Winnipeg, MB – Calling all rainbow gamers interested in learning game development and new skills with Red River College (RRC) and New Media Manitoba’s (NMM) Queer Coded youth summer camp – the first-of-its-kind to be offered by the two organizations. The camp will be taught by 2SLGBTQIA industry professionals and allies in a safe and supportive environment, with the goal to open more doors for interested youth and diversify this growing industry in Manitoba.

“With the expansion project of our Exchange District Campus opening this fall, and the exponential growth of the digital and tech sectors in Manitoba, we know the demand for diverse and skilled grads in areas like game development, interaction design and development, and film production will continue,” said Dr. Christine Watson, VP Academic and Research, Red River College. “Red River College is committed to fostering an environment where all individuals are and feel welcomed, respected, safe and supported in their ideas, perspectives and participation. We are proud to offer a series of camps and provide opportunities to open our doors – virtually – to invite future students on campus and expose them to these growing industries in a fun, safe and inclusive way.”

Youth with a passion or talent for drawing, writing, animation, music or programming are all welcome to this virtual youth camp that will give participants an opportunity to meet and work with peers, create art, and tell interactive stories in their own way.

The camp will be offered virtually over two weeks. The first week of the camp will focus on character design, what works and what doesn’t work (exploring favourite games and genres), storytelling, and creating sprites and backgrounds. In the second week participants will learn about implementing characters and backgrounds into a story with mechanics using a game engine, creating narrative games and/or visual novels, and using a visual game creator.

“New Media Manitoba has a long history of partnership and collaboration with Red River College, and we are happy to see that continue with Queer Coded – our first video game camp for 2SLGBTQIA youth,” said Jonathan Phu Son Lê, Training Manager, New Media Manitoba. “This camp came from a shared goal to create a safe and inclusive space for students to learn about game development. In addition, both organizations are committed to fostering a greater diversity of voices to create stories and experiences that better reflect who we are as a community. Our sincere hope is that this camp could be that important first step for students in discovering the exciting possibilities of this medium.”

The camp will be taught by professional Illustrator and Art Teacher, Alice RL, a non-binary, transgender, Ojibawe artist who draws inspiration from their experiences and cultural teachings. A graduate of the University of Manitoba’s Fine Arts Program and Red River College’s Digital Media Design program, Alice’s range of projects includes game and comic book art, digital and traditional illustration, and graphic design.

“As a member of the 2SLGBTQIA community I always share a variety of materials to capture a range of perspectives to ensure my students all feel safe and included in the content I am sharing,” said Alice RL, instructor for the camp. “It’s very important for people to see themselves in whatever information or medium is being presented – from kindergarten, right through to high-school and post-secondary, it’s imperative that people from diverse backgrounds are reflected in the success stories we are sharing, and this camp provides a unique and safe opportunity for youth to explore art, technology and their creativity.”

No previous game development experience is required. Participants are encouraged to come with an open mind and desire to learn, to see what a powerful creative medium video game development can be.

The camp will begin next week, Monday, July 19, 2021 – Friday, July 30, 2021 and the cost to participate is $49. With the goal to make this camp as accessible as possible, participants are encouraged to mention if cost is a barrier when registering so that the College can work with you to find a solution.

Learn more about this camp and the other camps Red River College has to offer, and to register, click here.

Winnipeg, MB – Red River College Library Services’ Warm Up Week is one of five projects to receive the 2021 American Library Association (ALA) Presidential Citation for Innovative International Library Projects.

Warm Up Week was developed by RRC Library Services, in partnership with the Academic Success Centre and College stakeholders, to provide support and mental health services for RRC students. The event was conceived to address the many challenges the pandemic has posed on post-secondary institutions, including students’ experiences adapting to changes in course delivery, staying connected with their peers and instructors, and obtaining mental health and academic supports from home.

For 500 RRC students, the winter semester was delayed by one week to hold the first-ever Warm Up Week, January 4 to 8, 2021. The week-long event gave faculty time to pivot to online program delivery and provided students with a supportive online environment to develop co-curricular and academic skills, helping ensure their success heading into the winter semester.

