News — From Chewbacca to Bill Gates, UM continued to make headlines in new and expected ways this year. We’ve curated a list of the top 10 stories that drew readers to UM Today to learn about the work of our students, faculty and staff.
An old language brings A New Hope
Creatures across galaxies both near and far, far away celebrated of the Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe) version of Star Wars: A New Hope. Cary Miller, Assistant Professor, , served as one of the project leads and , was the lead translator. The  uses behind-the-scenes and interview footage shot by UM Film Studies students.
Our herd moves the world
In September, President Michael Benarroch inviting them to see the Bisons at the centre of every industry in our province: from entrepreneurship, to finance, health care, Reconciliation, human rights, the arts and so much more. It kicks off UM’s first reputational campaign in ten years, designed to attract more Bisons to the university.
Giving the best shots
Thanks to the largest federal research investment in its history, UM will soon be home to . Manitoba’s first Containment Level 3 lab, to be located on the Bannatyne campus, will provide pre-clinical vaccine testing against high-risk pathogens of concern in a safe and secure environment. A second biosecure facility on the Fort Garry campus will develop new vaccines and approaches to improve the reliability and speed of biomanufacturing at scale.
A defining moment
Master of Human Rights student Nabil Iqbal is in his graduate research – a rapidly expanding group who don’t have a legal definition and therefore can’t receive protection under law. With current estimates saying 2.8 billion people will face severe ecological threats by 2050, his work could have ground-breaking impact.
Top of their class
Seven UM students graduated this year at and with Governor General’s Academic Medals for outstanding achievement at their level of study. From taking risks in the name of learning to keeping an open mind, these bison are ready and able to take on the world.
In solidarity
A new scholarship is creating community through the shared experience of losing a family member. Alum Justin Price created in honour of his mother that is now supporting students who, like him, had to balance the pressures of school with the weight of grief.
Equality and inclusion through education
This October, 19 Indigenous teachers from St. Theresa Point First Nation graduated from designed to respond specifically to community-identified needs, rather than starting from pre-determined requirements. Educators from St. Theresa studied culturally relevant assessment and instruction with a focus on inclusion and academics; Reconciliation in working with parents/families; the history and impact of residential schools; and trauma-informed pedagogy.
A partnership with global reach
UM has received more funding (over $450 million) from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation than any Canadian post-secondary institution. This year, will expand the work of the to improve availability and access to reproductive, maternal and newborn health services in Africa and Pakistan.
Five distinguishing faces
A core group of UM alumni received the honour of a for pushing the envelope in business, community health, research, community service and storytelling. At a sold-out gala event, they were shown to be some of UM’s best and brightest Bisons.
Learning through adventure
Savouring a pastel de nata in Portugal or climbing Sugarloaf Mountain in Brazil – glorious! All while completing a business degree – even better! Over 100 Asper students spent the past year travelling the world while studying at partner business schools through the faculty’s , gaining a truly transformative professional and personal experience.
Research at the University of Manitoba is partially supported by funding from the Government of Canada Research Support Fund.
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