An award-winning Brandon University professor previously lauded for his mentorship initiatives has received another accolade.
Last Thursday (Nov 13), Dr. Aloysius (Aloy) Anyichie was awarded the 2025 Manitoba Council for International Education (MCIE) Outstanding International Student Support Award. The award is a prestigious provincial recognition that celebrates people who demonstrate exceptional commitment to enhancing the international student experience in Manitoba supporting academic success, personal well-being, and a true sense of belonging.
Dr. Aloysius (Aloy) Anyichie, at right, receives the 2025 Manitoba Council for International Education (MCIE) Outstanding International Student Support Award from Tyler Blashko, the MLA for Lagimodière and Legislative Assistant for Education and Early Childhood Learning.
Dr. Anyichie, an Associate Professor in the Department of Educational Psychology and Student Services in BU's Faculty of Education, was nominated by BU Dean of Students Katie Whelpton.
"Dr. Anyichie has demonstrated exceptional dedication to enhancing the international student experience in Manitoba," Whelpton said. "His mentorship, advocacy, and community engagement have transformed the lives of countless international learners. His contributions at BU and beyond are exemplary, and this award is profoundly well deserved."
A national voice for equity and inclusion, Dr. Anyichie has spearheaded numerous initiatives supporting international students, particularly those of African descent. He is the founder of the Loy Excellentia Initiative, which provides mentorship programs, academic workshops, community-building events, and Black History Month celebrations. He also convened the impactful webinar series, "Being an African Student in Canada: Navigating Challenges with Courage and Purpose," which addresses the lived experiences of international students and fosters a sense of belonging and resilience.
His national leadership has also been widely recognized: earlier this year, he was named one of Canada's Top 25 Immigrants, becoming the first Brandon resident to receive the honour, and the only Manitoban honoured in 2025.
At Brandon University, Dr. Anyichie is a long-standing advocate of international students, facilitating cultural transition and providing mentorship, especially to students of African descent. His teaching and research champion culturally responsive pedagogy, self-regulated learning, student motivation, and equitable learning environments.
Brandon University President Dr. Christine Bovis-Cnossen offered warm congratulations.
"Heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Anyichie on this significant honour. It is because of colleagues like him that we know our students local, regional, national, and global are well supported to succeed," she said. "Thank you, Aloy, for all that you do for our students."
Dr. Anyichie expressed his gratitude to the university community.
"I am truly honoured by this recognition and deeply grateful for the encouragement I have received from our university community," he said. "My sincere appreciation to Dean Whelpton for the nomination and for fostering an environment that celebrates excellence. It is a privilege to contribute to the success of our students and to be part of such a dedicated and inspiring team."
