Celebrate UM excellence!
Be part of an unforgettable evening honouring the University of Manitoba’s most inspiring alumni at the Distinguished Alumni Awards! From local initiatives to global impact, these alumni exemplify the enduring legacy of Bison pride.
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2025 recipients
As we look back on 66 years of the Distinguished Alumni Awards, we’re thrilled to celebrate five Bisons at the centre—UM alumni whose leadership, innovation and service are making a difference across Manitoba and around the world.
Lifetime Achievement
Rick Duha [BComm(Hons.)/82]
With a distinguished career spanning over four decades, Rick Duha [BComm(Hons.)/82] has demonstrated unwavering dedication to professional excellence and serving the business and larger communities, and his alma mater. As the Chairman of Duha Group since 1978 and Managing Partner of multiple ventures, including Colour Hive and Exact Colours International, and as incoming Chair of the Business Council of Manitoba, Rick has consistently driven innovation and leadership in the business world and local community. What began as a small family business now extends to nine countries and five continents with customers in more than 130 countries. The Duha Group employs over 250 people in Manitoba and over 500 worldwide. His commitment to global leadership is evident through his role as Chief Operating Officer of Young President’s Organization (2022-2024). Beyond business, Rick has been a passionate advocate for education and mentorship, serving in many roles; mentor, fundraiser, and advisory council member at UM’s Asper School of Business since 2001, among being a loyal member of the President’s Advisory Council. His multifaceted contributions reflect a deep-seated belief in empowering others and fostering growth across industries and communities.
Community Service
Kristie Pearson [BPE/96]
Kristie Pearson [BPE/96] is a passionate and dedicated community leader whose tireless efforts have made a profound impact across multiple sectors. Kristie’s leadership spans across many philanthropic campaigns – including co-chairing the United Way of Winnipeg and the Downtown YMCA-YWCA capital campaigns, serving on various boards and committees, and championing causes like LGBTQ2S+ rights, human rights, health, education, poverty alleviation and environmental sustainability. Her innovative approach to community support is exemplified through her role as Founder and Board Chair of Linking Hope, which simplifies charitable giving and volunteering for busy individuals. With a background in business and a heart for service, Kristie is inspiring others to create a more inclusive and compassionate community. Her steadfast dedication and ability to connect people with meaningful causes make her a true beacon of hope and change.
Academic Innovation
Dr. James (Jamie) Blanchard [BSc(Med)/86, MD/86]
Dr. James Blanchard [BSc(Med)/86, MD/86] is a visionary academic and global health leader who places people and community at the core of innovation. As a professor at UM and Executive Director of the UM Institute for Global Public Health, he has translated scientific knowledge into high-impact programs, addressing healthcare disparities and ensuring inclusivity. A leading expert in his field, he has pioneered groundbreaking initiatives through collaborations with the World Health Organization, the Gates Foundation, and others, securing nearly one billion dollars in funding. Dr. Blanchard is a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair and has spearheaded global efforts to apply cutting-edge research, enhancing the design and implementation of large-scale public health programs focused on sexually transmitted infections and HIV/AIDS. His work with policymakers has been instrumental in shaping evidence-based health policies, bridging the gap between research and practice to drive systemic change. Beyond public health, he has redefined education by integrating technology and personalized learning, empowering students to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. His humble yet transformative approach fosters resilience, adaptability, and equitable progress making him a trusted advisor to institutions worldwide.
Professional Achievement
Brian Dobie [BPE/74, Cert. Ed./75]
Brian Dobie [BPE/74, Cert. Ed./75] has left a permanent mark on the Bisons football program, earning the distinction of being the coach with the most wins in Bisons football history. His 29-year tenure and 50-year football coaching career are a testament to his unparalleled dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to the sport. Beyond his impressive on-field achievements—including five Canada West Coach of the Year awards, one U SPORTS Coach of the Year award, two USPORTS National Championships appearances, and one Vanier Cup title—Brian’s genuine care for his players fostered a family-like culture that transcended wins and losses. His tireless efforts extended far beyond coaching, from recruiting and fundraising to building a legacy of support for the program and its alumni. Brian’s all-consuming dedication and leadership have not only elevated the Bisons football program but also inspired generations of players and fans alike.
