Back row standing: L to R: Roberta Tesar, Fiona Ross, Kris Watts, Robyn Van Iderstine, Eric Weiske, Scott Bryer, Lyndsay Goldstein, Candice Grant, Jaimee Dupont.Front row: L – R : Amanda Dumont, Reade Tereck, Kristen Adair
WINNIPEG, MB – The Canadian Institute of Forestry (CIF), Canada’s professional organization of foresters and leading voice for the forest industry, has recognized The University of Winnipeg’s Forest Ecology program. This highly sought recognition will allow UWinnipeg graduates the prestige associated with a forestry baccalaureate program, giving students a competitive edge and the specialized skills needed to work in the forest industry or associated profession. UWinnipeg is the only four-year university program in the province that has earned CIF recognition.
Commitment to Life-Long Learning
“With this recognition comes the honour of wearing the CIF’s Silver Ring,” said Dr. Richard Westwood, Associate Professor, Acting Director of Environmental Studies, Centre for Forest Interdisciplinary Research, and Department of Biology. “Graduates of the UWinnipeg’s Forest Ecology program are now eligible to wear this prestigious ring. This ring symbolizes their responsibility to manage the forest for future generations and is a commitment to life-long learning and worn with pride.”
This year will be the first Silver Ring ceremony for the University’s Programs. The ring also marks the achievement of completion of a recognized program and represents a national bond amongst Canadian Forest Program graduates.
Robyn Van Iderstine and Eric Weiske
“We will celebrate this achievement with the graduates,” said Trevor Stanley, Director of the Manitoba Section of the Canadian Institute of Forestry. “The quality and content of the university’s two programs prepare graduates to be forest professionals with the right skills and knowledge, and the Canadian Institute of Forestry recognizes this achievement and the high standards of the programs. The Silver Rings will be presented at a special ceremony with representatives of the Institute in attendance.”
Prepared for Employment
Both programs are designed to train students for a wide range of employment opportunities within the forest sector. The training provided emphasizes the complex interrelationships of forest ecosystems, water, fish and wildlife, as well as the social, cultural and economic aspects of forestry. The programs provide the many skills required to manage forests and all that they encompass. Graduates are well prepared for employment within industry, government and many other agencies involved in forest management and policy.
“The Canadian Institute of Forestry recognizes the value of the education provided to University of Winnipeg forestry graduates. We base our recognition on high quality instruction,” said Stanley. “The forest sector requires people who will be vigilant managers of the forest throughout their careers. We are pleased to welcome University of Winnipeg graduates as forest professionals, and look forward to the annual Silver Ring ceremonies.”
For information on The University of Winnipeg’s Forest Ecology program visit http://envstudies.uwinnipeg.ca/.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION
Trevor Stanley, Director, Manitoba Section, Canadian Institute of Forestry,
Cell: 204 791-9161, Work: 204 426-5235, Fax: 204 426-2106
Email: trevor.stanley@gov.mb.ca
Naniece Ibrahim, Communications Officer, The University of Winnipeg
P: 204.988.7130, E: n.ibrahim@uwinnipeg.ca
