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.

Business Administration is one of the most flexible programs you can take at Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech). Do you want to develop marketing skills? Or work in personal finance? Or perhaps own your own business – Business Administration can help you get there.

Carol Liang, an international student, and soon-to-be graduate from Business Administration, selected RRC Polytech’s Business Administration program to help build off her existing career in analytics and e-commerce.

“Gaining more financial knowledge will help me to combine my experience as an analyst and what I’m interested in to help organizations to make informed decisions,” said Carol.

Part of the reason for the success of Business Administration is because RRC Polytech prides itself on ensuring students use the same technology, programs, hardware, and tools they would use in the workplace, so they’re prepared from day one.

“As a new immigrant to Canada I didn’t know a lot of the financial policies, or how to do my taxes, so I learned all of that while I was at RRC Polytech. It was really rewarding for me,” said Carol.

Personal Financial Planning, a Business Administration final year course brings together everything that students have learned about financial planning – tax, insurance, estate, and retirement planning – and use this information to help solve client problems or determine the appropriate strategies for their clients.

“There are all these aspects of planning that students are trying to bring together. And if you can imagine trying to deal with those individually and using a calculator to do this, it becomes quite taxing and a lot of work,” said Bruce Eyford, Instructor, Personal Financial Planning.

Enter Conquest Planning.

Conquest Planning is a financial planning software that allows both financial planners and their clients to input financial data with the goal of delivering hyper-personalized advice and strategies that address consumers’ unique needs.

“If I trained students with outdated software, it wouldn’t give them a competitive advantage in the marketplace, so I wanted to make sure we used a product that was modern and state-of-the-art,” said Bruce.

Conquest, a Winnipeg based company, recently gifted RRC Polytech software for the Personal Financial Planning and Financial Selling courses, valued at $208,000 in support of RRC Polytech’s In Front of What’s Ahead comprehensive campaign.

“We believe that supporting the next generation of personal finance specialists is incredibly important, not only for the industry, but for the success of our communities,” said Brad Joudrie, Chief Revenue Officer, Conquest Planning. “Graduates from RRC Polytech will be using Conquest Planning as they progress in their financial planning careers, so providing them access while they were learning was an easy decision. The future of personal finance is changing but the value of advice is not. We’re committed to creating a better financial future for all by arming current and prospective advisors with the right resources to deliver meaningful personalized advice .”

Conquest Planning has been used in Personal Financial Planning since September of 2021 and was introduced to Financial Selling this past fall.

“I feel grateful that we have the chance to use Conquest Planning because, as I understand, this is an industry standard tool,” said Carol. “It’s very easy to use and user friendly and automatically creates chats and analysis that we would share with clients.”

Bruce agrees. “It’s an excellent program and has this AI strategic advice manager that really helps students because it makes recommendations for them to think about potential strategies,” added Bruce.

Conquest Planning has provided RRC Polytech full versions of the software that allows students to truly experience what the software can provide clients.

“I always want to prepare students to the best of their abilities and to be successful after graduation, and providing them access to Conquest Planning not only achieves this goal, but helps them better understand how artificial intelligence-powered tools represent the future of finance,” said Bruce.

Carol is currently looking for employment and is ready to take on whatever challenge comes her way. “I want to use what I learned at RRC Polytech and contribute to the company. I am looking for an analyst related role at a financial institution, I love working with data and with stakeholders and if I can combine all of this, I will feel very satisfied,” added Carol with a smile.

Students entering IT and business programs at Red River College Polytechnic have the opportunity for their education to be covered thanks to the generosity of community leader Gary Coleman.

The Gary Coleman Award for Inner-City Scholars helps students build successful careers on their own and removes barriers to post-secondary education, from enrollment to graduation.

The award is available to graduates of eight inner-city schools in Winnipeg who have been accepted into RRC Polytech’s Applied Accounting, Business Administration, Commerce Industry Sales and Marketing, Business Information Technology, Data Science and Machine Learning, IT Operations, and Information Security programs. Recipients are free from the worry of financial barriers as the award covers the cost of tuition, program fees, books, and supplies.

