The University of Winnipeg congratulates Em Penner, Thomas Hepworth, and Lisa Maes, valedictorians for the 126th Convocation ceremonies on Thursday, June 12 and Friday, June 13.
Em Penner, Bachelor of Arts in Rhetoric and Communications
Em Penner will address graduates being conferred degrees in Arts on Thursday, June 12 at 9:30 a.m.
As a child, Em wanted to be a writer. Now, they are carrying out that dream for their younger self.
Em is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Rhetoric and Communications with a minor in Psychology. They started their degree six years ago, and Em is grateful for the space to take their time with it.
The support and community Em found through professors and in the Indigenous Students Services Centre cannot be understated. Time spent getting to know their peers, and engaging in cultural programming and resources, has nurtured Em’s deeper connection to their culture, ancestors, and people.
They took part in a Two-Spirit and gender diverse sweat lodge through the Indigenous Engagement Office, spent time as a tutor, and was an editor and contributor for the Rooted in Rhetoric journal.
Em was the recipient of the English Speaking Union Prize, an Opportunity Fund Bursary, Academic Proficiency Scholarship, and Dean’s Honour List: Student of Highest Distinction.
Em is currently a scholar in the Indigenous Summer Scholars Program, researching Indigenous queer representation in curatorial spaces. They presented their scholarly work and research at several colloquiums, conferences, and events at UWinnipeg, and hopes to attend graduate school to do further research on Indigenous queer identities and representation.
Em also hopes to continue working and engaging in their Indigenous queer communities.
Thomas Hepworth, Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Physics
Thomas Hepworth will address graduates being conferred degrees in Science, as well as Business and Economics, on Thursday, June 12 at 2:30 p.m.
Thomas did not begin his studies at UWinnipeg as a physics major, but once he made the leap he never regretted it for a second, and worked hard to achieve his goals.
He had several UWinnipeg alumni in his life, which made attending UWinnipeg an easy choice. Now, Thomas is graduating with a 4-year honours Bachelor of Science in Physics, with several awards and scholarships under his belt.
This year, Thomas received the Sir William Stephenson Scholarship, the John A. Bulman Scholarship, the David R. Dyck Prize in history, the H.V Rutherford scholarship, the Donald Kerr Scholarship, and Academic Proficiency Scholarship.
He was the president of the Physics Student Association, and spent many hours with close friends in the physics student lounge.
His time at UWinnipeg passed very quickly for him, but Thomas made the most of each opportunity that arose.
Over the four summers of his undergrad, Thomas worked at CERN’s antimatter factory in Geneva, as well as at TRIUMF in Vancouver. These experiences changed the trajectory of his career and life path.
Now, he plans to complete a PhD in nuclear physics at the University of Heidelberg with a Max Planck Fellowship in Nuclear Physics. He will be working on a neutron experiment, PanEDM at the Institute Laue Langevin in Grenoble, France.
Lisa Maes, Bachelor of Education
Lisa Maes will address graduates being conferred degrees in Education, Kinesiology and Applied Health, and Marriage and Family Therapy on Friday, June 13 at 9:30 a.m.
Lisa chose to attend The University of Winnipeg thanks to the Community-based Aboriginal Teacher Education Program, which helped her build strong community with her peers, provided a sense of mutual support, and fostered deep friendships for her.
She is graduating with a Bachelor of Education, with a biology major and chemistry minor. Her numerous recognitions include the Isbister Undergraduate Scholarship, Louis Riel Bursary, Merlene Scholarship Fund, Ross A. Johnston Indigenous Student Scholarship in Education, and an Academic Proficiency Scholarship.
Lisa takes great pride in her success, although it did not come without sacrifice – having to spend time away from her young family and continuing her studies while on maternity leave.
But, she believes, it’s through discomfort and challenge that we grow the most, and she hopes to bring all that she has learned to inspire positive change in future generations and establish a legacy of relationships.
Lisa is grateful for the many incredible and diverse people from all walks of life she has met at UWinnipeg, and says it has been one of the greatest privileges of her life to have learned alongside them, as well as from them.
Lisa will begin a permanent teaching contract with Hanover School Division at Steinbach Regional Secondary School in September 2025, and hopes in the future to pursue a Master’s degree in Education.
The University of Winnipeg is proud to honour Lisa Maes as valedictorian.
In recognition of exceptional service, achievement, and distinction, The University of Winnipeg presents a variety of awards to deserving members of the University and wider community at our Convocation ceremonies. Learn more about our 126th Convocation.
