This Spring Convocation, UWinnipeg celebrates five World University Services of Canada (WUSC) refugee students graduating from the University of Winnipeg, the largest contingent since the program’s inception in 1980.
The graduating students are: Peter Ajang Deng (Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry), Monica Ayuen Dot (Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience), Sunday Emmanuel (Bachelor of Science, Honours, in Applied Computer Science), Harriet Kabaosomi (Bachelor of Arts in Conflict Resolution Studies), and Nyamal Kuon Bachelor of Science in Biology). They are diverse in their choice of studies but are united in their shared experience of survival and accomplishment.
UWinnipeg’s Immigrant and Refugee Student Services (IRSS) department oversees the World University Service of Canada (WUSC) Student Refugee Program (SRP), that covers tuition and living expenses through student levies.
With an open mind and the right support, UWinnipeg can quickly become a place where you feel you belong.
Monica Ayuen Dot
The WUSC Student Refugee Program (SRP) is a national scholarship initiative that brings refugee youth from around the world to Canada to pursue post-secondary education at colleges and universities across the country.
David Mabior Atem (BA 07), Coordinator/Head of the IRSS, plays a major role in making the WUSC students settle comfortably at UWinnipeg.
“The IRSS oversees the WUSC Student Refugee Program (SRP),” explained Atem. “We are proud to celebrate the graduation of five WUSC students by sharing their inspiring stories with the university community. With the support of partner departments, IRSS leads students’ transition even before they arrive on campus.”
Dot, Emmanuel, and Kabaosomi, shared their stories on how Atem, the IRSS, and the UWinnipeg community helped in their path to academic success.
They all recognized how Atem and his IRSS team made their arrival at UWinnipeg a welcoming experience.
“From the very first moment, I had an army of people already working behind the scenes to make sure I had everything I needed,” shared Emmanuel.
Kabaosomi shared a similar memory, “When I arrived at UWinnipeg, I met David who warmly welcomed me and introduced me to my academic advisors, first Lee Hong and later Gian Pau. Their guidance and support played a big role in my academic journey.”
Everyone at UWinnipeg who had the pleasure to work with these students are honored to have helped participate in making UWinnipeg feel like home.
“We are proud to celebrate this year’s graduating WUSC students—marking a milestone with a record five graduands at the University of Winnipeg,” shared Travis Greene, Associate Vice-President, Student Engagement. “Their resilience and determination are extraordinary, and they have enriched our campus in immeasurable ways. Their success reflects the strength, talent, and global perspective they bring to our community and beyond.”
Dot, who also enjoyed her UWinnipeg journey, offers some advice to new students:” Don’t be your own limitation to the beautiful experiences that campus has in store for you. With an open mind and the right support, UWinnipeg can quickly become a place where you feel you belong.”