With the help of this award, young students can hone their skills in three of RRC Polytech’s IT and business-based programs, receiving the high-quality learning they need to become leaders in their careers.

How to Apply

See RRC Polytech’s Awards, Bursaries and Scholarships and scroll down to the “Gary Coleman Award for Inner-City Scholars” heading for more information.

Eligible students are encouraged to complete the application form and send it to financialaid@rrc.ca. The application deadline for the upcoming fall term is Friday, July 7, 2023.

NOTE: The application for the winter 2024 term is November 30, 2023.

Eligibility Requirements

The Gary Coleman Award for Inner-City Scholars will support two students who:

• Graduated in the previous 24 months from one of the following high schools:
  • Argyle Alternative High School
  • Children of the Earth High School
  • Daniel McIntyre Collegiate
  • Gordon Bell High School
  • B. Russell Vocational High School
  • Sisler High School
  • St. John’s High School
  • Technical Vocational High School
• Have already been accepted into one of the following RRC Polytech programs:
  • Applied Accounting (Certificate)
  • Business Administration (Diploma)
  • Commerce Industry Sales and Marketing (Certificate)
  • Business Information Technology (Diploma)
  • Data Science and Machine Learning (Diploma)
  • IT Operations (Diploma)
  • Information Security (Post Graduate Diploma)

Gary Coleman is the president and chief executive officer of Winnipeg-based Garibaldi Investments Ltd., his family office. Gary divested his main operating business, Big Freight Systems Inc. in 2017, after leading the organization for over 30 years. His family office is involved in industrial and commercial real estate as well as investments in crypto and web3 businesses. Gary graduated from Red River College Polytechnic in 1981 with a diploma in Business.

“I was extremely fortunate to grow up in a family that instilled a strong work ethic, that together with a vision for growth and the ability to attract exceptional talent, allowed our company to grow into an international operation. Attending Red River College Polytechnic played an important role in my journey as my Business studies provided me with many of the required foundational business skills.”

“With this scholarship, I hope to help students who have the ambition, desire and drive to change their station in life, but are lacking the one key component to achieve their dreams- the financial resources for a college education.”

Fred Meier, President and CEO of RRC Polytech (centred), and members of the Lenovo team with students from Pathway to IT.

A requirement for acceptance to the Pathway to Information Technology (Pathway to IT) program is to have access to a computer. Not just your uncle’s old computer that hasn’t been used for three years, but one with certain memory and speed requirements. Thanks to a recent donation from Lenovo of 43 laptops (ThinkBook 15 Gen4), valued at $50,000, Pathway to IT students, no longer need to worry about this requirement.

“I had taken my laptop to the people that I was applying to, to ask if my laptop is acceptable and if I can use it,” said Joshua Shuttleworth, current Pathway to Information Technology student. “Because I knew that I wasn’t about to go and buy a new laptop if mine wasn’t good enough.”

Joshua’s computer was deemed acceptable, but it was challenging for him and a classmate who both used computers with a different operating system.

“There’d be times when I was in class, and we’re trying to format this thing and the instructor would use keyboard shortcuts. And I would just manually go to where I had to go instead of using the shortcut, or I would quickly Google ‘how to do this on a different operating system’,” said Joshua as he chuckled about the memory.

Just over a month into the program, Joshua’s instructor began handing out Lenovo laptops to all students.

“I’ll admit at first, I was sketched out, and it took me awhile to understand that it was real, and we didn’t have to return [the computer] at the end. I was just very grateful, and it took a huge ease off my mind,” said Joshua.

“Our vision is to help create a world where every person has access to the technology that allows them to achieve their goals,” said Libby Richards, Community Engagement Manager, Lenovo. “Connecting students with technology is crucial in innovation and moving society forward. This program aligns with our goals and provides students with the foundational knowledge to be successful in the rapidly growing field of IT.”

Lenovo team members were able to tour Manitou a bi Bii daziigae and were able to see their gift in action, when meeting students in Pathway to IT.

