Extended Education

Honouring Dad, recognizing learners

At Empowering Excellence, Extended Education’s Ronald Kristjanson Award winners were recognized by Mark Kristjanson and Paula Kristjanson Hasiuk, two of Ronald’s children. Their brother, Jon Kristjanson, was unable to attend. The kids continue the tradition for their mother, the late Doris Kristjanson, Ronald’s wife.

Applications for the next Ronald Kristjanson Award are open until June 30. Students will receive reminder details via email.

Vintage portrait of the Kristjanson family.
Estimated Read Time:
3 minutes
Ron and Doris Kristjanson with their children Mark, Paula and Jon
Ron and Doris Kristjanson with their children Mark, Paula and Jon
Estimated Read Time:
3 minutes

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.”

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.

Ron Kristjanson in 1967-1968
Ron Kristjanson in 1967-1968

“It was so important for Dad that people be able to start as an adult,” says Mark, who continues to teach residents, international medical professionals, and nurse practitioners at UM.

Paula is also a UM alum, with degrees in Arts and Education. Her studies were inspired by her parents’ paths- counselling and education. She continues to work in the UM Bookstore during busy times.

“Dad was one of the kindest people you could meet. Everyone felt welcome and accepted by him,” says Paula.

Mark adds, “It’s important to continue to honour Dad and his passion to empower people with opportunities to learn.”

It’s important to continue to honour Dad and his passion to empower people with opportunities to learn.

Mark Kristjanson

Lindsy Arsenault, Award Recipient

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.

Lindsy Arsenault
Lindsy Arsenault, Ronald Kristjanson Award recipient

“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.

Kris Lobay with Paula Kristjanson Hasiuk and Mark Kristjanson
Kris Lobay receives the Ronald Kristjanson Award from Paula Kristjanson Hasiuk and Mark Kristjanson
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.

Lindsy Arsenault

Extended Education students can apply for the next Ronald Kristjanson Award

Applications for the next Ronald Kristjanson Award are open until June 30. Students will receive reminder details via email.

Boilerplate: empowering learners

At UM, we encourage life-long curiosity while providing tools – inside and outside the classroom – to succeed in a rapidly changing world. Empowering learners is one of the strategic themes you’ll find in MomentUM: Leading change together, the University of Manitoba’s 2024–2029 strategic plan.

By

Liz Katynski