Outstanding Young Alumni
Tréchelle Bunn [BA/23]:
Tréchelle Bunn [BA/23] is a proud member of Chan Kagha Otina Dakhóta Oyáte (Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation) and exemplifies the spirit of leadership, academic excellence, and community service. A distinguished graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology, she not only earned a place on the Dean's Honour List but also co-launched a mentorship program for Indigenous youth as a USPORTS athlete on the Bisons Women's Hockey Team. Her dedication to reconciliation shines through initiatives like the nationally recognized Reconciliation Run, which supports the first-of-its-kind Reconciliation Run Scholarship for Indigenous Student Athletes. Now in her second year of the Juris Doctor program at Robson Hall, Tréchelle continues to advocate for justice globally, addressing the United Nations Human Rights Council on critical issues like Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit (MMIWG2S+) individuals. Her work has not only uplifted her own community but has also established a powerful precedent for reconciliation and youth empowerment across Manitoba and beyond.
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Distinguished Alumni Awards eligibility and award categories
Celebrate UM graduates who have achieved outstanding accomplishments in their professional and personal lives, are inspiring fellow alumni, current students and the broader community, and have made significant, transformative contributions to society.
Eligibility restrictions
Alumni who have received an honorary degree bestowed by the University of Manitoba have received the institution’s highest honour and therefore are not eligible for nomination.
In addition, the following alumni cannot be nominated:
- Those who currently hold political office at a local, provincial/state, national, or Indigenous government level
- Members of the Distinguished Alumni Awards Selection Panel or Award Category Pre-Selection Subcommittees
- Members of the Alumni Association Board of Directors
- Members of the University of Manitoba Board of Governors
- Members of the University of Manitoba's senior leadership team, specifically for the Academic Innovation Award, including Deans, Associate Deans, Vice-Presidents and Vice-Provosts
Award categories
Distinguished Alumni Awards nominations open annually and mark an excellent opportunity to recognize UM alumni who are an inspiration to fellow alumni, current students and the community, both close to home and around the globe.
Lifetime Achievement
This award recognizes graduates who have shown personal and professional achievements and leadership throughout their lifetime and continue to make significant and transformative contributions to their profession, their community and the University of Manitoba.
Nominees must demonstrate a lifetime of:
- Outstanding contributions that made a transformative impact within their community
- Exemplary achievement throughout their lifetime
- Service to the University of Manitoba
Professional Achievement
This award recognizes graduates who have made exemplary contributions to their profession and have previously received recognition from within their discipline. The focus of this award is professional achievement that is non-academic in nature.
Nominees must demonstrate:
- A standard of professional excellence throughout their career that has inspired their colleagues and peers with an emphasis on their professional achievements in the last three to five years
- Exceptional leadership in their profession
- Outstanding and transformative achievements recognized by the nominee’s professional community
Academic Innovation
This award recognizes graduates who have made exemplary contributions to their academic career and have previously received recognition for their innovation, research excellence and mentoring in academia.
Nominees must demonstrate:
- Outstanding innovation and research achievements and excellence in academia that have had a major, transformative impact on the community and society to help make for a better world, with an emphasis on their academic innovation and research achievements in the last three to five years
- Excellence in academic mentoring and publishing
- Exceptional leadership in their area of academic innovation and research
- At least 51% of their current or past employment (if retired / emeritus) in academia at a recognized post-secondary institution(s)
Community Service
This award recognizes graduates who have had a transformative impact on those in their community, either at the local, national or international level.
Nominees must demonstrate:
- Extraordinary efforts that have made a positive impact on their community
- Community service or volunteer work that has engaged and inspired others
- Community service that is clearly outside of or above and beyond their professional discipline in a voluntary, charitable and non-paid capacity
Outstanding Young Alumni
This award recognizes graduates who are under the age of 35 before the close of nominations who have demonstrated significant contributions and leadership to their field of endeavour, their community and the University of Manitoba.
Nominees must demonstrate:
- Inspiring achievements in their field
- Contributions that have had a transformative impact in their community
- Service to the University of Manitoba, both while as a student and ongoing as an alum
Past recipients
Contact us
Tracy Bowman
Executive Director, Alumni Relations
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, MB R3T 5V6 Canada