“It’s clear to see why these students selected this program,” said Warren Beleyowski, Client Executive, MB/SK Public Sector, Lenovo Canada. “Providing them with laptops was an easy decision, as these students are going to be the ones who are meeting the ever-changing needs of tomorrow.”

Pathway to IT was created in partnership with RBC Future Launch as a preparatory and exploratory program to Indigenous Manitobans to succeed in post-secondary education and be ready for a career in information technology, information security, or IT operations.

Joshua joined Pathway to IT after hearing about it from his older sister who took Pathway to Business, Creative Communications and Digital Technology Programs.

“I tried university in 2018/2019 and I didn’t like it at all, but I really liked computer programming, which was one of the courses I took,” said Joshua. “My sister told me to check out the pathway programs and I found out about the Pathway to IT program, which was brand new, and I saw that it helps you get into Business Information Technology program after. They said you learn a lot about programming and software and computer stuff – and that was the stuff that I was interested in.”

Joshua is almost finished his first term of Pathway to IT, and once he’s completed, he’s planning on enrolling in RRC Polytech’s Business Information Technology program and eventually the Game Development – Programming program and hopes to work in game development one day.

Loewen apprentices in front of the display wall they created.

An apprentice at Red River College Polytechnic only spends a few weeks in the classroom – the rest of the time is paid, on-the-job training. Recently Loewen Windows and Doors (Loewen) donated a display of premium luxury windows and doors to the Skilled Trades and Technology Centre, these displays are used for in-classroom learning by apprentice students. Five Loewen apprentices spent part of their time in the classroom building the display wall.

“Seeing the product and actually getting to do the finished millwork was really cool,” says Ashely Berard, Apprentice Cabinetmaker. “It was a different take on what I would usually do.”

“Having the model and the wall provided was very helpful, because you learn how to work around the issues that you only read about,” added Josh Johnston, Apprentice Cabinetmaker.

As the leading manufacturer of premium windows and doors in North America, Loewen understands the importance of quality materials and skilled artisans who meticulously craft each made-to-order piece. Their commitment to expert craftspeople has continuously resulted in an award-winning business. Apprenticeship training provides on-the-job skill development at Loewen with levels of technical training at Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech).

“Coming to the College allows you to go through the whole spectrum of jobs and techniques and you can try new things,” said Josh. “It helps to develop new skills and learn the theory compared to just building, so you can adapt your knowledge that you’ve read into actual work you do.”

Ashley and Josh just completed their second level of training and are currently working full-time at Loewen before they return to RRC Polytech to complete their third of four levels this fall.

“Loewen works hard to create a culture where team members succeed,” said Todd LeRoy, Vice President, Manufacturing, Loewen. “We know that apprenticeship students have the know-how to be successful when they get here and we’re ready to help them grow into whatever role they’re hoping to achieve as their careers develop.”

Loewen’s apprentices are offered a top-up program where they can earn 95 percent of their wages while attending RRC Polytech for approved apprenticeship programs.

“When you go back to work [at Loewen], you’re utilizing all the things that you’ve learned in school and you’re like ‘oh, wow, why didn’t I think about doing it this way before?’ and you’re using your skills and you can feel and see your own progression, which is so important,” said Ashley. “Having the school experience give you the standards of what things should be, and it helps you connect your skills and quality with things like time management. School helps put it into perspective.”

Loewen recently pledged $40,000 towards RRC Polytech’s In Front of What’s Ahead campaign over the next five years. Funds will be used towards three key funding priorities including transforming learning and research spaces, amplifying RRC Polytech’s impact and enhancing the student experience.

“Partners like Loewen make such a difference to the College,” said Derek Kochenash, Dean, School of Skilled Trades & Technologies. “They not only provide apprenticeship opportunities, but they employ apprentices through their training and beyond; they have truly invested in the College’s future for all students.”

RRC Polytech currently offers over 35 apprenticeship trades through Apprenticeship Manitoba including three programs that partner with Loewen. Loewen has opportunities for students in almost all business areas, but consistently employs engineering, drafting, and marketing graduates.