“To address challenges the pandemic has added to students’ academic experience, the College continues to develop innovative solutions to support our students,” says Arnold Boldt, Executive Director, Academic. “Warm Up Week is an important initiative that addresses mental health concerns while also boosting students’ confidence and preparedness in their educational journeys.”

The event consisted of seminars, workshops, help desks, and self-guided learning opportunities. Some of the Warm Up sessions included: Technology Skills for Online Success, Online Learning Strategies, and Intercultural Competence. Partnerships with the School of Indigenous Education, Mental Health & Wellness, Centre for International Education and Global Partnerships, Employment Services, and the RRC Student Association gave students access to additional supports such as Indigenous Elder drop-ins, resume writing workshops, mindfulness sessions, and more.

“Along with the pressures of starting a new semester, the pandemic can amplify feelings of anxiety and uncertainty for students, who have had to adapt to new ways of learning and connecting with their instructors and peers,” says Kerry Macdonald, Director, Academic and Library Services. “While this initiative was born out of a need during the pandemic, due to its immense success, we hope to make Warm Up Week an annual event engaging all incoming RRC students.”

Warm Up Week was targeted for the 500 students with a delayed semester start; However, all RRC students were encouraged to participate, and many attended in addition to their regular classes. Post-event, 95% of student survey participants said they “feel more confident they will be successful in their program” and “feel more prepared to meet the demands of their program.”

Award recipients will be acknowledged at the virtual ALA Annual Conference & Exhibition, June 23-29. Additionally, RRC’s Warm Up Week will be featured in the American Libraries magazine alongside other ALA Presidential Citations winners.

Campbell’s contributions to College and community recognized with Indigenous Social Enterprise Diploma

Winnipeg, MB – Elder Mae Louise Campbell is a healer, teacher, grandmother and social advocate who has made it her life’s work to support and strengthen Indigenous women – both individually and collectively. Today, Red River College is proud to recognize her contributions to the community by awarding the Honorary Diploma in Indigenous Social Enterprise with a focus on Community Development and Social Innovation to Elder Mae Louise Campbell.

“In an organization as large as Red River College, it’s special to find someone who is known, respected, and beloved by an entire community, and Elder Mae Louise is all of those things to so many. During her 14 years with the College, she was invited by all 110 academic program areas to conduct and lead countless workshops, ceremonies and teachings.  She is known and celebrated for her stories that underscore the importance of harmony, respect, and resilience,” said Fred Meier, President and CEO of Red River College.

“Elder Mae Louise Campbell’s leadership has left an indelible mark on Red River College and the province of Manitoba, and we are pleased to award her with the Honorary Diploma in Indigenous Social Enterprise and recognize her important contributions.”

Elder Mae Louise Campbell’s knowledge and experience has been embraced by many. Her life lessons and unique ability to educate and share knowledge around Indigenous worldviews creating dialogue outside of textbooks has been imperative to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous members of the community.

She has been an instrumental figure supporting many initiatives and committees both nationally and across Manitoba including: Grandmother Moon Lodge, Clan Mothers Healing Village and Knowledge Centre, Mayor Bowman’s Indigenous Advisory Circle,  Wisdom Keeper on the Grandmother Council of Manitoba, First Nations Advisory Committee to Canada’s Prenatal Nutritional Program, the Canadian Women’s Foundation on matters concerning the sexual exploitation and human trafficking of women and girls, and was the recipient of the 2016 Indspire Award in the category of Culture, Heritage and Spirituality.

The College announced and presented Elder Mae Louise Campbell with the Honorary Diploma yesterday at the first ever Fall Virtual Convocation ceremony, where over 900 graduates from every campus across Manitoba celebrated this milestone achievement.

“I am very humbled to receive this gift presented to me by Red River College. My time at the College has been exciting and I am proud of the way we have moved ahead to advance Indigenous education, and stressed the importance of having Elders on board and part of the College community,” said Elder Mae Louise Campbell.

“I often think about those of us who are instructors, teachers and knowledge sharers, and I think it’s so important for us to learn from one another and from our students – this is how we gain wisdom. I respect and honour Red River College’s commitment to further Indigenize the College, and I encourage all of us educators to continue to keep our minds open to new ways of learning – especially in these challenging times.”

