At the annual Jewish Foundation luncheon on Nov 22,  Lloyd Axworthy, President of the University of Winnipeg spoke about his vision of the University as part of a down town of the city that is "renewing itself."

As Axworthy said, "Community is the place where people prevail." He spoke of the fact that in his view a downtown university must be inclusive, "must be open to all those in the community," and not be "elitist." It must be a place where people of different ethnic backgrounds can feel that their own "identity, culture, and history receive recognition."

Regarding the physical aspects of the U of W Campus, Axworthy mentioned the ambitious campus and community redevelopment plan, that the University commenced in 2007, which was the result of extensive campus and community consultations. The plan embodies a holistic approach to campus and community development that breaks down barriers between the university and its surrounding neighbourhood.

Axworthy referred to the existence of the Asper Centre of Theatre and Film, which includes two new acting studios, film studio, prop shop, six rehearsal rooms, office space, two film editing labs, film equipment check-out and storage, dimmer room, and a state-of-the-art flexible studio theatre (120-180 seats) with full green room facilities. 

He also referred to the Buhler Centre, one of downtown's signature buildings at the corner of Portage Avenue ,and Colony, which gives the message that the University and downtown Winnipeg are " a place to do business." The historic $4 million dollar gift from John and Bonnie Buhler to The U of W supported the building of the Centre and provided financial support to business students with special scholarships. The U of W has consolidated its entire Faculty of Business and Economics inside the Buhler Centre which includes state-of-the-art classrooms, computer labs and meeting spaces. One million out of the $4 million created the Buhler Knowledge Access Fund to provide ongoing business scholarships within the Faculty of Business and Economics to outstanding students and those in need, including single parents and those with lower incomes.

In his talk, Axworhty outlined the make-up of U of W's student body, where "close to 30% come from new Canadian backgrounds, and 12% are aboriginal."

Regarding the aboriginal community, Axworthy quoted statistics which indicate that three quarters of urban aboriginals feel that they are negatively perceived. He spoke of that fact that we have an aboriginal population with a "rich culture", where "50% don't graduate form grade nine," and that this is a "wasted human potential."

As a result, Axworthy emphasized that the University of Winnipeg must "work with inner city schools" who will work with young children "to say that university is part of their horizon."

Axworhty spoke of an Opportunity Fund program that gives young men and women from low income new Canadian families or aboriginal families monetary "credits" in their accounts when they get certain scores in a variety of subjects during high school. The University gets donors who will fund this so that these students get credits in their University account such that have "about $2700 in their account when they want to start first year university."

According to Axworthy, there are 1000 students form low income new Canadian families or from aboriginal families who are coming to University through this "Opportunity Fund."

Axworthy noted that surveys have shown when these young adults are asked what they want, their answer is "education."