The University of Winnipeg welcomed Dr. Annette Trimbee, the 8th President and Vice-Chancellor, back to campus last week for a series of events leading up to the 119th Convocation.
Dr. Trimbee, who left UWinnipeg in 2020 after six years to lead MacEwan University, had her presidential portrait unveiled on Thursday, October 14 during a special afternoon ceremony at Richardson College for the Environment and Science Complex. The portrait was painted by local artist Lisa Wood, at the request of Dr. Trimbee.
My vision as UWinnipeg President was always to grow leaders like all of you. People who asked the right questions; people who are hopeful and compel positive change that extends beyond our own interests.
Dr. Annette Trimbee
A figurative-based artist whose practice encompasses painting, drawing, collage, installation and photography, Wood first painted Dr. Trimbee years ago at the Cafeteria interactive art exhibit that took place in Gallery 1C03. Wood is also an Assistant Professor in the Department of Visual and Aboriginal Art at Brandon University.
“It’s extremely fitting that Dr. Trimbee’s presidential portrait will hang inside Richardson College, especially considering the importance science has played in her life and career,” said Dr. James Currie, UWinnipeg’s Interim President and Vice-Chancellor. “It is impressive how Lisa Wood was able to recreate Dr. Trimbee’s colourful stole with its bright Manitoba flowers and sacred plants representing her Métis heritage, her family, and her connection to this region.”
Following her portrait unveiling, UWinnipeg, in partnership with the Manitoba Métis Federation, announced the creation of the Dr. Annette Trimbee Indigenous Excellence Scholarships, which is now one of the University’s most prestigious and highest valued scholarships.
It will recognize outstanding continuing undergraduate students who identify as Red River Métis, First Nations, or Inuit. The first scholarships, which are valued at up to $10,000 per year, will be awarded starting in the 2022 Fall Term and will be renewable for up to five years, subject to academic performance including a minimum 3.0 GPA and full-time enrolment at UWinnipeg.
Closing out her return visit to UWinnipeg on Friday, Dr. Trimbee addressed graduates during the Autumn Convocation ceremony, highlighting freshwater ecosystems as a narrative for success in life.
She shared these parting words with the class of 2021:
“My vision as UWinnipeg President was always to grow leaders like all of you. People who asked the right questions; people who are hopeful and compel positive change that extends beyond our own interests.
So I ask all of you, how will your time at UWinnipeg help shape your future? What will the next chapters in your story be? We can’t wait to find out how each of you will change the world one story at a time.”