You can watch Virtual Convocation here.

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About the Honorary Diploma:

Red River College awards an Honorary Degree or Diploma to an individual who demonstrates high standards of excellence in their personal and professional achievements, and whose involvement in the community is widely recognized.

Winnipeg, MB – Today, the Red River College community will come together – virtually – to celebrate over 900 graduates from every school and campus across the province for the first ever fall Virtual Convocation ceremony.

“This has been a year like no other. It has forced the College to teach and learn differently, and it has pushed us to work harder, to try new things and embrace change in a way that we have never had to embrace it before,” said Fred Meier, RRC President and CEO.

“This is simply the RRC way. We’re agile, we’re adaptable and in unprecedented times, we turn to unprecedented solutions: to innovation, creativity and cutting-edge technology that allow us to keep going. We are proud to celebrate over 900 graduates who persevered to get here today, and who will enter the workforce with skills and training that industry needs now more than ever. This is an exciting time to begin your career and build on the momentum that Manitoba needs to move forward.”

This is Red River College’s first-ever Convocation Ceremony to take place in the fall, and the virtual event will feature messages from speakers across the College and province, including:

• Fred Meier, RRC President and CEO;
• Christine Watson, VP Academic;
• Loren Cisyk, Chair of Red River College Board of Governors;
• The Honourable Ralph Eichler, Minister of Economic Development and Training;
• Yash Chopra, President, RRC Students’ Association;
• Deans, Chairs, Coordinators and Instructors from across the College;
• Elder Mae Louise Campbell, Honorary Diploma recipient; and
• Natalie Bell, Alumni, Class of 2004
• Michelle Queau, Alumni, Class of 2019

“Convocation is an important milestone for our students, and an exciting moment for the College community to come together and celebrate with friends, family and peers. It takes a lot of time and energy to acquire a credential, and while we can’t be together in person, we are thrilled channel this excitement and energy as we celebrate the hard work of our 900 graduates and award winners online for our first ever fall Convocation,” said Dr. Christine Watson, VP Academic.

Graduates are encouraged to take photos in your cap, tassel and wear your alumni pin proudly.  Please share photos on social media by tagging Red River College (@redrivercollege) and using the hashtag RRC Alumni (#rrcalumni).

RRC’s fall Virtual Convocation Ceremony will stream on Facebook Live today, Tuesday, November 17 at 1:00pm. For a full list of graduates, award winners, and to stream the ceremony please visit rrc.ca/convocation.

Red River College is now one of the fastest growing research colleges in Canada thanks to two new grants totaling $300,000 awarded by Mitacs earlier last month.

“Red River College is proud to be a leading Canadian institution in applied research,” said Fred Meier, RRC President and CEO. “We continue to expand our research efforts into new and emerging areas of technology – such as AI and machine learning – and through collaboration with businesses across Manitoba and our ACE Project Space.”

“These partnerships with Mitacs help support more opportunities for our students to use their hands on training and skills to think creatively for their clients, to problem solve and implement innovative solutions, and drive industry forward.”

Mitacs fosters growth and innovation opportunities for companies and communities, while supporting applied learning for students across all industry sectors and academic disciplines – making Canadian colleges and polytechnics a natural fit their support.

Red River College is now one of the fastest growing colleges for Mitacs in Canada, and these two initiatives alone will engage 17 RRC student interns in innovative industry research.

The first Mitacs grant – one of the largest – awarded to any college in Canada – is an $180,000 partnership with RRC and IT operations optimization startup, Optimiz. With the support of Mitacs, 12 students from the Business Information Technology (BIT) program will use Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning explore new approaches and technology applications to monitor the health of IT systems. This important work will allow for quicker and more effective implementations of AIOps systems, and will result in cost savings to Canadian businesses.

“In today’s ever-changing world, many businesses must quickly adapt to our new norm and over the last six months, digital accessibility has quickly become an essential need in order for them to effectively sustain their business offering,” said Tom McIlwham, Chief Strategy Officer, Optimiz.

