WINNIPEG, MB – Tonight, A long-time community leader will be recognized with the College’s highest academic honour for the lasting impact she’s had on the lives of children and families.

Eleanor Thompson, Director of Development at Urban Circle Training Centre, will receive RRC’s 2016 Honorary Diploma in Community Development/Community Economic Development.

As co-founder of Urban Circle, Thompson has worked tirelessly for nearly 30 years to provide accessible, culturally appropriate education and training to Indigenous people in Winnipeg. Thompson is a strong advocate for programs that are grounded in Indigenous culture, and that lead to employment in stable sectors with potential for growth. As such, Urban Circle partners with RRC on certificate programs in heath care, family support and early childhood education — many of which lead to advanced studies in social work and education.

Recently, Thompson served as one of the driving forces behind the development of the Makoonsag Intergenerational Centre on Selkirk Avenue, a 52-space early learning facility for the children of Urban Circle students. She’s also a member of the Premier’s Advisory Council on Education, Poverty and Citizenship.

“She has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to providing culturally relevant and respectful educational opportunities to empower the social and economic development of her community,” says RRC’s Dr. Christine Watson, interim Vice-President, Academic and Research. “Her belief in the transformative power of education truly reflects the mandate and values of Red River College.”

The College’s Honorary Degrees and Diplomas recognize individuals who’ve demonstrated high standards of excellence in their personal and professional achievements, and whose local, national and international accomplishments qualify them for such a recognition.

Recent recipients include Dave Angus and Ace Burpee (2015), and Larry Vickar and Lisa Meeches (2014).

Thompson will receive her diploma at convocation ceremonies taking place this evening, at 7:00pm at the Centennial Concert Hall.

Red River College’s Spring Convocation takes place from Tuesday, June 7 to Wednesday, June 8^th, 2016 at the Centennial Concert Hall. Times are below:

Tuesday, June 7, 2016 – 7:00pm

• School of Business and Applied Arts
• School of Continuing Education

Wednesday, June 8, 2016 – 1:00pm

• School of Business and Applied Arts
• School of Health Sciences and Community Services

Wednesday, June 8, 2016 – 7:00pm

• Centre for Teaching Excellence, Innovation and Research
• School of Construction Engineering and Technologies
• School of Hospitality and Culinary Arts
• School of Health Sciences and Community Services
• School of Indigenous Education
• School of Transportation, Aviation and Manufacturing

To learn more about RRC’s convocation ceremonies visit: www.rrc.ca/convocation

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For immediate release: June 1, 2016

WINNIPEG, MB – In light of the tragic events that occurred on Sunday, May 29, 2016 resulting in the assault of an RRC student and a worker at the Behavioural Health Foundation in Selkirk, Manitoba, Red River College is hiring an external investigator to launch an investigation into all circumstances surrounding the incident.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Jackie and her family, and the worker who was with her, during this very challenging time,” said Paul Vogt, president and ceo, Red River College. “Our primary focus is on Jackie’s recovery and the support we are able to provide to her, both during and after her recovery.”

The investigation will look at the circumstances surrounding Sunday’s attack. The investigation will determine whether the employer was meeting the terms of the agreement that RRC had in place, whether sufficient security and training was provided to the student while on her work placement, and whether the facility met the required standards and expectations that RRC has with our practicum sites.

The investigation will also determine whether the College is at fault in any way, or if any policies or procedures need to be changed.

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For the sixth year in a row, Red River College is one of Canada’s Greenest Employers. This award acknowledges RRC’s environmentally friendly policies and programs that effectively engage staff in their sustainability efforts.

“Red River College continues to be a champion of sustainability in Manitoba, and I congratulate Sara MacArthur, and the members of our sustainability team for their efforts in continuing to cultivate a culture of sustainability at Red River College,” said Paul Vogt, President & CEO, Red River College. “We’re honoured to continue to receive this recognition for the past six years. This is something every member of our College community takes pride in.”

“There’s a real culture of sustainability at Red River College,” says Manager of Sustainability Sara MacArthur. “Our staff do more than just ‘know’ about sustainability — they also embrace the values of sustainability in their day-to-day actions.”

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Red River College is proud to be named one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers for 2016. This prestigious recognition highlights employers that stand out through their efforts to create diverse, inclusive workplaces.

This is the second time Red River College has been recognized with this distinction, having been recognized last year for the first time. Red River College is the only post-secondary institution in Manitoba, to-date that has received this designation.

“At Red River College we strive to ensure equity and diversity are embedded in College practices and demonstrated throughout the institution,” said Paul Vogt, President & CEO, Red River College. “Equity and inclusion form part of our blueprint and enable Red River to create a welcoming and open environment. I know I speak for the entire College community when I say how honored we are to be recognized with this distinction for the second year in a row.”

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A research partnership between Red River College (RRC) and Manitoba Hydro that focuses on sustainable building infrastructure and transportation will receive Canada’s top honour today from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) at a ceremony held at the Governor General of Canada’s residence in Ottawa.

NSERC’s Synergy Award for Innovation recognizes outstanding research and development partnerships between Canadian colleges and industry partners in the natural sciences and engineering. Only one Canadian college receives the award each year.

