09/28/2026
Dear Manitobans,
Manitoba is made possible by Bisons. That’s what my predecessor, President Albert Trueman, stressed in 1947 when he said a university cannot change everyone and everything for the better by itself. It needs help. That’s why he encouraged a culture of philanthropy.
Over the past 150 years, the University of Manitoba has grown into a great university, supported by one of Canada’s most generous provinces. Together, we have built an institution that changes lives.
In TIME’s 2026 list of World’s Top Universities, UM ranks among the top seven universities in Canada and 136th in the world. The United Nations designated UM a hub for clean water and sanitation research. The Gates Foundation has invested nearly $500 million in our global health work—more than any other Canadian university.
Our impact is felt around the world and here at home.
Because of Bison generosity, UM’s student-staffed dental clinic and L. Kerry Vickar Business Law Clinic provide care and aid to Manitobans in need. Scholarships, bursaries, and other supports are helping more Indigenous students find their career paths. Bison generosity has also refurbished classrooms and labs, and built the Desautels Concert Hall, a premiere performing arts venue in Winnipeg.
Manitobans have helped students pursue big ideas, adding to the impact and discoveries Bisons have already given the world—including the pacemaker, vaccines, canola, the discovery of dark matter, and the antenna that led to smartphones.
UM turns 150 in 2027. For a century and a half, Manitobans have supported our bold ideas, turning our ambition into impact. Thank you to all the Bisons who have made this possible.
Let’s continue to invest in the future we want to create together. Let’s be bold.
Sincerely,
Michael Benarroch, PhD
This is President Bennaroch’s annual letter to Manitobans which ran in the Winnipeg Free Press and Brandon Sun, Saturday, September 26, 2026.
