Former Manitoba Premier to receive prestigious 2024 Duff Roblin Award  News Releases

The University of Winnipeg Foundation in partnership with the University of Winnipeg are proud to announce the Honourable Mr. Gary Doer, OM, former Manitoba Premier and Canadian Ambassador to the United States, as the recipient of the 2024 Duff Roblin Award.  

The 16^th Annual Duff Roblin Award Dinner and ceremony will be held on November 7, 2024, at the Metropolitan Entertainment Centre in Winnipeg. Past award winners who have accepted this honour include Gail Asper, Dr. Lloyd Axworthy, and Ruth Hastings. 

“We are incredibly proud to recognize such a respected and accomplished Manitoban,” says Scott Oake, one of two Duff Roblin Award Dinner Co-Chairs. “Mr. Doer’s career as a politician, his success as Canada’s ambassador to the United States, and his support of our UWinnipeg community are reasons why he is truly deserving of this distinction.” 

Doer’s political journey spans four decades, with roots dating back to Ed Schreyer’s 1973 general election campaign and the NDP’s second victory at the ballot box. Twenty-six years later, Doer would lead the NDP to victory in 1999, securing three majority governments across his 10-year term.  

“I am tremendously excited about receiving this award as the Honourable Duff Roblin was a true patron of education with a lifelong commitment to community,” says Doer. “While I’m deeply appreciative of this recognition, knowing this gala plays a key role in the University’s ability to help students from underrepresented communities in their pursuit of a postsecondary education is what truly makes this event exceptional.” 

First held in 2007, the Duff Roblin Award honours a community leader who supports UWinnipeg and whose career, volunteerism, or philanthropy has made a significant impact on education in Manitoba. The first recipient was Dr. Duff Roblin who served as Premier from 1958 to 1967.  

“Each year, the Duff Roblin Award Dinner is an opportunity to update our friends and supporters about the impact of their generosity and a chance to showcase the great work UWinnipeg does in Manitoba and beyond to our broader community,” says Danny Bubis, Duff Roblin Award Dinner Co-Chair and Foundation Investment Committee Chair. “The support we generate for our students, and the thanks we give to our sponsors, planning committee volunteers and Foundation staff who have helped our institution thrive these past 57 years is what makes this evening special for everyone involved.” 

For tickets or sponsorship opportunities, email nick@boomdonenext.com or call (204) 938-2666. 

For more information about the recipient and evening, please visit the 2024 Duff Roblin Award Dinner website. 

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For media requests, please contact Brandon Boone, Donor and Stewardship Communications Manager at b.boone@uwinnipeg.ca