An ambitious and dedicated entrepreneur and community leader. A two-spirit Métis Elder exemplifying the transformative power of Indigenous knowledge and leadership. A celebrated author redefining the boundaries of speculative fiction. A distinguished lawyer and human rights advocate with global impact.
These are the four extraordinary individuals being recognized with Honorary Degrees (HDs) at the University of Manitoba’s 2026 Spring Convocation ceremonies.
UM’s highest honour that can be bestowed on an individual, HDs recognize demonstrated achievement in the arts, culture, science, scholarship or public service. This spring’s recipients are Steven J. Kroft; Barbara Bruce, Flies High Thunderbird and Truth Talker; Guy Gavriel Kay and Marcia Kran.
Steven J. Kroft
B.A. (Manitoba), LL.B. (British Columbia)
Doctor of Laws, honoris causa
Tuesday, June 2, 9:30 a.m.
Steven Kroft is a Winnipeg-based entrepreneur and community leader whose ambitious vision and dedication to service have made a lasting impact on Manitoba and beyond. He began his career as a commercial litigator before joining Conviron, a Winnipeg-based company which designs and supplies controlled environment equipment. As president, CEO and executive chair, he helped grow the company into a global player serving more than 90 countries. Kroft is equally devoted to his community, serving on numerous corporate and non-profit boards and recognized for his leadership, philanthropy and commitment to strengthening Manitoba.
Barbara Bruce, OM
Flies High Thunderbird and Truth Talker, Wolf Clan
Doctor of Laws, honoris causa
Wednesday, June 3, 9:30 a.m.
Barbara Bruce, OM, is a two-spirit Métis Elder, Kookum, Sundance leader and pipe carrier from St. Laurent, Manitoba who advances Truth and Reconciliation daily. From her early work with the Manitoba Métis Federation to founding two national Indigenous consulting firms, Bruce exemplifies the transformative power of Indigenous knowledge and leadership. She has led major initiatives, advanced groundbreaking child welfare reform and facilitated national consultations on health, housing and violence against Indigenous women, girls and Two Spirit people. She co-founded Medicine Wolf Healing Place and helped advance the University of Manitoba’s Indigenous Identity Policy, earning widespread recognition for her leadership and service.
Guy Gavriel Kay, CM
B.A. (Manitoba), LL.B. (Toronto)
Doctor of Letters, honoris causa
Wednesday, June 3, 3 p.m.
Guy Gavriel Kay, CM, is one of Canada's most celebrated authors, whose internationally acclaimed novels have redefined the boundaries of speculative fiction. Raised in Winnipeg, he studied philosophy at the University of Manitoba before earning a law degree in Toronto. Early in his career, he assisted Christopher Tolkien in editing J.R.R. Tolkien's posthumous work, The Silmarillion. Kay went on to write sixteen novels, creating richly detailed worlds that explore themes of cultural memory, moral complexity and our shared humanity. His work has been translated into more than 30 languages, earning major literary awards and a global readership.
Marcia Kran, OC
BA (Manitoba); LL.B. (Manitoba); Dip. Social Science (Stockholm); MA (Toronto)
Doctor of Laws, honoris causa
Friday, June 5, 9:30 a.m.
Marcia Kran, OC, was a distinguished international lawyer and human rights advocate from Morris, Manitoba, whose career advanced justice, democratic governance and access to human rights around the world. A UM alum, she began as a Crown Attorney, becoming the first female prosecutor in several Northern Manitoba circuit courts. She served as Legal Policy Counsel for the Government of Canada and advised Canadian delegations at the United Nations before embarking on her own extraordinary career with the global body. Elected twice to the UN Human Rights Committee, Kran’s impact on global human rights earned her prestigious awards and appointment as an Officer of the Order of Canada. She passed away in January 2026; her Honorary Degree will be conferred posthumously.
Other special honours and awards
Three University of Manitoba faculty members will also be honoured at the Spring Convocation ceremonies:
Alexa Hryniuk will receive the Olive Beatrice Stanton Award for Excellence in Teaching.
Darja Barr will receive the Dr. and Mrs. H. H. Saunderson Award for Excellence in Teaching.
Saad Ahmad Khan will receive the University of Manitoba Graduate & Postdoctoral Society Teaching Award.
Learn more about the award recipients in the Convocation program.
