Partnerships propel polytechnic to 11^th best in the country

RRC Polytech is once again one of Canada’s top research institutions, as announced last week in Re$earch Infosource’s annual ranking of the country’s top 50 research colleges. The College jumped three spots from last year’s 14^th place position.

RRC Polytech comes in first place in the prairies in the Spotlight on College Research Activity – Medium Tier category, and third place for research partnerships nationwide. The College completed 93 applied research projects in the 2021 fiscal year.

“Partnerships are at the heart of everything we do at RRC Polytech. We work with industry everyday to come up with innovative, sustainable solutions to business problems. Thanks to the support from our partners in the community, industry, and government, we can continue to make positive change here in Manitoba and throughout the country,” says Jamie Wilson, Vice President, Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development at RRC Polytech.

“This national recognition reinforces that ground-breaking work doesn’t happen in a silo. It takes a community of creative staff, students, and industry partners to achieve the results that place us so high on this list.”

Read the full release here.

February is Black History Month, an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black Canadians and their communities, who have been a part of shaping Canada’s heritage and identity. Throughout February we will be highlighting and sharing the stories of Black staff, students, members of our Board of Governors as well as alumni. Stay tuned to the Diversity blog and RRC Polytech’s social media to learn more about members of our College community.

Tanya Hansen Pratt, CET, Instructor, Mechanical Engineering Technology at RRC Polytech

As an engineering technologist, I’ve always worked in male-dominated spaces with very little diversity. I spent many years of my career before coming to RRC Polytech being the only woman and only person of colour in my department. My lived experience has always been vastly different from that of my coworkers. I am reminded daily of my female-blackness, whereas their male-whiteness rarely crosses their minds. Microagressions, sexism, and racism have been common occurrences in my life, so I’ve learned to navigate the world as a person who is constantly othered.

As an instructor, I hope my presence as a woman of colour does two things: First, I hope I can add to the diversity of thought and experience among the staff at the college to provide the best possible education for our increasingly diverse student body. Secondly, I hope my presence gives our students permission to be their authentic selves. There is someone out there, maybe in my classroom or maybe someone thinking about attending RRC Polytech, that sees me and sees a little bit of themselves, and it helps them stand taller and stronger knowing that someone else has walked the path in front of them and made it a little safer to follow along exactly as they are.

Tanya Hansen Pratt

Read Tanya’s full story here.

Fred Meier, President and CEO, joined in on the Celebration of Culture with RRC Polytech’s Centre for International Education and Global Partnerships on Friday, January 27, 2023.

It was frigid outside, but it was nothing but warm inside – where hundreds gathered to celebrate the incredible cultures, languages, food and community found at RRC Polytech.

Brazilian music, Canadian hoop dancing and drumming, West African drumming and dancing, Chinese face-changing artist performing from the Chinese Sichuan Opera, and a Latin band all shared their talents providing no shortage of shoulder movements and head bobbing from the crowd.

Over six different food stations provided no lack of options when it came to trying out something new and delicious. The night ended with a dance party that took over the Voyageur Dining Room.

RRC Polytech flags are lowered today in observance of International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

On January 27, 1945, the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, where more than one million people were killed during the Holocaust, was liberated by the Red Army. In 2005, the day was officially designated as the International Day of Commemoration. January 27 now presents us with an annual opportunity to reflect on the atrocities of the Holocaust and remember its many victims.

The Canadian Museum for Human Rights features a permanent exhibition: “Examining the Holocaust” that explores the fragility of human rights. Admission to the CMHR is free on Fridays after 5:00 p.m., and the museum is also marking the day with a free noon-hour performance and conversation, “Remembering through Music.” Learn more here.

The Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion is offering a webinar on “Antisemitism: How to Prevent it in the Workplace” on Feb. 16. To learn more or register, please click here.

On January 16, members of RRC Polytech’s leadership team had the honour of visiting Fisher River Cree Nation (FRCN), and to meet with Chief David Crate, Knowledge Keeper Ron Sinclair, members of Council, and Education and Training representatives from FRCN, Peguis First Nation, Lake St. Martin First Nation, Lake Manitoba First Nation and the Interlake Regional Tribal Council.

