Ronald Kristjanson Award presented by his kids at Empowering Excellence
According to Ronald Kristjanson's son, Mark, “All three of us kids stood in awe of dad. He was kind of our hero. Thinking of him evokes such warm family memories. We didn’t realize what a pillar of the community he was. To us, he was just Dad.”
At Empowering Excellence, Extended Education’s Ronald Kristjanson Award winners were recognized by Mark and his sister, Paula Kristjanson Hasiuk. Their brother, Jon Kristjanson, was unable to attend. The kids continue the tradition for their mother, the late Doris Kristjanson, Ronald’s wife.
During his medical studies at UM, Mark remembers his preceptor, the physician who reminded him to tune in to patients, to look at the whole person not just his medical information. In 1991, after his dad passed away, it was this man, Bill Jacyk, who told him that a scholarship had been established in his dad’s name.
“Bill had come to respect my dad deeply,” says Mark.
With a PhD in psychology, Mark’s dad, Ronald, started working at UM in 1971, in Counselling Services. He developed and directed the Special Mature Students Program and later became Professor and Director for Personal and Professional Development programs with the Division of Continuing Education (now Extended Education) where he was part of developing opportunities for mature students and students facing barriers to post-secondary education, including the Access Program. His previous work with people with disabilities and prison inmates, many of whom were Indigenous, had taught him the importance of everyone having the opportunity to get an education at any age. At Extended Education, Ronald was part of creating these educational opportunities for adult learners.
For Lindsy Arsenault, being recognized with the Ronald Kristjanson Award is inspiring.
“This is the first scholarship I have ever received. It means a lot to me, not just financially but the encouragement overall was very motivating to me. It means that people believe in me and support my journey and that is pretty awesome,” says the UM Extended Education student who plans to graduate with her Certificate in Manitoba Municipal Administration (CMMA) in Fall 2026.
She also notes the support of her husband, Jordan, who helped to see her through her studies and continues to support her in her career growth. “He’s my rock. He shows up, with nothing but encouragement. He grows with me.”
A resident of the tiny community of Cardale, Manitoba, Arsenault was working as a financial manager in Minnedosa when her boss suggested she take the CMMA program. “He gave me the confidence. Sometimes it just takes one person to believe in you and inspire you. That can change the direction of your career.”
While Arsenault says she always had an aptitude for and a love of finance, she was self-taught and mentored until she applied to her program with UM Extended Education. “This was my first university course. It’s one of the best things I have ever done. I would recommend anyone take the leap. It won’t be as hard as you think once you put your head down and get to work. If you have the passion, never hesitate to pursue it,” she says.
“I am a big finance buff. I got a lot out of the finance courses, from my instructor and from my mentor. Collaborating with her was such an opportunity. I have now done four financial plans between two municipalities. I have received compliments recognizing how well they were done. That is such a big pat on the back.”
As the finance officer in the Riverdale Municipality, Arsenault says she is on the right path in her career and wants to continue to serve in the public sector. “I’m privileged to already have my dream job, working with people who share my values and focus on community, growth and giving back. I am also involved in multiple community foundations.”
Extended Education student, Kris Lobay was also recognized with the Ronald Kristjanson Award.
Applications for the next Ronald Kristjanson Award are open until June 30. Students will receive reminder details via email.
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