http://www.uwinnipeg.ca/index/uw-news-action en 2012-05-16T10:03:41-05:00 hourly 1 1970-01-01T00:00+00:00 http://www.uwinnipeg.ca/index/uw-news-action/story.811/title.human-rights-activist-earns-honourary-doctorate WINNIPEG, MB –The distinguished Father Patrick Desbois, renowned for his work in the areas of conflict resolution, reconciliation and restorative dialogue will be honoured by The University of Winnipeg with an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity honoris causa at a Special Convocation to be held on Thursday, May 2, 2013 after the 12th Annual Holocaust Symposium at UWinnipeg. “Father Desbois’ work and commitment in promoting dialogue amongst different ethnic and religious groups, most notably between the Roman Catholic and Jewish faiths, is a testament to his dedication to social justice and human rights,” expressed UWinnipeg President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Lloyd Axworthy.   "Father Desbois' extraordinary work restoring the memory of the first 1.5 million victims of the Shoah (the preferred term for 'Holocaust') has created an awareness of this dark period of history", said Belle Millo, Chair, Freeman Family Foundation Holocaust Education Centre, Jewish Heritage Centre of Western Canada. "We are very pleased that The University of Winnipeg is honouring him in this way and we share this important partnership in promoting social justice, encouraging dialogue and fighting antisemitism for over a decade."    Father Patrick Desbois’ Biography Desbois has devoted his life to confronting anti-Semitism. The grandson of a WWII French prisoner held in the Rawa Ruska camp on the Poland-Ukraine border, Desbois began his research in 2002, on the story of the Jewish, Roma and other victims murdered in Eastern Europe during WWII by the Nazi mobile killing units, known as the Einsatzgruppen.   In 2004, Desbois co-found Yahad – In Unum, meaning together in Hebrew and Latin, an organization that supports dialogue between Jewish and Catholic authorities. His extraordinary work to preserve the memory of Ukraine’s former Jewish community and to advance understanding of the crimes committed there during the Holocaust has received international attention and given voice to those that were lost during this dark time in history. For more information on his work visit Yahad – In Unum.   MEDIA CONTACT Naniece Ibrahim, Communications Officer, The University of Winnipeg P: 204.988.7130, E: n.ibrahim@uwinnipeg.ca Sitellite 2012-05-16 http://www.uwinnipeg.ca/index/uw-news-action/story.810/title.impact-of-arab-spring-course-offered This past year, the world was transfixed by quickly moving events that came to be known as “The Arab Spring.” Now the University of Winnipeg Global College is offering an intensive 6-day course entitled Impact of Arab Spring on Terrorism and Democratization in the Middle East - with a wide range of learning options: for a non-credit completion certificate or for 3 university credit hours; in person or online - classes start Monday, June 4, finish Saturday, June 9, 2012. Returning by popular demand, Prof. Amr Abdalla, Vice Rector, UN Affiliated University for Peace, in Costa Rica, will lecture in person in the TV classroom and will also be online. This is a senior level course but no prerequisite is required. This course can also be audited for a Certificate of Completion from Global College by registering through PACE . View the course syllabus.  - 30 - MEDIA CONTACT Diane Poulin, Communications Officer, The University of Winnipeg P: 204.988.7135, E: d.poulin@uwinnipeg.ca Sitellite 2012-05-15 http://www.uwinnipeg.ca/index/uw-news-action/story.808/title.courageous-alum-recognized WINNIPEG, MB –TONIGHT, The University of Winnipeg alum Ms. Tolu Ilelaboye will be recognized at the City of Winnipeg’s Citizen Equity Committee 2012 Youth Role Model Award Dinner. Ilelaboye will receive the Rosalinda Natividad Cantiveros Award for Courage. This award seeks out individuals who have overcome obstacles through hard work and perseverance. Ilelaboye reports that growing up, she was told that she had to work twice as hard as her peers because she was black and female. “Every day it seemed I was discovering something new about myself or, rather, that society was pointing out what was different about me,” Ilelaboye says of her life growing up in Fort Richmond, Winnipeg. Ilelaboye was diagnosed with lupus soon after her high school graduation. Ilelaboye attended UWinnipeg and played on the Wesmen team until she had to give up her spot due to her health concerns. She continues to battle her lupus, striving to overcome the emotional and physical stress that comes with a chronic illness. This past October 2011, she obtained her Bachelor of Arts with a double major in Rhetoric Communications and French. Despite her illness, Ilelaboye continues to make a difference in her community. “I wanted to embody the change I wanted to see”, she said. Ilelaboye volunteers within the African community through Folklorama and the Nigerian Association of Manitoba. She also works with youth via the Boys and Girls Clubs of Winnipeg and the Y.M.C.A-Y.W.C.A. “I am female and black and live with lupus,” she said. ‘’Being ‘rich with minorities’ has helped me grow into the person I am today.” About the Rosalinda Natividad-Cantiveros Courage Award Rosalinda Natividad-Cantiveros was a long serving member of the CEC as well as an educator, journalist, author, community leader and volunteer. She was a passionate volunteer involved with countless organizations.  