As 2024 draws to a close, we want to take this opportunity to THANK YOU for your wonderful support of RRC Polytech through our In Front of What’s Ahead comprehensive campaign – the largest fundraising campaign in the College’s history.

In November 2021, we launched this campaign to fuel our five-year strategic plan with the goals of enhancing student life, transforming our spaces, and amplifying our impact.

Thanks to supporters like you, our In Front of What’s Ahead comprehensive campaign has now raised $87,876,615 and is poised to be a historic success that shapes the lives of our students, and the future of our province, for the better.

Through your investment and generosity, these funds are directly impacting thousands of RRC Polytech learners and enabling the College to raise the bar on the exceptional education it delivers every day. Since launching our campaign, we’ve been the grateful recipient of many gifts worth celebrating. Here are just a few highlights:

• With a transformational gift of $15 million from Walter and Maria Schroeder, RRC Polytech’s new Schroeder Institute of Entertainment and Media Arts launched this past September. The Schroeder Institute paves the way for continued growth and opportunity in the creative arts for RRC Polytech, its students, and the province of Manitoba.

• Last summer, the Price Family Foundation provided a leadership gift of $10 million to spearhead the Price Institute of Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics, which will allow RRC Polytech to bridge critical skills and labour gaps in the manufacturing sector.

• As a first-time donor to the RRC Polytech, The Canerector Foundation is making a big impact for skilled trades in Manitoba through their generous $500,000 gift to the College. This donation supports the creation of the Canerector Foundation Scholarship in Skilled Trades and funds the Girls Exploring Trades and Technology (GETT) Camp over the next five years.

• Johnston Group was inspired to invest $250,000 in Manitou a bi Bii daziigae, the College’s downtown hub for technology, collaboration and community. Their donation goes towards the programs and spaces that foster the next generation of innovators and not only supports RRC Polytech but is a direct investment in downtown Winnipeg and the community the College is proud to continue building there.

We are humbled and inspired by our supporters — a broad range of individuals, businesses (large and small), foundations, staff and alumni. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of our students. To learn more about our In Front of What’s Ahead comprehensive campaign, please go to the Donor Community section of RRC Polytech’s website.

Wishing you a warm and wonderful holiday season.

With gratitude,

David Petis
Executive Director, Advancement
RRC Polytech

“Your generosity and support have given me the opportunity to continue my education and pursue my dreams, and I cannot thank you enough.”

–  Ning, Manufacturing CAD Student

“I want to express my deepest gratitude for your generous support. Your contribution has made an impact on my academic journey, allowing me to pursue my passions and excel in my studies.”

– Benjamin, Business Information Technology Student

Walking through the doors of Manitou a bi Bii daziigae at RRC Polytech, you’re immediately struck by the innovative energy that permeates the building. The light streaming through the glass ceiling not only illuminates the space but also symbolizes the bright future in programming and technology that unfolds here. When the team at Johnston Group entered, they felt that same spark — an environment where cutting-edge programming is not just taught but lived. This inspired them to invest $250,000 towards the programs and spaces that foster the next generation of innovators.

“The community that RRC Polytech has created inspires students to not only pursue a career path that is meaningful to them, but also to make a difference in their own communities,” said Dave Angus, President, Johnston Group. “Johnston Group holds these same values and together we want to be able to create a thriving community that inspires future generations.”

The students walking between the classrooms come from diverse backgrounds and each has a unique story to share. For some, this is their first time in Canada, and they are learning a new language and figuring out what they want to do next. Some are working to become the video game programmer they have been dreaming of since childhood. Others are the first of their family to leave their community and attend college. Each of these people belong at Manitou a bi Bii daziigae and the space was created with them in mind.

“Manitou a bi Bii daziigae is located in the heart of downtown Winnipeg, designed as a hub for technology, collaboration and community – creating more opportunities for a connected learning experience,” said Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech. “Johnston Group’s investment in this space – in this vision for post-secondary education – provides even more opportunities for students to grow and innovate. This gift not only supports RRC Polytech, but it is a direct investment into downtown Winnipeg and the community we are proud to continue building there.”