The intention was to have an open and honest discussion focusing on two questions:

What are the biggest barriers and challenges for your community members to access post-secondary education?

and

What are the current opportunities for your community and RRC Polytech to address the barriers and challenges?

The event began with a smudge and prayer from Knowledge Keeper Ron Sinclair, who spoke about the importance of young people obtaining education, and being able to focus their minds on what they want to do in the future.

Participants broke into small groups to first discuss some of the barriers that exist for community members to access education (at RRC Polytech or any post-secondary in Manitoba) before sharing with the larger group. Participants then voted for their top most pressing barriers before returning to their groups to discuss opportunities.

Jamie Wilson, RRC Polytech’s Vice President Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development led the discussion and encouraged participants to be honest and not hold back in their responses.

There was a candidness and willingness amongst the participants to share some of the biggest challenges. Topics like transportation, housing, and in-person supports were brought to the surface as some of the things the College needs to take into consideration, so it can better support Indigenous learners and repair broken trust within the education system.

Before leaving, participants were asked to reflect on the meeting and share something they were taking with them. Optimism, gratitude, and hope were some of the feelings that were repeated – but most important was the feedback that community members felt seen and heard from College leadership.

A similar meeting took place in Brokenhead Ojibway Nation on November 24, 2022. For RRC Polytech, these visits are just a ‘first step’, and the College intends to continue these discussions with First Nations communities and Indigenous organizations across the province in the coming months and years.

Sequels aren’t exclusive to your favorite science fiction or superhero streaming-verse – RRC Polytech is building on the success of last year’s Technovation Girls Manitoba program by adding a new chapter to the legend of local girls who can code.

The College and SkiptheDishes, Canada’s largest online food delivery network, have teamed up again to bring back the popular 12-week technology-based (STEM) program that introduces students ages 15 to 18 who identify as girls to the necessary IT coding and programming skills to emerge as tech entrepreneurs and leaders. The Technovation Girls Manitoba course is delivered online, at no cost to the participants, and challenges students to identify a need in their community then work with instructors and mentors to create an app or an AI-powered tool that offers a real-world solution.

“Opportunity in the tech sector is virtually endless yet women continue to be underrepresented. RRC Polytech is proud to host Technovation Girls Manitoba and grateful for our partners like SkiptheDishes who share our commitment to increase participation by removing barriers to education and creating more pathways for our learners to break into this important and growing industry here in Manitoba,” says Steve Lawrence, Dean of the School of Continuing Education.

“The experiential learning in this free program encourages teenage girls to explore a career in tech and accelerates their belief in becoming the leaders of tomorrow.”

Sequels strive to be bigger and better so global non-profit Technovation’s updated curriculum promises to be more interactive, more streamlined, and has additional activities to guide student teams through their projects. Favorite characters also return for new adventures and instructor Melanie Par is no exception.

“I’ve never seen myself as an underdog because I just do what I do, but I am a visible minority and a young woman in tech so I’m proud that these girls see me as a role model in addition to a trainer,” says Par, a graduate of RRC Polytech’s Business Information Technology program. “As a coder, there is no greater thrill than witnessing that transformative moment when they realize the application that they built actually does the thing they wanted it to – it’s so amazing!”          

Students also benefit from a weekly session with an industry mentor. Kassandra Swan from SkiptheDishes says volunteering as a mentor is an incredibly rewarding experience and she’s eager to see what this year’s cohort creates.

“I feel that if a program like this had been around when I was a teenager that I’d have navigated to a career that fit my strengths a bit faster,” she says. “Tech is a huge industry and the role it plays in solving social and environmental problems is instrumental. I’m happy to play a small part in inspiring the next generation of innovators.”

By working in teams, the girls also develop collaboration, problem solving, and leadership skills. They quickly progress from being initially unsure of their abilities to confidently presenting their finished products, which are also entered into a global competition. Last year a mobile app developed at RRC Polytech reached the North America semi-finals.

“The girls come up with thoughtful ideas that show no shortage of ambition, so the challenge often lies in scaling their project to focus on a single goal,” says Par. “We’re really teaching them programmatic thinking which is essential to coding and working in tech but can be just as valuable to an entrepreneur in any field – building a business or an app starts with being passionate about finding solutions.”

