Christine Payne

Christine Payne’s service and dedication to The University of Winnipeg is very valuable and rare. She brings it with her wherever she goes and it is present in every aspect of her work.

Throughout her 35 years of service, first with the human resources department and then with the president’s office/external relations, Payne has made immeasurable contributions to the self-governance of this institution. Her work ethic is second to none.

Most of her efforts take place behind the scenes, in between meetings, and during the preparatory phase leading up to significant announcements and events — without which our ability to self-govern would fall apart. Mike Emslie, former Vice-President of Finance and Administration, referred to her as “the glue that holds everything together.” From planning of major events and announcements to serving on boards and committees, Payne’s work is evident in many places and is essential.

Dedicated, professional, passionate, committed — Payne is a driving force behind the university’s external relations efforts, which have a specific focus of fostering relationships with all three levels of government. Whether speaking with a provincial or federal politician, business leaders, newcomers, working moms, or first-year students, she treats everyone with the same respect and care, and makes them all feel like they are important and welcome.

Payne’s work is continuous and has a significant and cumulative impact. For example, when former President Dr. Annette Trimbee chaired the Manitoba’s post-secondary presidents’ council, Payne’s support was critical to the development of a seminal report that affirmed the importance of academic freedom and self-governance and was instrumental in informing government’s post-secondary policy.

Payne has served as co-chair of the United Way Campaign and has been a key member of numerous committees, including the excluded classification review initiative, UWinnipeg’s fiftieth anniversary planning group, the Axworthy Distinguished Lecture Series, UWinnipeg Pride Committee, and most recently: the library renewal project. These projects reflect and represent our values, magnify UWinnipeg’s impact in the broader community, and propel our university forward.

For shaping, supporting, and deepening the spirit of self-governance for more than three decades, The University of Winnipeg is proud to honour Christine Payne with the Robin H. Farquhar Award for Excellence in Contributing to Self-Governance.