The University of Manitoba Students’ Union (UMSU) helped to ease the late-January monotony last week with guest speakers, events at the Hub, and free breakfasts.
All of this was part of the annual Celebration Week, an UMSU tradition that in the past has brought George Stroumboulopoulos, Gwynne Dyer, Buffy Sainte-Marie, and many other distinguished speakers to campus.

Last Monday, Breaking Bad cast member RJ Mitte (Walter Jr.) spoke to a crowd gathered in University Centre’s multipurpose room. Winnipeg Jets chairman and governor Mark Chipman was the guest lecturer at a Thursday event, and artist Cliff Derksen shared a presentation featuring much of his work on Friday.
Derksen’s sculpting deals with the disappearance and murder of his daughter Candace and the trial of Mark Edward Grant, who was charged in her death. Just last year, Grant’s conviction was overturned and a retrial was ordered.
Other Celebration Week activities included an international movie festival, a magic show, an art sale, live music, and a wine tasting festival. “Drag show superstar” Victoria Lush performed on Wednesday.

While most Celebration Week events were held on the U of M’s Fort Garry campus, Bannatyne students were not entirely left out. Free breakfast, lunch, and one day of the wine tasting event were offered over the week of Jan. 20 at the downtown campus.