RRC Polytech is proud to recognize aerospace leader Ron Drepaul (Business Administration, 1987) with a Distinguished Graduate Award.

This award recognizes the outstanding personal and professional achievements of RRC Polytech’s most accomplished alumni.

A graduate of RRC Polytech’s Business Administration program, Ron Drepaul joined Magellan Aerospace Winnipeg in 1988, “pretty much right out of Red River,” taking a job on the shop floor. Since then, he’s held roles in production control, material planning, contracts, and procurement – roles that have taken him across the globe. Now, he’s General Manager, leading 700 employees.

Drepaul’s experience at RRC Polytech not only equipped him with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for success, but also instilled in him a strong work ethic and a passion for continuous learning. He loved his time at the College and now he’s looking ahead to the future – to the new graduates that serve as a pipeline of young talent to Magellan.

“We all bring our education. Hard work and a good attitude will help you stand out. Those are the two things I brought with me,” Drepaul said in a recent interview as one of 41 phenomenal graduates featured in the College’s Polytechnic Proud campaign.

Drepaul’s journey from RRC Polytech grad to industry leader showcases the power of education, dedication, and community support, and also demonstrates the endless possibilities that await those with passion and determination.

Current RRC Polytech Dental Assisting instructors. Top row (left to right): Charlene Howe, Michelle Hannesson, Janet Neduzak. Bottom row (left to right): Athena Wilford, Sina Allegro-Sacco, June Kraushar.

In early 1973, an exciting collaborative vision was born when the Department of Education, the Manitoba Dental Association, and RRC Polytech came together to create a dental assisting program at the College.

Today, RRC Polytech is proud to mark an incredible milestone: half a century of elevating the field of dental care and ensuring exceptional training for dental assisting professionals in Manitoba. As we look back on the program’s history and progress, we also look forward to the future, as we continue to deliver dental assisting education that’s in front of what’s ahead.

Building a Foundation

The program, which broke new ground for dental assisting training in Manitoba, would be 10 months long and offer two certificate options: a Chairside Dental Assisting Certificate, which learners could attain after seven months of comprehensive training; or the coveted, 10-month Dental Assisting Expanded Duties Certificate. This marked a new era of choice around how students entered the workforce after their studies and the program remains a cornerstone of dental education in Manitoba to this day. 

The program was slated for kick off in September 1973. Tokeep everything on track and ensure the wheels of progress kept turning, the College hired Iris Gold as program coordinator and Diane Porter as instructor. The pair developed the curriculum from scratch and led the program with passion, determination, and a willingness to throw themselves into any task. They even oversaw the construction of a two-chair dental clinic and a platform where students would take notes. As luck would have it, construction delays gave them an extra month to refine the program curriculum.

2024 marks half a century of excellence in Dental Assisting education at RRC Polytech. An incredible milestone and a historic moment for the College, we invite members of the RRC Polytech Dental Assisting community to join us in November to celebrate this milestone. 

Date:         Thursday, November 14, 2024
Time:         7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Location:  RRC Polytech’s Notre Dame Campus (2055 Notre Dame Ave.)
Menu:       Refreshments will be served

Please share with any RRC Polytech Dental Assisting grads in your network!

A confirmation email will be sent out with event and parking details a couple of days prior to the event. If you have any questions, please email lifesciences@rrc.ca. 

We look forward to seeing you on November 14!

You’re invited! In partnership with Ten Thousand Coffees, we’re excited to offer a special panel discussion with experts from across the country to RRC Polytech alumni and current students. This free virtual event will take place on Tuesday, June 18 at 4:00 p.m. CT.

Unlock the secrets to landing your dream job by honing your very own personal brand and learning how to make your resume stand out. Join this interactive Office Hour event to gain insider knowledge from industry experts from EY and RBC as they share valuable insights on personal branding for career success in today’s competitive job market.

In this dynamic session, you’ll:

• Discover how to define and showcase your unique value proposition
• Learn effective strategies to leverage social media for career growth
• Uncover insights into talent acquisition and career development from industry experts

Panel includes:

• Clodagh Scannell, Director of Talent Strategy and HR Tech Solutions, 10KC (Moderator)
• Lynette Jack, Senior Associate, Canada’s Talent Attraction and Acquisition Team, EY
• Swati Sriram, Manager, Early Talent Acquisition, RBC

Win coffee on 10KC!

