PACE unveils newly renovated learning facility, The Anx

The AnX is a carefully designed modern space designed with our PACE students in mind. 

UWinnipeg’s department of Professional, Applied and Continuing Education (PACE) unveiled its newly renovated AnX space with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on December 16, 2021.

The $2-million-dollar renovation to the space was approved by the University’s Board of Regents in March 2019 and the first phase of work commenced in December 2019.

The renovation added over 11,000 square feet of space exclusively for PACE use and can accommodate 270 students. The expansion created 168 new classroom seats, as well as open-concept study and lounge space, a quiet room, a boardroom, and staff offices. The space also integrated the three stand-alone PACE classrooms developed prior to the renovation.

Elder and Indigenous Knowledge Keeper, Alison Cox opened the ceremony with a blessing. PACE had hoped to unveil the space to students and the wider community in a larger grand opening ceremony, but with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, an internal ceremony was held to recognize the hard work and dedication of the team who guided the process from conception to finalization on budget.

“The PACE AnX is truly the student-centered learning hub we envisioned; a space where students can work alongside one another and build a strong sense of community,” said Dr. James Currie, interim President and Vice Chancellor of the University in his remarks at the opening ceremony.

“PACE students are adult learners with exceptional work experience and accomplishments spanning 40 different countries,’ said Kim Loeb, Executive Director of PACE. “These students come to us to gain the knowledge to become leaders in their field, so it is important to be able to provide them with a high-end, professional space to learn and connect with one another.

“The AnX is an amazing space where students will have many opportunities to gain the knowledge and experience to succeed,” said Ms. Loeb.

Over the past five years, PACE has undergone a steep growth trajectory, doubling the number of programs offered, including the addition of two cutting-edge programs in machine learning and big data, tripled the number of students per year, and added to new positions to the staff team.

“I want to start by thanking the amazingly talented team at PACE. Without their dedication and teamwork, the level of growth we’ve seen would not be possible,” said Ms. Loeb in her remarks.

“I also want to thank Dr. James Currie, Dr. Jan Stewart Interim Provost and Vice-President, Academic, and our Dean Dr. Hugh Grant for always being in our corner, ready to lend support as needed.”

Kyle Macdonald, Director of Facilities at UWinnipeg, Mike Emslie former Vice-President, Finance and Administration at UWinnipeg, Chantel Stadnyk, Director of Finance and Operations at PACE played significant roles in the execution of the project. In addition, Joel Smigelski from the University’s Technology Service Centre and Kevin Smith from Health and Safety also played important roles in making sure the space is ready to welcome students once the University can transition from online learning to in-person delivery of programs.

 “The AnX is an amazing space where students will have many opportunities to gain the knowledge and experience to succeed,” Ms. Loeb said. “We are excited to welcome students to in-person delivery next year.”

Although the university will be delivering classes online until at least February 25, 2022, the AnX space is ready to welcome students once PACE transitions to in-person delivery.

Pictured left to right above: Chantel Stadnyk, Kim Loeb, Dr. James Currie, Kyle Macdonald.