University of Winnipeg gives Bob Silver 2018 Duff Roblin Award

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This article was published 30/10/2018 (2587 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

THE University of Winnipeg honoured its chancellor, Bob Silver, with the 2018 Duff Roblin Award at the Fort Garry Hotel’s grand ballroom Tuesday night.

The award recognizes the businessman, volunteer and philanthropist’s contributions to improving the lives of many now and in the future, said UWinnipeg president and vice-chancellor Annette Trimbee.

Roblin — a former Manitoba premier, the force behind getting the Red River Floodway built, and an advocate for education — was the first recipient of the award in 2007. He died in 2010.

“He was a patron of education and a great community member,” Trimbee said before Tuesday’s award ceremony. So is Silver, she said.

“You look at many of his causes, and they’re related to education and helping youth be all they can be,” said Trimbee. “He’s heavily involved in We Day, supporting young students and, at convocation, he and I make contact and congratulate thousands of graduates every year.”

Established by the university and its foundation 12 years ago, the Duff Roblin Award recognizes outstanding Manitobans who have made lasting and meaningful contributions to their community, and especially to the advancement of education. Past honourees include Tom Jackson, Gail Asper and Justice Murray Sinclair.

“You look at all the past recipients and you feel honoured to be included in that group,” Silver said outside the grand ballroom at the Fort Garry Hotel.

Earlier in the day, he attended We Day Manitoba — an event for which he is co-chairman — with thousands of young people at Bell MTS Place in downtown Winnipeg.

“To hear 16,000 children cheering for good is a great thing,” said Silver.

Silver’s commitment to UWinnipeg extends beyond his roles as chancellor and foundation board member. He and his wife, Kim, are dedicated donors, with particular interest in building pathways to education and supporting under-represented and non-traditional students on campus, Trimbee said.

“You look at all the past recipients and you feel honoured to be included in that group”
– Bob Silver

Silver has contributed at the local, national and international levels to business and the community. He is the president and co-owner of Western Glove Works Ltd., co-owner of Urban Barn, Auld Phillips, and Comark retail chains.

He’s also co-owner of the Brandon Sun, Winnipeg Free Press, Canstar Community News, and Derksen Printers in Steinbach. He’s served on numerous boards and volunteered with a multitude of causes, including spearheading the campaign to build the new Millennium Library and the Grow Winnipeg initiative of the Jewish Federation.

— Carol Sanders