Johnston Group has invested $250,000 to support Manitou a bi Bii daziigae along with the programs and spaces held within. This includes: the Centre for Newcomer Integration – where over 2,500 students build their English language skills, cultural communication, and academic skills to further their education, training and employment goals, The ACE Project Space – an interactive workspace, where students, entrepreneurs, non-profit organizations and corporations collaborate to bring ideas to life,  and, the School of Indigenous Education – which includes the Social Innovation and Community Development program, where students learn to transform their values and passions into ventures and become agents of change in communities experiencing barriers to development.

“The students that graduate from these programs make a difference in our communities and we want to support them in their journey,” added Angus. “When we put people first, we can all work and live in thriving communities and being a part of RRC Polytech does exactly that.”

In recognition of this investment, a workroom on the first level of Manitou a bi Bii daziigae has been named after Johnston Group. Workrooms are multi-use spaces that all students, staff and community members can access, providing a safe space to come together to work, research and share ideas.

“Partnering with organizations that believe in the work we’re doing is a part of our strategic plan and Johnston Group is one of these partners,” said Meier. “For years Johnston Group has supported RRC Polytech students with co-op placements and Work-Integrated Learning opportunities as well as hiring many graduates, and today’s gift is just one more way we are expanding this partnership. We are grateful to Johnston Group for their continued partnership and support.”

Johnston Group administers group health and dental benefits, critical illness, disability and life insurance to more than 30,000 small businesses, 300 larger companies and 350 Indigenous organizations across Canada. Find more info at https://johnstongroup.ca/.

Manitou a bi Bii daziigae is a part of RRC Polytech’s Exchange District Campus in downtown Winnipeg and the programs house in the space have been developed in consultation with Manitoba’s fastest-growing industries including business, creative arts and IT. Find more info at https://www.rrc.ca/edc/manitou-a-bi-bii-daziigae/.

Schroeder is a name that is synonymous with education in Manitoba. Walter and Maria Schroeder, born Winnipeggers and Manitobans, have formed their legacy around ensuring Manitoba students are set for success.

Today their legacy of giving is given an entirely new meaning – the Schroeder Foundation’s transformational gift of $15 million – the largest in RRC Polytech’s history – paves the way to continued growth and opportunity with the creation of a new prairie-based media arts hub: the Schroeder Institute of Entertainment and Media Arts (the Schroeder Institute).

This gift brings opportunity for RRC Polytech and its students, and for the creative sectors that thrive in the heart of Canada. For more than 70 years, creative thinkers explored ideas and sharpened their skills at RRC Polytech, and this gift re-energizes what is possible – enhancing programs, expanding innovation opportunities, and strengthening ties to industry.

Manitoba is a flourishing creative engine proving it is competitive across the prairies, the country, and beyond. Local training and talent are crucial to the success of the businesses that choose to operate here, and that is where RRC Polytech, and the Schroeder Institute, come in.  

“RRC Polytech and the Schroeder Foundation have a shared vision for the future and what we can make possible through education, collaboration, and research,” said Fred Meier, President and CEO RRC Polytech. “The Schroeder Foundation’s decision to make this tremendous investment in RRC Polytech reflects that there are visionaries invested in our community who recognize the value of what we are doing here to support students on their way into careers in creative industries. This gift today will enable us to create so many more opportunities for Manitobans and our creative industries together.”

This partnership is a representation of the movie-worthy story arc that the Schroeder family and RRC Polytech share – a history of humble beginnings leading to a path of advancing technology and industry in Canada and beyond. The Schroeder family and their foundation share the commitment to creating opportunity in Manitoba that RRC Polytech holds as a guiding principle.

