Class Acts 2026
UWinnipeg alumni are leaders in the community; scientists, writers, artists, politicians, business leaders, and entrepreneurs who expand knowledge and inspire innovation. Class Acts provides a snapshot of these achievements and is a great way to stay connected. Whether you received an award, changed jobs, joined a committee, published a book, or explored a new hobby, we'd love to hear from you. Please e-mail alumni@uwinnipeg.ca to be included.
Gordon, Ariel (BA 96, BSc 96) is the Writer in Residence at the Winnipeg Public Library for 2025-2026. For more info or to submit your writing, see:
Tahimic, Alex (BA 09, BED 11, PBED 20) was named on Ace Burpee's Top 100 Most Fascinating Manitoban's of 2025. "There’s going on a McDonald’s run, and then there’s this. The McMarathon. Alex mobilized a bunch of running buddies to hit the streets for a full 26.2-mile marathon — stopping to fuel along the way at different McDonald’s franchises all over Winnipeg. There was a point to it besides just being a ridiculously cool way to spend a summer day — he raised thousands of dollars for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Manitoba."
Hinther, Rhonda (MA 98, BAH 96, Coll 92), was named on Ace Burpee's Top 100 Most Fascinating Manitoban's of 2025. "Hinther is a professor of history at Brandon University co-founder of the BU public history program, author, exhibit researcher for the Canadian Museum for Human Rights and much more. For her innovative and impactful approach to engaging students studying history, Hunter was the 2025 recipient fot the Canadian Historical Associations' Excellence in Teaching award."
Stoller, Avi (BSc 17) along with partners Noah Palansky and Jordan Davis was named on ACe Burpee's Top 100 Most Fascinating Manitoban's of 2025. " They are the founders of Taiv Inc., a simple but brilliant device that allows bars and restaurants to control commercial advertising on their in-house screens. Already featured on literally thousands and thousands of screens in the U.S., Taiv has now launched in Manitoba, and will do soon in the rest of the country. They're onto something big. With millions in new funding, the technology already emplys 60 people, with the majority located in the province.
Soldier, Stacey (BA 00) was named on Ace Burpee's Top 100 Most Fascinating Manitoban's of 2025. " A lawyer with Cochrane Sinclair LLP, Soldier has served in many key roles. She acted as co-counsel for the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs at the National Inquiry on MMIWG, and was recently named president of the Manitoba Bar Association. Soldier became the first Anishinaabe woman to hold that title"
Burke, Cynthia (BA 12, BED 90) was named on Ace Burpee's Top 100 Most Fascinationg Manitoban's of 2025. " Burke is the Manitoba Film industry's first certified environmental manager. Reducing the carbon footprint and overall environmental impact of films made here is a relatively new consideration, and Burke is a trailblazer Her work includes diverting materials for future use by Habitat for Humanity and ensuring prop food heads the way of Harvest Manitoba, among many other initiatives. Last year, her work as an eco-specialist on Key Hu Quan's Love Hurts earned the film the title of most-sustainable film production at the 2025 Global Production Awards in Cannes, France."
Gandier, Joshua (BBA 23) was named on Ace Burpee's Top 100 Most Fascinating Manitoban's of 2025. "A proud member of Peguis First Nation, Gandier has consistently given back to the province of Manitoba. He coached and mentored Indigenous youth through Anishinaabe Pride basketball, after his won tremendous career with the University of Winnipeg Wesmen basketball team wrapped up. He represented the Southern Chiefs Organization as Youth Chief, and his leadership took him to international stages, including the the United Nations. Somehow he finds time to practise law, and this year received the One to Watch Distinguished Alumni Award from the U of W."
Guenette, Wanda (Collegiate 81) was named on Ace Burpee's Top 100 Most Fascinating Manitoban's of 2025. " One of the best to ever do it. Her Volleyball career consisted of a national title at the University of Winnipeg, multiple Pan Am Games, she respresented Canada at the Olympics in Atlanta and had a long pro career. Already a member of Manitoba's Sports Hall of Fame, this yea she was rightly inducted into the Canadian Volleyball Hall of Fame."
See Class Acts from 2025, 2024, and 2023 for more great stories.