“Our partnership with RRC Polytech isn’t just about filling vacancies,” said Carrie Jones, Director, Human Resources, Loewen. “Our partnership means we can invest in our community and support students in their education and in their career. Our province is changing and that means we need to support the future of today’s learners.”

Only through partnerships with companies like Loewen is RRC Polytech able to provide access to training, supports and certification of skilled students to help meet the needs of Manitoba.

Jan den Oudsten standing outside of the building named after him at RRC Polytech. He stands with his wife and son.

It was just four years ago that Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) celebrated one of the largest gifts in our history from an individual donor – that donor was Jan den Oudsten and his wife Maria den Oudsten and the gift was $1.5 Million to support students and research in Manitoba’s heavy vehicle sector, including transit.

Jan den Oudsten passed away on Wednesday, March 29 in the Netherlands, at the age of 92.

Jan den Oudsten was the founder and former president of New Flyer Industries and the inventor of leading-edge transit technology. He spent the latter years of his life supporting the next generation of heavy equipment and vehicle technology students, and he was a true pioneer in his contributions the vehicle research sector.

Through the generosity of the den Oudsten family, RRC Polytech’s Jan den Oudsten Vehicle Technology & Research Centre (VTRC) has been an integral part of milestone events including creating a course for electric buses for Winnipeg Transit and the Canada’s National Defense, as well as partnerships with Canadian Standards Association (CSA Group) to create Certification for Electric Vehicle Technicians.

“The generosity of Jan den Oudsten and his family have truly benefited thousands of students every year – our graduates are equipped with the skills and education necessary to become leaders in their fields because of the training they receive at VTRC,” says Fred Meier, President and CEO.

RRC Polytech’s Vehicle Technology & Energy Centre (VTEC), housed in VTRC, has helped develop the first electric Tundra Buggy and supported the testing on New Flyer Industries Group electric transit bus and coach, including the latest generation of hydrogen fuel cell bus. Many of these developments would only be possible through the philanthropy and support of the den Oudsten’s.

“We send our deepest condolences to Maria den Oudsten, their son Bob den Oudsten and their families. Jan den Oudsten’s innovative spirit, gift of leadership, and generous nature will be always remembered,” added Fred.

Den Oudsten’s contributions to the vehicle research has made significant impact around the world. Jan den Oudsten purchased New Flyer in 1986 and introduced European accessible low-floor technology to North American transit market. He was also involved in pioneering hydrogen fuel cell technology applications and introduced a 60-food articulated diesel-electric hybrid bus.

He was appointed to the Order of Canada in 2021 for his innovations and contributions to the North American transportation market.

To acknowledge Jan den Oudsten’s passing, RRC Polytech will be lowering flags to half-mast on Thursday, April 6, 2023.

Fittingly, teams comprised of staff and students snagged the top prizes at RRC Polytech’s Snowbuilding Contest – Snow Me the Money! But everyone involved got a taste of victory with a free lunch, souvenir books and plates, and the good vibes generated by working together on a fun outdoor project while raising awareness about climate change.

The College community embraced the challenge of creating a “snow village” to welcome visitors along Route 90 in front of the Jan den Oudsten Vehicle Technology and Research Centre (VTRC) as well as near the main entrance of the Notre Dame Campus. Remote entries from our regional campuses were also submitted and rewarded.

In total, 28 teams and almost 200 individuals took time out of their busy schedules to have some winter fun between February 13 – 17, 2023, to show off their creativity and enjoy the company of classmates, colleagues, friends and family, while working together to beautify the campus at NDC and prompt action to slow climate change. 

Among the truly epic snow sculptures now on display you’ll find a campfire setting, a full-sized car, a massive owl, a turtle and an Indigenous drum circle, just to name a few. And of course, snow people of every shape and size including a hockey team, a snow judge, a snow tanner, and even a snow speaker at a podium with an ASL interpreter – bearing an incredible resemblance to RRC Polytech President and CEO, Fred Meier!

Teams pulled out all the stops to impress the event’s judge, Maria den Oudsten, a generous member of our donor community who has a passion for snow and has been organizing similar competitions around the world for years through her Sweet Sorrow Snowman Foundation.

