RRC Polytech is proud to recognize Ron Drepaul, General Manager of Magellan Aerospace Winnipeg, as the 2024 recipient of the Distinguished Graduate Award, one of the College’s highest honours. The award was presented last week at the Manitoba Aerospace All-Star Awards dinner, where Ron’s career achievements and dedication to mentorship were celebrated by colleagues, friends, and industry leaders.

“Receiving this award from RRC Polytech feels like a full-circle moment,” Drepaul said. “The College gave me my start and instilled values I carry with me to this day—collaboration, hard work, and a willingness to learn. I hope this recognition encourages students to see that they, too, can build careers that go beyond what they might imagine.”

Drepaul graduated from RRC Polytech’s Business Administration program in 1987 and joined Magellan Aerospace Winnipeg the following year. Starting out on the shop floor, he took on roles in production control, material planning, contracts, and procurement, eventually leading him to his current role as General Manager, overseeing 700 employees.

RRC Polytech President and CEO Fred Meier commended Drepaul’s impact on the industry and the College community. “Ron’s journey is a powerful example of what RRC Polytech graduates can achieve,” said Meier. “His dedication to his team, industry, and community speaks volumes, and his support for RRC Polytech’s mission is unwavering. He reminds us of the value of hard work, resilience, and a deep sense of community.”

Raised in Winnipeg after immigrating from Belize, Drepaul credits RRC Polytech with giving him a foundation that’s supported him throughout his career. For him, the Distinguished Graduate Award is not just a personal milestone but a celebration of the mentors, colleagues, and community who have supported him along the way – and a reminder of the importance of paying it forward.

Throughout his career, Drepaul has remained closely connected to RRC Polytech, giving back through partnerships, mentorship, and advocacy for new graduates entering the workforce. Under his leadership, Magellan Aerospace has become a valuable partner to the College, offering co-op placements and career pathways for graduates and collaborating on research initiatives, such as the Advanced Composites Manufacturing Centre.

“I look at RRC Polytech graduates as a pipeline of fresh talent with the skills and dedication we need for the future of aerospace in Manitoba,” said Drepaul.

Drepaul is particularly excited about the opportunities for RRC Polytech graduates in Manitoba’s aerospace sector, especially in space exploration and propulsion. “The sky is the limit for graduates entering this field,” he shared. “With the right skills and a drive to keep learning, today’s students can help shape the future of aerospace—and we’re counting on them to do just that.”

He offered the following advice to graduates entering the workforce: “Your education will get you through the door. Hard work and a good attitude are what set you apart. You don’t need to have it all figured out. Just keep learning, stay curious, and be ready to embrace what comes your way.”

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.

Last fall, we reached out to our alumni community, industry partners, and the public to nominate RRC Polytech graduates that work with and for them to be part of a co-operative advertising opportunity: the Polytechnic Proud campaign.

Now, 40 RRC Polytech grads are being highlighted in billboards across the province. Over the next two months, you will see dozens of proud RRC Polytech alumni featured in billboards in Winnipeg, Portage La Prairie, and Selkirk, and in print and online versions across Manitoba. We look forward to share their success stories with you in the coming weeks and months.

The campaign aims to represent diversity across programs, industries, and generations. From recent to seasoned graduates, the alumni featured are CEOs, directors, entrepreneurs, engineers, account managers, nurses, horticulturists, teachers, chefs, and many more from a variety of industries.

“The partnerships we have with industry are so valuable to the work we do here at RRC Polytech, and we are thrilled that so many nominated their talented employees – our proud alumni – for this campaign,” says Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech. “The diversity represented in Polytechnic Proud is a testament to the quality of work that our grads are doing and the wide variety of career paths that a polytechnic education prepares them for.” 

The first feature story being released as part of the campaign is Amanda Buhse of Coal and Canary Candle Company, who started her business in 2014 and has since had products sold across the world and featured at The Oscars and The Grammys. 

“RRC Polytech provided me with an environment where ideas weren’t just encouraged, they were also celebrated,” says Amanda Buhse, Founder of Coal and Canary Candle Company and a 2006 graduate of RRC Polytech’s Advanced Graphic Design Program (now the Communication Design program). “My experience at RRC Polytech really was a catalyst for my success today in so many ways. It was honestly one of the best times of my life – both fun and challenging and prepared me for where I am today.”  

Profiles for more than half of these grads, including Amanda, will also be published on our Alumni News page and shared with the wider RRC Polytech community throughout the year – including the more than 80,000 RRC Polytech graduates in Manitoba and around the world. Subscribe to our blog to follow along with these incredible stories.

The RRC Polytech Students’ Association (RRCSA) is accepting applications to fill its opening for an ex-officio alumni position on the Board of Directors. All interested alumni members are invited to submit an application!