RRC Polytech began as a small community college, and after almost a century of continuous growth and innovation, it is now a leader in producing job-ready graduates. This gift, and the creation of the Schroeder Institute, further cements RRC Polytech as a trusted partner that industry can rely on to produce job-ready grads and support existing employees with opportunities to expand their skills.

The Schroeder Institute of Entertainment and Media Arts is where students push the limits of their skills and build their networks and industry connections. They are taught by instructors with a wealth of industry experience who support them as they learn the skills necessary to break into a career in their chosen field.  

Developed with a 14-person advisory committee deeply entrenched in creative industries to guide programming, the Schroeder Institute always has an edge on what the industry needs. 

The Schroeder Institute launches today with 12 core programs, but continues to enhance its offerings. Two new programs – Animation and Entertainment Production Management – launches in the fall of 2025 and industry informed micro-credential programs designed for current professionals to increase their skillsets will soon be added.

The Schroeder Foundation is an ongoing partner of RRC Polytech supporting student success, such as providing scholarships for their “Schroeder Students.” Now, this latest, and largest, investment of $15 million to ensure top creative arts programming, is a continuation of that support and legacy of giving in the spirit of furthering education.

“Maria and I grew up in Manitoba and will always be Winnipeggers. We believe in the work that RRC Polytech is doing to support students and the industries they aspire to be a part of,” said Walter Schroeder.

“We have lofty goals for the Institute. We believe it can attract creative sector industry partners – and students – from across Canada and around the world to Manitoba and Winnipeg, where they will discover the advantages of working, studying, and living here. And we believe the Institute can create pathways for secondary learners – like the students we support through Sisler’s CREATE program – to accelerate their careers in their home province. We can’t wait to see these relationships grow with other Winnipeg high schools and we are excited to support the Institute.” 

The Schroeder Institute will create a pipeline of newly skilled employees, foster deeper collaboration with industry and for the first time, RRC Polytech is creating an applied research program to foster innovation in emerging technologies in creative sectors.  The College’s ACE Project Space, alongside the Research Partnerships and Innovation team, will undertake projects aimed at establishing Canada’s leadership in animation, virtual production studios, and user-experience testing.

Areas of applied research opportunity within the Schroeder Institute are diverse and immense, from leveraging AI in media creation, exploring how to best utilize immersive technologies like virtual or augmented reality in productions, and how to reduce the carbon footprint of production.

Headquartered in Manitou a bi Bii daziigae, and located in the heart of the Exchange District, the Schroeder Institute gives students direct access to the creative core of Winnipeg, while they learn in state-of-the-art facilities with top industry-grade equipment and tools.

The Schroeder family has long impacted Manitobans seeking higher education and today, that continues full speed ahead with the launch of the Schroeder Institute. Manitobans for many years to come will remember where they started their careers, and the name Schroeder will forever be a part of their stories.

“This gift from Walter and Maria through the Schroeder Foundation towards RRC Polytech’s comprehensive campaign “In Front of What’s Ahead,” is a rare example of truly transformational philanthropy that will uplift our community, industry partners, and students for generations to come,” said David Petis, Executive Director, Advancement, RRC Polytech. “It demonstrates what is possible with the support of community partners who believe in the value of a Polytechnic education and providing opportunities for young people looking to break into industries they are passionate about.” 

Learn more about the Schroeder Institute and how it will create opportunities for many students in the years ahead.

On July 2, Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) began its Youth Camps for 2024 welcoming 160 campers, the most campers in RRC Polytech’s history, to its Notre Dame Campus. Thanks to the support of the Carolyn Sifton Foundation (the Foundation), 100 of those campers are attending at no cost.

“In keeping with Carolyn Sifton’s concern for the welfare of children, the Foundation supports projects in education, social services, and art and culture designed to assist youth in developing to their fullest potential,” said Micah Sifton-LaLeune, Board Member of the Foundation.

