TOM JACKSON TOURS UWINNIPEG'S NEW MODEL SCHOOL
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2008

WINNIPEG, MB - Media outlets are advised that acclaimed entertainer Tom Jackson will tour The University of Winnipeg's new Model School tomorrow, Friday, October 17 at 10 am to meet talented, inner-city students.

The Model School offers alternative, individualized plans, tapping into a student's potential by matching his or her talents and passions with their academic lessons. Since September 2008, UWinnipeg's Model School has enrolled 21 students ranging from Grade 8 to Grade 12. Students are selected in partnership with inner-city social agencies.

Journalists interested in joining Tom Jackson and Director of the Model School, Chris McCluskey on their tour should arrive at 9:50 am, Friday, October 17 on the main floor of the Wesley Building, 515 Portage Avenue.

Earlier this month, The University of Winnipeg announced Tom Jackson will receive the 2008 The Duff Roblin Award. The award is being presented at the President’s Gala Dinner on Saturday, October 18, 2008 at the Hotel Fort Garry.

The inaugural Duff Roblin Award was named in honour of and presented to The Honourable Duff Roblin in 2007. This prestigious award recognizes a recipient’s qualities as an outstanding Manitoban, a patron of education, and someone who demonstrates exemplary citizenship and life-long commitment to his or her community.

This year’s Award recipient is a role model for students. Born on the One Arrow Reserve in Saskatchewan and raised in Winnipeg, Jackson is not only an accomplished actor and musician, he is also a well-known philanthropist and humanitarian. His work to initiate The Dreamcatcher Tour focuses on empowering Aboriginal youth and high-school students to create opportunities for themselves through positive messages about stress, mental health, suicide prevention and coping.

Proceeds from the 2008 President’s Gala Dinner and gifts from individuals and organizations will go towards the Duff Roblin Scholars Fund. The Fund provides Graduate Fellowships in Aboriginal Governance at The University of Winnipeg.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION
Diane Poulin, Communications Officer, The University of Winnipeg
P: 204.988.7135 E: d.poulin@uwinnipeg.ca