The RRCSA is run by a student-led board of directors. The alumni representative on the RRCSA board brings industry knowledge and experience, and provides insight, direction, and mentorship to the team.

“The presence of an alumni representative on the SA board is invaluable. We are incredibly fortunate to have the wisdom and guidance of a graduate who brings their expertise to aid in our planning and decision-making processes,” said Prachi Ravi Chawla, President of the Students’ Association for the 2023-2024 academic year.

The SA board oversees a $3 million budget for projects, initiatives, trust funds, and donation requests, all to support and enhance the student experience at RRC Polytech. Decisions made by the board impact the RRC Polytech student body, the entire RRC Polytech ecosystem, and the wider community. The alumni representative will help guide the creation of the SA’s Strategic Plan and sits on the trust fund committee, which oversees capital projects.

“Being able to give back to RRC Polytech by working alongside and supporting students is a really rewarding experience — especially those students who have stepped up to be a part of the RRCSA. It was amazing to see what they are capable of and help cultivate that possibility,” said past alumni ex-officio board member Jerri-Lynn Orr (Honours Graduate, Aboriginal Language Specialist, 2007).

This volunteer board member position is a one-year term from September 2023 to September 2024, with an opportunity to extend per interest and approval. Meetings are held in-person monthly, with nine meetings a year.

Applications open on August 4 and the deadline to apply is August 19, 2023, at 3 p.m. For more information and to apply, visit the RRCSA website.

RRC Polytech is proud to honour engineering expert Robert Okabe (Civil Engineering Technology, 1983) with a Distinguished Graduate Award.

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

As CEO of the Certified Technicians and Technologists Association of Manitoba (CTTAM), Okabe leads an organization that certifies aspiring engineering and applied science technicians and technologists, while connecting them to important resources — and to each other.

It’s a role he’s been in since 2015, and one that keeps him close to his RRC Polytech roots.

“Most of our members are graduates of the College,” said Okabe. “So I find it a really good experience for me to interact with future graduates or current students and hopefully, in some way, be able to mentor them and make it easier for them post-graduation.”

Both Okabe and CTTAM have generously supported the College over the years. Okabe participates in all nine of the school’s Engineering Technology Advisory Committees — which provide direction and curriculum support from those working on the ground — and in 2008, established the Robert Okabe Achievement Award for Civil Engineering Technology.

His reasoning for the support is simple: he recognizes how important a helping hand can be in propelling students from the world of academia into a lifelong career. You can learn more about Okabe’s career journey here.

A well-deserved celebration

We’re thrilled to recognize Okabe’s leadership in the fields of engineering and education, as well as his support of RRC Polytech students, at the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies – Manitoba chapter’s annual Awards of Excellence, taking place on Thursday, April 20, 2023 at the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada.

RRC Polytech alumni and supporters are welcome to attend. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit acec-mb.ca.

RRC Polytech President and CEO, Fred Meier, with honorary alumnus Gabriel Langlois, Mayor Scott Gillingham, and mascots from several Winnipeg franchises. (Photo: Darcy Finley).

Manitoba Moose celebrate Gabriel “Dancing Gabe” Langlois’s 60^th birthday with a special on-ice tribute

On Sunday, January 29 RRC Polytech Honorary Diploma recipient Gabriel “Dancing Gabe” Langlois was given star treatment at a Manitoba Moose game as he danced his way into a new decade.

To mark Gabe’s 60^th birthday, the Manitoba Moose invited RRC Polytech’s President and CEO, Fred Meier, Mayor Scott Gillingham, and mascots from several Winnipeg sports teams, to sing ‘happy birthday’ on the ice with fans in the stands joining in.

A Manitoba icon, Gabe received a diploma in Community Development from the College in 2021 for his devotion to volunteerism and the positive impact he has on our community. Gabe was presented with his honorary diploma during a virtual convocation ceremony in the height of the pandemic, so having the opportunity to celebrate Gabe and all his achievements publicly was nearly two years in the making.

Along with a rousing rendition of ‘happy birthday’, Gabe was honoured with a video tribute featuring fans, athletes, and dignitaries across the province, as well as a stellar cake designed by Jenna Rae Cakes, courtesy of RRC Polytech graduate Ashley Kosowan (Advanced Graphic Design, 2009), who is the co-owner and Creative Director of the beloved Winnipeg bakery. Eight lucky RRC Polytech alumni also won pairs of premium tickets to the game to help cheer Gabe on.

RRC Polytech wants to better serve our alumni community and we’re asking for your help.

We have engaged Probe Research, an independent public opinion research company, to conduct a confidential survey of RRC Polytech alumni. You are invited to share about your experience while you attended RRC Polytech and how you want to stay connected to the College. All alumni are invited to participate.

