Duff Roblin Award Dinner
Date: November 6th
Time: 5:30 P.M. Reception | 6:30 P.M. Dinner
Location: Metropolitan Entertainment Centre
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Established by The University of Winnipeg and its Foundation in 2007, the Duff Roblin Award recognizes outstanding Manitobans who, like inaugural recipient The Honourable Duff Roblin, are patrons of education and have demonstrated exemplary citizenship and a lifelong commitment to their communities. On the 40th Anniversary of the signing of the Charter that established The University of Winnipeg as a degree-granting institution, The University of Winnipeg honoured and paid respect to Duff Roblin by establishing The Duff Roblin Scholars Fund and held the first ever Duff Roblin Award Dinner.
Our 2025 award recipient is Dr. Ida Albo, CM.
Dr. Ida Albo stands as one of Manitoba’s most admired leaders—a visionary businesswoman, philanthropist, and tireless advocate for community development, health, and education. Her lifelong commitment to service and her profound impact across numerous sectors have left an indelible mark on Winnipeg, the Province of Manitoba, and beyond.
A proud graduate of both the University of Winnipeg and Queen’s University, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts (Honours) and Master’s Degree in Economics respectively, Dr. Albo's academic foundation shaped her future success as a business leader and community builder. She has been recognized with an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Winnipeg in 2016, honouring her exceptional contributions to her alma mater and to society at large.
As Managing Partner of the Fort Garry Hotel, Spa and Conference Centre—one of Canada’s most iconic and historic hospitality landmarks—Dr. Albo has demonstrated her business acumen, creativity, and dedication to preserving Winnipeg’s heritage. Under her stewardship, the Fort Garry Hotel has been revitalized into a premier destination, blending historic charm with modern luxury and contributing significantly to downtown Winnipeg’s economic and cultural resurgence.
Dr. Albo has served in key leadership roles, including as a founding board member and Chair of CentreVenture, where her vision helped shape Winnipeg’s downtown development. She also founded Yoga Public, one of North America’s largest yoga centres, making wellness more accessible and integrated into urban life.
Her board service has included the Board of Governors of the University of Manitoba, the Pan Am Clinic Foundation, and the Health Sciences Centre Foundation, among others—demonstrating her steadfast dedication to health care, education, and civic engagement.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions to community and civic life, Dr. Albo has received numerous honours and awards, including:
- Investiture into the Order of Canada (2015)
- Turtle Lodge Ogimakamik Award (2016) for her general service to the community
- Bnai Brith Award of Merit (2012)
- Sons and Daughters of Italy Entrepreneur of the Year (2025)
- Pan Am Clinic Philanthropy Award (2020)
- University of Winnipeg Distinguished Alumni Award (2012)
- Induction into the Manitoba Business Hall of Fame (2018)
- Honorary Doctor of Laws, University of Winnipeg (2016)
Dr. Albo’s legacy is one of vision, compassion, and leadership—serving as a role model for civic responsibility and entrepreneurial excellence.
The University of Winnipeg Foundation is proud to honour Dr. Ida Albo as the 2025 recipient of the prestigious Duff Roblin Award. She joins an illustrious list of recipients whose values reflect those of the late Honourable Duff Roblin: visionary leadership, commitment to community, and an unwavering dedication to making Manitoba a better place.
Meet the Past recipients of the Duff Roblin Award
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Duff Roblin Dinner Photo Gallery
Student Thank You Video
Since the Duff Roblin Dinner’s inception, guests and sponsors of the annual event have supported hundreds of students pursuing postsecondary education. The video below is their message of gratitude.