“I love encouraging people to embrace winter and celebrate its beauty with these competitions because it draws attention to the danger that climate change presents,” said den Oudsten. “Playing in the snow is something Winnipeggers often take for granted but without a collective change in our habits and behaviour, global warming could rob even the coldest areas of the planet of this joy. We must act now to ensure that these aren’t the last snowmen on earth.”      

Her family’s generosity for helping spread the word was extended in the way of prize money for the most creative, elaborate and impressive designs.

Maria’s favourite design and the winner of the $1000 first place prize was the Snowman Inukshuk built by the Snowcanics – a team of students from the Heavy Equipment Mechanic Program led by their instructor, Shelby Livetsky. 

“Taking part in this contest brought the class closer together as it allowed us to share our different cultural backgrounds, learn about teamwork, and most importantly have a ton of fun!” said Livetsky. “When our Indigenous students explained the importance of the Inukshuk and the significance the direction the arms point, our plan was set but we had to work together to make it a reality. It was such a rewarding experience for everyone that we named it Kuviasuk, the Inuit word for happy.”

Another staff and student team, Team Munsters was chosen as the runners-up at NDC. The Auto Mechanics class named after their instructor Chase Munsters won $500 for putting their coursework in the spotlight by building a full-sized sportscar with blue tinted windows.   

Team Tweedledee and Tweedledum from Steinbach was selected as the Regional Campus winner and will also share a $500 prize.

The contest lived up to its name by splitting another $2000 donated by the den Oudstens into eight prizes of $250 drawn at random during the wrap up celebration. Just making the effort to get outside and get involved paid off for the following teams:

• Swagalicious
• The Mighty Wheel
• Snow Holds Barred
• Goofy Goobers
• Red Bean Shark
• Just Me
• Snowlutions
• Manitoba Dreaming

Maria‘s generosity also included providing soup, chili and refreshments, Journey to Snowmanland photobooks and souvenir plates for all the competitors. Peak of the Market donated carrots so no snowperson was left without a nose.   

“Thank you to our eager participants for their passion and creativity, as well as the Culture Champions, facilities staff, and the organizing committee for adding to our culture of caring,” said Melanie Gudmundson, Chief Human Resource Officer. “This event was about building relationships as well as snow sculptures, so we’d also like to thank Maria and Jan den Oudsten for their ongoing support of the College and for reminding us to enjoy the perks of a Winnipeg winter here at RRC Polytech.”

Richard Chisel felt a pull to pursue the Environmental Engineering Technology program at RRC Polytech. It wasn’t the prospect of employment or his passion for chemistry – it was his Indigenous culture.

“The whole field gets me right in the heart, being Indigenous, we’re supposed to be land defenders, and yet corporations are polluting the lands and only getting minor fines for doing so much damage,” said Richard. “There should be more responsibility to the damage done.”

His path to RRC Polytech wasn’t linear, but that’s what makes Richard so passionate. Richard suffers from PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and is on medication to manage the trauma he experienced at a young age. After run-ins with law enforcement and feeling held back, Richard made a choice to do something different.

“I grew up in the North End [of Winnipeg] and I saw a lot of stuff happen when I was younger,” said Richard. “And when I got older, I started looking into education – I wanted to be able to support myself and realized it was time to get educated.”

Richard started his journey at RRC Polytech with the Pathway program, which he said prepared him to enter the Environmental Engineering Technology program. Pathway programs help to provide the skills and support needed to transition into college programs.

“The Indigenous supports that are available are amazing and they go above and beyond to make sure that you fully understand the content,” said Richard of his favourite part of studying at RRC Polytech.

Richard is currently working on a project for one of his classes where he’s reviewing the Brady Landfill’s plan to have a greater focus on composting.

“I love chemistry, I excelled in chemistry, and I made the decision to purse this field because it made sense – environmental organic chemistry – it just seemed to fit,” said Richard. “After I’m done at RRC Polytech, I think I want to take the joint program called Applied Environmental Sciences.” 

With graduation only being one year away, Richard is getting ready for what’s next.

