WINNIPEG, MB – The University of Winnipeg today announced it will award three honorary degrees at Spring Convocation June 7 and 8, 2012 to prominent Manitobans who have served as tireless advocates for the betterment of our community.
R.M. (Bob) Kozminski’s business acumen in the local automotive industry is well-known to Manitobans. He also has a deep commitment to community through philanthropy and volunteerism with a particular interest in education, health and child safety. After obtaining his Bachelor of Arts from UWinnipeg, Kozminski went on to earn a law degree. Kozminski is a founding member and director of The University of Winnipeg Foundation. In 2004, he assumed responsibility as Campaign Chair for the World of Opportunity Capital Campaign, which successfully attracted $135 million in campus development, endowment, program funding, scholarships and bursaries – the most ambitious campaign in UWinnipeg’s history. For his leadership in business and philanthropy that leaves a legacy for all Canadians, UWinnipeg presents Bob Kozminski with an Honorary Doctor of Laws on Thursday, June 7 at 9:30 am.
Hartley T. Richardson, C.M., O.M., receives an Honorary Doctor of Laws for his leadership in business, service to the community, and lifelong commitment to The University of Winnipeg and the citizens of Manitoba and Canada. As President & CEO of James Richardson & Sons, Limited, a private, family-owned corporation involved in the international grain trade and agri-foods business, real estate, oil and gas development, financial services and investments, his leadership is outstanding.
Richardson also initiated one of the most important gifts to UWinnipeg, resulting in the state-of-the-art Richardson College for the Environment and Science Complex, where thousands of students now study, helping to revitalize Winnipeg’s inner city. Richardson receives an Honorary Doctor of Laws on Thursday, June 7 at 2:30 pm.
Dr. Diane McGifford is a tireless advocate for post-secondary educational opportunities in Manitoba, having shared her passion and insights as the longest serving Minister of Advanced Education and Training in Canada. She received a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in 1970 at UWinnipeg, and went on to obtain a Master of Arts and a PhD in English in 1979. McGifford worked as an English professor at the Universities of Saskatchewan, the Manitoba and Winnipeg. McGifford’s political career spanned 16 years, beginning as an MLA in 1995. In 1999, she was appointed to Premier Gary Doer’s first cabinet as the Minister of Culture, Heritage and Tourism. In 2001, she became Manitoba’s first Minister of Advanced Education. During her many years in this role, McGifford made some of her most significant and lasting contributions to the province. She established, “Bright Futures,” a suite of programs that bring community-based organizations and schools together designed to address student success and access to post-secondary education among traditionally marginalized and under-represented populations. McGifford has also been a steadfast supporter of UWinnipeg’s Opportunity Fund. McGifford receives an Honorary Doctor of Letters on Friday, June 8 at 9:30 am.
Graduate and undergraduate degrees will be conferred in UWinnipeg’s Ninety-Sixth Convocation at the Duckworth Centre on Thursday, June 7 at 9:30 am – Arts; at 2:30 pm – Science, Business and Economics; and on Friday, June 8 at 9:30 am – Education, Theology, Marriage and Family Therapy.
See detailed information about Spring Convocation 2012.
MEDIA CONTACT
Diane Poulin, Communications Officer, The University of Winnipeg
P: 204.988.7135, E: d.poulin@uwinnipeg.ca
