Three Lieutenant Governor’s medals, the highest award that may be obtained upon graduation from RRC Polytech, will be awarded at Spring Convocation ceremonies this week.

The recipients of these medals are selected by a standing committee comprised of representatives from College management, students and instructors. This year, three outstanding graduates have been selected in recognition of their academic and technical achievement, involvement in College and/or community activities, and overall good character.

Pauline Tayag – Graphic Design

Pauline Tayag graduated with honours from RRC Polytech’s Graphic Design program. She continuously strives to make change in the community, having earned awards for academic achievement and volunteered for multiple organizations.

As a participant in the President’s Student Leadership Program — which helps shape future leaders from across academic levels, disciplines and post-secondary institutions — Tayag let her graphic design and storytelling gifts shine through the creation of “Without Borders,” a project that shared the stories of immigrants in Manitoba.

Currently a volunteer with four organizations, Tayag believes in the importance of giving back and sharing her talents. By using her leadership skills, supporting the Filipino community, and sharing her love of arts and culture, she brings people together and acts an ambassador for building bridges.

Her dedication to her craft is evident in the research and thought that she puts into each design piece, creating deliberate and captivating projects that tell their own story, rather than imposing one upon them.

Tayag does not settle for the bare minimum — she strives to be better in her own work and encourages those around her, as well. Through this dedication and kindness, she builds community around her in a way that calls out social injustices and advocates for those in need, as evidenced by her project titled Lumad Protest, which sheds light on indigenous Filipino communities under military attacks for their land.

Rubén Barrios – Information Security

Rubén Barrios graduated with honours from the RRC Polytech’s Information Security program, after arriving in Canada in the middle of a pandemic with his wife and two children in 2021. He quickly found his community and pursued multiple volunteer opportunities, where he shared his leadership gifts.

Barrios participated as an ambassador for the College’s Directions Conference in 2021 and as an influencer for its Inspire Conference in 2022. He embraces opportunities to work with students and share his passion for collaboration, and his leadership skills on constant display as he interacts with and motivates those around him.

Barrios has volunteered for DataCon LA — a convention focused on big data and new technologies — since 2017, receiving special mention for his service. He has also participated in the Christmas Cheer Board’s annual hamper drive, delivering food and gifts to families in need.

Barrios is a true team player who shares his leadership talents as the coach of a mini-soccer team for eight-year-olds, creating engaging and fun drills and games for the team. He strives to create community and connection wherever he goes, in both his career as a data professional and in his personal life.

Josef Neufeld – Industrial Arts Teacher Education

Josef Neufeld is a graduate of the Industrial Arts Teacher Education program, a joint offering between Red River College Polytechnic and the University of Winnipeg. Given his desire to share his knowledge in woodworking and manufacturing, it’s easy to understand why he pursued a career educating future generations.

Having spent eight years in the wood products industry, Neufeld knew he was ready to do more with his talents. He aspires to teach in the inner city or in a French immersion school division, where he can share his passion for improving young people’s lives, along with his gifts in the industrial arts.

Neufeld is a founding and current member of Spence Street Social Club, where he helps plan and deliver community-based events from street clean-ups to community block parties. His desire to make sure everyone feels welcome is infectious and has helped to foster a stronger and better community for all.

Neufeld continually takes on a leading role as a mentor and often takes personal time to assist his peers and create opportunities for collaboration that bring together students and teachers from different programs. It is this love of community and connection that drives Neufeld to be an outstanding person and teacher.