“I want to help counteract climate change by reducing emissions from waste,” said Richard. His passion coming through as he goes on to explain the damage people are committing. “By educating people to reduce the amount of waste and begin composting, things can be processed in a controlled environment and the gases are captured and used for energy,” Richard shared.

With no shortage of future plans, Richard is incredibly grateful to Akman Construction for a $1,500 scholarship towards his program.

“I would like to thank Akman Construction for selecting me as a recipient of this award. The additional financial support contributed to my learning outcomes by assisting with my medication costs which aided in regulating my sleep schedule and helped me focus on my learning,” said Richard.

Richard is the first recipient of the Akman Construction Environmental Engineering Technology award. The award is given to a student who has a focus on the environment and sustainability. Akman Construction recently pledged $150,000 to RRC Polytech to create the scholarship as well as support for the College’s In Front of What’s Ahead Comprehensive Campaign.

“Akman Construction is proud of our commitment to LEED goals in building construction, and we believe being sustainable is imperative to our company,” said Jared Akman, Director of Operations, Akman Construction. “Richard is the perfect recipient of our first award. He truly embodies the spirit of building a sustainable community. I look forward to working with him one day.”

In 2018, Akman Construction began working on RRC Polytech’s newest building, Manitou a bi Bii daziigae, which one of the most innovative buildings in Canada featuring little to no carbon emissions. Another stipulation in this project was the Indigenous Employment Strategy, which ensured that 20 per cent of all workers were to be of Indigenous decent – Akman Construction went beyond that, estimating 45 per cent Indigenous participation, as well as offering training, support, and mentorship for those on site – many of whom are RRC Polytech grads. 

“We are constantly looking for talented people who share our values when it comes to sustainable construction, and the grads that come from RRC Polytech constantly meet the industry needs,” said Akman. “We are excited to be supporting the next generation of students who will shape the future of construction in Manitoba.”

Akman Construction was established in 1912 by the Akman family after Aaron Akman immigrated to Winnipeg from Russia and has been a family business for over 100 years. Akman Construction began by constructing single family homes and has grown to develop residential apartment building and several commercial projects across Manitoba, including RRC Polytech’s Manitou a bi Bii daziigae and Roblin Centre at the Exchange District Campus and the Skilled Trades and Technology Centre at the Notre Dame Campus. Akman Construction has been a proud supporter of RRC Polytech since 2002.

“Snow-body” embraces winter fun and teamwork like our students, faculty and staff – now here’s your chance to prove it!  

You’re invited to team up with your classmates, colleagues or co-workers to create an epic snow sculpture at NDC for a chance to win cash and prizes in RRC Polytech’s Snowbuilding Contest.

Our goal is to create a welcoming “snow village” along Route 90 in front of the Jan den Oudsten Vehicle Technology and Research Centre (VTRC) and near the main entrance off Notre Dame Avenue.

• Staff, students and faculty are encouraged to register teams (family members are welcome to participate) and make use of snow reserves that our facilities staff will stockpile nearby to build their creations.
• Deadline to register is Friday, February 10^th at noon.
• Snow building for the contest can take place at the assigned locations any time between February 13 at 8:00am and February 16 at 12:00pm.
• Snap a photo of your finished work of art and submit your entry by noon on February 16.
• Winners will be announced at a lunch hour wrap up celebration on Friday, February 17 at NDC. Chili, soup, and hot beverages will be provided.

What you build is totally up to you. A classic Frosty-style snowperson is a great place to start – but here in Manitoba, we continually prove that creativity never freezes, so all entries that are made out of snow will have an opportunity to win.

You must register properly to be eligible to win prizes. Assemble your team, collect each member’s email address and decide on a team name. Elect a team captain who will formally register your group. Prize money will be awarded to the captain on behalf of the team. You may also register as an individual.

A full list of rules and regulations for participants can be found here.  

Our judge is Maria den Oudsten, a generous member of our donor community who has a passion for snow and has been organizing similar competitions through her Sweet Sorrow Snowman Foundation for years. Her main goal with these competitions is to raise awareness about global warming and to encourage climate action around the world.