The online program begins January 24, 2023 and runs until April 22, 2023. The current uptake is now full with 40 girls registered and a wait list for the future is already forming so even without a spoiler alert, it’s safe to say the latest installment of Technovation Girls Manitoba at RRC Polytech is shaping up to be another blockbuster success.   

Technovation is a global tech education non-profit building a movement to reach and support 25 million girls and young women to become technology leaders and entrepreneurs in the next 15 years. 

RRC Polytech is thrilled to introduce Dr. Jolen Galaugher as its new Director of Research Partnerships and Innovation (RPI). The RPI team works tirelessly to find solutions for today’s challenges – and those of tomorrow. Driven by the needs of industry and community, RPI fuels the reputation and success of the College.

Learn more about Dr. Galaugher here.

RRC Polytech is pleased to share we have completed the competitive selection process for the Associate Dean positions. We received a strong response from our internal community and are excited to see what the successful candidates will bring to their roles.

Please join us in welcoming our new Associate Deans: 

School of Business, Information Technology & Creative Arts and Hospitality & Culinary Arts 

Tom Grant, Associate Dean, Business, Hospitality, and Culinary Arts 

Tom Grant has worked in the Manitoba college system for almost 40 years as an instructor and administrator. He joined RRC Polytech 28 years ago and has cultivated professional relationships throughout the College, as well as in government, industry, and community partners. 

In his current role as the Chair of Transportation & Heavy Apprenticeship Trades, Tom has developed important relationships within the transportation, logistic, and supply chain sectors, all of which play a critical role in supporting the apprenticeship and applied education programs in his portfolio.  

Tom holds a Bachelor of Science in Educational Technology, Summa Cum Laude. He represents RRC Polytech on numerous committees and was recently presented with the RRC Polytech’s Safety Champion Bravo Award for his dedication to creating a safe and healthy workplace. 

Tom is a compassionate leader who encourages collaboration among staff and is always looking for opportunities to learn and share knowledge with those around him. 

Karen Kabel, Associate Dean, Creative Arts & Applied Computer Education 

Karen Kabel came to RRC Polytech as an Information Security program instructor in 2018. Karen previously worked at Great West Life (now Canada Life) where she led teams that provided critical IT security services to all seven of Canada Life’s companies across Canada and throughout parts of Europe. Prior to GWL, Karen spent 15 years as an information technology security consultant. 

As Chair of Applied Computer Education, Karen has worked with her team to expand their IT program portfolio to include several new programs. In partnership with the School of Indigenous Education, Karen helped co-create a new Indigenous IT Pathway program. She led the development of three new diploma programs including Data Science and Machine Learning, IT Operations and Application Development & Delivery. 

Karen is a caring leader, focused on using teamwork to find improvements, funding opportunities and innovative ways to deliver academics to a new generation of learners.

School of Continuing Education 

Brad Peters, Associate Dean, Programming 

Brad Peters has worked in various educational roles at RRC Polytech since 2011, most recently as a Program Manager in the School of Continuing Education, managing the academic, human resource, and financial management duties of the Applied Arts and Skilled Trades portfolios.  

Throughout his time at the College, Brad has gained deep knowledge of College systems and processes across various functions, departments and Schools, building lasting relationships with amazing faculty, staff and leaders, as well as a diverse group of industry partners. 

Brad completed the Certificate of Adult Education with honours and is a strong supporter of lifelong learning. His continued learning includes additional ENABLE workshops and Project Management courses.  

In his spare time, Brad enjoys staying active by playing golf and hockey, coaching minor sports, volunteering on various boards, and most of all, spending time with his wife, three children and their three dogs at their Lester Beach cabin. 

Steve Lawrence, Associate Dean, Regional Campuses & Adult Learning Centres 

Steve Lawrence holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Manitoba, a certificate in Adult Education from RRC Polytech and a Master of Arts in Education from Central Michigan University and has recently attained his Blue Belt in Innovation Engineering. 

Steve has worked at RRC Polytech for the past 29 years. His current position is Acting Dean School of Continuing Education, and past positions include Program Manager IT and Professional Studies in the School of Continuing Education, ACE Project Space Coordinator, and Program Manager for Business and Applied Arts. 

