Paul Charette, former CEO of Bird Construction and Red River College alumnus, and his wife Gerri have donated $1 million towards the establishment of a research chair for the School of Construction Engineering Technology (SCET) at Red River College.

The Province has agreed to provide matching funds to create the new chair position, entitled the Paul Charette – Manitoba Applied Research Chair in Sustainable Construction.

“We are humbled by Paul and Gerri’s generous commitment and very pleased that the Province has responded with matching funds,” said David Rew, Interim President and CEO of Red River College. “It’s an excellent show of confidence in our School of Construction Engineering and Technology and our nationally recognized applied research program.”

This position will support student learning while helping the construction community develop innovative processes, technologies, and applications to reduce costs, boost productivity, and create more sustainable infrastructure; the Chair will also lead SCET’s research program.

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Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) brings its annual conference to Manitoba this year with the help of four local colleges. Assiniboine Community College, l’École technique et professionnelle de l’Université de Saint-Boniface, Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology and Red River College will host this important national event from May 24 to 26.

Over 600 leaders from the technical education sector are expected to take part in this year’s conference that will look at how colleges and institutes lead change through innovative practices and approaches in teaching and learning, applied research and engagement with business.

CICan’s 2015 Conference will be held at Winnipeg’s RBC Convention Centre, with a reception at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. It will feature several prominent keynote speakers, including Comedian Rick Mercer, National Chief Perry Bellegarde of the Assembly of First Nations and entrepreneur David Chilton, better known as the Wealthy Barber.

Several pre-conference activities will be held, including a symposium on rural education and partnerships hosted by Brandon’s Assiniboine Community College, a workshop on mentorship, an international forum that looks at ways colleges and institutes can support immigrant integration and a symposium on learning technologies hosted by Algonquin College.

For more information about the program, visit http://www.collegesinstitutes.ca/conference/

Colleges and Institutes Canada is the national and international voice of Canada’s publicly supported colleges, institutes and polytechnics. The association works with industry and social sectors to train 1.5 million learners of all ages and backgrounds at campuses serving over 3,000 urban, rural and remote communities in Canada. CICan operates in 29 countries via 12 offices around the world.

This week, Red River College will have an Italian flair as two well-known childcare specialists, Filippini Tizianna and Laura Rubizzi, participate in a 6-day conference aimed at teaching the value of the Reggio Emilia philosophy and the importance of pedagogical research in early-childhood development.

Reggio Emilia is a worldwide program that is based on the principles that children are capable and competent and they should have some control over the direction of their learning. Developed in Italy following the Second World War, Reggio Emilia is quickly making headway in many Canadian public schools and daycares as it transforms cultural assumptions about children and their intellectual abilities. Read More →

Red River College (RRC) has been awarded $1.75 million over 5 years from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) to establish the Centre for Building Envelope Performance (CBEP) at their Notre Dame Campus in Winnipeg.

CBEP is expected to significantly increase access to the College’s facilities, equipment, and expertise for Manitoba’s building industry, especially small- and medium-sized enterprises whose products and services directly impact a building’s envelope.

The envelope can significantly impact a building’s overall construction and maintenance costs, durability, appearance, occupant comfort and health, and energy performance.

“This grant will provide a meaningful enhancement to our ability to serve Manitoba’s construction sector with advanced graduates and professional training, as well as fostering innovation in a critical component of building design and construction,” said David Rew, Interim President and CEO of Red River College.

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This week Red River College (RRC) will launch its spring 2015 advertising campaign to celebrate the success of alumni and the diverse, innovative organizations that hire them. 

“Red River College alumni are known throughout Manitoba and the world for possessing the necessary skills to be V.I.P.’s in their chosen fields,” said David Rew, Interim President & CEO, Red River College. “It’s just one of the many reasons RRC Grads Get Hired, and this spring we’re celebrating the role our alumni play in driving Manitoba’s economy and how they are leaders in their careers and their workplaces.”

As part of 2015’s spring campaign, Red River College invited organizations to participate in a creative, co-operative advertising campaign. The cost-sharing model provided an opportunity for industry partners to promote their brand and to celebrate an RRC grad, a V.I.P., within their organization. 

“This is an excellent opportunity to partner with Red River College and recognize a valued member on our executive team,” said Paul Soubry, President & CEO, New Flyer Industries Inc. “Red River College develops skilled grads that are driving Manitoba’s economy and New Flyer is pleased to provide meaningful employment in our community.”