“There is a great benefit to providing access to the summer camps and programs offered by RRC Polytech to allow children to learn new skills, develop their interests and expand their creativity. We look forward to seeing how this donation makes a positive impact on Winnipeg children and their families, enabling them to have a joyful summer filled with learning and exploration.”

The Foundation’s $40,000 donation to RRC Polytech’s In Front of What’s Ahead Comprehensive Campaign is supporting the College’s Youth Camps and made up to 100 spots available this year for campers who may not otherwise have been able to attend. Donations like this one can open doors and provide opportunities for young people, giving them the chance to learn in environments they would not normally have access to.

“These camps make learning fun and give campers a memorable experience that they can look back on when they are thinking about their future education and career. It is important to us that these camps are accessible to as many young people as possible,” said David Petis, Executive Director, Advancement, RRC Polytech. “The Carolyn Sifton Foundation is helping that goal be a reality this year by providing funding for more than two thirds of our campers. We are grateful that so many kids can take part this year thanks to the support of the Foundation and the vision of Carolyn Sifton.”

This year the College is offering seven camps, the most ever offered on campus, six of which have spots supported by the Carolyn Sifton Foundation. The camps being supported by the Foundation this year include Budding Business Leaders, Design Your Dream Room, Indigenous Cultural Exploration, Out and About Photography, Sweet Treats Baking Camp, and Wheels in Motion.

The camp offerings continue to diversify and grow in response to labour market trends and thanks to the support of donors like the Carolyn Sifton Foundation. Whether engaging with Indigenous culture, constructing a valve cover racer, exploring trades and technology, or playing classic camp games, campers have had a fun-filled experience at RRC Polytech’s youth summer camps this year.

The 2024 camps are nearly complete, but youth initiatives are available throughout the year. View more youth opportunities available on RRC Polytech campuses.

The Canerector Foundation (the Foundation) is making a big impact for skilled trades in Manitoba with the recent announcement of a $500,000 gift to Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech).

The gift supports the creation of the Canerector Foundation Scholarship in the Skilled Trades and funds the Girls Exploring Trades and Technology (GETT) Camp. The donation will be distributed over the next five years to provide continued support to students pursuing careers in skilled trades.

Amanda Hawkins, Director of the Foundation, says that they aim to support communities across Canada, including Manitoba and Winnipeg where Canerector has three businesses. This is the Foundation’s first gift to RRC Polytech, but it has a history of supporting students in skilled trades since its inception in 2019.

“I lived in Winnipeg while working with one of our companies in 2011, and still love the community there,” said Hawkins. “We are happy to see RRC Polytech’s focus on strategic workforce development and are excited to be a part of it.”

The Canerector Foundation Scholarship in the Skilled Trades supports 14 diploma and certificate programs in the School of Skilled Trades and Technologies. Recipients are selected based on their community involvement and engagement in mentorship activities. The first round of scholarships is scheduled to be awarded in the fall of 2024 and will support up to 27 recipients annually.

The Foundation also committed a portion of this gift to support the GETT Camp. This will give young women and girls between the ages of 12 and 14 first-hand experience with a variety of skilled trades at no cost to them or their families. This year’s camp is already full, and the Canerector Foundation’s support ensures this camp will continue to provide learning opportunities for young women in Manitoba for years to come.

Hawkins says exposing students to practical, valuable careers at a young age is important. She was first introduced to engineering during a presentation in her grade 5 classroom and remembers the impact it had on her. She appreciates how our program creates awareness of trades and technology and hopes that it will inspire many young people. 

“We’ve been working to increase representation in the trades by creating more opportunities for women and equity deserving groups who might not have considered a career in the trades,” said Derek Kochenash, Dean of the School of Skilled Trades and Technology. “This age is an important time for girls because they begin to make course decisions that affect future career choices. The Canerector Foundation’s support of the GETT Camp will help provide an environment where these young women can get inspired and curious about skilled trades and open to the idea of having a career in one.”

