Diane McGifford

Diane McGifford BA (Honours), MA English, PhD English, 
Honorary Doctor of Letters

Dr. Diane McGifford is a tireless advocate for post-secondary educational opportunities in Manitoba, having shared her passion and insights as the longest serving Minister of Advanced Education and Training in Canada. She received a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in 1970 at UWinnipeg, and went on to obtain a Master of Arts and a PhD in English in 1979. McGifford worked as an English professor at the Universities of Saskatchewan, the Manitoba and Winnipeg. McGifford's political career spanned 16 years, beginning as an MLA in 1995. In 1999, she was appointed to Premier Gary Doer's first cabinet as the Minister of Culture, Heritage and Tourism. In 2001, she became Manitoba's first Minister of Advanced Education. During her many years in this role, McGifford made some of her most significant and lasting contributions to the province. She established, “Bright Futures,” a suite of programs that bring community-based organizations and schools together designed to address student success and access to post-secondary education among traditionally marginalized and under-represented populations. McGifford has also been a steadfast supporter of UWinnipeg's Opportunity Fund. McGifford receives an Honorary Doctor of Letters on Friday, June 8 at 9:30 am.