Joyce Bateman, MP for Winnipeg South Centre, presented the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal to David Asper in recognition of his dedication of service and generosity to the community during a ceremony on January 10, 2013.
“David Asper is an esteemed teacher, business leader, volunteer and philanthropist whose hard work has been a valuable asset to our community,” said MP Bateman. “It is an honour to recognize him for his valuable contributions to our community.”
David Asper, B.A., LL.B., L.L.M., Assistant Professor of Law at the University of Manitoba currently teaches Criminal Law, Professional Responsibility, Introduction to Advocacy and oversees an Internship Program through the University Law Centre Legal Aid Clinic. He is an active member of the Faculty, serving on a number of Committees and was elected by his peers as a member of the President’s Advisory Committee regarding the Law School Decanal Search process. He was appointed as a member of the Law Society of Manitoba Emerging Issues Committee in 2010 and its’ Technology Committee in 2011 and 2012.
Mr. Asper also maintains a number of business interests that include real estate and private equity investing. He is Chairman of Creswin Properties (Winnipeg) and a member of the Board of Allegro Media (Portland, Oregon). He is also a founding investor, member of the investment committee and Director of Canterbury Park Capital (Winnipeg).
He has a strong record of community commitment and philanthropy including leading the process to successfully construct a new stadium for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers at the University of Manitoba Fort Garry campus. He is currently on various community boards and committees including Vice-Chair of the Pan Am Clinic Foundation, member of the Board of Directors of the Winnipeg Football Club, Chief Justice of Canada’s Advisory Board of the Canadian Judicial Council and the Winnipeg Folk Festival Capital Campaign. Many significant donations and endowments have been established by David and his wife, Ruth, including gifts in support of legal education, the United Way Tomorrow Fund and the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba.
“It is wonderful to see one of our faculty members’ contributions to the community and to legal education be honoured in this way,” Dean of Law Lorna A. Turnbull said of David Asper's remarkable achievement.
When asked to comment Professor Asper said with a smile, "I'm very honoured and from now on I would like to be referred to just as R."
