It is my great pleasure to announce that two University of Manitoba students have been named Rhodes Scholars for 2011. That two of three Prairie region Rhodes Scholars for 2011 are University of Manitoba students speaks volumes about the quality of students we attract to this institution; the high-calibre of faculty who teach and mentor them in research opportunities; and the abundance of support services in place at this university to help nurture and encourage students to be the best they can be.

The Rhodes Scholarships do not focus exclusively on academic achievement. Applicants also are assessed on their dedication and commitment to the betterment of their community and the people who live there. These students consistently demonstrate excellence, not only in the classroom and laboratory, but on our campus and in our cities, towns and neighbourhoods.  They are outstanding students and tremendous people.

The University of Manitoba has produced a total of 95 Rhodes Scholars since the award was created in 1904. That’s more than any other university in Western Canada and is, particularly given our relatively small population, something in which we should all take great pride.

This year, we are honoured to celebrate two exemplary students. Melissa Bailey is in the process of completing a B.Sc.(Hons.) in genetics and microbiology. She has taken full advantage of the opportunities placed in her path during her studies at the University of Manitoba. She has conducted research in genetics and stem cell biology and has worked at both the National Microbiology Laboratory and at the Max Planck Institute of Microbiology in Germany. Outside of her academic pursuits, Ms. Bailey is an accomplished athlete in aerial dance. Her commitment to her community is evident in her work as a coordinator of the Let’s Talk Science program in public schools and her development of dance programs for disadvantaged youth in Winnipeg. Ms. Bailey intends to use her scholarship to pursue her interest in stem cell research through a M.Sc. in Clinical Medicine.

Jody Reimer is completing her B.A. (Hons.) in Mathematics and Religion. In addition to her academic excellence, Ms. Reimer is also active in language studies, hiking, cycling and community outreach. She has taught as an assistant at the university, as well as a volunteer in India with the Ten Thousand Villages program. She has studied in Finland as part of her degree program, and has been a dedicated leader in recreational programming. Ms. Reimer intends to use her scholarship to pursue an M.Sc. in Mathematics through research in the application of mathematics to problems in biology.

Both of these exceptional students will now have the opportunity to study at the University of Oxford in England for two or three years, beginning in October, 2011. They take with them all they have learned and experienced here at the University of Manitoba. It makes me very proud to know that this institution, and the people who work here, have helped these two women attain this prestigious distinction.

I also wish to congratulate Braden O’Neill, a recent graduate of the University of Alberta, who was the third Prairie region recipient of the Rhodes Scholarship for 2011.

While I send my congratulations out to our two new Rhodes Scholars, I also wish to take this opportunity to offer my heart-felt thanks to the dedicated members of the President’s Advisory Committee on Rhodes Scholarships who work diligently to identify prospective applicants, help mentor them through the application process and assist in preparing the applicants for the rigorous interview process. Indeed, my thanks go out to the entire university community. Each of you, in your way, help to support and nurture these leaders of tomorrow. Thank you for your commitment to this process.

Congratulations again to our most recent Rhodes Scholars. Their accomplishments make me very proud to be a member of this university.

David T. Barnard

President and Vice-Chancellor

University of Manitoba