UM150

"I completed my undergraduate degree at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, which is over 120 years old. I then pursued my master’s at the University of Alberta, established 118 years ago, and carried out my thesis research at AAFC Lethbridge, which also has a long history. I am now working at the University of Manitoba, celebrating 150 years, making it the oldest institution I have been part of, and the place where I began my professional career.

I feel a special connection to century-old academic institutions, and I am always grateful for the opportunity to be part of them. On my first day in the Department of Plant Science, the building appeared ancient from the outside. However, when my supervisor, Dr. Chawla, gave me a tour of the lab, I was truly impressed by the advanced technologies available. That day remains one of my most memorable experiences. It has been almost a year now, and I continue to cherish every day."

Mohammed Mukthar 
Staff, Agricultural and Food Sciences

"Perhaps not a singular moment, but a kind of moment in my teaching that repeats yet manifests differently with each student. It's when I'm working closely with a student on learning a skill or a concept, there is a struggle to grasp it, some attempts on their part, some gentle feedback on mine, and then, sometimes, there's an "aha"! moment, but more often it's a gradual stepping into the light, and gaining of clarity that happens, again and again. It's an incredible gift to be part of that experience."

Ed Johnson
Faculty, Psychology

"Watching the Bisons Women’s Volleyball team capture the 2025 U SPORTS National Championship was an unforgettable experience. I can still hear the roar of the herd the moment the team secured their first national title in 11 years. The determination and teamwork on display during the final game and throughout the entire season reflect the very best of our university and reminded me how Bisons sports bring our community together. From the student‑athletes and coaches to the dedicated fans cheering them on, the victory was a proud moment for our entire community and a powerful example of the excellence that defines UM."

Michael Benarroch
UM President

"Too hard to pick one... The first would be traveling to Churchill for the Churchill Marine Observatory groundbreaking in August 2024. The second would be the PRAIRIE Biologics Accelerator groundbreaking earlier this year, two career milestones for me!"

Sofia Danakas
Staff, Government and Community Relations

"My most memorable University of Manitoba moment didn’t happen in a stadium or a lab, but inside the underground tunnels during a brutal January blizzard. I remember stepping into the Engineering building, covered in a thick layer of frost after the walk from the bus stop. The temperature was -30°C, and my glasses were so fogged up that I was walking blindly. Just as I was struggling to juggle my heavy backpack and wipe my lenses, a stranger stopped. Without a word, they handed me a dry lens cloth and held my coffee so I wouldn't spill it.

We stood there for a minute, two frozen students sharing a silent understanding of what it means to survive a Manitoba winter. We ended up walking together toward the University Centre, chatting about our upcoming midterms. That small gesture of kindness transformed a miserable, freezing morning into a moment of genuine connection. It taught me that the true spirit of UM isn't just about academic excellence; it’s about the resilient community that looks out for one another when the world outside turns white. That simple act of holding a coffee cup for a stranger remains my most cherished memory of campus life."
 
Jinglei Wang
Student, Biosystems Engineering

"My high moment was actually watching my wife's graduation from the University of Manitoba in 2017. A mature Bison showcasing the resilience, dedication and commitment UM Bisons have firsthand. Each year that I volunteer for the convocation events, the experience brings home those memories, and the joy following years of hard work and quality education. Love to UM!"

Taiwo Luro
Staff, Asper School of Business

"So many Basketball moments for me - volunteering for Pan Am Games, Canada Games and watching so many games in IGAC, but the best memories for me are the graduation ceremonies I've volunteered at. When the students get to move their tassels over, I instantly shed tears. They are so proud when they walk past me to get their grad photos done. They are happy, they are crying, they want hugs but mostly they are just thankful all their hard work paid off. So thankful I get to witness that. Happy 150th!!"

Kyla Shead
Staff, Sociology and Criminology

"My most memorable University of Manitoba moment is stepping into the Department of Immunology at the University of Manitoba for the first time as a PhD student and realizing that I was pursuing a dream that once seemed impossible. It was in that moment that I understood my research in immunology has the potential to contribute to the development of vaccines and improve lives around the world. Coming from a humble background in Nigeria, this journey has been a powerful reminder that with faith, perseverance, and hard work, dreams truly do come true."

Chidimma Chude
Student, Immunology