Steve is a certified accreditor for Business Technology Management programs across Canada. He recently completed accreditation visits to Concordia and Acadia Universities. He has 14 years’ industry experience as a programmer, business analyst and requirements gathering analyst. 

On a personal level, Steve has coached and assisted in hockey, volleyball and soccer for over 15 years. He is a Level 2 NCCP nationally certified coach. 

School of Education Arts and Sciences 

Anna Janik-Kelly, Associate Dean, English Language Learning and Newcomer Initiatives 

Anna Janik-Kelly is RRC Polytech’s incoming Associate Dean of English Language Learning and Newcomer Initiatives.  

Throughout her career, Anna has been passionate about language learning. Since coming to Canada in 2007, she has been working to help newcomers to Manitoba in their settlement journey as a teacher, language assessor, researcher and manager of research. 

Outside of work, Anna enjoys time with her family, cooking, discussing world events or hiking. She also enjoys music, rollerblading, paddle boarding, reading and camping. 

Lauren Phillips, Associate Dean, Education, Global Access and Academic Advancement 

Lauren Phillips is RRC Polytech’s incoming Associate Dean of Education, Global Access and Academic Advancement. 

Lauren is passionate about adult education, active research and learning science, bringing over 10 years’ experience at the College as Chair of Math, Science, and Communication and as former manager of the Academic Success Centre and Assessment Services. Prior to joining RRC Polytech, Lauren was a program coordinator with the provincial government, an associate producer with CBC TV and Radio and a corporate communication instructor in Japan. 

Outside of work, Lauren loves reading, biking and podcasts. When pushed, she’s been known to ski and jog (very slowly) with her family and mischievous dog. 

School of Health Sciences and Community Services 

Lesley McGuirk, Associate Dean, Nursing 

Lesley McGuirk has worked at RRC Polytech since 2005, first as an instructor in the Medical Radiologic Technology (MRT) program and then as the Academic Coordinator for the MRT and MRI programs. She has been the Chair of Allied Health Sciences for the past six years.  

Lesley holds a Certificate in Adult Education, a diploma in Medical Radiologic Technology, a Bachelor of Science Degree, a Master’s in Education (Adult and Post-Secondary) and has completed the Envision Leadership Development program at RRC Polytech.  

Lesley focuses on building equity, diversity and inclusion into programming and threading Indigenous knowledge into Allied Health programming. She is the Board Secretary of the Canadian Association of Allied Health Programs, a member of the Accreditation Decision Committee and is a program surveyor for Equal Accreditation Services Canada.   

Lesley is an avid reader who enjoys cross-country skiing, time at the lake and is actively involved with her kids’ sports activities. 

Dr. Ruth Lindsey-Armstrong, Associate Dean, Health and Community Services 

Dr. Ruth Lindsey-Armstrong joined the College in 2008 as an Early Childhood Education instructor. Ruth has since taken on the roles of Academic Coordinator and Chair of Community Services. Ruth is an Early Childhood Educator III (RRC 1986), has a BA in Developmental Studies (U of W 2007), a Master of Arts & Integrated Studies, with a specialization in Adult Education (AU 2012) and has completed a Doctor of Distance Education, focusing on academic leadership (AU 2022).  

Ruth has developed a series of micro-credentials for mentorship and coaching. Ruth is also a member of the Public Policy Committee for the Manitoba Child Care Association and is a former staff representative on the RRC Polytech Board of Governors.  

In her spare time, Ruth has been studying Spanish at Université de Saint-Boniface, enjoys time at the family cottage and cooking foods from Central America and south Asian countries. 

School of Indigenous Education 

Tracy Brant, Associate Dean, School of Indigenous Education 

Tracy has worked at the College for 22 years in a variety of roles including Aboriginal Admissions Officer, Aboriginal Centre Coordinator, acting Director Aboriginal Student Support & Community Services, Access Pathway Manager and Chair Aboriginal Education and Access Programs.  

Tracy has a thorough understanding of the supports and services available for Indigenous students at the College, and she is committed to student success. Her hard work, dedication and tenacity to pursue her education goals have led her to many rewarding work opportunities over the years.  

Tracy shares great compassion and wisdom in her work to support student success.   

