The U of M will award two honorary degrees during its fall convocation ceremony, recognizing the achievements of David T. Barnard, president emeritus, and Walter and Maria Schroeder. The event will celebrate the contributions of these individuals alongside the graduation of over 5,500 students in the class of 2024.
The honorary degree, the highest honour the university can confer, acknowledges individuals for their leadership in science, culture, scholarship or public service. The recipients for 2024 have made significant contributions to education, healthcare and the U of M community.
The Schroeders will receive their honorary degree on Oct. 22 at 2 p.m. Walter and Maria Schroeder’s philanthropy has impacted education and healthcare in Canada. Maria Schroeder’s personal experience of receiving financial support to attend the U of M has impacted the couple’s dedication to reducing barriers for students.
The Schroeders founded Dominion Bond Rating Service in 1975 with an initial investment of $1,000, growing it into the fourth largest bond-rating agency in the world. After selling the business in 2014, they committed over $500 million to charitable causes, with plans to increase their contributions to $1 billion to benefit the Canadian community. Their philanthropy includes an annual $5 million investment in Winnipeg’s education system and support for healthcare initiatives related to arthritis, brain health and heart care.
The Schroeders are also developing a new ambulatory surgical centre in Ontario to improve patient care and medical training. Their efforts reflect a commitment to improving lives and fostering positive change in Canadian communities.
Another fall convocation honorary degree recipient is David T. Barnard, president emeritus. Barnard will receive his honorary degree on Oct. 23 at 3 p.m. Barnard served as president of the U of M for 12 years, leading several initiatives in reconciliation, research and community engagement.
Under his leadership, the U of M established itself as a leader in Indigenous education and became the first university in Canada to apologize for its role in the residential school system and later became the host institution for the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. Barnard also created the office of the vice-president (Indigenous) to promote Indigenous excellence.
During Barnard’s tenure, the U of M increased its research funding by 50 per cent and became a member of the U15 group of Canadian research universities. He spearheaded the Front and Center campaign, which raised $626 million, and critical infrastructure projects such as the Active Living Centre and Southwood Circle. Barnard has also contributed to higher education through service on various boards across Canada.
The fall convocation will confer 1,429 degrees, bringing the total number of graduates for the year to more than 5,500. Many of these graduates will remain in Manitoba, contributing critical skills to the local economy. Collectively, new alumni are expected to inject nearly $300 million annually into the province’s economy every year.
The U of M celebrates not only academic achievement but highlights the lasting impact of individuals like Barnard and the Schroeders, whose work has shaped the university and the wider community.