Todd Thompson, Carpentry instructor at RRC Polytech, shared his daughter and niece took part in the camp in 2022 and says it was nice to introduce them to various trades in a girls-only environment.

“All the instructors did such a good job showcasing their trades and opening the students’ eyes to the possibility of the trades as a career,” said Thompson.

Todd’s daughter Anna says, “I had so much fun meeting new people and making friends. I loved trying the different trades. The GETT camp gave me so many new and fun experiences!”

The GETT Camp has been so successful that shortly after it was announced for 2024 all the spots were filled. The Camp will take place in July 2024 at RRC Polytech’s Notre Dame campus.

The Canerector Foundation was established just five years ago and has invested in skilled trades education since the beginning.

“Skilled trades are the backbone of our economy and provide a lot of value to our communities,” said Hawkins. “Canerector was founded and built by tradespeople and hopes to bring attention to the wide variety of careers that begin with a skilled trades education. This gift is also our way of giving back to the communities that have supported us over our 75+ year history.”

RRC Polytech is proud to celebrate this half million-dollar gift and recognize the Canerector Foundation for its contribution and the impact it has for students, and the skilled trades industry in Manitoba, now and in the future.

Learn more about the GETT camps: Girls Exploring Trades and Technology : Red River College Polytechnic: Youth Initiatives (rrc.ca)

Learn more about the Canerector Foundation awards: Awards, bursaries, and scholarships :: RRC Polytech Program & Course Catalogue

Concord Projects, longtime supporter of RRC Polytech, continues to positively impact learners with the recent announcement of $100,000 donation that will support the growth and success of RRC Polytech’s skilled trades and technologies programs, including Architectural/Engineering Technology, Construction Management, and Structural Engineering Technology.

Nolan Ploegman, President and CEO of Concord Projects says that the gift was more than a strategic donation—it’s an expression of the symbiotic relationship between education and industry.

“We have about 33 staff members who are RRC Polytech grads, including some members of the senior leadership team. We always want to be intentional about the way we recruit the latest talent, including demonstrating appreciation for institutions like RRC Polytech for helping students get the training they need,” said Ploegman.

Concord Projects is invested in student success through the financial support they provide with awards, while also ensuring that as industry evolves, students have access to the latest tools and equipment they will use when they enter the workforce. Every few years, RRC Polytech is able to purchase new equipment and refresh lab spaces thanks to the generous support of donors like Concord Projects.

In addition to supporting RRC Polytech’s content delivery, Concord Projects helps students directly every year through the $2,000 Concord Projects Award, which is awarded to a third-year Construction Management student with volunteer involvement in the community to help offset the cost of tuition.

Derek Kochenash, the Dean of the School of Skilled Trades and Technology, recognizes that students rely on funds like the Concord Projects Civil Engineering Award to focus on their studies and not have to worry about juggling a job between classes.

“We’re very grateful for the gifts we get from partners like Concord Projects; they consistently step up to help us provide the education and training that contribute to RRC Polytech’s reputation in industry,” he said.

The 2023 recipient of the Concord Projects Award, Hayley Lecuyer, says the award definitely relieved some of the financial strain she’d been experiencing as a third-year Construction Management student.

“I felt super honoured when I found out I won and it was a huge confidence booster. With six courses every semester and work placements, it’s hard to fit working part-time into the schedule,” said Lecuyer.

Concord Projects regularly provides support to the community through the Concord Projects Foundation, which exemplifies the values and principles at its core: philanthropy, community and pride of employment. Their vision to enrich the quality of life for all people impacted by their projects is regularly demonstrated through their commitment to helping us provide first-rate education to tomorrow’s workforce.

RRC Polytech is proud to recognize Concord Project’s latest support by naming T2-18B on the second floor of the STTC “The Concord Projects Classroom.”