Ten Thousand Coffees has an exciting offer for you! Every Office Hour registrant has a chance to win one of five $20 coffee gift cards. These cards can support your networking coffee chats, making your experience even more enjoyable. They’ll randomly select the winners and notify them via email within two business days of the event. Don’t let this fantastic opportunity pass you by!

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn essential skills and build a personal brand that sets you apart – click here to register for this free webinar on Tuesday, June 18 at 4 p.m. CT.

RRC Polytech President and CEO Fred Meier with 2004 Culinary Arts grad Jacqueline Hildebrand, Executive Chef at Hy’s Winnipeg, and Neil Aisenstat, President and CEO of Hy’s Canada, at the 2023 Hy’s Patio Party in support RRC Polytech students.

All RRC Polytech alumni are invited to a phenomenal culinary experience in support of RRC Polytech’s Culinary Arts and Hospitality students at Hy’s Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar on Thursday, June 13.

Get ready for an evening of delicious appetizers, fantastic libations featuring ROKU Gin, and live music on Hy’s beautiful patio at the iconic intersection of Portage and Main in downtown Winnipeg. This annual patio party celebrates the future of culinary and hospitality excellence here in Manitoba and supports the Hy’s – John Aisenstat Memorial Award, which is dedicated to assisting graduating students from RRC Polytech’s Culinary Arts and Hospitality programs.

By purchasing a $100 ticket, you’ll make a meaningful impact on the next generation of culinary and hospitality talent and receive a $50 tax receipt. Your entire contribution will go directly to the John Aisenstat Memorial Fund at RRC Polytech. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to support a great cause and have a fantastic time. Purchase your tickets now and be part of this memorable evening!

RRC Polytech alumni and community members are warmly invited to join us in celebrating Pride Month this June. Throughout the next month and beyond, RRC Polytech has resources and activities planned to support you in learning how to best be an ally, amplify 2SLGBTQIA+ voices, and take action in creating greater inclusion in your personal and professional life.

The Forecast is Calling for Rainbows: Winnipeg Pride Parade and Rally

For more than a decade, RRC Polytech has brought together students, staff, and their friends and family members to walk alongside the College’s float in the Winnipeg Pride Parade and Rally. All RRC Polytech alumni are welcome – please join us!

On Sunday, June 2, everyone in the RRC Polytech community is invited and encouraged to bring friends, family, and pets downtown for a few hours to celebrate inclusivity and feel the love, as we show our support for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

A hard-working crew is once again preparing our elaborate float, tailgating festivities are being planned for prior to the event, and each registered participant will receive a complimentary RRC Polytech Pride themed t-shirt.

On Friday, April 26, RRC Polytech graduate Jackie Wild will be the guest speaker at CreativeMornings Winnipeg’s free event taking place on campus at RRC Polytech’s gorgeous training restaurant, Jane’s. All RRC Polytech alumni and community members are warmly invited to attend.

More than a decade ago, CreativeMornings was launched out of a desire for ongoing, accessible events for creative communities to connect. Today, these communities gather in 223 cities across 67 countries — including right here in Winnipeg.

The Winnipeg chapter of CreativeMornings not only celebrates our city’s creative talent, but also promotes an open space to connect with like-minded individuals. From marketing legends to hometown heroes, speakers are selected by each chapter based on a global theme. This month’s theme is SPICY: being open to trying new and bold tastes is a good lesson for bringing daring and originality into all of our creative endeavors. 

Join CreativeMornings Winnipeg this Friday as Jackie chats about ‘the secret sauce’: how to spice up your life with creativity, culture and community. A graduate of RRC Polytech’s Creative Communications program, Jackie transformed her father’s decades-old dream into Tito Boy Restaurant in Winnipeg. Hear how she turned her maternity leave into a business plan, defied convention, and opened the first Philippine eatery in the south end of the city. Discover how Tito Boy’s isn’t just about serving delicious food—it’s a space for fostering intergenerational and intercultural connections within the Philippine-Canadian diaspora. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about Jackie’s unconventional path to unlocking her creative potential and launching a successful business.