“We identified Red River College as an excellent source of enthusiastic and highly qualified students to help us build out our solution for AIOps monitoring and management needs, and Mitacs has provided guidance and expertise to assist us through the funding process. We are very pleased to be collaborating with Mitacs and RRC on this exciting initiative, and we truly appreciate the opportunity to make this win-win-win scenario a reality.”

The second is a $120K joint partnership with RRC, the University of Manitoba (UM) and the Arctic Research Foundation (ARF). With support from the Mitacs Accelerate internship, five students from RRC’s Applied Computer Education (ACE) Department will use their skills to gather data from the Canadian Arctic to create a user-friendly, free, centralized database that will serve governments, universities, Indigenous communities and researchers from around the world, for the first time.

“RRC’s ACE Project space has established itself as a key player in Winnipeg’s start-up community, and with their cross institutional research relationships with the University of Manitoba and others, non-academic partners can receive end-to-end support for their product development with funding from Mitacs,” said Brent Wennekes, Director, Business Development, Mitacs Canada.

“Red River College has been a trailblazer for applied research at the college level and remains a national leader. Mitacs is so pleased to be able to support their researchers, students, and community partners with our Accelerate program.”

Manitoba has been the fastest growing province for Mitacs over the last two years, with over 420 internship units applied for last year alone, equaling over $6 million in research awards to Manitoba institutions.

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About RRC:

RRC is Manitoba’s largest institute of applied learning and research, with more than 200 full- and part-time degree, diploma and certificate options. Through hands-on and online learning opportunities and state-of-the-art instruction, we prepare our students to become leaders in their fields — while also ensuring they can meet changing industry demands, and contribute to the province’s economic growth. For more information visit rrc.ca.

About Mitacs:

Mitacs is a not-for-profit organization that fosters growth and innovation in Canada by solving business challenges with research solutions from academic institutions. Mitacs is funded by the Government of Canada along with the Government of Alberta, the Government of British Columbia, Research Manitoba, the Government of New Brunswick, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Government of Nova Scotia, the Government of Ontario, Innovation PEI, the Government of Quebec, the Government of Saskatchewan, and the Government of Yukon.

To all Red River College students and staff,

June is a milestone month at the College. It is typically the end of the school year, the start of summer and graduation for many of our students. It is also a time when we celebrate Pride, where the world’s LGBTQ2+ communities come together in strength, struggle and accomplishment.

June is very different this year – for all of us at RRC and beyond. The immense upheaval caused by COVID-19 means Pride celebrations, like the Winnipeg Pride Parade, have been postponed until the fall.

But while we may not be able to march together, it is important we mark the occasion.

In these turbulent times, I’m going to take a moment to remember that Pride’s history is rooted in protest and the fight for fairness, change and social justice. I am forever grateful for this legacy, for the determination, courage and achievements of those who came before us and fought for our equality and human rights.

What is happening south of our border – and within our own country – is a different fight for equality. Against this backdrop, Pride reminds us how important it is to stand up for diversity, inclusion and equality – and in solidarity against prejudice, intolerance and injustice.

It isn’t about saying that each struggle for change is the same. They are not. The experiences of black people are their own. As such, this means we have a role to play in listening to and learning from black voices in our community. It is about recognizing that profound and lasting societal change is extremely difficult to achieve and often begins with the right to gather in protest.

Pride Month reminds us that we have much to learn from one another. It is an opportunity to express and value our diversity, and challenge the barriers that people of different sexual and gender identities, orientations, and expressions still face each and every day. This struggle is not over – it is a journey of a million steps along the road of progress.

I am proud of the work our faculty, staff and students have done to create a safe campus environment founded in respect, equity and support. I know we still have a lot of work to do – and I know we will do that work together.

When Winnipeg gathers to march this September, I hope you will join my wife and I in celebrating the many faces of Pride – both at Red River College and in our community.

Christine E. Watson Ph.D.  | Interim President and CEO
Red River College of Applied Arts, Science and Technology

Watch Christine’s video message here:

To all Red River College staff and students,

Like many of you, we watched this weekend as protests swept across our neighbours to the south and erupted in Montreal and Toronto.