Natividad-Cantiveros passed away in 2008 after her battle with cancer.  Her legacy continues with a Citizen Equity Committee award named after her in recognition of her courage. Citizen Equity Committee 2012 Youth Role Model Award Dinner Friday, May 11, 2012, at 7:00 pm, Canad Inns, 1824 Pembina Hwy Tickets are $30, To purchase tickets or a table please call Kwabena at 986.4167 or Florence 330.7624 MEDIA CONTACT Naniece Ibrahim, Communications Officer, The University of Winnipeg P: 204.988.7130, E: n.ibrahim@uwinnipeg.ca Sitellite 2012-05-11 http://www.uwinnipeg.ca/index/uw-news-action/story.802/title.public-open-house-tour-canada-s-premiere-science-complex-may-12 The University of Winnipeg's Faculty of Science is participating in Science Rendezvous by hosting a day-long public open house with activities and experiments inside the state-of-the-art Richardson College for the Environment and Science Complex. Everyone is welcome to drop in to this free event. WHEN: Saturday, May 12th, 2012 11:00 am- 3:00 pm WHERE: Richardson College for the Environment and Science Complex 599 Portage Avenue Anyone interested in science and the environment is encouraged to attend where they will meet professional scientists and see a corn starch and water pool, glow room, optics and laser room, a Music of Science room as well as many more fun filled activities. This complex, completed in 2011, is one of the finest educational facilities in Canada with more than 30 teaching labs, a rooftop greenhouse and a spectacular public atrium with 9 living trees. At street-level inside 599 Portage Avenue, Elements - The Restaurant is adding new chemistry to the building as well. Join us for breakfast, lunch or dinner prepared by the award-winning Diversity Food Services in a licensed setting. Elements offers authentic, nutritious and fairly priced food options with a focus on locally sourced foods, organic ingredients, and a commitment to fair-trade practices. From a fantastic brunch menu to grass-fed beef hamburgers to Oceanwise fish entrees come in and sample our fare. Open Saturday from 8 am to 9pm. - 30 - MEDIA CONTACT Diane Poulin, Communications Officer, The University of Winnipeg P: 204.988.7135, E: d.poulin@uwinnipeg.ca Sitellite 2012-05-10 http://www.uwinnipeg.ca/index/uw-news-action/story.807/title.former-chief-public-health-officer-joins-uwinnipeg WINNIPEG, MB –Effective today, former Chief Public Health Officer for Manitoba, Dr. Joel Kettner joins The University of Winnipeg as Visiting Professor and Senior Fellow in Indigenous Development Practice in UWinnipeg Master’s in Development Practice Program.   “Dr. Kettner’s breadth of experience in public health, health care and policymaking and his understanding of how these relate to social and economic development, is an excellent match for our MDP.  His knowledge of and work with Canada’s Aboriginal and other disadvantaged populations are an important asset for the program”, expressed UWinnipeg President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Lloyd Axworthy. “This is another tangible example of why it’s an exciting time to be at UWinnipeg.”   Supported by a grant from the MacArthur Foundation, Dr. Kettner will contribute his expertise in health with MDP faculty, staff and students on theoretical and practical issues as these pertain to health and development. The two-year appointment includes Kettner teaching graduate and undergraduate courses, and delivering four public lectures related to Indigenous development and health.  These lectures will be recorded and archived as part of the CN Indigenous Resource Centre and Global Classroom component of the MDP program, which includes the sharing resources and research among the 23 other universities in the MDP Global Network.   "I look forward to being part of UWinnipeg’s academic community, which is known for fostering and promoting fairness and accessibility,” said Kettner. “Sharing my experience and thinking in matters of public health and other medical practice with students and faculty in a global classroom is an exciting prospect.  I am very enthusiastic about MDP’s broad approach to development, based on its core commitment to health equity and social justice.”   About the MDP The MDP combines training in the health sciences, natural sciences, social sciences and management to give practitioners the tools to address the world's most challenging problems while creating leaders in Indigenous development and is part of a network of 23 other universities sharing resources and research. Find out more about this exciting new degree at http://mdp.uwinnipeg.ca ( http://mdp.uwinnipeg.ca/ ) or email mdp@uwinnipeg.ca.   Dr. Joel Kettner’s Biography For the past 22 years, Kettner has worked in Manitoba as a medical officer of health. In the ‘90’s, he served as a regional medical officer of health in rural and northern Manitoba and in Winnipeg. For the past 12 years he was Manitoba’s senior public health physician, first as chief medical officer of health until 2007, and then as Manitoba’s first chief provincial public health officer (CPPHO), a new position mandated by the new Public Health Act of Manitoba. He served in that capacity until January, 2012.   