BU holds first co-op breakfast celebration

Brandon University launched a new tradition on Tuesday morning, hosting its first-ever Welcome Back Co-op Breakfast & Celebration at Harvest Hall as part of Homecoming Week.

The event drew more than 100 guests — including co-op students, alumni, employers, community leaders and university staff — to celebrate the growing impact of BU’s Co-operative Education program.

Among the dignitaries in attendance were Brandon-Souris MP Grant Jackson, Brandon East MLA Glen Simard, Spruce Woods MLA Colleen Robbins, Brandon Mayor Jeff Fawcett, Manitoba Chambers of Commerce president Chuck Davidson and Brandon Chamber of Commerce president Jennifer Ludwig.

BU’s co-op program began in the 2018–19 academic year with just 10 students. Since then, more than 250 work experiences have been completed with employers across Manitoba and beyond, program co-ordinator Cora Dupuis said.

“This past summer alone, 42 students contributed nearly 20,000 hours of work between May and August,” Dupuis told the audience. “These opportunities help students put down roots in Manitoba industries and also bring new ideas and experiences back to our province. This is why we say co-op connects Brandon and beyond — strengthening pathways for students to stay, to thrive, to contribute.”

Students and alumni shared their personal journeys, explaining how the program has shaped their studies, careers and outlooks.

The co-op program transforms professional confidence, said Lucas de Vries, a senior psychology honours student set to graduate in 2026.

His placements ranged from youth services at Huddle Brandon to mental health work with Prairie Mountain Health, and most recently, research alongside a BU professor.

“Co-op wasn’t just integrated into our degrees; it was a chance to explore our fields and bring our education back into the community,” de Vries said. “I think co-op is a chance to boost the skills that most people spend their first few years after school developing, so you can enter your career with confidence and the experience to back it up.”

Marie Addison, a fourth-year political science student, described her eventful placement with the Office of the Fire Commissioner, which included everything from logistical co-ordination to on-site wildfire response in northern Manitoba.

“This job has been an ever-changing roller-coaster where adaptability was survival,” she said. “On both a professional and personal level, the impact has been enormous. It forged my character, broadened my vision of community service and gave me skills I will carry for life.”

Recent graduate Trinity Nylen, who completed her placement at Heritage Co-op before moving on to her current role as marketing co-ordinator with BushelPlus, reflected on how the program opened doors she hadn’t imagined.

“Growing up, I thought there were only a handful of career options available to me,” she said. “Co-op showed me that I could take the skills from my history degree and apply them in ways I never thought possible. Most importantly, it gave me a path to build a meaningful career right here in Westman.”

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