Alumni News
Do you have updates or good news to share with your Collegiate community? Would you like to share a Collegiate memory or photo? We’re always looks for contributions to the “Alumni News” and “The Archives” section of the Association newsletter. Email collegiatealumni@uwinnipeg.ca to share your story!
2020s
Ryleigh Todd-Moore (2024): Received a Ewaaskoziig Anongoonhs (Bright Star) Award at the Indigenous Achievement Awards. This annual event celebrates the achievements of Indigenous students, faculty, and staff.
Ryleigh Todd-Moore (2024), was featured in the Winnipeg Free Press for creating beadwork, shell jewelry, and ribbon skirts under their brand, Littlest Kookum Beading—drawing inspiration and teachings from their grandparents and culture. For Todd-Moore, this creative work is not just art but a form of cultural resistance and reclamation, infusing each piece with care, intention, and ancestral tradition."(Wesley Times June 2025)."
Rylee Gerrard (2023): Returned to the Collegiate to do a presentation for students regarding her post-grad travels and volunteer work abroad. She also she wrote a personality piece for EF Canada, describing how her experiential learning changed her, and her perspective on life.
Fatima Sherefa (2023): Stepped down as the Collegiate Alumni Association’s Grade 12 Future Alumni Board Director in Sept 2023 and began her post-secondary studies at the University of Manitoba.
Aidan Vaudreui (2023): joined the Royal Winnipeg Ballet as an apprentice. "(Wesley Times October 2024)."
Prabhnoor Singh (2022) won the 2025 University of Manitoba Students’ Union elections. He will now serve as UMSU’s President. The UMSU President oversees overall operations, act as the spokesperson on all student issues, and represent the 27,000 UMSU members to the University of Manitoba administration, as well as to provincial and federal governments."(Wesley Times September 2025)."
Ranveer Sandhu (2022): Signed with Central Wyoming College to play soccer on scholarship.
Anja Krueger (2021): 2022 Canada Summer Games Silver Medal in Women's Sprint Triathlon.
Katherine Sengmany (2021): Returned to The Collegiate as a featured alumna performer at the 2023 Collegiate Coffee House and Convocation.
Julianna Generoux (2020) was cast as Clara in the 2024 Royal Winnipeg Ballet for the Nutcracker."(Wesley Times January 2025)."
2010s
Diana Fraser (2019): Expanded her brow business ‘Diana’s Beauty Bar’ to operating at 1438 Corydon, also known as The Myuz Expansion.
Navjashan Brar (2019): Received a Futures Fund Scholarship for Outstanding Leadership. This $10,000 scholarship selected ten students from across Canada and is awarded annually. Nav is a third-year business student and has extensive volunteer and leadership qualities.
Michael Lavoie (2019): Featured in a Winnipeg Free Press article for their work with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet.
Cameron Fraser-Monroe (2017): Choreographed a piece for the Royal Winnipeg Ballet titled ‘T’ƏL – THE WILD MAN OF THE WOODS,’ which was performed at the Centennial Concert Hall from April 25th-28th, 2024. He was Ballet Kelowna’s Artist in Residence for the 2022-23 season.
Sophie Smith Dost-Mohamed (2017): Shaw Festival debut in Prince Caspian and Playboy of the Western World.
Robyn Boulanger (Class of 2017) is the first recipient of the Celebrating Women in Sport Scholarship, awarded by True North Sports + Entertainment and the Winnipeg Jets. A proud Indigenous athlete and coach, Robyn is recognized for her leadership, advocacy for Indigenous representation in sport, and commitment to advancing equity in the sporting community."(Wesley Times June 2025)."
Sidney Leggett (2017) presented at the First Nations Data Sovereignty and First Nation Research Conference: Our Data, Our Truths, Our Voice. Her presentation was titled ‘Reclaiming Manitoba First Nations Data: our Journey towards Data Sovereignty, in our own Voice’. "(Wesley Times January 2025)."
Madison Chisholm (2016): is currently obtaining her Master of Science degree in Bioscience, Technology and Public Policy at the University of Winnipeg. She is one of six students selected from the Faculty of Graduate Studies to have received Trainee Award from Research Manitoba.
Emma Gray (2016) : Manitoba’s flag bearer at the 2017 Canada Summer Games. Emma won gold in rowing single scull, and bronze in rowing double scull and quadruple scull.
Yasaman Mohaddes (2015): Graduated with her Juris Doctor at the University of Calgary. She will begin her legal career as an articling student with Blake, Cassel & Graydon LLP.
Yasaman Mohaddes (2015) graduated with her Doctor of Law from the University of Calgary, and recently she was called to the Alberta Bar. For the past year, Yasaman has articling student at Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP. "(Wesley Times September 2025)."