In appreciation for completing the survey and providing your feedback, you’ll be entered into a draw to win one of three prizes:

• Grand Prize (1): Dinner for Four at Jane’s (value $400)
• Secondary Prizes (2): New RRC Polytech merchandise from the Campus Store (value $100)

The survey will take approximately 15 minutes to complete. Please share this survey with other RRC Polytech alumni in your network!

*Survey Closed Friday, February 17, 2023. Thank you for sharing your feedback with us!*

Red River College Polytechnic’s Animal Care Committee (ACC) is seeking applications to fill the role of community representative – all interested RRC Polytech alumni members are encouraged to apply!

The ACC is dedicated to setting and maintaining high standards for animal use and care at RRC Polytech. The ACC community representative brings an outside perspective to the committee, providing insight, direction, and unbiased feedback.

Who should apply?

• You’re an RRC Polytech alumni member who has a love for animals and care for their wellbeing.
• You want to provide feedback and assist in the approval of Animal Use Protocols that we follow at the College.
• You care about the Veterinary Technology program and want to make sure the program continues to receive accreditation by the Canadian Council on Animal Care.
• You are passionate about volunteering for a good cause.

By joining the ACC as the community representative, you’ll gain valuable experience on a committee that is essential for the operations of our Veterinary Technology program. The community representative will sit as a volunteer on the committee and attend two to three meetings per year. Community representatives on the committee cannot be employees of RRC Polytech or employed in the Veterinary field.

The ACC seeks to fill this role before the next committee meeting, scheduled for early December. To apply, send a short biography and describe your interest in the role to Curtis Aab, Chair, RRC Polytech Life Sciences.

Deadline to apply is November 21, 2022. For more information, please contact Curtis Aab at caab@rrc.ca.

Earlier this month, RRC Polytech launched Career Bridge, a new online job board that aims to connect job seekers with employment opportunities. Open to all RRC Polytech students and alumni – both job seekers and employers – Career Bridge helps smooth the transition from school to workplace.

Just like its predecessor, Job Central, Career Bridge allows students to search for specific jobs and career fields, or simply browse all postings on the site. New employment opportunities are posted daily, including full-time, part-time, term, and seasonal positions – all of which are plentiful, as RRC Polytech students and graduates continue to be in high demand in a multitude of industries, both in the province and beyond.

Career Bridge is free for students, alumni, and employers. Students can use their RRC Polytech login credentials for six months after their last class. After six months, they can switch to an alumni account to continue to have access to the site.

A major perk of Career Bridge is the ability for applicants to upload and save resumes, cover letters, and application packages directly to the site. This creates a much more streamlined and effortless application process, allowing students and alumni to put their best foot forward in starting (or continuing) their career journeys. Job seekers can also keep track of applications and manage upcoming interviews, centralizing each step of the job search and application process in one easy-to-use platform.

Career Bridge offers employers immediate access to RRC Polytech’s current students and graduates, all trained for the future of work. The College offers more than 200 full-time and part-time hands-on degree, diploma, certificate, and apprenticeship programs, with students and graduates all eager to get to work in their respective industries.

The RRC Polytech Students’ Association (RRCSA) is accepting applications to fill its opening for an ex-officio alumni position on the Board of Directors. All interested alumni members are invited to submit an application!

The RRCSA is run by a student-led board of directors. The alumni representative on the RRCSA board brings industry knowledge and experience, and provides insight, direction, and mentorship to the team.

“The alumni representative plays a vital role on the SA board. We’re lucky to have the guidance of a graduate to help with planning and making decisions,” said Manpreet Kaur, President of the Students’ Association for the 2022-2023 school year.

The SA board oversees a $3 million budget for projects, initiatives, trust funds, and donation requests, all to support and enhance the student experience at RRC Polytech. Decisions made by the board impact the RRC Polytech student body, the entire RRC Polytech ecosystem, and the wider community. The alumni representative will help guide the creation of the SA’s Strategic Plan and sits on the trust fund committee, which oversees capital projects.

Last year, RRC Polytech graduate Jerri-Lynn Orr (Honours Graduate, Aboriginal Language Specialist, 2007) held the alumni ex-officio position on the board.

“Being able to give back to RRC Polytech by working alongside and supporting students is a really rewarding experience — especially those students who have stepped up to be a part of the RRCSA. It was amazing to see what they are capable of and help cultivate that possibility,” said Orr.

This volunteer board member position is a one-year term from September 2022 to September 2023, with an opportunity to extend per interest and approval. Meetings are held in-person monthly, with nine meetings a year.

The deadline to apply is August 19, 2022, at 3 p.m. For more information and to apply, visit the RRCSA website.