Robertson is one of the most trusted faces in TV news, spending 35 years as Chief Anchor and Senior Editor of the country’s most-watched national newscast, CTV National News. A broadcaster since 1952, Robertson is a three-time Gemini award winner, and member of both the Canadian Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame and the Order of Canada.

“Lloyd’s efforts as a journalist and communicator have made Canada a better place,” says BU President and Vice-Chancellor Deborah Poff. “We applaud his career, his contributions and his national pride.”

In addition to television work, Robertson was honourary chairperson of the Terry Fox Run. In 2006, he received an honourary degree from Royal Roads University in Victoria, BC.

Robertson will receive his BU degree next month, along with 600 BU graduating students.

Brandon University, founded in 1899, promotes excellence in teaching, research, creation and scholarship; educating students so that they can make a meaningful difference as engaged citizens and leaders.

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Michael Decter is President and CEO of the investment company LDIC Inc., author of eight books and popular lecturer with the National Speakers Bureau. A former Deputy Minister of Health for Ontario and Cabinet Secretary in the Government of Manitoba, Decter was the founding Chair of the Health Council of Canada and continues to serve with numerous non-profit health care organizations.

“Michael brings incredible depth to BU, through both his career experiences and vast network,” says University President and Vice-Chancellor Deborah Poff. “We welcome Michael and anticipate that his leadership will help us grow as an institution during his term as Chancellor.”

The BU Senate ratified Decter’s appointment this week. He will be officially installed May 31^st during Convocation, taking over from Henry Champ who passed away in September 2012 during his second term as Chancellor.

Decter, a native Manitoban and recipient of the Order of Canada, served on the Brandon University Foundation and as Chair of the Stanley Knowles Distinguished Professorship Endowment Campaign in the 1980s.  He now resides in Ontario.

Brandon University, founded in 1899, promotes excellence in teaching, research, creation and scholarship; educating students so that they can make a meaningful difference as engaged citizens and leaders.

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Figures released today by BU’s Admissions Department show that 636 persons have applied to attend the University as new students beginning this fall. That compares to 528 in February 2012, 619 in 2011 and 567 in 2010. BU’s overall annual enrollment exceeds 3,000.

“This year to date, we have seen a substantial increase in student applications,” says Murray Kerr, Director of Admissions. “This number includes international and domestic, graduate, undergrad and EAP students – anyone considering BU.”

BU President and Vice-Chancellor Deborah Poff says the numbers show a strong commitment to higher education and, in particular, Brandon University. “Students, parents and alumni recognize that we offer a quality of education unavailable at other institutions. We are proud of that and welcome each student who chooses BU.”

Students wishing to be considered for BU’s substantial scholarship program must apply by March 1^st. Over the past year, the University has awarded more than $1.4-million dollars in scholarships.

Brandon University, founded in 1899, promotes excellence in teaching, research, creation and scholarship; educating students so that they can make a meaningful difference as engaged citizens and leaders.

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The Bobcats, ranked eighth nationally, downed third-ranked Trinity Western Spartans during weekend playoffs in Alberta. Head Coach Grant Wilson says the championship title is the culmination of a dedicated effort by players, coaches and program leaders.

“I knew at the start of the season this was a pretty special group,” says Wilson. “The guys are now reaping the rewards of all their hard work. It’s something we’re real proud of.”

Bobcat Sam Tuivai showed why he’s one of the best in the nation with 22 kills on 44 swings, nine digs, four aces and four blocks. Rookie Roy Ching continued his impressive play with 15 kills and 15 digs. Fifth-year setter Garrett Popplestone recorded match-highs in both assists (44) and digs (16).

The Bobcats will compete in the CIS national championships, beginning March 1^st in Quebec City.

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For more information, please contact:

Grant Wilson
Men’s Volleyball Coach
Brandon University
204-727-7405
wilsong@brandonu.ca

The event, held last Friday during the Brandon Bobcats final weekend of regular season play, has turned BU coach Gil Cheung and physical education student Mason Kaluzniak into celebrities. More than a million people watched ‘the shot’ on YouTube in the first three days after the video was posted.  Media outlets including CTV, CBC, Global, TSN, ESPN, USA Today and CNN have carried the story, many interviewing both Cheung and Kaluzniak.

“This was a lot of fun for everyone involved,” says Cheung, Bobcats head coach and former player. “I’m just happy I was able to make the shot for Mason.”

A spectator at Friday’s Bobcats game, Kaluzniak was selected to compete in the shoot-for-tuition contest but opted to have Cheung – his former instructor – throw on his behalf. Cheung had led the Bobcats to a pair of national championship finals as a student and team captain.

BU President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Deborah Poff is excited for both Kaluzniak and Cheung. “Mason was genuinely enthused about winning his tuition,” says Poff, “and Gil is a BU alumnus who really cares about our students, University and city. We’re pleased for everyone.”

Brandon University, founded in 1899, promotes excellence in teaching, research, creation and scholarship; educating students so that they can make a meaningful difference as engaged citizens and leaders.

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On January 11th and 12th, put on your BU colours and join us for events and prizes in the new 25-million dollar Healthy Living Centre (HLC).

Activities include Bobcats basketball, facility tours, Kids Carnival and tailgate party. Giveaways include an iPad, University tuition and Bobcat rally towels. Meet radio personalty Tyler Glen from Star-FM. Be a part of raising the Bobcat championship banners in the new gymnasium.

Friday kicks off at 4 pm with the ‘Ten Dollar Tailgate’ followed by exciting Women’s and Men’s Bobcat Basketball. There’s an after-game social, too, featuring The Young Pixels.

On Saturday, tour the new Healthy Living Centre between 3:30 and 5 or wear blue and gold, and receive free admission to that night’s Bobcat games.

“Henry was a sports enthusiast,” says BU President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Deborah Poff. “During his student days at Brandon University, Henry was a remarkable athlete and passionate supporter. He stayed connected to BU sports through his entire life and recruited top athletes to campus. Our University is a better place because of Henry Champ’s dedication and commitment.”

A native of Hartney, MB, Henry Champ attended BU in 1957 and 1958. He would travel the world through the next five decades; one of the world’s top foreign correspondents reporting from places including El Salvador, Nicaragua, Chile, the Middle East, Vietnam and Washington, DC. Despite his globe-trotting career, Henry never forgot his Wheat City roots, serving BU in many capacities including as member of the Brandon University Foundation. In 2005 he was awarded an honorary doctor of laws degree for his service.

Installed as BU’s sixth Chancellor in November 2008, Henry enjoyed visiting and reminiscing about his own time spent on campus. Thanks to online broadcasting, he rarely missed a Bobcats game and took part in a Bobcat Booster Club meeting days before his passing in September.

Henry had a special interest in recruiting international students to BU – including Bobcat point guard Ilarion Bonhomme, Canada West Rookie of the Year in 2012.

Opened in 1965, the Henry Champ Gymnasium has been home to four Canadian university national championship teams. The storied space is currently being modernized as part of BU’s $24.3-million Healthy Living Centre, with the gym scheduled to be ready in the spring of 2013.

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For more information, please contact:

Glen Kirby, Communications Officer
Brandon University
270-18th Street
Brandon, MB R7A 6A9
T: (204) 727-9762
kirbyg@brandonu.ca