Judy Dyck

BA, MA

The late Judy Dyck was a passionate student advocate whose service to The University of Winnipeg spanned more than 30 years. She is being honoured with the inaugural Stars of Spence Street Prize for her dedication to the University and zeal for the well-being of her students.

Dyck began her career on campus as an admissions officer in 1978; the role was followed by her 20-year directorship of the Awards and Financial Aid office. She was renowned for her leadership and active engagement with students, as well as for her breadth of knowledge and expertise on student financial matters. She served her alma mater with distinction until health matters led to an early retirement in March 2011.

Dyck’s genuine affection for students shone through her in her ardor to assist them in meeting their educational goals. While serving the University in various capacities, including as a member of the Board of Regents, she ensured that student interests were always at the forefront. She campaigned for decisions made to be fair and equitable, and was so devoted to the importance of student financial aid that she focused her master’s degree research on the topic.

Dyck believed in the importance of creating new scholarships and prizes to help further student education, and worked closely with The University of Winnipeg Foundation to ensure donor gifts were properly disbursed. She led by example, establishing the Edmond and Dorothy Dyck Scholarship in education to honour her parents, who were both educators.

Dyck’s student advocacy went beyond campus; she passionately brought student aid issues to the national stage. She presented to federal government budget planning committees, outlining specific ideas for improving the assessment of financial need and improved student aid packages. Dyck advocated that the majority of funding be disbursed as bursaries to students with demonstrated financial need, rather than as scholarships, thereby making education more accessible. She was also involved in the federal government’s Canada Millennium Scholarship Foundation.

Through her work and guidance, Dyck helped thousands of students. She provided sage advice and genuine caring to students in their times of need. A lifelong learner herself, Dyck derived pleasure from enhancing and facilitating student learning. She enjoyed hearing from students after their graduation, as they often updated her on their achievements and successes.

Judy Dyck passed away on November 18, 2011