Recognizing a legacy of leadership, teaching and discovery

Each year, the University of Manitoba bestows emeriti titles on professors, deans and senior administrators who have provided distinguished service in their respective roles. The titles are among the University’s highest honours.

At the annual ceremony on October 15, 19 individuals were recognized for their exceptional contributions to teaching, research, creative and scholarly work, service and administrative leadership. Among the recipients were one Dean Emerita and two Distinguished Professor Emeriti.

Dean Emerita

Dr. Netha Dyck has made exceptional contributions to the University of Manitoba and a lasting impact on nursing education, research and healthcare in Manitoba and beyond.

As dean of the College of Nursing from 2018 to 2025, Dyck led the 50 per cent expansion of the bachelor of nursing program, adding 120 seats, and established Manitoba’s long-awaited bachelor of midwifery program. A champion of innovation, Dyck positioned the College as a national leader in simulation and virtual-reality learning. She also strengthened research capacity, contributing to record levels of research funding and scholarly productivity.

A dedicated advocate for equity, cultural safety and Reconciliation, she advanced supports for Indigenous students and strengthened partnerships with Indigenous communities. Her career has been recognized through numerous honours, including the Institute of Public Administration Canada Vanier Medal, fellowships in the Canadian Academy of Nursing and the Canadian Nurse Educator Institute, and a Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award. Her dedication to academic leadership has left an enduring legacy, earning her the title of Dean Emerita.

Netha Dyck

Distinguished Professor Emerita

Dr. Evelyn Forget received the title of Distinguished Professor Emerita for her extraordinary contributions in community health sciences through interdisciplinary research in economics and health policy. Her work has transformed understanding of basic income and its effects on population health. In particular, her pioneering analysis of Manitoba’s Mincome experiment helped move basic income from the political margins into serious policy consideration in Canada and internationally.

A respected academic leader, Forget held many roles supporting research across disciplines, including serving as president of the History of Economics Society, editor of the Journal of the History of Economic Thought and academic director of the Manitoba Research Data Centre. Her commitment to teaching and mentorship has inspired generations of students and scholars in economics, health sciences and related fields.

Her achievements have been recognized through her appointment as an Officer of the Order of Canada, election as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, and receipt of the Sylvia Ostry Award, Thomas F. Devine Award for Lifetime Achievement and Bowman Award for Research Excellence.

Evelyn Forget with President Benarroch and Chancellor Angus

Evelyn Forget accepts emeriti parchment from President Benarroch and Chancellor Angus

Distinguished Professor Emeritus

Dr. Rick Linden, a highly respected expert in criminology, has made exceptional contributions to the University and beyond through teaching, research and service. He helped shape UM’s criminology program and co-authored influential textbooks, including Criminology: A Canadian Perspective, Canada’s leading criminology textbook for more than 25 years.

Linden's research advanced understanding of crime prevention, policing, sexual assault, Indigenous justice and criminal justice, while helping inform effective crime-prevention and public safety strategies, including the Winnipeg Auto Theft Suppression Strategy. He also provided significant academic and community leadership, working closely with police services, governments and community organizations.

His many honours include the International Association of Chiefs of Police Quality Policing Award, Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and Nelson Educational Excellence Award, as well as his appointment as a Commander of the Order of Military Merit. In recognition of his distinguished career, Linden received the title of Distinguished Professor Emeritus.