Appearing this spring in Winnipeg and rural Manitoba, the 2015 billboard campaign features more than 40 members from RRC’s alumni community. Visit  http://blogs.rrc.ca/marketing/2015/03/rrc-grads-get-hired-billboards/ for a look at some of what you can expect to see over the next couple of months.

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Red River College is proud to be named one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers for 2015. This prestigious recognition highlights employers that stand out through their efforts to create diverse, inclusive workplaces.

This is the first time Red River College has been recognized with this distinction. Canada’s Best Diversity Employers for 2015 was announced today with 65 organizations leading the nation in creating inclusive workplace cultures.

“At Red River College we strive to ensure that equity and diversity are embedded in the College’s practices and that it is demonstrated in the classroom, and throughout the workplace,” said David Rew, Interim President & CEO, Red River College. “Equity and inclusion are an integral part of our values that allows Red River to create a welcoming and inclusive environment. I know I speak for the entire organization when I say how honoured we are to have Red River College recognized with this distinction.”

As part of Red River College’s submission many areas were highlighted as initiatives that support an inclusive and open environment at Red River, they include the College’s LGBTT* Initiative, Mental Health First Aid, along with many wellness and staff award and recognition programming to support staff success and well-being.

“Red River College has always been proactive in their efforts to support its employees and today’s award is ongoing recognition of the work we are doing,” said Lori Grandmont, Acting Vice-President, Human Resources and Sustainability, Red River College. “I want to congratulate our staff for their work on these initiatives and for their input into continually finding new and innovative ways to strengthen our workplace.

Red River College would also like to congratulate other Manitoba organizations recognized with this award – The Government of Manitoba, Manitoba Hydro, Manitoba Public Insurance, Cargill Ltd., and Boeing Canada Operations Ltd.

Red River College has nine campuses and annual enrolments of more than 30,000 in full-and part-time degree, diploma and certificate programs. Through award-winning instruction and training on state-of-the-art equipment, RRC prepares its students to become leaders in their fields, while partnering with industry to conduct research and ensure curriculum remains up-to-date.

Red River College is giving Manitoba electric vehicle (EV) owners a boost with its recently installed and operational Level 3 (30KW DC) quick charging station, the first of its kind in the province and one of about two dozen across Canada.

Drivers of Level 3 compliant EVs, including Nissan Leafs, Mitsubishi i-MiEVs, and Teslas, can now drop by the College’s Notre Dame Campus to charge up while contributing to research on the charger’s performance in Manitoba’s climate.

“With the installation of this new charger, we continue to play a leading role in Manitoba’s green transportation future,” said David Rew, RRC interim president and CEO. “This rapid charging station is another key element in our Mobility from Green Energy Initiative and a logical next step in our vehicle technology research program.”

Level 3 stations can charge an EV to at least an 80 percent charge in 15 to 30 minutes; this is compared to a 220/240V Level 2 charger, which can take 4 to 6 hours to get to full charge, or an 110/120V Level 1 charger (like those found around your house), which can take about 24 hours.

“There are currently no other rapid charging stations of this level in a climate as diverse as Winnipeg’s,” said Ray Hoemsen, director of Applied Research & Commercialization at Red River College. “The effect on both the Lithium ion battery and vehicle performance when utilizing rapid charging in extreme winter weather is still unknown.”

The new charging station will be handy for compliant EV owners – especially those traveling from out of town – who need a quick boost to make it to their next destination.

“EV owners who live more than an hour’s drive from Winnipeg will now be able to use their EVs to commute to the city,” said Robert Elms, president of the Manitoba Electric Vehicle Association. “This is a major step forward in the establishment of EV charging infrastructure in Manitoba.”

Red River College is sharing the charging station with whoever is able to use it, so long as they register and agree to participate in its study when called upon.

Funding for the charger was provided by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada; it will be used as part of the College’s ongoing EV research, testing, and demonstration projects at its Electric Vehicle Technology & Education Centre (EVTEC).

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Download a copy of the backgrounder here.

Download our fact sheet on EVTEC here.

WINNIPEG, MB – Following a comprehensive search, Red River College Interim President and CEO, David Rew is pleased to announce Debbie Frankel will join the College in the role of Vice-President, Finance & Administration commencing May 19, 2015.

