Celebrate the people turning sustainability into action
Do you know a classmate, professor or staff member who’s making UM more sustainable?
Maybe they’ve led a zero-waste event, brought sustainability into their coursework or inspired others to take action.
Now’s your chance to celebrate their impact!
The UM Sustainability Awards recognize and celebrate the collaborative efforts of University of Manitoba students, faculty and staff in advancing our commitment to excellence and leadership in sustainability.
Past winners have been recognized for their work in teaching, waste management, energy, and more. Your nomination can spotlight the sustainability superheroes among us.
Think of someone making a difference: a peer, a prof or a team.
Share their story: What have they done to make UM more sustainable?
Fill out the form to submit your nomination by February 6.
Nominations will be reviewed, and award recipients will be selected by members of the UM Sustainability Committee. The 2026 winners will be announced in Spring.
Heather Eckton received the Graduate Student Sustainability Award in 2025. She is a PhD candidate in the Faculty of Education.
“My passion for sustainability and climate change education comes from more than 20 years as a high school science teacher and from my work as a Climate Action Divisional Teacher Team Leader in Seven Oaks School Division,” says Eckton.
“I witnessed growing worry and uncertainty among students about climate change, pollution and the loss of species... What I also witnessed is that when people are invited into collaborative community action, that worry can shift into active hope.”
Eckton is a SSHRC Doctoral fellow and her research explores how collaborative Climate Action Plans can foster deeper systems change through learning and participation.
“Sustainability becomes transformative when we invite everyone to strengthen our relationships with the land, water, air and one other, recognizing that our wellbeing depends on these reciprocal connections.”
“Sustainability becomes transformative when we invite everyone to strengthen our relationships with the land, water, air and one other, recognizing that our wellbeing depends on these reciprocal connections.”
Eckton says she felt “deeply humbled and grateful” when she received the award in 2025.
“However, none of my work in sustainability is ever done alone,” she says. “I work in community, and it is through collaborative action that I find home. Being recognized affirms the importance of this critical work, but I see the award as belonging to many people who contribute to it every day.”
Know someone dedicated to sustainability? Nominate them for a Sustainability Award by Feb. 6, 2026.
The Dean's Prize recognizes exceptional academic achievement, strong leadership skills and notable personal service.
