Graduands seated for convocation at Bannatyne campus. University of Manitoba president Michael Benaroch addresses them from the stage.
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Convocation

Rady grads encouraged to stay curious, inspire others

Students from rehabilitation sciences and physician assistant studies programs celebrate at convocation

Estimated Read Time:
3 minutes

New graduates from the College of Rehabilitation Sciences and Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program at the Max Rady College of Medicine celebrated at fall convocation Nov. 6 at Bannatyne campus.

In total, 127 Rady Faculty of Health Sciences students graduated, including 47 in the Master of Occupational Therapy program, 46 in the Master of Physical Therapy program, 18 in the Bachelor of Respiratory Therapy program and 15 in the MPAS program.

The ceremony included greetings from Elder Charlotte Nolin, of Ongomiizwin – Indigenous Institute of Health and Healing, UM president Dr. Michael Benarroch and UM Chancellor Dave Angus, who encouraged the graduates to be curious and seek inspiration as they enter the next chapter of their lives.

“When you are curious, that comes with empathy, that comes with understanding and innovative new thinking and ideas,” Angus said. “There is inspiration all around us. Seek it out, because those who are inspired are the ones who inspire others.” 

Respiratory therapy graduate Rachel Donelly received the UM’s Gold Medal, which is awarded to the student with the highest standing in an undergraduate faculty, college or school. Donnelly worked as a respiratory therapy assistant at St. Boniface Hospital while in the program, and now works there as a full-time RT.

“I’m super grateful,” she said. “Our class was very competitive, so it’s an honour to get this award.” 

Rachel Donnelly poses alongside Chancellor David Angus at convocation.
Rachel Donnelly and UM Chancellor Dave Angus

Praise Okafor graduated with a Master of Science (Rehabilitation) degree. Her thesis was on the impact of post-COVID symptoms among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.  

Okafor has a physiotherapy degree from Nigeria and moved to Manitoba to study at UM in 2022. She plans to work as a physiotherapist in Canada and bridge clinical practice with research.

“I am so grateful,” she said. “One thing I really learned from my program was to appreciate evidence-based practice, and also the importance of an individualized holistic approach with individuals and their own symptoms.” 

Praise Okafor poses following the convocation ceremony at the Brodie atrium at Bannatyne campus.
Praise Okafor

It was the last convocation ceremony to be held at Bannatyne due to growing class sizes. Next year, all Rady students will convocate at Fort Garry campus. Watch a video retrospective of convocations at Banntyne campus.

MPAS students feel pride 

MPAS graduate Anna Zrinyi has already started working in pediatric general surgery at Health Sciences Centre. She said it was a proud moment crossing the stage.  

“I felt proud to be a UM alum. I felt proud to be a physician assistant entering the health-care field. It was honestly a moment of gratitude,” said Zrinyi, who grew up in Winnipeg.  

Hailee Morisseau, also an MPAS graduate, has also started work in general surgery but in Brandon, Man. She said her rural rotations were a highlight of the program because she got to spend time in a few different communities, work alongside great mentors and be involved in patient care.  

“It was really special to finish this off with all my classmates. It’s been a really long journey, but it’s also gone by really fast. It was really special to wrap it up with them today and celebrate and just recognize all the accomplishments of everyone here,” said Morisseau, who grew up in Portage la Prairie, Man. 

Hailee Morisseau and Anna Zrinyi pose in their caps and gowns at convocation.
(L to R) Hailee Morisseau and Anna Zrinyi

Students awarded at luncheon 

Prior to the convocation, the College of Rehabilitation Sciences held its annual convocation award luncheon at Canad Inns at Health Sciences Centre. Twenty-one students received awards, with a total value of over $10,000 – including medals and professional association memberships.  

“Being able to be recognized for the hard work that we’ve done throughout the program, it just feels great,” said occupational therapy graduate Kiera Martin-Shimoji, who won three awards.

Martin-Shimoji is currently working in transitional care at Misericordia Health Centre. She said she’d also like to one day work in stroke rehabilitation or pediatrics.

“I really love the holistic nature of the profession and the values that it holds when it comes to care for individuals,” she said.

Kiera Martin-Shimoji poses with an award alongside instructor Lisa Diamond-Burchuk.
Kiera Martin-Shimoji and senior instructor Lisa Diamond-Burchuk.

Among the other winners was Karanveer Multani, who won the Marjorie Spence Physical Therapy Achievement Prize for his community involvement and leadership qualities.

Multani, who grew up in Winnipeg, is now working at a private physiotherapy clinic in the city.

“I’m focused on continuing to grow my skills as a physiotherapist and pursue further education so I can better serve my clients. I'm excited to learn to see where this journey takes me,” he said.

Watch a social media reel from the convocation.

UM Bisons are at the centre of it all, making a difference here in Manitoba and around the world. 1,395 students are graduating this fall, bringing the number of graduates in the class of 2025 to 5,586 so far. Many of these new alumni will stay in Manitoba, supplying high-demand skills to the labour market and contributing to UM’s $7.3 billion economic impact on our community.

By

Rady Communications Staff