Kettner has been active in national and international public health matters. Some of his significant engagements include: being the past chair of the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Deputy Ministers of Health Advisory Committee on Population Health; engaging in a five-year pilot project with Island Lake First Nations communities to improve public health; being a provincial participant in Canada’s delegation to update the International Health Regulations of the World Health Assembly of the United Nations (following the SARS outbreak); providing medical leadership in Manitoba during the H1N1 pandemic; and issuing the first mandated CPPHO Report on the Health Status of Manitobans entitled “Priorities for Prevention – Everyone, Every Place, Every Day.”  This report emphasized and prioritized the roles and responsibilities of all individuals and all sectors of society to prevent disease and injury and to reduce inequalities of health between and among specific populations in Manitoba, especially our Indigenous peoples. The Report includes twenty-one recommendations, all of which were accepted by the Minister of Health and the Government of Manitoba when the Report was made public in June, 2011. Kettner was raised in the north end of Winnipeg and obtained his medical degree at the University of Manitoba in 1976. After working in emergency medicine, he undertook his first residency program in Winnipeg, obtaining his general surgery specialty certificate from the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada. Kettner studied abroad, to prepare for an academic career, obtaining a Masters of Science in Epidemiology at the University of London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Inspired by the study of disease prevention and public health in the United Kingdom, he returned to Winnipeg, and obtained his second Royal College specialty certificate, in Community Medicine (now Public Health and Preventive Medicine).   In addition to his role in the MDP at the University of Winnipeg, Kettner continues as assistant professor in the Departments of Community Health Sciences and Surgery at the University of Manitoba.  Kettner plans to continue to practice clinical medicine on a part time basis. Sitellite 2012-05-09 http://www.uwinnipeg.ca/index/uw-news-action/story.806/title.three-fellows-chosen-for-spring-2012-convocation WINNIPEG, MB - The University of Winnipeg will honour an active retiree and two dedicated educators as Fellows of United College at Spring Convocation June 7 and 8, 2012. 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 Sitellite 2012-05-09 http://www.uwinnipeg.ca/index/uw-news-action/story.759/title.spring-and-summer-2012-institutes-offered-at-global-college May click here for news story : Intensive courses on Climate Change offered in May Women and Climate Change - May 7 to May 18 Climate Change and Human Displacement - May 7 to May 18 Sport, Development and Peace Field Course in El Salvador (course full) June The Impact of Arab Spring on Peace in the Middle East- June 4 to June 9 August Human Rights Intensive: Adventures in Global Citizenship - August 7 to August 15 Now available through video-on-demand Indigenous Property, Development and Extraction in Canada and South America The University of Winnipeg’s Global College in partnership with the Department of Indigenous Studies, and Master’s in Development Practice offered a course entitled Indigenous Property, Development and Extraction in Canada and Latin America consisting of three workshops featuring internationally recognized visiting lecturers: Dr. Ginger Gibson an Adjunct Professor at the University of British Columbia in Mining Engineering – is partially funded by support from the Walter and Duncan Gordon Foundation, Dr. Maria Delgado, senior lawyer with the Institute for Liberty and Democracy in Peru; and the Honourable Justice Murray Sinclair, Chair, Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. These lectures are now available through video-on-demand. For complete details, visit: http://www.uwinnipeg.ca/index/gc-si Sitellite 2012-05-07 http://www.uwinnipeg.ca/index/uw-news-action/story.805/title.axworthy-meets-president-of-ghana (photo l-r, UWinnipeg President & Vice Chancellor Dr. Axworthy, Ghana’s President John Atta Mills and Wayne Dunn) WINNIPEG, MB – The University of Winnipeg and the University for Development Studies from Ghana have agreed to establish a working relationship between the Masters in Development Practice program and UDS Dept. of Integrated Development Studies that will lead to a joint initiative on the study of development practice for Indigenous and Traditional societies. Ghana’s President John Atta Mills said that he welcomed the initiative of the University of Winnipeg and the University for Development Studies (UDS) to work together to further research, education and practice in the area of Indigenous and Traditional Peoples development.    Dr. Axworthy and President Mills, who have known each other over the past decade, agreed that such an initiative can be very important in the mutual efforts to deal with climate change and development issues including the relationship between mining and other extractive sector activities that impact indigenous and traditional lands.   