“We’re excited to establish more recognition at the College through the naming of the classroom; whether it’s our staff who take courses to upskill or students that could one day be part of our team, we’re looking forward to people seeing that mutual recognition of our partnership at the STTC,” said Ploegman.

On November 7, 2023, the South Gym at RRC Polytech’s Notre Dame Campus was abuzz with activity as hundreds of skilled trades and technologies students participated in the RBC Reaction by Collision event.

RBC Future Launch has supported future generations of workers in Manitoba for many years at RRC Polytech. The event was a unique opportunity for students to meaningfully connect with industry players and future employers through networking, gaining insights from the speaker series, and refining their interview skills at the RBC mock-interview booth.

This is the third year RBC has supported the RBC Reaction by Collision event series, having previously partnered with RRC Polytech on events such as the School of Indigenous Education Food, Fashion and Music event, and the RBC Roundtables at the Directions Conference.

Ade Akanni, a first-year student in the construction management program, described the event as an “eye opener.”

“It gives you exposure, so you have an idea of the career you want before you finish school,” he said. “It helps channel your strengths, so you can figure out where you want to go.”

Akanni, who’s originally from Nigeria and moved to Canada last year after living in the UK, has plans to work in construction project management following graduation. He was looking for a career that built on his strengths, after having previously worked in IT and construction.

His favourite part of the day was meeting with different companies to get a sense of how they manage their projects, and whether their business had room for growth.

Both Akanni and Andrew Dupré, a first-year student in the cabinetry level one accredited program, participated in the RBC mock interviews.

“It made me feel more comfortable and confident,” said Dupré, while gained a new perspective, as the interviewer gave him advice, identified his strengths, and provided advice on areas for improvement.

Akanni attended the “financial literacy for entrepreneurship in the trades” speaker session, led by Mehmood Batla, Manager of Business Markets at RBC.

“It was helpful. The speaker really broke down where you can get help and apply for grants when starting a business,” he said. “There’s support out there.”

Other speaker sessions included conversations on electric vehicle charging installation, a panel discussion on automotive industry changes, and the use of drones in construction.

Students were also invited to let off some steam throughout the day, playing games such as a beanbag toss, landscape puzzle, and Jenga, as well as tricycle races that took over the track overlooking the gym.

On top of the valuable connections the students made, Dupré also walked away with tickets to a Winnipeg Jets game – the result of his enthusiasm and participation at the event.

It’s safe to say that every student in attendance left the event well-equipped with the confidence and encouragement needed to kick-start a successful career in the trades. You can check out photos from the event here.

Many high school students don’t know which career they want to pursue once they graduate. That wasn’t the case for Kelliegh Rody, she knew what she wanted to do, and how to get there.

“It was something I grew up doing,” said Kelliegh. “I always took care of my siblings and other people’s kids. Being the oldest, I kind of took on that job of taking care of everyone. So, I wanted to put that work into an actual career.”

Kelliegh recently completed the Early Childhood Education program at RRC Polytech and graduated this fall.

Early Childhood Education is a two-year program that provides graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to create environments that encourage the emotional, social, and intellectual development of young children.

“Honestly, I think just changing the lives of children, especially if I work with children who are in foster care, because I’ve been in foster care. And I want them to understand that you have support for your life,” said Kelliegh about what she’s looking forward to after graduation.

Kelliegh was the recipient of a Youth in Care Bursary which provides one year of tuition to the recipient.

“I want them to understand that whatever they see in the news and hear about some people turning out bad or having something happen, that doesn’t need to happen. They have someone who cares about them,” she adds.

In May, a gift of $1.5 million from the Joyce Family Foundation was announced and provides an additional ten bursaries each year for youth in care and students who face significant financial barriers to education. The newly created Joyce Family Foundation Bursary will soon be available to students in 2024 to help remove barriers that Manitoba’s most vulnerable students face when transitioning to the College, including the cost of tuition, books and other services and supports.