Her family’s generosity for helping spread the word is extended to you in the way of prize money for the most creative, elaborate and impressive designs.

The winning team at NDC will split $1000 and the runners-up will be awarded $500.  Eight more prizes of $250 will be won by participating teams selected at random. If you register and submit an entry your team will be entered in the draw, so everyone has a chance to cash in – Snow Me the Money!

*Teams from EDC are encouraged to come to NDC to build your masterpieces where space and snow are more accessible. Teams from Stevenson and some of our regional campuses can take part at designated locations on their property. The top snow sculpture built by a team away from NDC could also win $500 and all registered teams are eligible for the eight randomly drawn prizes.        

Our Advancement Team will gather other prizes and souvenir shwag to reward your efforts, but every participant will feel like a winner as you show off your creativity and collaboration skills, enjoy a break from your daily routine, beautify the campus and encourage climate action around the world.

Our Culture Champions network is engaged, eager to connect and excited to see your creations during this friendly competition.   

Our partners from Peak of the Market have even generously donated carrots that will be available at NDC upon request, if your snowperson is in need of a nose!   

There is snow time to waste, so choose your “winspiration” – an animal, an object, a landmark, a symbol, a vehicle, a superhero or an abstract interpretation of a feeling or emotion – big, small, short or tall, we’ve got enough snow to build them all!

You’re invited to team up with your classmates, colleagues or co-workers to create an epic snow sculpture at Notre Dame Campus (NDC) for a chance to win cash and prizes in RRC Polytech’s Snowbuilding Contest – Snow Me the Money!

Our goal is to create a welcoming “snow village” along Route 90 in front of the Jan den Oudsten Vehicle Technology and Research Centre (VTRC) and near the main entrance off Notre Dame Avenue.

You must register properly to be eligible to win prizes.

Assemble your team, collect each member’s email address and decide on a team name.

Elect a team captain who will formally register your group by completing the entry form that includes each team member’s name and email address.

Prize money will be awarded to the captain on behalf of the team.

Team captains must be a student or staff member at RRC Polytech, but anyone is eligible to participate as a team member: family members, friends, etc.

There is no limit on the number of members per team.

Your team must answer the skill-testing question of (12 × 5) – (16 ÷ 4) =? that is provided on the entry form to be eligible for the randomly drawn prizes.

You may also register as an individual.

Deadline to register is Friday, February 10^th 2023 at noon CT.

Teams are encouraged to make use of snow reserves that our facilities staff will stockpile at NDC to build their creations.

Snow building for the contest can take place at the assigned locations any time starting at 8:00am CT on February 13, 2023 and ending at 12:00pm CT on February 16, 2023.

Teams from EDC are encouraged to come to NDC to build your masterpieces where space and snow are more accessible.

Teams from Stevenson and some of our regional campuses can take part at designated locations on their property and submit their remote entries.

Snap a photo of your finished work of art and submit your entry to Taryn Michie tmichie@rrc.ca by noon CT on February 16, 2023.

Winners will be announced at a lunch hour wrap up celebration at NDC on Friday, February 17, 2023.

Participants must not interfere with the building of competing sculptures or deface, devalue, or destroy them in any matter.

Sculptures will not be monitored and contest organizers are not responsible for any random acts of vandalism.

No power tools can be used in the construction of your sculptures.

Participants who fail to comply with RRC Polytech’s safety guidelines and our respectful College and legal policies as outlined at RRC.ca may be removed from the contest.

No need to purchase anything from the College and no fee will be charged to enter this contest.

Prize Structure

$1000 for the most creative, elaborate and impressive design at NDC as judged by Maria den Oudsten.

$500 for the Runners-up at NDC as judged by Maria den Oudsten.

$500 for Maria den Oudsten’s favorite build away from NDC.

Eight prizes of $250 for registered teams (any campus) selected by random draw.

The odds of winning the grand prizes or raffle are dependent upon the number of entrants.

Additional prizes may include donated souvenir plates, small amount gift cards and various small tokens of participation.