The University of Winnipeg is proud to honour two outstanding faculty and staff members Dr. Michael Weinrath and Dr. Danny Blair during our 129th Convocation on Thursday, October 15.
Dr. Michael Weinrath, Professor Emeritus
Over nearly three decades at UWinnipeg, Dr. Michael Weinrath has built an exemplary record of scholarship, teaching, leadership, and service with influence extending beyond the University. Drawing on earlier experience with Alberta Correctional Services, he has produced research that informs public policy and debate across Canada's criminal justice system.
Dr. Weinrath is recognized nationally for his scholarship on prison life and work, pre-trial detention, sentencing, and disparities experienced by Indigenous Peoples in Canada's justice system.
His widely cited book, Behind the Walls: Inmates and Correctional Officers on the State of Canadian Prisons, remains a touchstone for understanding prison environments. He has authored 45 peer-reviewed publications, many co-authored with students, as well as 69 research and expert witness reports in addition to being a media commentator.
His contributions to UWinnipeg have been significant. As Coordinator of the Criminal Justice Program from 2000 to 2006, he helped establish the Department of Criminal Justice and served as its founding Chair until 2013. He also played a central role in creating the Centre for Interdisciplinary Justice Studies, its Justice Series conferences, and the Annual Review of Interdisciplinary Justice Research. He later helped establish UWinnipeg's Master's in Criminal Justice program and served as its founding Graduate Chair from 2018 to 2022.
A dedicated mentor, Dr. Weinrath has brought practical experience into the classroom, created research opportunities for students, and supported emerging scholars pursuing careers within and beyond academia.
His achievements have been recognized through ten UWinnipeg Merit Awards, the 2019 Faculty of Arts Research Award, and the 2017 Robin H. Farquhar Award in University Governance. He has also served as a visiting professor nationally and internationally and maintained a record of Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) and justice-sector research funding.
For his contributions to teaching, research, and university governance, UWinnipeg bestows upon Dr. Michael Weinrath the title of Professor Emeritus.
Dr. Danny Blair, Clarence Atchison Award for Excellence in Community Service
Dr. Danny Blair has exemplified a profound and sustained commitment to community service throughout his career at UWinnipeg, which began in 1987. Through his leadership, humility, and unwavering dedication to others, he has made lasting contributions to UWinnipeg and the country.
Dr. Blair consistently demonstrates the qualities of a humble leader through his generosity, integrity, and a deep commitment to the well-being of others.
Dr. Blair has been a driving force behind the University's support of United Way Winnipeg, serving many years as chair or co-chair of UWinnipeg's campaign, and has also served as co-chair of the Universities and Colleges Division on the city's United Way Campaign Cabinet.
Dr. Blair has served for decades as Convocation Marshal, a role he holds dear. His steady leadership and reliability have made him an integral part of one of the University's most important traditions.
Dr. Blair is a co-founder of the Prairie Climate Centre and a professor of geography. He is widely recognized as a national leader in climate science communication. Under his leadership, the Prairie Climate Centre developed the Climate Atlas of Canada, an innovative public resource that helps Canadians better understand climate risks and adaptation strategies.
His ability to communicate complex scientific information with clarity, credibility, and compassion has inspired meaningful public engagement and informed decision-making across Canada regarding climate change.
The University of Winnipeg has been extraordinarily fortunate to benefit from Dr. Blair's leadership, service, and compassion. His career reflects the very highest ideals of community citizenship and makes him an exceptionally deserving recipient of the Clarence Atchison Award for Excellence in Community Service.