The UDS/UW has signed an MOU that supports the educational objectives of each institution as well as the development objectives of northern Ghana.  The MOU encourages student exchanges, professional and academic development of lecturers and professors, visiting professorships and lecturing engagements, joint research and development projects as well as the development of graduate and post graduate programs around Indigenous knowledge, environmental stewardship and community development.   The UDS/UW collaboration will also enhance UWinnipeg’s new MDP degree, which is part of a global network of 23 Universities working in collaboration to foster an innovative new approach to development education, research and community/field practices.   UDS in Ghana is pioneering a highly innovative curriculum for all of its students.  Every student must do two 8-week field placements in local communities.  This is done in inter-disciplinary teams of ten students from various departments (agriculture, engineering, pre-medicine, education, etc.) and provides every undergrad student with direct community development experience.  This fits the mission statement of the University of Winnipeg in terms of its community learning initiatives.   Dr Axworthy also met with a number of education and development institutions in Ghana as well as a number of students who are keenly interested in University of Winnipeg programs, including especially the MDP program.   Dr Axworthy also presented a letter from the Deputy Minister of Advanced Education from Manitoba, seeking closer arrangements on developing applied technical education programs.  President Mills welcomed this cooperation and urged the parties to continue.   During the week Dr. Axworthy also met with Minister of Education, the Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, the CEO of the Savannah Accelerated Development Authority, the Head of the United Nations in Ghana and the Head of the UN’s World Food Program in Ghana, as well as giving two public lectures on Education as the Foundation of Development.   This initiative with the President of Ghana, UDS and other Ghanaian institutions fits the active efforts by The University of Winnipeg to provide an international presence and to support the efforts at expanding the role of the city and the province in international trade, environment and development issues. BACKGROUND University for Development Studies (Tamale, Ghana) Established in May 1992 by the Government of Ghana to “blend the academic world with that of the community in order to provide constructive interaction between the two for the total development of Northern Ghana, in particular, and the country as a whole.” The university by its mandate and constituency has a pro-poor focus. This is reflected in its methodology of teaching, research and outreach services. The specific emphasis on practically-oriented research and field-based training is aimed at contributing towards poverty reduction in order to accelerate national development. It began academic work in September 1993 with the admission of thirty-nine students into the Faculty of Agriculture. The Faculty of Integrated Development Studies, Faculty of Planning and Land Management and Faculty of Education, Wa, School of Business, Wa, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Mathematical Sciences and Graduate School were phased in from 1994 to date. Find out more at University for Development Studies (Tamale, Ghana) University of Winnipeg (Winnipeg, Canada) The University of Winnipeg is a national leader in attracting Indigenous students and nurturing Indigenous scholarship, offering a number of programs that are unique in Canada including a Masters in Indigenous Governance, a Master of Arts in Environmental, Resource and Development Economics and a unique Master’s in Development Practice (MDP) in Indigenous Development - with support from the MacArthur Foundation. This two-year program of study consists of course work, applied research and field placements. The program transcends borders by offering online “global classrooms” that will connect students to an international network of 22 other universities as well as with local, rural, and remote communities around the world. UWinnipeg is also dissolving the line between campus and community with an holistic approach to Community Learning. This includes working with children as young as 10 years old from war-affected countries, new immigrant and Indigenous families, and those who are economically disadvantaged to erase barriers so that one day, they will be able to attend University.  Find out more at UWinnipeg.   