Families Key to Graduates’ Success

Time is precious when work and family responsibilities compete for study time. No one knows that better than the graduates of Extended Education who celebrated their hard work, determination and achievement at their graduation ceremony on June 11.

Lori Wallace, Dean of Extended Education, acknowledged the challenge for an adult learner to pursue education, “Much coffee has been consumed, much computer equipment cursed and the slow food movement lost you a few years ago”. Many of this year’s 352 graduates from over 20 programs attended the ceremony which follows the University’s regular convocation where degree students studying through Extended Education marked their graduation.

Guest speaker, Judith Hayes, Director of Employee Services and Organizational Development for Manitoba Lotteries Corporation, knows first-hand how education can help achieve a dream. Her own educational journey was enriched by individuals who inspired her to continue learning and obtain a Masters degree and PhD. She urged graduates to “recognize those people who have contributed to your success”.

The Graduation ceremony was also an opportunity to honour families for their contribution to the success of “their” graduate. As graduands were presented with their certificates, family members, young and old, urged on by Dean Wallace not to “hold back”, applauded enthusiastically or shouted out their support.

After the certificates were presented to the graduates, Ms Karen Holden, Vice-President of the Alumni Association, welcomed them as University of Manitoba alumni.

Dean Wallace reminded those in attendance that this major achievement of the graduates is the culmination of the cooperative efforts and support of not only their families, instructors and classmates, but also employers, community organizations, professional associations and faculties on campus.

Award Winners Inspired to Continue Learning

Extended Education presented a number of awards before and during its graduation ceremony.

CMA Manitoba Award of Excellence (Certified Management Accountants)
Being selected as the recipient of the CMA Award in the Certificate in Financial and Accounting Management gave Robyn Green “a sense of accomplishment for many years of effort”. A budget assistant for the U of M Libraries, Robyn applies the knowledge she gained to help manage the Libraries’ budget. The program also sharpened her time management skills since she had to manage her course work along with job and family (her daughter was her biggest cheerleader!). Robyn learned from her classmates and the instructors, who brought many years of industry experience to the classroom. She has been accepted into the CGA Program advanced level because of this program.  “It was a challenging program but very worthwhile– I’d definitely recommend it.”=

IPMA Award for Academic Achievement (International Personnel Management Association)

Receiving the IPMA Award in the Human Resource Management Program (HRM) confirmed for Christine Hildebrand that she hadn’t lost her academic edge. Employed at the U of M since 2001, Christine is currently Student Services Coordinator for Admissions and Financial Aid in the Faculty of Law. Previously, while the Homestay Coordinator for the English Language Centre, she applied what she learned in her work finding Canadian homes for international students. “The HRM Program was very valuable as a broad overview of Human Resources. The instructors were dynamic, engaging and experts in different areas of HR. I appreciated the flexible study options.” An advocate of lifelong learning, Christine takes a holistic approach to learning. “I often apply what I’ve learned without even realizing it at the time”. 

ASQ Manitoba Section Award for Academic Achievement (American Society of Quality)

Is there a better way we can be doing things? is a familiar  mantra for Don Proskin, Quality Advanced Planning Manager at Palliser Furniture. Don has a BSc degree but realized “when my work became more quality–focused, I needed to freshen up my skills in that area”.  Receiving the ASQ award was a pleasant surprise. “Everything I learned in the Quality Management Program was relevant to my work at Palliser and I could apply it immediately.” Taking the program by distance allowed Don to fit his learning into a life already full with work and family responsibilities. “The program helped me be more effective. Now I understand how an organization’s culture and leadership influences the implementation of a quality program.”

IPAC Public Sector Management Award (Institute of Public Administration in Canada)

Employed in the Urban Development Branch of Intergovernmental Affairs, Irene Kamchen manages the Social Economy and Community Development Program of the tripartite Winnipeg Partnership Agreement. She was honoured to be recognized with the IPAC Award, presented to her at a luncheon in May. When Irene began her career with the Province ten years ago, she brought years of rich managerial experience but found managing in the public sector required a new set of skills and knowledge. The Certificate in Public Sector Management gave her the opportunity to explore managerial and public policy issues within the context of government. “It was a very positive experience. Learning in a cohort allowed us to speak frankly about the challenges we face as public servants.” As a bonus, the “incredibly knowledgeable instructors and prominent guest speakers” made her feel like she was on the “cutting–edge of public management”.

The Dr. Ron Kristjanson Memorial Scholarship

Deborah Hatton and Stephanie Ross were this year’s recipients of the Dr. Ronald Kristjanson Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship was established in 1992 to commemorate the life and work of Dr. Ronald Kristjanson, adult educator and professor in Extended Education. Awarded to students in their final year of study, the scholarship is based on grade point average and community service.

Deborah Hatton wants people to realize that there is no statute of limitations on learning and education. Mother of eight and grandmother of two, three of her four children still at home are autistic. The scholarship helped her complete her last Practicum course in the Certificate in Applied Behaviour Analysis Program (ABA), which she took concurrently with her honours year of a psychology degree at the U of M.  The ABA Program “gave me a great advantage now that I’m doing my research work in my thesis.”  For Deborah “It’s important to know people with developmental disabilities - it’s not just about the theory.” Deborah’s not done with learning yet- her future plans include a Masters degree and a PhD in ABA.

After 12 years as a floral designer, Stephanie Ross wanted a career change. Her experience as an inner city volunteer led her to choose the U of M’s Applied Counselling Program (ACC) as the route to her new career goals. Today Stephanie is the Women’s Program Coordinator for Kali-Shiva AIDS Services, which provides client-centred non-medical services specific to HIV positive women. “It was an honour to receive the scholarship”, says Stephanie.  The ACC Program “honed my counseling skills. I became more efficient and professional when working with clients.” From her classmates she gained an invaluable network of contacts for professional advice and client referrals.  “The instructors are always so enthusiastic and encouraging.” Stephanie has even integrated her old career with the new- she is studying to become a registered horticultural therapist.

Canadian Institute of Management

For the 2008-2009 academic year, 86 students in the Canadian Institute of Management Certificate Program in Management and Administration (CIM), were awarded the CIM designation at a convocation exercise and dinner/dance reception on Saturday, June 13. Extended Education offers the program in cooperation with the Canadian Institute of Management, Winnipeg Branch.

The CIM Winnipeg Branch’s Outstanding Academic Performance Award (Gold, Silver or Bronze) was presented to the top three graduates:

Gold Award Winner: Mary Bartman
Silver Award Winner: Carolyn Murray Harris
Bronze Award Winner: Jennie Hildebrand