As 2020 comes to a close, and we put memories of the COVID-19 pandemic (hopefully) behind us, we would also like to take a moment to celebrate the many good news stories and accomplishments that The University of Winnipeg community shared this year.
Despite the challenges of navigating working and learning remotely for the first time, there are countless stories that showcase the University’s commitment to innovative research, community resilience, and student success.
We took a look back at the top three stories each month, highlighting the wide variety of activities our University community took part in over the past year:
January 2020
New report outlines bold actions to prepare graduates to succeed
The story with the highest readership in January 2020 highlighted a collaboration between Manitoba post-secondary and business leaders who gathered on campus to unveil a new strategic action plan that outlines a bold vision for delivering the knowledge and skills that graduates need to drive Manitoba’s economy forward and thrive in the ever-evolving workforce. Read more.
Other top stories in January 2020 include:
UWinnipeg launches Centre for Access to Information and Justice
UWinnipeg geography prof leads study on extreme weather events
February 2020
Louis Riel Bursaries – meet the talented Métis students
In February 2020, we were reading about the University’s talented Métis students as we celebrated the recipients of the 2020 Louis Riel Bursaries. Since 1999, the Manitoba Metis Federation and its educational arm, the Louis Riel Institute, through funding from Employment and Social Development Canada, have provided more than $2 million in bursaries to Métis students attending UWinnipeg. Read more.
Other top stories in February 2020 include:
Speed staffing event garners federal government job offers for students
Four MDP students earn prestigious awards
March 2020
New literacy and numeracy tools released amid COVID-19
No one will forget March 2020. The pandemic, which had been a light murmur, turned into a full roar as campuses across the country began working remotely. It will be no surprise that the most-read story was the UWinnipeg Update on COVID-19 Situation: Friday, March 13. However, for the purpose of this list, we wanted to dig in a little deeper to showcase the achievements and community-building that continued to take place in our campus community.
Situational updates aside, the most-read story in March 2020 featured a new tool created by Dr. Sheri-Lynn Skwarchuk to help parents improve their children’s numeracy and literary skills while schools are closed. Skwarchuk created the ToyBox tool to assist parents in preparing their children, aged two to eight, for skills in literacy, numeracy, and wellness. Read more.
Other top stories in March 2020 include:
Barb Gamey named chancellor at UWinnipeg
Spotlight on women leaders, researchers, and community builders
April 2020
UWinnipeg Indigenous health research receives $3.5 million boost
As Manitobans grappled with the impact of COVID-19, UWinnipeg received CIHR funding enabling researchers to increase health research support to Indigenous organizations. The Indigenous-led health research project Kishaadigeh is developed by and with Indigenous communities and organizations to empower health research initiatives that reflect their priorities. Read more.
Other top stories in April 2020 include:
Diversity Food Services turns to curbside delivery
New literacy and numeracy tool released amid COVID-19
May 2020
Dr. Jenny Heijun Wills named 2020 Chancellor’s Research Chair
In May 2020, we had more opportunities to celebrate. The story of Dr. Jenny Heijun Wills’ appointment to Chancellor’s Research Chair garnered the most readership.
An Associate Professor in the Department of English, Wills arrived at UWinnipeg in 2011 and currently teaches critical race studies, American literature, and writing. She also publishes scholarly writing on transnational and transracial adoption in literature, race, and identity. She released her first book in 2019, the award-winning memoir Older Sister. Not Necessarily Related (Penguin Random House Canada), that explores the impact of being raised by a family of a different ethnicity and culture. Read more.
Other top stories in May 2020 include:
New research examines how teachers cope with stress and change
Mentorship program provides connection for international students
June 2020
Data Science Stream now at UWinnipeg
The Department of Mathematics and Statistics announced a new Data Science Stream in June 2020. This four-year degree prepares students to excel in contributing to and predicting future trends and making decisions in areas as diverse as medicine, business, advertising, entertainment, public health, insurance, finance, auto, travel, education, and many others. Read more.
