BU Co-op connects Brandon and beyond at inaugural Welcome Back Co-op Breakfast

Brandon University kicked off Homecoming Week activities with an inaugural Welcome Back Co-op Breakfast, bringing together more than 100 students, alumni, faculty, employers, and community leaders to celebrate the power of co-operative education.

Held Tuesday morning on campus, the event highlighted how BU’s Co-op program connects students to meaningful work opportunities across Manitoba, across Canada, and around the world — and how those experiences help build stronger communities and stronger futures.

“Our theme today is simple but powerful: Co-op connects Brandon and beyond,” said BU Co-op Coordinator Cora Dupuis, who served as emcee for the morning. “Co-op connects students to employers, employers to fresh talent, and graduates to opportunities in Manitoba and abroad. These connections ripple outward — strengthening classrooms, workplaces, and communities.”

The BU Co-op program, which launched just six years ago, has grown rapidly. Students from 26 different programs in the Faculties of Arts and Science have now completed more than 250 work terms with employers locally and internationally. In the summer of 2025 alone, 42 BU students contributed nearly 20,000 hours of work in fields ranging from municipal government to accounting to international research.

Those numbers were brought to life through stories shared by students and program alumni at the breakfast. Lukas, a Co-op student preparing for graduate studies, described how each of his three placements built on the last to shape his academic and career direction. Marie, a political science student, reflected on supporting the provincial response to this summer’s wildfires through her placement with the Office of the Fire Commissioner. And Trinity, a recent graduate, spoke about how her Co-op term led directly to her first post-graduation role, and to a career path she continues to build upon today.

“The Co-op Program became more than just a foot in the door, it became the start of my own network,” Lukas told the assembled crowd of supporters, alumni, and dignitaries over a hot Harvest Hall breakfast. “Any one of the graduating Co-op students you might get the chance to talk to today can attest to the value and depth this initiative has added to our education here at Brandon University. Co-op wasn’t just integrated into our degrees, it was a chance to explore our fields and bring our education back to the community.”

Employers and community partners were also recognized at the event. Many stood to be applauded for mentoring BU students through placements that give real-world experience while supporting local and provincial workforce needs.

“Co-op is a win-win,” Dupuis added. “Students gain experience and confidence, while employers benefit from their energy and ideas. Together, we are helping young people see Manitoba as a place to stay, grow, and lead — while also welcoming new talent and perspectives to our province.”

As Brandon University celebrates Homecoming 2025, the Welcome Back Co-op Breakfast underscored the important role Co-op plays in connecting BU to the wider community, and in connecting Manitoba students to their futures, here at home and beyond.

“This is why we say Co-op connects Brandon and beyond,” Dupuis said. “It strengthens pathways for students to stay, to thrive, and to contribute — making Manitoba not only a great place to come from, but a great place to come to.”

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