WINNIPEG, MB – The University of Winnipeg is pleased to honour Dr. R.M (Bob) Kozminski, at the 2017 Duff Roblin Award Dinner, to be held Thursday, October 26, at The Fort Garry Hotel. The Duff Roblin Award recognizes outstanding Manitobans for their commitment to education and community.
An alumnus of The University of Winnipeg (BA ’67), Dr. Kozminski is a prominent business leader and active community philanthropist. Kozminski began his career as a lawyer, leaving the practice in 1986 to become an entrepreneur in the automotive industry. Over the years, with Kozminski as CEO, the family company expanded its business activities to include residential and commercial real estate development.
“It is humbling to be designated as the Duff Roblin recipient for several reasons; foremost being my huge admiration for the late Duff Roblin – a truly great Canadian who inspired me as a young man to become involved in politics and to give back to our community,” Dr. Kozminski said. “I find it humbling to be chosen alongside all of the past recipients for whom I have so much respect and admiration. The University of Winnipeg was critical to any modest success I have enjoyed, so to receive this honour as well as my past doctorate are truly very special.”
A founding member of the UWinnipeg Foundation Board of Directors (2003), Dr. Kozminski currently serves as Vice-Chair. Dr. Kozminski has led planning efforts in support of The Duff Roblin Scholar’s Fund, whose endowment now totals over $1.2 million, as well as raising over $300,000 in support of The University’s Pathways to Education initiatives, including the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Scholarship Fund, and The Opportunity Fund. Additionally, his leadership as campaign chair was integral to the success of UWinnipeg’s “A World of Opportunity Capital Campaign”.
“Bob has been a tireless champion and fundraiser for UWinnipeg, and his efforts reach beyond campus development. He recognizes how important it is to support individual students so they may fulfill their potential, and his efforts have contributed to the creation of more than 300 new student scholarships, bursaries, and awards. That is an incredible legacy,” said Dr. Annette Trimbee, President and Vice-Chancellor, UWinnipeg.
Dr. Kozminski is a dedicated philanthropist, committed to giving back through generous support and guidance to numerous community organizations including the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, the Aboriginal Awards Program at the Business Council of Manitoba, the University of Manitoba, United Way, and CancerCare Manitoba.
The inaugural Duff Roblin Award was named in honour of and presented to The Honourable Duff Roblin in 2007. This prestigious award recognizes a recipient’s qualities as an outstanding Manitoban, a patron of education, and someone who demonstrates exemplary citizenship and life-long commitment to his or her community. Past recipients include Tom Jackson (2008), Kerry Hawkins (2009), Edward S. Kennedy (2011), Charles Coffey (2012), Jan Belanger (2013), Gail Asper (2014), Justice Murray Sinclair (2015), and Gerry Price (2016).
Duff Roblin Award Dinner tickets and sponsorships are available, with proceeds benefiting academic and community programming at The University of Winnipeg. Since the first event in 2007, more than $300,000 has been raised in support of Community Learning initiatives, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Scholarship Fund, and the Duff Roblin Scholars Fund, which is now over $1.2 million.
For more information or to attend this event, please contact organizers at fdnevents@uwinnipeg.ca | 204.415.2472.
BIO: Dr. R.M. (Bob) Kozminski
Dr. R. M. (Bob) Kozminski received his Bachelor of Arts degree from The University of Winnipeg in 1967. He graduated from the University of Manitoba Law School in 1970, and was called to the Bar of the Law Society of Manitoba in 1971. While Bob was maintaining a very active law practice, his family company became owners of the Budget Rent-a-Car/Truck franchise in Winnipeg which he sold in December, 2004. In 1986, Dr. Kozminski decided to leave the practice of law, buying at first a minority interest in Keystone Ford in partnership with the Ford Motor Company, and within two years acquiring control of 100% of the common shares with the Ford Motor Company. Over the years, with Bob as CEO, the family company expanded its business activities to include residential and commercial real estate development, owning Jaguar on Sargent, Winnipeg Hyundai, Valley Chevrolet Oldsmobile in Neepawa, Giant Pump Pressure Systems, Volvo, and Jaguar Land Rover of Winnipeg and an interest in Ranger Insurance on Regent. All of the preceding businesses have now been sold.
Kozminski’s board memberships are numerous and have included: Past President of the Manitoba Motor Dealers Association; Founding Board member of the Business Council of Manitoba; Winnipeg Jets Hockey Club; Fundraiser for 1999 Winnipeg Pan Am Games; and the University of Winnipeg Foundation Vice Chair and Capital Fundraising Chair, among others.
In 2012, UWinnipeg honoured Kozminski with an Honorary Doctorate of Laws for his many contributions as a business leader, dedicated community volunteer, and philanthropist.
TICKET CONTACT:
Rayna Rieger, UWinnipeg Foundation
E: r.rieger@uwinnipeg.ca
P: 204-786-9899
MEDIA CONTACT:
Diane Poulin, Senior Communications Specialist
The University of Winnipeg
P: 204.988.7135
E: d.poulin@uwinnipeg.ca