Diversity, equity and inclusivity are Red River College’s heart and soul. They are values we celebrate, hold dear, and continually aspire to. It is important we acknowledge that we still have much work ahead of us to ensure all our faculty, staff and students truly feel safe, respected and equal.

As individuals and as members of our College community, we have a responsibility to support one another, stand up for our values, and work towards reconciliation. It is important we stand together in solidarity with those seeking equality, even when we are hurting the most.

In the midst of all the challenges we’ve faced over the past several months, this weekend’s horror, heartbreak, fear and anger feel especially overwhelming.

If you are feeling overwhelmed, know that you are not alone. Support is available if you need help coping with overwhelming feelings brought on by recent events.

Students can access counselling services by phone or video conference – you can also call the Mobile Crisis Service at 204.940.1781, or the 24/7 Klinic Crisis Line at 204.786.8686 for immediate support. To connect with our Indigenous Supports, visit Indigenous Education. To connect with International Student supports, visit International Education.

RRC staff can connect with mental health support via the Employee Family Assistance Program at 1-800-663-1142 or at https://homeweb.ca.

If you would like to share ideas or ask questions about our diversity programs and initiatives, please contact Priyanji Mediwake, Diversity and Inclusion Specialist at pmediwake@rrc.ca or 204-632-2004, or contact Carla Kematch, Truth and Reconciliation Manager, at cakematch@rrc.ca or 204-632-2148.

Take care of yourselves and each other,

Christine

Christine E. Watson. PhD  | Interim President and CEO
Red River College of Applied Arts, Science and Technology

For immediate release: March 12, 2020
Red River College (RRC) is working closely with public health authorities and is focused on providing timely information, reassurance, and support to our staff, faculty, and students as we continue to take necessary measures to help prevent the transmission of COVID-19 at all of our campuses and to our broader community.

Our campuses are currently open and our classes, labs and exams have not been cancelled, however, our Senior Leadership Team is working with academic program areas to determine alternative program delivery approaches and models that could be implemented in order to further reduce the numbers of students, faculty and staff on site.

Additionally, RRC has suspended all international and domestic travel outside of Manitoba; cancelled all College events and large gatherings; and restricted the number of meetings to only those that are essential to core operations.

RRC’s Incident Management Team continues to monitor the situation closely in concert with our response plans, and in conversation with our colleagues at other post-secondary institutions across the province, and with advice and direction from our provincial and federal public health authorities.

As news and information regarding COVID-19 continues to unfold, the College will continue to ensure that staff, faculty and students are informed and that we continue to take necessary action to help reduce the transmission of COVID-19.

For immediate release: November 14, 2019

PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE– The vice-president of one of Manitoba’s leading heavy construction businesses – E.F. Moon Construction Ltd. – is the latest recipient of Red River College’s (RRC) Distinguished Graduate Award.

Jack Meseyton, who is also the chair of the Manitoba Heavy Construction Association, graduated from RRC’s Civil Engineering Technology program in 2005 with a diploma in Municipal Engineering Technology. His passion for, and commitment to the heavy construction industry in Manitoba, along with his dedication to the community of Portage la Prairie set him apart and made him an outstanding candidate for RRC’s highest achievement.

“I am very humbled, excited and proud to be receiving this award,” said Meseyton. “I am a very strong believer in higher education and learning – our company has several RRC grads working with us. So, I am proud to have attended the College, proud to have RRC grads and alumni working for me, and very, very proud of this award.”

The Red River College Distinguished Graduate Award honours and recognizes RRC’s finest graduates – those who have distinguished themselves in both their chosen profession and their community through outstanding achievements in one or more of the following areas: humanitarianism, professional excellence, and community service.

Meseyton was a clear deserving candidate for this honour, as he’d demonstrated all of the above in his life, through achieving professional excellence in construction and also giving back to Portage’s community in a big way. Some examples of this include his work fundraising for the United Way, his personal involvement in The Portage Potato Festival and for Merit Contractors Association of Manitoba.

