RRC Polytech will hold the first of four Spring Convocation ceremonies in Winnipeg beginning today at the RBC Convention Centre

Winnipeg, Manitoba on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the Homeland of the Red River Métis Nation – This month, Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) will host nine convocation ceremonies across the province and celebrate over 3,300 graduates joining their friends, family and faculty as they watch them cross the platform at the College’s Spring Convocation ceremonies.
 
RRC Polytech’s Spring Convocation celebrations happen throughout June across the province and are live streamed worldwide to celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2023. This year’s Convocation season celebrates three Lieutenant Governor’s Medal Award winners and two Honorary Degree and Diploma recipients, John Bockstael and Carolyn Young.
 
RRC Polytech will hold the first of four Convocation ceremonies in Winnipeg beginning today at the RBC Convention Centre and is hosting five more for its Regional Campuses in Selkirk, Fisher River, Winkler, Portage la Prairie, and Steinbach this June.
 
“Our Convocation ceremonies are an opportunity to celebrate the completion of our students’ respected accomplishments in various degree, diploma and certificate programs, and they also represent the opportunity and optimism that lie ahead, so we are thrilled to acknowledge this milestone accomplishment together,” said Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech.
 
Manitoba’s only polytechnic is proud to provide the skills, training and knowledge to the industry leaders of tomorrow in a welcoming environment for all, while promoting values that encourage positive action to enact meaningful change. The College’s highest honours are reserved for individuals who exemplify its commitments.
 
Three Lieutenant Governor’s Medals Awarded
 
Three outstanding graduates have been selected to receive Lieutenant Governor’s Medals this week, rewarding their academic and technical achievement, involvement in College and/or community activities, and overall good character.

• Pauline Tayag graduated with Honours from the Graphic Design program, while volunteering for multiple organizations in support of the Filipino community, sharing her love of arts and culture, calling out social injustices and advocating for those in need.
  
• Rubén Barrios graduated with Honours from the Information Security program. After arriving in Canada from Guatemala in 2021 with his wife and two children in the middle of a pandemic, his passion for collaboration helped him transition to his new environment quickly, participate in multiple College initiatives and become a tireless volunteer in his neighbourhood. 
  
• Josef Neufeld graduated from the joint Industrial Arts Teacher Education program with the University of Winnipeg and aspires to teach in the inner city or in a French immersion school division to share his passion for improving young people’s lives and his gifts in wood working and manufacturing. 

Read more about the 2023 Lieutenant Governor’s Medal Recipients

John Bockstael and Carolyn Young Awarded Honorary Degree and Diploma
 
RRC Polytech’s Honorary Degree or Diploma is awarded to an individual who demonstrates high standards of excellence in their personal and professional achievements, and whose involvement in the community is widely recognized.
 
This Spring Convocation, RRC Polytech is awarding John Bockstael and Carolyn Young with honorary credentials. These two deserving recipients are accomplished professionals and outstanding community role models whose life’s work will resonate with and serve to inspire the graduating class of 2023.

• John Bockstael, CEO of Bockstael Construction will be awarded an Honorary Bachelor of Technology in Construction Management. He helped establish this credential as the first-ever degree program at the College. RRC Polytech proudly presents him with that credential at the Convocation Ceremony held at the RBC Convention Centre on Wednesday, June 14th, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. 
  
• Carolyn Young, the Executive Director of the not-for-profit child and family care organization Manidoo Gi-Miini Gonaan, will be awarded an Honorary Diploma in Early Childhood Education at the Convocation Ceremony held at the RBC Convention Centre on Wednesday, June 14th, 2023, at 1:00 p.m.

Read more about the 2023 Honorary Degree and Diploma Recipients

“RRC Polytech’s trio of Lieutenant Governor’s Medal award winners are our future leaders and represent the unlimited potential of combining compassion with education and ambition. The accomplishments and pursuit of lifelong learning by our Honorary Degree and Diploma recipients serve to resonate with our graduates and inspire them to make an impact in their communities,” said Dr. Christine Watson, Vice-President Academic, RRC Polytech. “We look forward to seeing what the Class of 2023 brings to the workforce and to their communities.”
 
On average, 96 per cent of RRC Polytech graduates begin working in their field within six months of graduating. This year’s graduates will bring skills and knowledge that will help them contribute on day one and help ensure Manitoba’s industries can continue to stay in front of what’s ahead.
 
For a full list of graduates, award winners, and to stream the ceremonies please visit rrc.ca/convocation.
 
Schedule of RRC Polytech Convocation Ceremonies across Manitoba:
 
Winnipeg Ceremonies (live-streamed) will take place at the RBC Convention Centre, City View Hall (Hall C), 375 York Avenue.

• Tuesday, June 13 at 1:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, June 13 at 7:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, June 14 at 1:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, June 14 at 7:00 p.m.  

Regional Ceremonies: 
Interlake Campus Selkirk – June 8 at 3:00 p.m.
Selkirk Recreational Complex – 180 Easton Drive, Selkirk

Peguis – Fisher River Campus – June 16 at 2:00 p.m.
Fisher River Community & Gaming Centre 83 Unnamed Road, Fisher River Cree Nation

Portage Campus – June 19 at 2:00 p.m.
The William Glesby Centre 11 2 St NE, Portage la Prairie

Winkler Campus – June 21 at 3:00 p.m.
P.W. Enns Centennial Concert Hall 783 Mountain Ave, Winkler

Steinbach Campus – June 22 at 3:00 p.m.
Mennonite Heritage Village 231 Provincial Trunk Hwy 12, Steinbach