MEDIA CONTACT Naniece Ibrahim, Communications Officer, The University of Winnipeg P: 204.988.7130, E: n.ibrahim@uwinnipeg.ca Sitellite 2012-05-04 http://www.uwinnipeg.ca/index/uw-news-action/story.804/title.uwinnipeg-biz-student-wins-national-competition WINNIPEG,MB: Equals6, the professional social network for students, today announced that Hartley Rogers, Commerce student at The University of Winnipeg, won the “Marketing Idol competition” top prize of $1,200. Marketing Idol is a business case competition where Equals6 student members tackle real-world business challenges. The company awarded more than $4,000 in prizes to the top contenders at the competition held in Halifax, Nova Scotia. "We were impressed with the quality of the student submissions," said Andy Osburn, CEO of Equals6. "Our members showed great enthusiasm and creativity during the competition. The top prize winner, Hartley Rogers, impressed the judges and Equals6 management to such a degree that we hired her as an Equals6 Campus Ambassador at The University of Winnipeg.” According to Rogers, the competition was about more than prize money. “I enjoyed the learning experience of taking on a business challenge and coming up with a creative solution. I am also thrilled to be working with Equals6 as a Campus Ambassador,” said Rogers. About Equals6 Equals6 is a social network that helps students achieve their career and academic goals by connecting with employers, scholarship opportunities and schools. Employers and schools partner with Equals6 to identify and recruit top-talent students. Marketing Idol and other competitions and contests are part of a broader Equals6 effort to support student engagement on the social network and to reward top students. The company also offers Top Talent scholarships, with more than $25,000 awarded through the program. FIND OUT MORE ABOUT UWINNIPEG'S FACULTY OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS.  - 30 - MEDIA CONTACTS: Diane Poulin, Communications Officer, The University of Winnipeg P: 204.988.7135, E: d.poulin@uwinnipeg.ca Andy Osburn, CEO, Equals6 info@equals6.com 1-877-647-3356 Sitellite 2012-05-03 http://www.uwinnipeg.ca/index/uw-news-action/story.803/title.three-dedicated-manitobans-to-receive-honorary-degrees WINNIPEG, MB - The University of Winnipeg today announced it will award three honorary degrees at Spring Convocation June 7 and 8, 2012 to prominent Manitobans who have served as tireless advocates for the betterment of our community. R.M. (Bob) Kozminski's business acumen in the local automotive industry is well-known to Manitobans. He also has a deep commitment to community through philanthropy and volunteerism with a particular interest in education, health and child safety. After obtaining his Bachelor of Arts from UWinnipeg, Kozminski went on to earn a law degree. Kozminski is a founding member and director of The University of Winnipeg Foundation. In 2004, he assumed responsibility as Campaign Chair for the World of Opportunity Capital Campaign, which successfully attracted $135 million in campus development, endowment, program funding, scholarships and bursaries - the most ambitious campaign in UWinnipeg's history. For his leadership in business and philanthropy that leaves a legacy for all Canadians, UWinnipeg presents Bob Kozminski with an Honorary Doctor of Laws on Thursday, June 7 at 9:30 am. Hartley T. Richardson, C.M., O.M., receives an Honorary Doctor of Laws for his leadership in business, service to the community, and lifelong commitment to The University of Winnipeg and the citizens of Manitoba and Canada. As President & CEO of James Richardson & Sons, Limited, a private, family-owned corporation involved in the international grain trade and agri-foods business, real estate, oil and gas development, financial services and investments, his leadership is outstanding. Richardson also initiated one of the most important gifts to UWinnipeg, resulting in the state-of-the-art Richardson College for the Environment and Science Complex, where thousands of students now study, helping to revitalize Winnipeg's inner city. Richardson receives an Honorary Doctor of Laws on Thursday, June 7 at 2:30 pm. Dr. Diane McGifford is a tireless advocate for post-secondary educational opportunities in Manitoba, having shared her passion and insights as the longest serving Minister of Advanced Education and Training in Canada. She received a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in 1970 at UWinnipeg, and went on to obtain a Master of Arts and a PhD in English in 1979. McGifford worked as an English professor at the Universities of Saskatchewan, the Manitoba and Winnipeg. McGifford's political career spanned 16 years, beginning as an MLA in 1995. In 1999, she was appointed to Premier Gary Doer's first cabinet as the Minister of Culture, Heritage and Tourism. In 2001, she became Manitoba's first Minister of Advanced Education. During her many years in this role, McGifford made some of her most significant and lasting contributions to the province. She established, “Bright Futures,” a suite of programs that bring community-based organizations and schools together designed to address student success and access to post-secondary education among traditionally marginalized and under-represented populations. McGifford has also been a steadfast supporter of UWinnipeg's Opportunity Fund. McGifford receives an Honorary Doctor of Letters on Friday, June 8 at 9:30 am. Graduate and undergraduate degrees will be conferred in UWinnipeg's Ninety-Sixth Convocation at the Duckworth Centre on Thursday, June 7 at 9:30 am - Arts; at 2:30 pm - Science, Business and Economics; and on Friday, June 8 at 9:30 am - Education, Theology, Marriage and Family Therapy. See 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 Sitellite 2012-05-03