As a Métis woman, Tracy is very proud of her heritage and believes strongly in the value of education and mentorship.  

School of Skilled Trades and Technologies 

Guy Poirier, Associate Dean, Construction 

Guy Poirier began his career at RRC Polytech in 2009 as an Instructor in Carpentry, leading to a Coordinator role, to the Chair, Construction Trades. Guy is very proud to have helped shape RRC Polytech’s Skilled Trades and Technology Centre. 

Before RRC Polytech, Guy worked in construction for 10 years with companies such as PCL, Westland and Stuart Olson. He also had a six-year career in the aviation sector. 

Guy is a two-time RRC Polytech alumni and has a Red Seal in carpentry, Certificate in Adult Education and over 30 years of seminars, mentorship, coaching, gold seal certification and many safety courses in his toolbox. He is currently pursuing his Bachelor in Adult Education.   

Guy focuses on building positive and inclusive community cultures, championing employee engagement and leading with a strong code of values and ethics. Outside of work, he enjoys cooking, gardening, and spending time with his family camping in Riding Mountain National Park. 

Mark Blackner, Associate Dean, Transportation and Manufacturing 

Mark Blackner has worked at RRC Polytech for more than 23 years, beginning as an instructor and holding corporate trainer and coordinator positions before moving into his most current role as Chair of the Electrical, Mechanical and Manufacturing department. 

Mark leads his team with integrity and fosters an inclusive and collaborative approach to the projects and partnerships within his unit. He strives for a respectful culture where individuals are encouraged and supported to bring forward new ideas or different ways of doing things.  

Recently, his team led learners through the Conestoga welding program, which provided skills training for underrepresented Manitobans.  

Outside of work, Mark enjoys golf, riding his motorcycle and spending time with his grandchildren and family.

​RRC Polytech is pleased to share we have completed the competitive selection process for the position of Assistant to the Dean, School of Education, Arts and Sciences and the position of Assistant to the Dean, Business, Information Technology & Creative Arts and Hospitality & Culinary Arts.

Please join us in welcoming Alexandra Kroeger as the new Assistant to the Dean, School of Education, Arts and Sciences, and Tyler Parsons as the new Assistant to the Dean, Business, Information Technology & Creative Arts and Hospitality & Culinary Arts.

Alexandra Kroeger will start as the Assistant to the Dean of the School of Education, Arts, and Science (SEAS) in January. Before she joined the College in 2021 as Administrative Assistant to the Dean of SEAS, Alex worked as a curator in museums in and around Winnipeg. Since joining the College, she has also worked as the Project Coordinator for the Material Handling 4.0 micro-credential.

Throughout her career, Alex has focused on the importance of organization, documentation, and building positive relationships in an inclusive work culture.

When she’s not at work, Alex can usually be found with her nose in a book, starting yet another hobby, or eyeing seat sales for flights to Europe. She stays involved with the Heritage sector through her work as Lead Researcher at the Kroeger Clocks Heritage Foundation.

Tyler Parsons is an RRC Polytech graduate from the Hotel & Restaurant Management program. He completed the program at the top of his class in 2014 and credits the connections he made through his co-op work placement for his success in finding employment after graduation. Tyler has spent six years as an event coordinator with Assiniboine Park, helping to coordinate and execute thousands of weddings and concerts, and major events such as the Teddy Bears picnic.

Tyler joined Red River College Polytechnic as an Administrative Assistant in October for the School of Hospitality and Culinary Arts in 2020. While at the College, he has taken on an expanded role in supporting many departments within the portfolio. Tyler’s positive energy and enthusiasm are fantastic complements to his detail-oriented focus.

Tyler is excited to continue supporting faculty and staff in the Dean’s office and throughout the College. ​

The 2022 graduates of the Red River College Polytechnic Baccalaureate Nursing Program will be celebrated at a Pinning Ceremony today, December 15th, 2022 at 6:30pm at Soul Sanctuary (2050 Chervrier Blvd).

Our Pinning Ceremony has great meaning; the pins mark transition from education and preparation into the profession of Nursing, which is a challenging yet rewarding profession to be in.

We look forward to seeing you there, however for friends and those who are unable to attend in-person, we invite you to live stream the ceremony here.