The Joyce Family Foundation is a private, family foundation created by Canadian entrepreneur Ronald V. Joyce. The Foundation’s primary focus is to provide access to education for children and youth with significant financial need or facing other socio-economic barriers to success.

“My support worker told me to apply for the bursary. I did, and I got it. If I didn’t have [the bursary], I think I’d be struggling in my academic journey. Because I was struggling with a part-time job while in college last year – I couldn’t do both. It helped me out so I could stay in school full-time,” said Kelliegh.

RRC Polytech is a partner of the Manitoba Scholarship Bursary Initiative (MSBI), and the annual disbursement from the Joyce Family Foundation gift will be matched by the Manitoba government at a 1 to 2 ratio.

When asked what she would tell people about applying for the bursary, Kelliegh said, “I would tell people to apply for it, like use it if you can, because it’s definitely been really helpful.”

Kelliegh has employment lined up once she completes her practicum and noted that most of her peers do as well.

“That was one of my favourite things about RRC Polytech – how diverse it is. Coming from high school, you’re always with people the same age. And now, I have friends who are like 30-50 years old in my class and many international students, so it’s been really interesting to understand different culture and traditions,” added Kelliegh who is looking forward to sharing this love with the young children she’ll be working with.

To celebrate the Joyce Family Foundation, RRC Polytech alumni, artist, and business owner Shaun Vincent of Vincent Design generously offered to create a special token to honour the gift and what it means for the College.

Shaun’s design features Saskatoon berries, a summer fruit that is one of the earliest to flower and provides a place for bees to collect the nectar they need.

“I know what it’s like to struggle to pay for school,” said Shaun Vincent, adding that he wanted to find a way to honour both the recipients and donors in the expression of his design. “Especially when the recipients are youth in care, they need to know they have community support. Knowing that someone you don’t know has thought of your circumstances and wants to make a difference is so important.”

“Growing up in a family where finances were tight, I knew I wanted to create something to thank the Joyce Family Foundation for the opportunities they’re providing young people.”

In late October, RRC Polytech President and CEO, Fred Meier, had the opportunity to meet with Maureen O’Neill, Executive Director of The Joyce Family Foundation to thank them in person and present this meaningful, one-of-a-kind gift.

Find more information on bursaries and how to apply here.

On a warm evening this past July, dozens of guests gathered at the Hy’s Steakhouse patio in downtown Winnipeg. A typical summer scene, perhaps, but it wasn’t just delicious food and drinks that brought this group together: it was the desire to help future generations of Hospitality and Culinary Arts students at Red River College Polytechnic achieve their goals.

RRC Polytech is partnering with Hy’s Steakhouse to establish an endowment fund for the John Aisenstat Memorial Award, which will recognize and support second-year Hospitality and Culinary Arts students who have demonstrated exceptional academic standing, a genuine passion for the industry, and financial need.

The award is significant as it honours the memory of John Aisenstat, the former Executive Vice President of Hy’s Steakhouse, who was renowned for his unwavering dedication to the hospitality industry and his steadfast support of the staff who contributed to the success of Hy’s Steakhouse for more than six decades.

“Hy’s is thrilled to partner with Red River College Polytechnic on this new award supporting hospitality students. It is especially meaningful as it honours the memory of my brother John, who embodied true hospitality,” said Neil Aisenstat, President and CEO of Hy’s Steakhouse and Cocktail Bar. “We look forward to a great future of many fun events, and a strong relationship between Hy’s and RRC Polytech as we help foster the best and brightest in the industry.”

Hy’s Steakhouse and RRC Polytech both stand as defining pillars in Winnipeg, embodying the city’s spirit of community and ambition. Hy’s Executive Chef Jacqueline Hildebrand is a graduate of the College’s Culinary Arts program, further reinforcing the connection between the two institutions.

“The John Aisenstat Memorial Scholarship helps us put the needs of students first. With financial relief, students are empowered to concentrate on their education, without worrying about putting food on the table,” said Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech. “This means our Hospitality and Culinary Arts students can continue to focus on what they do best: putting food on the tables of fine dining establishments across the country.