Other top stories in June 2020 include:
UWinnipeg professor to introduce new form of remote learning
Celebrating Indigenous Summer Scholars
July 2020
Celebrating the ‘Dictionary Ladies’ of St. Laurent
The University bestowed an Honorary Doctor of Letters on Métis Grandmothers and Knowledge Keepers Lorraine Coutu-Lavallee, June Bruce, and Agathe Chartrand at a special convocation event at the end of June. Their story, Celebrating the ‘Dictionary Ladies’ of St. Laurent, was UWinnipeg’s most-read news story in July 2020. Read more.
Other top stories in July 2020 include:
‘A Legacy of Impact’ highlights Trimbee’s time at UWinnipeg
Paul Lawrie named Associate Dean Of Arts
August 2020
New resource hub supports teaching, learning, and research
In August 2020, the University launched a new resource hub to support teaching, learning, and research. The virtual hub provides advice on how to manage stress, engage and support students, and prepare course content for remote learning. It was created by a multi-disciplinary team of educators, librarians, and academic technology experts to give The University of Winnipeg community quick access to resources and advice to successfully work and study anywhere. Read more.
Other top stories in August 2020 include:
Meet Indigenous Summer Scholar Meagan Malcolm
UWinnipeg panelists discuss structural racism
September 2020
Javier Schwersensky named CEO of UWinnipeg Foundation
The University of Winnipeg Foundation announced the appointment of President and CEO Javier Schwersensky in September 2020. A skilled leader with 17 years of experience in the non-profit sector, he assumed responsibility for day-to-day management of the Foundation’s operations October 19, 2020. Read more.
Other top stories in September 2020 include:
UWinnipeg receives SSHRC research funding
Dr. Julie Nagam is Nuit Blanche Toronto’s artistic director
October 2020
Faculty and staff excellence to be recognized at Convocation
It was time for celebration as The University of Winnipeg celebrated Autumn Convocation with virtual ceremonies that included the chance to recognize 10 faculty and staff who embody excellence in academics, research, mentorship, governance, and community engagement. A feature story celebrating the success of these exceptional individuals was the most-read story in October 2020. Read more.
Other top stories in October 2020 include:
Tantoo Cardinal and Allan Levine to be honoured by UWinnipeg
Eight UWinnipeg science students head into dentistry together
November 2020
UWinnipeg launches Master In Environmental & Social Change
In November 2020, the most-read story celebrated the launch of The University of Winnipeg’s new Master in Environmental and Social Change. This program will help to propel Manitoba’s growing environmental industries by equipping graduates and future leaders with skills in both the natural and social sciences.
“From the implications of COVID-19 to managing the social and ecological impacts of energy production, there is an urgency to address human impact on the environment,” said Nora Casson, Program Co-Chair, Associate Professor in the Department of Geography, and Canada Research Chair in Environmental Influences on Water Quality. ”This exciting and unique program will help to produce the creative, collaborative thinkers needed to solve existing local, regional, and global problems.” Read more.
Other top stories in November 2020 include:
Community-based study aims to decolonize Canadian Food Guide
Exercise and masks during COVID
December 2020
UWinnipeg students give back, discover futures, through inner city work study
An inspiring story about a pair of students in The University of Winnipeg’s Inner-City Work Study program was the most-read story in December 2020. Maiah Feely shared about her eye-opening experience working with Ogijiita Pimatiswin Kinamatwin; a grassroots and community-driven organization that offers mental health consultation, services for gang-affected youth and families, crisis response, and more. The story also profiled Harold Memita’s work placement with Ndinawemaaganag Endaawaad Inc.; an organization that helps at-risk youth in Winnipeg, providing shelter, education, recreation, and support. The experience was so fulfilling, he is now thinking about working with not-for-profits post-graduation. Read more.
Other top stories in December 2020 include:
UWinnipeg professors contribute to book on Manitoba’s COVID-19 response