Katie Simpson (2015) & Liam Saito (2015): Professional Royal Winnipeg Ballet company members got married. Winnipeg Free Press "(Wesley Times May 2024)."
Elizabeth Lamont (2015): Featured in a Winnipeg Free Press article for their work with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet.
Emily Kroft (2015): Attended the World Water Forum held in Bali, Indonesia. She works at the International Institute for Sustainable Development.
Nadya Pankiw (2015), a multimedia producer at Winnipeg Free Press was invited to speak to students at Red River College Polytech. Nadya was also the recipient of the International News Media Association 30 Under 30 Award recipient in the Newsroom Leadership category."(Wesley Times September 2025)."
Quinn Cove (2014): Graduated with her Masters of Business Administration from Smith School of Business at Queen’s University
Emily Kroft (2014) spoke at the United Nations at the preparatory meeting for the 2026 UN Water Conference in New York City. She highlighted the need for inclusion of youth at the 2026 UN Water Conference, including travel support and invitations for youth to speak at side events."(Wesley Times September 2025)."
Hanna Henriksson-Rebizant (2014): Graduated with a Master of Architecture from the Bartlett School of Architecture at the University College London. Bartlett is ranked the number one in the world for Architecture.
Kellie Verwey (2014) tragically passed away in a car accident on January 14th. She was only 28 years old and was planning a wedding, expanding her thriving business and tirelessly serving the community of Portage La Prairie. Our deepest condolences go our to her friends and family. "(Wesley Times January 2025)."
Alexia Cholakis (2013): Graduated from New York University College of Dentistry. She will begin her Prosthodontics Residency at Louisiana State University in New Orleans.
Ila Barker (2013): Song Intuition licensed for Travel Manitoba’s Explore MB Campaign.
Ila Barker (Class of 2013) presented at the Vision Guest Conference and Trade Show titled: ‘Making Your Own Music – Skills of songwriting on May 14, 2025. In addition, Ila will be performing at the Fire & Water Music Festival, which features independent music during the August long weekend in Lac du Bonnet."(Wesley Times June 2025)."
Cassidy Mann (2013): Named one of five Indigenous artists who are “changing our sonic landscape” by The Globe and Mail.
Callen Maude (2013), is the maker-in-residence for the summer at Winnipeg Public Library, and will be leading open-studio and workshop opportunities until October. Maude facilitates art workshops year-round, and booking information, workshop examples, and a calendar is available on her website: callenmaude.com "(Wesley Times September 2025)."
Anmol Negpal (2012): CEO and Founder of Nospharma was a panelist at the OnTheVerge 2024 Biotech Conference. Where he and other panelists explore the evolving biotech landscape in Montreal, he also presented MedTech Talent Accelerator Seminar where he shared his unexpected journey that led to creating a biotech company for rare neurological disorders.
Geoff Gray (2012): Professional Canadian football offensive lineman for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
Taryn Grant (2012): Silver medalist in women's water-ski jump at the 2022 World Games and 2022 MasterCraft Pro winner.
Zachary Rogers (2012): Featured in a Winnipeg Free Press article for their work with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet.
Anna Kovacs (Class of 2012) is a dedicated Grade 1–2 primary school teacher who recently led her young students in a meaningful lesson on the importance of philanthropy and community giving. As part of their learning, the class participated in Lemonade Stands for Hope, a heartfelt initiative in support of CancerCare Manitoba Foundation. The students learned not only about entrepreneurship but also the value of compassion and making a difference. Thanks to their hard work and enthusiasm, they exceeded their original fundraising goal and proudly raised over $1,500 to help bring hope to Manitobans affected by cancer. "(Wesley Times June 2025)."
Richard Raber (Class of 2011) Richard Raber (Class of 2011) PhD dissertation has been selected as the winner of the 2025 Indiana University Graduate School Distinguished PhD Dissertation Award in Humanities and Fine Arts. Furthermore, Richard has received scholarly training at Indiana University Bloomington's History Department as well as funding from the Social Science Research Council, The Fulbright Program, and multiple Foreign Language and Area Studies fellowships."(Wesley Times June 2025)."
Jessie Margolis (2010): is co-owner of Danali, a Winnipeg clothing retailer that set roots in Winnipeg in 1979. Danali recently launched an online consignment shop (www.afterdanali.com) that will stock items Danali has previously sold and similar offerings.
Jacob Brodovsky (2010): Recipient of a 2024 Canadian Folk Music Award. Held in St. Johns, Newfoundland, Brodovsky won English Song Writer of the Year for his latest album, I Love You and I’m Sorry.