“RRC Polytech is committed to deepening partnerships to maximize prosperity across industry and community. This is one of the core commitments in our Strategic Plan; it’s a promise that guides much of what we do,” continued Meier. “Working with Hy’s Steakhouse not only supports the commitment to deepening partnerships, it directly affects RRC Polytech’s most important stakeholders: its students.”

More than $6,000 were raised at the fundraiser, which is slated to be an annual event. For more information about the award, please contact development@rrc.ca.

As you enter the Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) front doors on your first day of classes, students walk past you in every direction, carrying their books, laughing with their friends, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Perhaps you are unsure which direction your class is, or who your new classmates are, or you may be especially nervous because you weren’t sure college was for you.

These are feelings many students are experiencing less of, now, due to the Transition to College program supported by The Schroeder Foundation.

Thanks to the generosity of Walter and Maria Schroeder through The Schroeder Foundation, select high school students are provided with fully paid scholarships to RRC Polytech, which includes tuition, books, and wrap-around supports. This is the second year The Schroeder Foundation students have had the opportunity to participate in the Transition to College program, which helps them start their programs with the knowledge and confidence they need to succeed on day one.

“The first day, I remember being stressed out and I was even worried about getting there on time, but someone immediately recognized me and my stress went from 100 to zero in seconds,” said Jileen Easter, current Pathway to Business student and recent participant in the Transition to College program. “I didn’t have to worry about getting lost because everything was explained to me. I think if I had started college without the program, I wouldn’t have my student ID or know where I could go for lunch or anything,” she says with a chuckle.

Jileen is one of the 30 students who participated in the most recent cohort of the Transition to College program supported by The Schroeder Foundation. This program is an eight-day intensive introduction to college life where students receive campus tours, are provided with access to the IT programs required, have sessions on time-management, writing, math, how to navigate stress, and have a chance to discover the supports they have access to while attending the College.

To date, The Schroeder Foundation has donated over $2 million towards six previous cohorts and helped support over 180 students achieve post-secondary success. 

“It was cool, coming full circle, being there last year listening to people talk all day to being a mentor,” said Rovic Climocosa, a Business Administration student and mentor in the Transition to College program. “I was able to give a lot of tips and advice, and honestly, remind myself of how far I’ve come since being here.”

“I mainly told the new students two things; I told them to always try your best to build connections, whether that be through some of the advisors or instructors or classmates – these connections will help you as you go through school together, and I told them the importance of time management. There’s a lot of schoolwork and you have classes, your friends and family, but you also need to make time for yourself to relax and reflect,” added Rovic.

A key component of the Transition to College program is the ability to ask current students questions, receive advice and make connections. Students also spend time with Indigenous support staff learning about the Seven Sacred Teachings, medicines, Truth and Reconciliation, and are given the time to create a star blanket together.

“It was so reassuring, to see students come over and be like ‘it looks and seems scary, but you’re going to get the hang of it,’” said Jileen. “It was practically like they handed me the experience and broke down each component of it. I was so happy that I could walk to the college on my first day and know what I’m doing.”

Students who participate in the Transition to College program are recipients of The Schroeder Foundation Scholarship, where their college program, text books and additional supports are paid for.

“Being a Schroeder student is knowing that Walter and Maria and this whole group of people believe in me and believe that I can make the world a better place. I guess that sounds kind of nostalgic,” said Rovic with a grin. “But, it gives me the feeling that I have something to give back to the community, so it’s nice.”

Rovic is currently in his third term of the Business Administration program, where he’s been able to work with a local business in helping them with a branding campaign and rebuild connections with their customers. Jileen plans on completing Pathway to Business then moving on to the Digital Media Design program at RRC Polytech.

To learn more about scholarships available click here or to help future students transition to college, make a gift here today.