickly established herself as a dedicated educator, mentor and academic leader, and was awarded the Farquhar Award for Self-Governance. She served as an instructor, counsellor and Assistant/Associate Dean of the Collegiate, and is herself a proud graduate of both the Collegiate and UWinnipeg. She becomes a Fellow of United College on Thursday, June 7 at 2:30 pm.

Brian Keenan has been a renowned teacher of Philosophy for more than thirty-five years, most of which was spent at UWinnipeg until his retirement in 2008. With his wonderful Socratic style, he attracted and engaged countless students, who founded an annual essay prize in his honour when he retired. He also received the Clifford Robson Distinguished Teacher Award in 2006. Keenan's greatest joy is to foster debate. In his classroom, students talk as much as he does - they are dialogues, not lectures - discussions that continue out into the hallways. Joining UWinnipeg in 1972, he spent a significant portion of this time acting as Chair of the Philosophy Department. Keenan becomes a Fellow of United College on Thursday, June 7 at 2:30 pm.

Steve Coppinger dedicated time and energy to UWinnipeg for more than 45 years, and in retirement he continues to serve the University with enthusiasm. Coppinger entered the Collegiate in 1967 and went on to earn a BA in Geography at UWinnipeg. As soon as he graduated he embarked on what would become a 36 year career at the University. For 18 of those years he was Associate Vice-President, Finance and Administration. His most marked characteristic continues to be his willingness to take on challenges and leadership positions that add value to the University, both as an employee and volunteer. In retirement, Coppinger shifted his considerable energy to the University of Winnipeg Retirees Association and was a member of a small fundraising committee that raised $40,000 for a UWRA scholarship, recognizing students who demonstrate strong academics and community service. Coppinger becomes a Fellow of United College on Friday, June 8 at 9:30 am.

Get detailed information about Spring Convocation 2012. 

- 30 -

MEDIA CONTACT

Diane Poulin, Communications Officer, The University of Winnipeg

P: 204.988.7135, E: d.poulin@uwinnipeg.ca