You’re invited! In partnership with Ten Thousand Coffees, we’re excited to offer a special panel discussion with experts from across the country to RRC Polytech alumni and current students. This free virtual event will take place on Wednesday, April 24 at 4:00 p.m. CT.

Landing your dream job, no matter where you are at in your career journey, relies on having the skills employers are looking for. Join this dynamic Office Hour event to gain insider knowledge from industry experts and researchers. Discover the in-demand skills that will make you stand out in today’s competitive job market.

What you’ll learn:

• The skills employers REALLY want (and how to show you have them!)
• How to develop these essential skills – whether you’re a recent grad, embarking on a new venture, or looking to advance your career, these are necessary skills to have in your toolbox!
• Surprising skills that will give you an edge in your job search.

Gain valuable insights from:

• Moderator: Dave Wilkin, CEO & Co-founder, 10KC
• Panelist 1: Benoit Hardy-Vallée, Director, Workforce Transformation, Learning, Deloitte
• Panelist 2: Ilona Dougherty, Managing Director, Youth and Innovation Project, University of Waterloo

Win coffee on 10KC!

Ten Thousand Coffees has an exciting offer for you! Every Office Hour registrant has a chance to win one of seven $20 coffee gift cards. These cards can support your networking coffee chats, making your experience even more enjoyable. They’ll randomly select the winners and notify them via email within two business days of the event. Don’t let this fantastic opportunity pass you by!

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to grow your network and learn essential skills – click here to register for this free webinar on Wednesday, April 24 at 4 p.m. CT.

On Friday, March 22, RRC Polytech graduate Joseph Pilapil will be the guest speaker at CreativeMornings Winnipeg’s free event taking place at Launch Co-working Space. All RRC Polytech alumni and community members are warmly invited to attend.

More than a decade ago, CreativeMornings was launched out of a desire for ongoing, accessible events for creative communities to connect. Today, these communities gather in 223 cities across 67 countries — including right here in Winnipeg.

The Winnipeg chapter of CreativeMornings not only celebrates our city’s creative talent, but also promotes an open space to connect with like-minded individuals. From marketing legends to hometown heroes, speakers are selected by each chapter based on a global theme. This month’s theme is PERSPECTIVE: what you see — and how you see it — shapes your beliefs. And seeing someone else’s point of view is uniquely human. Considering another perspective fosters empathy. And we all desperately need more empathy. Join CreativeMornings Winnipeg to change your perspective – and change your world.

Guest speaker Joseph Pilapil is a sign painter, designer, and artist. He’s a graduate of RRC Polytech’s Digital Multimedia Technology (now Digital Media Design) program. Owner of The Travelling Sign Painters, he creates hand painted signs for all situations in Winnipeg. He is part-owner of an artist collective and small shop called Bear Face General Store and is also a part-owner of a dance company called River City Swing. Joseph aims to make a living of all aspects of his creative life.

This Friday, Pilapil will share his unique perspective as an artist and creative, and help you change your perspective, too!

You’re invited! In partnership with Ten Thousand Coffees, we’re excited to offer a special panel discussion with experts from across the country to RRC Polytech alumni and current students. This free virtual event will take place on Tuesday, November 28th at 4:00 p.m. CT.

It’s a busy time of year where exams and work deadlines dominate our daily lives – not to mention all the festivities taking place over the next month – meaning many of us may be feeling overwhelmed, under pressure, or significantly stressed. This webinar is tailored to provide you with valuable strategies for prioritizing your mental wellbeing while shaping your career path, whether you’re a student, a new graduate just starting out, or a working professional.

Why you should join:

• Practical insights: Discover actionable strategies to prioritize mental wellbeing, while paving the way for a successful career.
• Expert panel: Learn from experts at Jack.org and Kids Help Phone, who will share their experiences and insights.
• Free resources: Gain access to free mental wellbeing resources, courtesy of RBC FutureLaunch.

Win coffee on 10KC!

Ten Thousand Coffees has an exciting offer for you! Every Office Hour registrant has a chance to win one of seven $20 coffee gift cards. These cards can support your networking coffee chats, making your experience even more enjoyable. They’ll randomly select the winners and notify them via email within two business days of the event. Don’t let this fantastic opportunity pass you by!

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to grow your network and learn essential skills – click here to register for this free webinar on Tuesday, November 28th at 4 p.m. CT.