Indigo Wiebe

Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology (Athletic Therapy)

Spring 2024 Valedictorian

Indigo Wiebe chose to study Kinesiology and Athletic Therapy because of her longstanding interest in sports and healthcare. As an athlete herself, she knew firsthand what it was like to recover from a sports-related injury with the help of a supportive, knowledgeable athletic therapist.

Growing up in southern Manitoba, Wiebe demonstrated leadership qualities from an early age. After finishing high school in Winkler—where she received a McDonald’s Leadership Award from the Manitoba High Schools Athletic Association—she entered UWinnipeg looking for a sense of community.

“I wanted a place where I could walk down the halls and recognize my classmates, and show up to my professor’s office and have a good conversation, not only about school, but also about life,” she said.

Over the next four years, Wiebe distinguished herself through academics and through extra-curricular activities. She served as the Wesmen women’s basketball team’s student athletic therapist, coached high school and club volleyball, and volunteered at a local community centre.

She was a recipient of the Chuck Badcock Scholarship in Athletic Therapy, the Gord Mackie Scholarship in Athletic Therapy, and an Ongoing Education Support Award from the Winkler Community Foundation.

Wiebe’s professors—among them Val Pelleck, Glen Bergeron, and Ben Trunzo—offered more than instruction and expertise, guiding Wiebe on a path to academic and career success.

Likewise, her classmates became like a second family to Wiebe, supporting her through long days of study. When Wiebe gets married next month, one of her classmates, Hayley Arpin, will be a bridesmaid. Fittingly, the two friends celebrated together on the final day of classes by popping a bottle of sparkling apple juice and dropping by faculty offices. After all that hard work, it was time for a toast.

After graduation, Wiebe plans to work at a multi-disciplinary clinic in Winkler and pursue ongoing education.

“I’m not done with learning yet,” she said. “There’s so much more out there for me.”

The University of Winnipeg is proud to honour Indigo Wiebe as valedictorian.