Mike McGarry (2010): Spoke at the TedxWinnipeg. Mike’s TEDx talk was on the enormous volume of hardwood that end up in the landfill every year. He is the co-founder and operations manager for Urban Lumber, a company that works to divert urban tree lumber into high-quality hardwood lumber and products (UWinnipeg.ca).
Micah Erenberg (2010): is a singer-songwriter who released his new album titled " The Secret Beach - We Were Born Here, What’s Your Excuse?”. He was inspired to name his album after a Simpsons episode portraying his love-hate relationship with Winnipeg.
2000s
Alanna McAdie (2008): Featured in a Winnipeg Free Press article for their work with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet.
Lisa Haydey (Class of 2008) graduated from Robson Hall Law School at the University of Manitoba and she was awarded the Gold Medal in Law. Lisa completed an Honours degree in Psychology and a Masters in Physiotherapy from the University of Manitoba prior to law school."(Wesley Times June 2025)."
Nigel Webber (2008) was listed on Ace Burpee’s Top 100 most fascinating Manitobans for 2024 because he authored “Gritty City: An Oral History of Winnipeg Hip-Hop Music 1980-2005.” Gritty City is the first book to tackle the history of Winnipeg hip-hop, featuring over 100 voices of Winnipeg rappers, producers, DJs, promoters, and community members, Gritty City is a one-of-a-kind chronicle of an important but until now unknown chapter in Canadian music history."(Wesley Times January 2025)."
Tristan Dobrowney (2006): Featured in a Winnipeg Free Press article for their work with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet.
Adam Budowski (2006): Returned to The Collegiate to do a presentation for students regarding the new Winnipeg Transit system being unveiled in Winnipeg in 2025.
Connor Ward (2005): Co-owner of The Basement Speakeasy and Comedy Lounge, which was featured in a Winnipeg Free Press article.
Mike Del Buono (Class of 2005): founder of Burnley Place Hospitality, and chef Emily Butcher opened Nola at 300 Taché Ave, in 2021. This year, they have made Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants. Del Buono said, “it’s a privilege to be included on the national restaurant guide for the first time. It’s a very cool honour to be recognized. I’m just so happy for the team; it’s such an amazing recognition for all the hard work they’ve put in,” (Winnipeg Free Press)."(Wesley Times June 2025)."
Pablo Schor (Class of 2005) and his brother Ari Schor opened Beba in Montreal in 2019, this year, they ranked No. 7 on Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants. Best known for their Argentine-Jewish culinary tradition. Both brothers grew up in Winnipeg, and took different routes post graduation, to read more about their journey find the article here. "(Wesley Times June 2025)."
Blair Kaplan Venables (2003): Wild Mag has recognized Blair’s book The Global Resistance Project as one of the Most Inspiring Books for 2023 in their latest feature.
Dr. Jordan Sloshower (2002): Co-Director of the recently opened West Rock Wellness, an integrative, community-based, mental health and wellness center in New Haven, CT grounded in interdisciplinary and holistic therapeutic approaches, including psychedelic-assisted therapies, trauma informed psychotherapy, integrative psychiatry and mind-body medicine. A recording of Jordan’s Alumni Perspectives Webinar – Insights into Psychedelic Medicines is available to view on the Alumni Speaker Series web page.
1990s
Wab Kinew (1999): Ace Burpee’s 100 most fascinating Manitobans of 2023 - The first First Nations Premier in Canadian History.
Jill Hardy (1999): Four-time women’s amateur golf champion. Featured in a Winnipeg Free Press article as the only female competitor on a new local golf circuit, Prairie Scratch Tour.
Kelly Nestruck (1999): recently started a new position as Television critic at The Globe and Mail.
Dr. Rachel Toles (1995) recently returned to Winnipeg to host an event at the Burton Cummings Theatre titled The Psychology of Serial Killers. Dr. Toles is a licensed clinical and forensic psychologist. She specializes in psychological fitness-for-duty evaluations, as well as court evaluations that include psychological and neuropsychological testing."(Wesley Times January 2025)."
Jennie O’keefe (1994): Ace Burpee’s 100 most fascinating Manitobans of 2023 - One of the creators of Holiday Alley, a four-day celebration of art, music, light and creativity in Selkirk. The event has been named Travel Manitoba’s Event of The Year.
Daina Leitold (1993): Costume designer for Shakespeare in the Ruin’s production of Twelfth Night and Rainbow Stage’s production of Rent. Executive Director of Green Kids, Inc.
Ben Sparrow (1993), is the CEO of Sparrow Hotels, and they just acquired a new property in Portage La Prairie called Microtel Inn and Suites in addition to their many other business ventures (Norwood Hotel, Inn at the Forks, Smith Restaurant, Riverstone Spa, Mere Hotel, and the Wyndham Garden Winnipeg)."(Wesley Times January 2025)."
Rhonda L. Hinther (1992): 2023 Manitoba Book Awards Shortlist for a Better World: The Winnipeg General Strike and the Workers’ Revolt edited by James Naylor, Rhonda L. Hinther, & Jim Mochoruk, published by University of Manitoba Press.
Saira Rahman (1991): Independent filmmaker and educator Saira Rahman was the featured alumna speaker for the Conversations with Alumni Event in Nov 2023 & Acclaimed filmmaker and recipient of the inaugural Inspiring Women Award. Named as one of Ace Burpee’s Top 100 Most Fascinating Manitobans for 2022.
Krista Jackson (1990): Appointed as the new Artistic Director and Executive Director of Imago Theatre in Montreal, Quebec. She also co-directed the play The Diviners at the Stratford Festival.
1980s
Noam Gonick (1989): Critically acclaimed filmmaker and artist. He presented a curated collection of recent and rarely seen short films, video installations, teasers and pitch videos during Pride week at the University of Winnipeg. (Deep Cuts + Future Projections).
Daniel Greaves (1988): Canadian rock vocalist and songwriter Daniel Greaves sang the national anthem at the Jets Game on April 18th, 2024.
Ari Posner (1988): 2022 Canadian Screen Award Winner for Best Original Music, Animation for Let’s Go Luna! The Way of the Gaucho.
Ash Modha (1987): Recognized as a Canadian leader in sustainability with recognition on Canada’s Clean 50 list
Ashish Modha (1987), co-founder and CEO of Mondetta Clothing Inc. is preparing to open its first storefront on the corner of Carlton Street and Graham Avenue in True North Square's Modern Ambition, which will sell clothing from its luxury brand. "(Wesley Times September 2025)."
Lawrence Isaac Pinsky (1983): Appointed to King’s Counsel in recognition of outstanding contributions to the practice of law.
Quita Alfred (1982): An internationally renowned costume designer who was chosen to be the principal costume designer for the screen adaptation of Mariam Toews’ Women Talking.
Hilary Druxman (1982): celebrates three decades owning her business ‘Hilary Druxman Design’ within the Exchange District. All her jewelry is made on site, and she has raised nearly one million dollars for 80 charities. Read more at The Winnipeg Free Press.
Nerissa Werthman (1981): Curator of Instant Opus Improv Series, a long-running, completely improvised music series in New Orleans featuring players from every genre.
1970s
Ken Rosenberg (1974): Congratulations to Ken Rosenberg and his law firm Paliare Roland Rosenberg Rothstein LLP recognized by the Globe and Mail as Canada's Best Law Firm in 2024 in four areas of distinction: Administrative & Public Law, Dispute Resolution (Litigation, Arbitration & Investigations), Human Rights, and Labour & Employment.
Margaret Sweatman (1971): Shortlisted for the Margaret Laurence Award for Fiction for her book The Gunsmith's Daughter.
David Jackson (1970): recently won the Lawyer of the Year Award 2025, he has been honoured for his expertise in Insolvency and Financial Restructuring Law. The Taylor McCaffrey "Lawyer of the Year" award honours lawyers who have garnered the highest overall peer feedback within a particular practice area and geographic region.
1960s
The Honourable Janis Johnson, C.M. (1968): Chosen to receive the Order of Manitoba, the highest honour in the Province of Manitoba. In 2020, Janis was also appointed a member of the Order of Canada.
Carol Matas (1967): 2023 Silver Birch Express Award Nominee for grade 3 – 4 fiction book Who’s Looking? How Animals See the World.
Brett Buckingham (1965): Life Update: “I am retired in Lethbridge to be near family. I spent most of my working years in Winnipeg. I performed at Rainbow Stage in the 80's and early 90's.” Read more about Brett in our Alumni Life Updates PDF.
Jim Macdonald (1964): Congratulations to Jim MacDonald, who retired from the Royal Bank of Canada after a 55-year career in the financial sector.
Maggie (Marg Leslie) Carr (1963 – 64): Life Update: “As an Arts graduate of the last United College class of 1967, myself and a few fellow grads walked with new grads for the 1st class of U of W. It was such an honour!” Read more about Maggie in our Alumni Life Updates PDF.
1950s
Rita F. Gunn (1959): We are saddened to hear of Rita’s passing on April 17, 2023. Read more about Rita’s life in her obituary.
Ron Finlay (1954): We are saddened to hear of Ron’s passing on January 6, 2024. Read more about Ron’s life in his obituary.
Anita Schmidt (1952): We are saddened to hear of Anita’s passing on February 27, 2023. Read more about Anita’s life in her obituary.
1930s
Jean Margaret Macdonald (1937): We are saddened to hear of Jean’s passing on January 20th, 2023. Read more about Jean’s life in her obituary.