University of Manitoba

In any other year, Convocation symbolizes the culmination of a personal journey—one that is gruelling and full of discovery. In 2020, this statement could not be more true. As our students, staff and faculty navigated unfamiliar terrain, and did so together, I was reminded of how deeply proud I am of our University of Manitoba community, with its brilliant collision of people and ideas, cultures and beliefs, passions and dreams. In advance of what will be my final Convocation as president and vice-chancellor, I find myself reflecting on what has made these ceremonies among my most cherished memories over the last 12 years. Not only do they celebrate the shared achievement of a community that cares about one another and cares about creating positive change in the world, but they honour the diverse, individual triumphs of our students and what they see as their contribution beyond our campuses. This Convocation will be no different. We will applaud those of you who came to the University of Manitoba to uncover new pathways to grow understanding and advance reconciliation, to inspire creative works that will enrich our arts communities, to de- velop tomorrow's technology and continue to build a prosperous future for Manitoba. We will celebrate those of you who are driven to prevent infectious diseases on a global scale and closer to home, many of you already joining COVID-19 efforts in our province. Here, you found your voice and I have no doubt you will continue to find new ways to use your passion to spark change. From here, you can go anywhere. Dr. David T. Barnard, O.M., Ph.D., FRSC President and Vice-Chancellor From the President From the Chancellor 2020 is a most unusual year for the entire world, but absolutely nothing can take your graduation away from you! Although the pandemic has created unwanted change,I believe that there is the pos- sibility for good in all things. This pandemic does not have to define us. Graduates, what does define you? Your life experiences, memorable people, but most important among these things will be your attitude. I guarantee that you are capable of more than you realize. You have a reserve of strength that you can surprisingly access. Never be afraid to ask for support, or to offer it to others. Likely you have reached deep within yourselves to arrive at your graduation. At this time in history, what is your duty to yourself and to society? Activist Vandana Shiva says, "Hope is a duty." Let us act with hope. That can take the form of giving sincere encouragement, staying positive for others and ourselves, and caring for our greater community. Let us remain open to the idea of possibility, of working together, all people, all disci- plines, all communities, all races, since diversity will only strengthen our society. We need to work together now more than ever. Congratulations on all that you've achieved. Anne Mahon Chancellor In advance of what will be my final Convocation as president and vice- chancellor, I find myself reflecting on what has made these ceremonies among my most cherished memories. Let us remain open to the idea of possibility, of working together, all people, all disciplines, all communities, all races, since diversity will only strengthen our society. David Barnard, President and Vice-Chancellor and Anne Mahon, Chancellor The University of Manitoba (UM) campuses are located on original lands of Anishinaabeg, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, and Dene peoples, and on the homeland of the Métis Nation. Every day, UM learns from Indigenous students, staff and faculty as we move toward the kind of future we seek to create– one that advances reconciliation, builds deeper connections and brings people of all nations together. UM campuses are uniquely strengthened by Indigenous student perspectives, and we look forward to seeing how the 2020 graduates continue to contribute to the cultural, social and economic wellbeing of our nations, province and country. From Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette Visit umanitoba.ca/convocation for a congratulatory message for UM graduands from the Governor General of Canada.

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