University of Manitoba

A community builder, Métis Elder, acclaimed author and global human rights leader. These are the four extraordinary individuals being recognized with Honorary Degrees at the 2026 Spring Convocation ceremonies.

Learn more about this year's recipients: Steven J. Kroft; Barbara Bruce, Flies High Thunderbird and Truth Talker; Guy Gavriel Kay; and Marcia Kran: https://brnw.ch/21x31Te

Ready to heal, educate and lead, graduates gathered to celebrate an important milestone at the Access Program Graduation Celebration.

The event honoured 13 Access students who successfully graduated with degrees across a range of disciplines, including law, medicine, kinesiology, arts, science, social work and health studies.

Read the stories from Glennis Bird, Kayla Thomas, and Cameron Dyck, three of this year's graduates: https://brnw.ch/21x30ow

The Rh Foundation and UM have announced the new Rh Chrysalis Awards to recognize exceptional early-career research at UM. Recipients of this new award are within their first five years of independent research and have demonstrated innovation and impact across disciplines.

Congratulations to this year's honourees! Read more about them today: https://brnw.ch/21x2XBl

Congratulations to Dr. Lisa Lix, the 2025 Dr. John M. Bowman Memorial Winnipeg Rh Award recipient!

A global leader in health data research, Lix turns fragmented health records into evidence that shapes how Canadians get care.

Learn more about her work: https://brnw.ch/21x2UEN

Dr. Keith Fowke, department head and professor of medical microbiology and infectious diseases in the Max Rady College of Medicine, has been appointed Scientific Director of the CIHR Institute of Infection and Immunity (III) for a four-year term beginning July 1, 2026.

An internationally recognized researcher and leader, Dr. Fowke’s work focuses on defining the cellular immune mechanisms of resistance to viral infections and the control of infection, including HIV. His research partnerships with s*x worker communities in Nairobi, Kenya, have contributed to exploring why some individuals highly exposed to HIV remain uninfected, potentially leading to new ways to prevent and clear HIV infection.

The institute will be headquartered at UM, expanding research and training opportunities. Read more: https://brnw.ch/21x2SiG

Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba

John Loewen [BSc/73] is leaving a lasting legacy for Bisons Men’s Basketball. His time at UM was about more than just academics; it was about people, opportunity and the experiences that shaped his life. Now, over 50 years after he graduated, Loewen has made a $1 million gift—the largest in Bison Sports history—to support the Bisons Men’s Basketball program.

This dedicated fund will enhance the student-athlete experience for the next decade. Read more on UM Today: https://brnw.ch/21x2Og1

University of Manitoba Bisons

For Dr. Kaarina Kowalec, multiple sclerosis (MS) isn’t just an area of research interest — it’s personal. Growing up with a mother living with MS shaped her understanding of the disease and inspired her commitment to advancing research in the field. Her work now focuses on uncovering the genetic complexities of MS progression as patients age.

Canada has among the highest rates of MS in the world with Manitobans impacted in large numbers. Kowalec’s research offers hope to healthcare providers and patients seeking innovative therapies to help slow both physical and cognitive decline.

Read more about how UM researchers are exploring how our DNA can predict MS decline: https://brnw.ch/21x2Huq

Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba