The U of M Graduate Students’ Association (UMGSA) hosted a vibrant ‘meet and greet’ on Saturday, June 27 at St. Vital Park, bringing together graduate students from across faculties for an afternoon of fun, food and informal networking.

The event kicked off with a welcome address from Vice-President, Events and Clubs Diwan Oulai, who encouraged participants to engage freely in the relaxed atmosphere.

“The idea behind that is to have graduate students to connect with one another, and also to meet their executives in an informal way,” stated Oulai. “So, we set up some activities that would allow the graduates to connect with their executives.”

Throughout the day, attendees participated in various activities including board games, football challenges, and a poster board where students shared both uplifting messages and suggestions for the GSA executives.

A highlight of the day was the draw for two gift cards, where two lucky winners were selected, much to the excitement of the crowd. Informal games also saw students show off their football skills, cheering each other on and fostering team spirit.

GSA President and Senator Timilehin Oluwajuyitan, who was in attendance, emphasized the importance of such gatherings. “We have a lot of students coming from the Bannatyne campus to participate in this, so it’s not just a Fort Garry event, and then this means you  get the opportunity to meet your colleagues from Bannatyne Health Sciences and then you get the opportunity to network with them, interact with them,” he said.

Oluwajuyitan also touched on the mental wellness benefits. “This would help us mentally to release off the stress of the graduate school, being in the lab, having assignments that you have to deal with, [and] having deadlines.”

Volunteers were key in coordinating the event. Student volunteer Andile Ndlovu shared her thoughts. “I think it’s a very good experience. I would give it an ‘A.’” On the value of volunteering, she added it is “effective to volunteer for school programs and the people you care for and make a difference.”

Also present was Hreetesh Juneja, student office assistant with IDEA START, the university’s newest entrepreneurship hub. He explained that the platform supports innovative ideas from students, staff and faculty with mentorship and guidance.

Juneja introduced the upcoming Falling Walls Lab Manitoba pitch competition, encouraging students to apply by July 15. “The winner gets to go to Berlin fully paid and win a thousand bucks cash.”  He added that participants will pitch their ideas in just three minutes and meet global researchers, innovators and investors. He described the application as “simple,” along with its selection process.

As music played and barbecue was served, students gathered at the photo booth to capture fun memories of the day.

Looking ahead, Oulai announced more exciting programming. “Next month we are going to have our beach trip to Gimli […] in collaboration with the International centre.”

Oluwajuyitan wrapped up with words of appreciation. “Thank you to all who participated,” he said, “and those who missed out, be on the lookout for the next event, we would be more than happy to have you.”