“It’s funny how I can’t remember that well,” said Gilles Paquin (BA 76) chuckling as he recalled his first days at The University of Winnipeg more than 50 years ago. “I think I went, and left, and went back.”
While the specifics may be fuzzy, one thing is clear: Gilles credits his time at UWinnipeg in the 1970s as a pivotal chapter in shaping his long-standing career in the entertainment industry.
Fresh out of high school, Gilles hadn’t planned on attending university— nor did he envision a future as an artist. “My family comes from an artistic performance world,” said Gilles. “While it wasn’t encouraged, it wasn’t discouraged either. So, when I started at UWinnipeg, I wasn’t really into theatre completely.”
Gilles’ first connection to the university came while working as a window designer at Eaton’s on Portage Avenue. A colleague suggested he take a History of Art course offered at the Winnipeg Art Gallery, taught by long-time professor Dr. David Topper (1974-2012). That course would become a turning point.
Dr. Topper introduced Gilles to the work of Jacob Bronowski, whose book Science and Human Values explores the relationships between science, technology, and human creativity. Gilles was captivated. “I realized in my life that I was always good at mathematics, and I had a deep appreciation for art,” said Gilles. “That course was life-changing for me. Not only was Professor Topper a great teacher, but he helped me begin to understand myself.”
Inspired by Dr. Topper’s teaching style, Gilles returned to UWinnipeg to take more courses, including History of Science and Criminology—both of which he says taught him as much about acting as any theatre class. He also enrolled in directing and acting courses and performed in a variety of university productions.
“One of the plays I performed in was As You Like It, where I was cast by Professor Reginald (Reg) Skene in the role of Jaques—the character who delivers the iconic ‘All the world’s a stage’ soliloquy,” Gilles recalls. Professor Skene, a key figure in shaping UWinnipeg’s Department of Theatre, later encouraged Gilles to audition for the Manitoba Theatre Centre. Gilles landed a role in Cyrano de Bergerac, performing alongside Len Cariou under the direction of Jean Gascon. “It wasn’t a big role—I was just a punk,” Gilles laughed. “But it was a turning point.”
Building relationships for success
Beyond the creative outlet, it was the relationships Gilles built at UWinnipeg that proved most influential. He met fellow theatre student Howard Gurevich, and together they started an improvisational troupe. Gilles eventually became a producer, director, and performer.
After graduating, Gilles was hired by CBC’s French network, supporting variety programming. After five years, his entrepreneurial instinct took over, and in 1985, he launched his own company, Paquin Entertainment Group. “And the rest is history,” said Gilles. “At UWinnipeg, I met Fred Penner and later became his manager. At CBC, I met Tom Jackson and worked with him too. I just kept building relationships and working with artists across the country.”
Looking back, Gilles says he only wished he had taken a business course. “But life taught me that. I wasn’t a great academic, but I was passionate. The teachers and professors at UWinnipeg were life-saving for me. I think I learned a lot. I didn’t necessarily know how to be a good student, but what I did learn, I learned well.”
Now entering a period of succession, Gilles remains committed to connecting, innovating, and inspiring people through music arts and culture. “I’ve always wanted to do things that have a very positive impact on society,” said Gilles. Today, his company represents more than 450 artists and produces immersive experiences combining arts, music, and culture world-wide.
It was the foundation built at UWinnipeg that allowed Gilles to connect with like-minded people and drive his journey with the arts. “I think university isn’t just about learning. It’s also about socializing with your contemporaries and learning about the differences in people.”
In 2015, The University of Winnipeg Alumni Association presented Gilles with the Distinguished Alumni Award for his impact on shaping the entertainment industry and his legacy in giving back to the community.
The University of Winnipeg invites all graduates of the Classes of 1975-1979 and years ending in 0 and 5 to the Homecoming Reunion luncheon on Friday, September 19. To learn more about the free luncheon or to confirm your attendance, please visit the Homecoming web page.
