1996 Recipients

Bruce Geske, Commerce/Industry Sales and Marketing, 1976

Raised in Winnipeg, Bruce worked his way through courses at both the University of Winnipeg and Red River Community College. Graduating from Commercial/Industrial Sales in 1976, his enthusiasm and hard working attitude led him to the then – Crown Zellerback Corporation, now known as Unisource Canada, Inc. Starting out as a sales trainee in 1979, Bruce has defied the axe wielding hand of cut back and restructuring, and has proven himself to be an integral part of the Unisource team. During his Winnipeg career, Bruce enjoyed contributing to RRC Polytech as a member of the Sales Advisory Committee.

Moving up through the company and relocating in Calgary in 1997, Bruce continually improved his sales and management skills. In 2002, Bruce Geske was further recognized for his talent and service and was promoted to the position of General Sales Manager for the Prairie Region of Unisource Canada.

Mr. Geske has the responsibility of managing sales in the provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba plus Thunder Bay. Unisource is Canada’s national supplier of printing paper, imaging, graphic arts, packaging, maintenance supplies and equipment. Operating from coast to coast, Unisource is Canada’s largest national single source distributor.

Bruce is now a resident of Calgary Alberta.

Catherine Stewart, Chemical Technology, 1974

Catherine Stewart started work with Inco Ltd., Thompson Operations after graduating with her diploma in Chemical technology in 1974. She began as a technologist in the Refinery surface operations and is presently the Superintendent of Environment & Health for the division. Over the 29 years Catherine has been with Inco Ltd., she has built her career working in various roles with this company.

In 1982 Catherine and her husband used their technology diplomas as a basis to return to school at the University of Ottawa and graduated with degrees in Chemical Engineering in 1985 (Magna cum Laude, management minor).

Catherine was a member and leader of a team that improved the operating processes of the Thompson Refinery in the areas of production capacity, working conditions, reduced waste, more efficient and safer processes, and reduced impact of the operation on the surrounding community resulting in improved air and water quality.

She has had the opportunity to serve as a volunteer for the Association of Professional Engineers & Geoscientists of the Province of Manitoba (APEGM). This has included serving on both Thompson and Provincial committees and as President of the Association in 1995-96. Catherine was fortunate to play a key part in the development of the engineer-in-training internship program.

In 2000, Catherine was appointed to the Advisory Council for Workplace Safety & Health reporting to the Minister of Labor. Her work with this committee involves working to improve and develop safer workplaces that contribute to a healthy Manitoba.