“Red River College is proud to honour Jack Meseyton with the Distinguished Graduate Award. His professional achievements exemplify the kind of commitment and leadership we strive to teach our students every day. They also represent the important contributions that RRC graduates make to Manitoba’s economy, including the heavy construction industry.” said Christine Watson, Vice President Academic at RRC.

Meseyton began working in the construction industry in 1985 when he joined his father’s company – Meseyton Construction. By 1992 he was made partner and helped run the business through daily operations and projects. He entered the Civil CAD program at RRC in 2003 and graduated with honours in 2005 – the same year he began working at E.F. Moon. He later went on to obtain his Civil Engineering Technologist (CET) designation and his Gold Seal Certificate (GSC) in project management.

Growing the heavy construction industry in Manitoba

One of the reasons Meseyton is proud to be recognized as this year’s distinguished graduate, is because of the strong connection RRC has with the heavy construction industry in Manitoba.

“RRC has provided skilled people with the technical knowledge and problem solving skills they need,” he said. “This has given many companies the support staff needed to work on ever increasingly complex construction projects. Knowing some of the theory behind how and why things are constructed in the way they are has allowed companies to make educated, informed decisions on how to proceed with and undertake the construction of these projects.”

RRC programs that filter into the heavy construction industry take place in the Jan den Oudsten Vehicle Technology & Research Centre and new Skilled Trades and Technology Centre (STTC), a state-of-the-art 104,000 sq-ft. facility, which opened in 2018. The STTC has allowed RRC to increase its capacity for skilled trades and technologies programs by up to 1,000 additional students each year. This upgraded facility and the equipment it houses allows students to remain ahead-of-the-curve to meet the ever-changing demands of their chosen industry.

Jack Meseyton will be presented with the 2019 Distinguished Graduate Award this evening, November 14, 2019 at the Portage & District Chamber of Commerce Business Awards Celebration.

Stonewall, MB – If you’re planning a nature walk along the trails at Oak Hammock Marsh this Canada Day long weekend, you may spot a new cabin-like structure along the path. Today, Red River College’s students and staff from the skilled trades programs will officially donate a new multi-purpose shed that they designed and built for the interpretive centre.

“As Manitoba’s largest institute of applied learning and research, we take a hands-on, learn-by-doing approach to education, and this shed is a true example of this at work,” said Paul Vogt, President and CEO, Red River College.

“We are proud to donate this structure to the Oak Hammock Marsh Interpretive Centre, and to share the talent and craftsmanship of our students and staff with the community to use and enjoy for years to come.”

The shed project was an assignment for students in the Level 3 Carpentry, Level 2 Roofing, and Pre-Employment Electrical programs as part of their academic learning goals. Twenty-four students led by four instructors worked on the structure over five weeks between classroom theory lessons and time in the lab. The windows and doors were supplied by Jeld-Wen and the delivery of the structure was donated by Greg’s Tilt Deck Service.

“This assignment is such an important learning opportunity for the students because it’s often the first time many of them will work together, across multiple trades disciplines to apply their knowledge in a collaborative way – much like they will once they graduate and go on to work in industry,” said Rob Masi, Carpentry Instructor.

“We thought it was a great opportunity to share the student’s completed work by donating the structure to a non-profit organization that could utilize it in a meaningful way, and we are thrilled that the shed has found a permanent home at Oak Hammock Marsh. We hope to work with more community partners who could benefit from a project like this in the future.”

Oak Hammock Marsh recently received funding to launch a new self-guided canoe tour program through the wetland trails, and with the donation of the shed from Red River College, they will also be expanding their courtyard – creating even more space for visitors to enjoy and explore.

Moving forward, the shed will be used by the staff, volunteers and visitors for interpretive programming and events.

“Our goal at Oak Hammock Marsh is to create new and innovative opportunities to connect people with our wetlands, and this multi-purpose structure is yet another way that we can expand our facilities and programs in order to provide these meaningful interactions,” said Nathalie Bays, Manager of Interpretive Centre Operations, Oak Hammock Marsh.

“We want to thank the students and instructors at the College for donating this beautiful shed, and we look forward to using it and sharing it with the many school groups, tourists and visitors that we welcome to Oak Hammock Marsh each year.”