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寻花论坛

寻花论坛

Class Acts 2025

寻花论坛 alumni are leaders in the community; scientists, writers, artists, politicians, business leaders, and entrepreneurs who expand knowledge and inspire innovation. Class Acts provides a snapshot of these achievements and is a great way to stay connected. Whether you received an award, changed jobs, joined a committee, published a book, or explored a new hobby, we'd love to hear from you. Please e-mail alumni@uwinnipeg.ca to be included.

Authors and creators

Class of 1990 - 1999

Gibson, Rebecca (BA 98) received the Order of Manitoba, the province's highest honour. Partner and co-owner of Eagle Vision, Rebecca Gibson is an award-winning actor, writer, director, producer, playwright, best-selling author, devoted mentor and advocate for equity, diversity and accessibility.

Jonasson, Stefan (MDiv 97; BA 88; Collegiate 79) awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award for his steadfast dedication to 寻花论坛 and significant contributions to both religious and journalist communities.

Business and industry

Class of 1990 - 1999

Burke, Cynthia (BA 90, BA 12) Cynthia Burke is a certified environmental manager, and film industry sustainability trailblazer, who was part of the Love Hurts film production that was named this year's most sustainable film production at the 2025 Global Production Awards in Cannes, France.  

Class of 2000 - 2009

Miller, Margaux (BA 09) In January 2025, Margaux’s TEDx寻花论坛 talk ‘Why You’re Bad at Online Networking’ was selected to be featured and receive its own page on TED.com. TED.com is the central platform where TED showcases selected talks to a global audience.

Community

Class of 1970-1979

Furlan, Daniel (BA 73) completed a two year term as President of the Manitoba Historical Society (MHS) in June 2024. However, he is still involved as Past Chair of MHS and Chair of several committees.

Howe, Robert (BA 78) managed Kmart stores for 20 years. He then became a category manager for Cabelas. He has also volunteered as a Scout leader for 15 years and been a official for athletics in Manitoba for the past 10 years.

Maltman, Ronald (BSc 79) retiring after 46 years in the workforce to enjoy time with his extended family- kids and grandkids; and to get back to his passion for road cycling. He is living life in the Rocky Mountain Foothills! 

Porteous, Kenneth (BEd 78, BEd 79) self-published a history of the Sandy Hook Golf Club in 2022 for their 100th anniversary.


Class of 1980-1989

Corriveau, Guy (BA 84, MPA 00) has been awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal for his extraordinary contributions and unwavering committment to Canada. He received the award on February 27, 2025 presented by the Member of Parliament for Langley-Aldergrove.

Krolman, Erika (BA(Hons) 81) after earning an M.A. in English from the University of Toronto in 1985, she worked as an editor of books and government documents. She stayed in Toronto, but is still drawn to 寻花论坛 and goes there often with her husband -- also a former 寻花论坛ger.

Longhurst, John (BA 80) has been named a Member of the Order of Canada. He is an author and freelance writer in the fields of Christian ecumenism and interfaith dialogue. As the religion columnist and reporter at the 寻花论坛 Free Press, he made it his goal to promote positive interdenominational relations, to reduce hate and to help readers see the humanity in every person.


Class of 1990-1999

Tweed, Patti (95) received the King Charles III Coronation Medal for her work with Cystic Fibrosis Canada for over four decades. In response to the award, Patti said “It has truly been a privilege to be in such good company over these many years. We have made great strides and precious lives have been changed in amazing ways. There is still more work to do, but we will not quit until no one in this brave, hard-working Cystic Fibrosis community is left behind."


Class of 2010-2019

Judge, Alexandra (BA 16 ) received the Lieutenant Governor’s Historical Preservation and Promotion award from Lt.-Gov. Anita Neville at Government House on May 8, 2025.

Mushaluk, Genevieve (BBA 13) was named as one of ACE Burpee's Top 100 Most Fascinating Manitobans of 2024. A corporate lawyer by trade, Mushaluk became the first Manitoban to be selected for the iconic TV show Survivor in its 47 season history. She made it close to the finale.


Class of 2020-2025

Patinvoh, Regina (PACE 24) had the privilege of completing their internship with Loblaw Companies Limited; currently a contract employee with the same company as Analyst (Financial). The PACE program played a crucial role in equipping me with the skills and knowledge needed to excel. 

Education/Teachers

Class of 2000-2009

Dow, Diane (BA 02, BEd 04) a teacher at Tyndall Park School, received the Teaching in the Early Years' Award. This award presented by the Physical and Health Educators of Manitoba recognized outstanding contributions to physical and health education in the province of Manitoba.

Waters, April (BA 04, BEd 04, PBDE 15) was named in Ace Burpee's Top 100 Most Fascinating Manitobans 2024. A true leader and advocate in both her professional and personal life; a teacher in the St. James-Assiniboia School Division, Waters was the recipient of the Manitoba School Boards Association President’s Award for exemplary leadership in Indigenous education.

Entrepreneurs
Law and public service

Class of 1990-1999

Gazan, Leah (BEd 98) Re-elected as a Member of Parliament for the NDP in the 寻花论坛 Centre riding, April 28, 2025.


Class of 2000-2009

Friesen, Ewald (BA(Hons) 07) worked for the Ministers of Advanced Education and Training, then Conservation. He then worked for Premier Doer and Jack Layton as speechwriter. He was a co-founder of MediaStyle, an Ottawa-based political and media consulting firm. He received a Master’s of Arts, Political Science from McGill University where he won award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching as a TA. His clients at MediaStyle include MPs, national associations and labour unions and he wrote the speeches for the TRC.

Squires, Rochelle (BA 09) was appointed the new Chief Executive Officer of CentreVenture Development Corporation. Squires brings a wealth of experience from her career in public service. She served as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Riel from 2016 to 2023, during which time she held several key ministerial positions, including Minister of Municipal Relations, Minister of Families, and Minister of Sustainable Development.

Class of 2010 - 2019

Blaikie Whitecloud, Tessa (BA 11) is a senior advisor to the Premier of Manitoba on the new Your Way Home: Manitoba’s Plan to End Chronic Homelessness, a strategy revealed January 2025 to move residents of local encampments into housing. Tessa is a former executive director of 1JustCity and CEO of Siloam Mission.

Carr, Ben (BEd 11) was re-elected as the Member of Parliament for Liberals in the 寻花论坛 South riding, April 28, 2025. He was first elected in 2023 in a by-election after the death of his father Jim Carr who held the seat.

Lavack, Ginette (PACE 11) was elected as the Member of Parliament for the Liberals in the St. Boniface-St. Vital riding. She was previously the CEO Centre culturel franco-manitobain, and ran Festival du Voyageur.

Lilley, Evan (BA 20) is a 4 year Constable with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

Class of 2000-2009

Pylpjuk, Christy (BSc 02) is the 2024 recipient of the in the Health Sciences category, in recognition of her research to improve outcomes for pregnant patients and their babies. She is an associate professor at the University of Manitoba in the department of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences, and is using fetal ultrasound to better understand how early health risks can be identified before birth. 


Class of 2010-2019

Nunes, Thiago (PACE 18) received the 2025 Faculty and Staff Campus Sustainability Recognition Award for his innovative leadership, and vision. He was instrumental in both the solar panel and biomass energy projects, helping UWininpeg move closer to its ambitious emissions reduction targets.

厂辫辞谤迟蝉听

Class of 1980-1989

Guenette, Wanda (Coll 81) after a four-decade career in volleyball, Wanda will be inducted into the Volleyball Canada Hall of Fame on June 5, 2025.

See Class Acts from 2024,  and  for more great stories.


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