Ms. Frankel is a Certified General Accountant and joins RRC from the Misericordia Health Centre where she held the position of Chief Financial Officer for the past three years. Ms. Frankel managed a large operating budget with a diverse area of responsibility that included: finance, supply chain management, food services, plant services, security and parking and project coordination.

Ms. Frankel has an extensive financial background serving in Manitoba’s healthcare industry. Her roles have included, Administrative Director, Director of Finance and Chief Administrative Officer at the Grace Hospital, as well as serving as the Director of Finance for CancerCare Manitoba.

At Red River College, she will serve as Vice-President Finance & Administration as well as Treasurer for the Board of Governors. In her role, she will oversee all aspects of the current Finance and Administration portfolio.

“We are pleased to welcome Ms. Frankel to Red River College’s executive team,” said David Rew, Interim President & CEO, Red River College. “Her skills and experience will be a tremendous asset to our organization. She brings the necessary expertise and leadership to the College in the areas of finance and administration and we are pleased to welcome such an accomplished and qualified individual to our team.”

Red River College would like to acknowledge Interim Vice-President of Finance and Administration, Maura Leahy for her leadership of the finance division while the College carried out its executive search.

WINNIPEG, MB – 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. 18 (12-3 p.m.; 5-8 p.m.) and Wednesday, Feb. 19 (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.

At RRC’s Notre Dame campus, attendees can peruse displays and kiosks representing more than 200 full- and part-time programs. Scheduled tours of the Notre Dame, Exchange District and Stevenson Campuses will also take place throughout the duration of the event, with complimentary shuttle services available to transport students from location to location.

“We’re again offering specialized tours to better suit students’ individual needs,” says Clint Thiessen, a Student Recruitment Officer at RRC. “Students can choose from several different tours that focus on such areas as Health Sciences, Trades and Technology, and our Culinary and Hospitality programs’ new Paterson GlobalFoods Institute, as well as our new student residence, to name a few.”

Open House is aimed not just at potential students, but also parents, teachers and guidance counselors, all of whom are invited to seek the resources they need to make informed decisions about post-secondary and career paths.

“Whether you’re taking one class, or pursuing a certificate, diploma or degree, it’s definitely worth your time to check out the options at Red River College, and Open House is the perfect time to do that,” says Student Recruitment Officer Jennifer Powell.

“Not only will you have the opportunity to gather information about RRC programs, you’ll also get a taste for the vibrant, active and culturally diverse student life that awaits students on our campuses.”

To learn more about this year’s event, visit www.rrc.ca/openhouse.

For Immediate Release: February 13, 2015

WINNIPEG, MB – Red River College (RRC) will soon begin providing hope and educational opportunities to student refugees in Winnipeg, thanks to a new humanitarian aid initiative launched in partnership with World University Services of Canada (WUSC).

The College’s newly announced Student Refugee Program will allow the RRC community to support one passionate and dedicated student per year, as they arrive in Canada as permanent residents to pursue post-secondary education.

Each year in Canada, similar Student Refugee Programs allow more than 55 student refugees to enter the country and begin their studies.

The program’s success is ensured by WUSC, whose members facilitate the overseas selection of the student refugees, place them at Canadian universities and colleges, and provide training and guidance to local WUSC committees. A campus-based Local committee, whose members raise any necessary funds ahead of time, and provide students with at least 12 months of financial, social and academic support, sponsors each refugee.

“In addition to the compelling nature of the program on humanitarian grounds alone, the Student Refugee Program (SRP) is an extremely valuable way of promoting peace and social justice, facilitating learning and understanding, and establishing on-campus opportunities for all staff and students to become involved through volunteerism,” says Lauren Konrad, Student Integration Coordinator with RRC’s Diversity and Intercultural Services office.

The College’s first student refugee will arrive in Canada in August 2015. The student will be enrolled in RRC’s Applied Accounting program, and will live on-campus at the College’s student residence downtown.

Currently, WUSC recognizes RRC as a leader among Canadian colleges, on account of the model used to implement the program on campus, and develop long-term sustainability.

The College’s SRP Local Committee includes representation from various students, staff and faculty from a number of student services and program area. The Committee receives advisory support from Benigne Aaron (a former SRP student at Université de Saint-Boniface) and Albert El Tassi, who immigrated to Winnipeg from Lebanon in 1969, began working in the shipping department at Peerless Garments, and later rose through the ranks to become president and CEO of the company. Mr. El Tassi is a generous donor and supporter of the program.

Click here for more information on WUSC’s Student Refugee Program.

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