An accomplished economist, successful entrepreneur, and ardent community supporter whose impassioned generosity and civic pride drives her desire to improve the quality of life for all Winnipeggers, Ida Albo will receive an honorary degree at UWinnipeg’s 108th Convocation on October 14th.
As co-owner of Winnipeg’s iconic Fort Garry Hotel, Spa and Conference Centre, Albo has worked tirelessly for many years to restore and preserve the 1913 landmark and transform it into one of Winnipeg’s finest hotels and most popular event venues. She followed up that labour of love by sharing her passion for yoga, co-founding downtown Winnipeg’s Yoga Public.
Ida earned a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in Economics from UWinnipeg in 1981 and a Master of Arts degree in Economics from Queen’s University in 1982. She worked as an economist for the Government of Canada in the departments of Human Resources and Finance, and as an economics lecturer at both UWinnipeg and the University of Manitoba.
Born and raised in Winnipeg’s inner city, Albo exemplifies the values of hard work and a good education — instilled by her parents, who were new immigrants from Italy.
Among her many volunteer commitments, she has served UWinnipeg as a member of the Alumni Association Council, as a Board of Regent, and as an active UWinnipeg Foundation board member and generous supporter of the Duff Roblin Gala Dinner, which raises funds for Indigenous scholars
“Ida is a community booster who rolls up her sleeves and gets involved to strengthen the fabric of our city,” said Dr. Annette Trimbee, President and Vice-Chancellor, UWinnipeg. “She gives her time and energy selflessly to many important causes, including ensuring that all students, regardless of socio-economic background, have access to higher learning.”
Albo has also been active with CentreVenture Development Corporation, where she was instrumental spearheading the Plaza Skate Park as well as in the rebirth of Winnipeg’s Central Park; Canadian Tourism Commission; Health Sciences Centre Research Foundation; Manning Foundation; Cancer Care Manitoba; Winnipeg Symphony; and the Pan Am Clinic Foundation. Albo is currently on the boards of Cancer Care Manitoba, Winnipeg Symphony, Canada Games 2017, and Manitoba Business Council; she is also Chair of the WAG Gala.
In recognition of her many years of service to others, Albo was awarded the Variety Children’s Charity Gold Heart in 2010 and UWinnipeg’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 2012. She was named a member of the Order of Canada in 2015.
In an interesting though coincidental twist, Dr. Frank Albo will receive UWinnipeg’s Distinguished Alumni Award — sharing the stage with his sister — at the convocation ceremony on October 14th. He is an architectural historian known locally as the inspiration behind The Hermetic Code, which details the secrets of the Manitoba Legislative building.
MEDIA CONTACT
Diane Poulin, Senior Communications Specialist, The University of Winnipeg
P: 204.988.7135, E: d.poulin@uwinnipeg.ca
