Education

C M Y K 4 Winnipeg Free press - saturDaY, august 1, 2015 With approximately 10,000 students returning to campus this fall, the University of Winnipeg is once again gearing up to make its most important contribution: growing graduates who will have an impact on communities near and far. t hough the campus has enlarged substantially over the last decade-plus — 55 per cent in student population and 36 per cent in space (yet with an 11 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions since 1990) — UWinnipeg remains an accessible place where students and faculty make meaningful connections, thanks in part to smaller class sizes and advanced research opportunities for undergraduates. The result is a learning community where knowledge is mobilized and diverse viewpoints come together. Great minds don't all think alike, but greater thinking takes place when those minds share alike. This collaborative approach to learning helps break through the limits of traditional thinking and contributes to discovery and positive change. In fact, the University of Winnipeg is increasingly renowned for its progressive ideas, socially-just values, innovative research and community-minded impact — all of which emanate from its people: UWinnipeg's faculty, staff, students and alumni. The recently-proposed "indigenous requirement," for example, originated with the student body, as a joint initiative of the University of Winnipeg Students' Association (UWSA) and the Aboriginal Students Council. It seeks to make indigenous learning part of the undergraduate degree requirements for all UWinnipeg students. Still to be finalized, the proposal's intent epitomizes the diversity-minded approach of the UWinnipeg community and its commitment to leading indigenous inclusion. Similarly, the University has endorsed the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's recent calls to action and is committed to implementing those which apply to the institution. Other examples of impactful efforts driven by UWinnipeggers abound: Dr. Ian Mauro, who teaches in the geography department, has recently toured Canada with David Suzuki, using the power of film to educate and raise awareness of climate change on the nation's coastal regions. The Faculty of Education's Dr. Jan Stewart is leading a Canadian study aimed at helping refugee youth navigate school and find meaningful careers. Dr. Mary Jane Logan McCallum, who teaches in the Faculty of Arts, is investigating the indigenous history of tuberculosis in Manitoba. Physics professor Dr. Chris Bidinosti is developing new methods of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), aiming to enhance the capabilities of this important modern medical tool. Dr. Nathan Hall (Gupta Faculty of Kinesiology and Applied Health, Faculty of Education) is leading a team of researchers that, through the UWinnipeg Sun Life Diabetes Awareness and Education Program, University of Winnipeg GrowinG GraDUates at the University oF winniPeG is helping combat the disease through preventative learning aimed at inner-city youth. With such inspiring role models, it's no wonder UWinnipeg students and alumni are striving to make a difference wherever they go. Jason Ying Yang is in his third year at the university; he is a high performer who helped organize a tutoring service for his fellow business students. He also spearheaded the Golden Futures initiative at UWinnipeg, a volunteer trip to South Africa that aims to change the lives of high school students living in one of the country's most vulnerable communities. UWinnipeg alumna Margret Henderson (BEd. '12) created a music program at the Manitoba Youth Centre to help youth in the justice system make better choices. She has been recognized as a Future Leader of Manitoba for her efforts to support at-risk youth. These examples are just a few of many from the University of Winnipeg community. As the 2015-16 school year gets under way, the number — and far-reaching impact — of those making a difference will only continue to grow by leaps and bounds. ■ The University of Winnipeg is increasingly renowned for its progressive ideas, socially- just values, innovative research and community-minded impact — all of which emanate from its people: UWinnipeg's faculty, staff, students and alumni. The University of Winnipeg is a learning community where knowledge is mobilized and diverse viewpoints come together. Photos by cory aronec

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