“This award is the highest level of validation a college can receive for the impact and lasting benefits of its research partnerships efforts,” said Paul Vogt, president and CEO of Red River College. “Our partnerships with industry stakeholders like Manitoba Hydro are critical to our mandate for supporting innovation in Manitoba and providing our graduates with the skills that industry requires.”

The partners have now spent more than a decade conducting applied research in sustainable building infrastructure and transportation, and there is plenty to show for it.

Two major projects associated with the collaborative research by Red River College and Manitoba Hydro include the award-winning Manitoba Hydro Place, which has added an iconic image to energy efficiency on Winnipeg’s skyline, and the development of a zero-emissions electric battery transit bus.

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Red River College opens its doors this week to more than 2,500 prospective students from throughout Manitoba, as part of annual Open House events aimed at showcasing the best the College has to offer.

On Tuesday, Feb. 16 (11am-2 p.m.; 5-8 p.m.) and Wednesday, Feb. 17 (9 a.m.-2 p.m.), attendees can learn about the wide variety of programs and services available at RRC by touring the Winnipeg campuses, meeting with staff and instructors, and taking part in information sessions, career exploration showcases and other interactive events.

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Red River College is proud to once again be recognized for creating a supportive, dynamic, and engaging work environment for more than 2,300 employees who have made their career at one of Manitoba’s largest post-secondary institutions.

“When you think of growing Manitoba’s economy and driving innovation, Red River College plays a central role in moving our province forward,” said Paul Vogt, president & CEO, Red River College. “Our employees are passionate and dedicated in making a difference in the lives of our students, and we strive to make Red River College an attractive place to work and have a fulfilling career.”

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Red River College (RRC) has been recognized as Canada’s top large research college in partnership growth for 2014, as well as 8th overall by Research Infosource in their annual Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges 2015 list.

The College has placed in the top 10 overall every year since Research Infosource first published its Top 50 list in 2013.

“Applied Research & Commercialization at the College continues to create and deliver more applied research and innovation resources for our partners and the communities we serve,” said Paul Vogt, president and CEO of Red River College. “Next to workforce-ready graduates, applied research offerings are key to our business community. It has led to many innovations in products, production methods and services delivered by Manitoba enterprises.”

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The keys to a twin- turboprop airliner with a pressurized fuselage were handed over to RRC President & CEO, Paul Vogt at a special ceremony held today to celebrate the history of Swanberg Air and their generous contribution to the staff and students at Red River College’s Stevenson Aviation.

The British Aerospace Model Jetstream 31, along with associated equipment, manuals and training aids, valued at $1M dollars was donated by the Swanberg family of Grande Prairie & Fort St. John, in memory of Sylvan and Dorothy Swanberg.

“There is an increasing demand in the aviation industry for highly skilled graduates and with Manitoba being home to the third largest aerospace sector in Canada, this working aircraft will enhance training opportunities,” said Paul Vogt, president & CEO, Red River College. “We are grateful to the Swanberg family for their impactful donation that allows students to train on state-of-the-art equipment and become leaders in their field.”

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Red River College of Applied Arts, Science and Technology has been recognized for excellence in building management by being awarded the 2015 Earth Award at the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) national conference BOMEX 2015 in Quebec.

The College’s Heavy Equipment Transportation Centre (HETC) received an Earth Award in the Industrial Office Building category.

“We have an excellent Facility Management team and this award further demonstrates our hard work and dedication to sustainability. I wish to congratulate the team for their tireless efforts,” said Tom Skraba, director, Facility Management, Red River College.

The Earth Award recognizes excellence in resource preservation and environmentally sound commercial building management. During the selection process, BOMA evaluated the building’s ability to reduce overall environmental risk, provide good indoor air quality, practice green cleaning, recycling, and energy conservation.

Red River College’s Heavy Equipment Transportation Centre is one of the largest industrial training facilities in Manitoba, and is one of the province’s most environmentally friendly buildings.

This 60,000 square foot facility was one of the first education centers in Manitoba to receive a BOMA BESt Platinum certification, a Silver LEED® certification from the Canada Green Building Council, and has many sustainable features uncommon for a large industrial building:

• Geothermal heating and cooling – A groundwater loop system provides partial heating and cooling of the facility.
• Natural heating – SolarWall systems collect the sun’s energy to preheat outdoor air before it ventilates classrooms.
• Daylight views – More than 90% of regularly occupied spaces have direct views of the outdoors.
• Native vegetation – Plants surrounding the building require little maintenance, are drought resistant, and help control storm water runoff.
• Recycled and regional content – More than 25% of building materials have recycled content, and 35% of materials are from Manitoba, Saskatchewan or North Dakota

Earlier this year, BOMA Manitoba presented a pair of Earth Awards to Red River College’s Exchange District Campus’s Roblin Centre and Heavy Equipment Transportation Centre.

Last year, RRC’s Paterson GlobalFoods Institute (PGI) was recognized in the Multi-Use Building category. The Roblin Centre, HETC and PGI are all included on BOMA’s BESt (Building Environmental Standards) Certified Buildings list.

Shown above: Randal Froebelius, Chair BOMA Canada, Tom Skraba, Director Facility Management, Red River College, Alex Flemming, President, Demand Side Energy Consultants Inc. , Dave Wozny, Technical Officer, RRC, Darryl Oshanyk, Financial Assistant, Red River College, Murray Hiebert, Maintenance Manager, RRC, Benjamin Shinewald, President & CEO, BOMA Canada