Red River College plays a supporting role in the new Winnipeg comedy series debuting online tomorrow at winnipegfreepress.com/windcity

On January 7, the first Winnipeg-centric, locally-produced digital sitcom hits the airwaves. What started as one person’s idea to celebrate Winnipeg as a city and boost local pride has grown into something much bigger. Season 1 of WindCity finds a man embarking on a mission to reclaim his business and the love of his life — only to find inspiration in the most unlikely place.

Kyle Nobess plays “Sam” an RRC Student.

WindCity character Sam Fortier is a Red River College student interning at the RBC Convention Centre. Sam (played by Kyle Nobess) is a proud Métis and an energetic, passionate, ever-helpful goofball. He always speaks his mind and gets away with it because of his positive disposition. Sam is a leader on campus, and has made himself the unofficial welcoming committee to RRC’s international students. Sam loves Winnipeg, and is happy to show off his pride – as well as his famous jigging skills, which can be viewed here.

“Red River College is proud to be a partner in this innovative local project,” says Stephanie Forsyth, President & CEO of Red River College. “RRC’s character in the series is a fun representation of a student on campus and we believe our exposure in the show will showcase some of RRC’s best assets, such as our brand new student residences in the heart of the Exchange District.”

“This is truly Winnipeg’s series and we’re happy to have so many local stars supporting it, both on camera and behind the scenes,” says Creator and Producer Paul Vieira. “The excitement has been building during production and we look forward to the public’s reaction when it finally launches.”

WindCity’s cast includes: Adam Hurtig (as Dylan), Rebecca Gibson (as Kate), Sierra Noble (as Switch), Kyle Nobess (as Sam), Sarah Constible (as Julia), Trish Cooper (as Loni Chase), Ali Tataryn* (as Morgan), Karl Thordarson* (as Duke) and Abbey Thickson (as Olivia).

*RRC Grads

Take a minute and enjoy the trailer for Season 1 of WindCity.

Don Streuber, President Bison Transport and RRC President & CEO, Stephanie Forsyth

A plaque was unveiled at RRC’s Heavy Equipment Transportation Centre student lounge to recognize the partnership between the College and Bison Transport.

“The Bison Transport Student Lounge naming reflects the tremendous support of Bison Founder, Mr. Duncan Jessiman and President, Mr. Don Streuber,”said Stephanie Forsyth, President & CEO, Red River College. “Staff and students not only benefit from the generous gift of $100,000 but we are extremely grateful for the gift of service Don Streuber has afforded. He is an incredible ambassador for the College and a volunteer who champions for continued industry growth and development at HETC.”

“Bison Transport is known as North America’s Safest Fleet and our maintenance department plays a vital role in ensuring the safety of our equipment on the road,” said Bison President Don Streuber. “We are happy to play a role in the development of the next generation of technicians graduating from Red River College.”
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Today Red River College recognizes the work and contributions of volunteers and volunteer-involving organizations on International Volunteer Day.

“On this day, we take the opportunity to recognize volunteerism and the impact staff, students and faculty make,” said Stephanie Forsyth, President & CEO, Red River College. “Volunteer Management is not only programming offered at RRC but through College led initiatives, our team makes a difference by contributing to community through social and educational initiatives.”

RRC’s Volunteer Management Certificate program is the only one like it in Canada and follows the Canadian Administrators of Volunteer Resources (CAVR) guidelines.  The program trains students to manage and motivate groups of volunteers.  Core courses include; Recruitment and Marketing, Risk Management, Program Planning and Evaluation, Interpersonal Communication, and Working with Volunteers.  The Volunteer Management Certificate is available through distance learning, so students may enrol from anywhere in Canada to earn their certificate. It is offered through partnership with Volunteer Manitoba, Manitoba Association of Volunteer Administration (MAVA) and can be used towards a CAVR designation.  Graduates find rewarding and exciting careers in health-care, arts and culture, sports, tourism and much more

“The Volunteer Management program at Red River helped me focus on my management style and how I could apply it to organizing and maintaining a volunteer database of 250 participants,” said Kelly Seifert, Volunteer Coordinator & Facility Administration, Winnipeg Football Club. “Growing up, my parents taught me the value in helping others and I developed a passion early on for volunteering. RRC’s program allowed me to earn my certificate while working and now I enjoy a rewarding career committed to volunteerism.”

Red River College staff, students, and faculty regularly volunteer. From growing crops for the Students’ Association food bank and Winnipeg Harvest to leading the All Charities Campaign to special events for staff, students, faculty and their families, volunteers make a difference.

International Volunteer Day was established in 1985 by the UN General Assembly to be commemorated on December 5^th every year.  It is a day dedicated to celebrate volunteers and volunteer-involving organizations and what they achieve for peace and sustainable development.

For the first time ever, the students of Red River College’s Disability and Community Support program, together with the Diversity and Immigrant Student Support department, have joined forces to create awareness about the United Nations’ International Day of Persons with Disabilities on Tuesday, Dec. 3.

In 2010, Canada became a signatory to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Dec. 3 is a day of celebration where we acknowledge the ever-increasing recognition of the human rights of persons with disabilities.

The government of Manitoba is about to pass accessibility legislation (Bill 26), which is a significant step toward eliminating barriers, in terms of both physical access and economic opportunity. These decisions show real progress toward greater inclusion for people with disabilities.

This day, however, also reminds us there are still many barriers that need to be broken in terms of education, employment, healthcare, transportation, housing and social support systems. At present, many persons with disabilities in Manitoba still experience marginalization or exclusion from the activities of daily life. Read More →

At a special plaque unveiling, Red River College honoured Maxim Truck & Trailer’s partnership with Red River College with the naming of a classroom.

The Maxim classroom signifies the long standing partnership between Maxim Truck & Trailer and Red River College which includes support of Alumni and student success and a generous $100,000 pledge to the Heavy Equipment Transportation Centre in 2012.  Maxim President, Doug Harvey served as the Capital Campaign Chair of the HETC fundraising campaign and through his network was able to assemble a group of industry representatives to aid in supporting this project. Mr. Harvey has been a driving force in the success of the activities related to the campaign that will benefit apprentices and the industry for years to come.

Pictured L-R: President Maxim Trucking Inc. Mr. Doug Harvey & President and CEO, RRC Mrs. Stephanie Forsyth.

“Doug Harvey’s contributions to Red River College and to various causes and organizations demonstrate what an incredible philanthropist and friend he is to the Manitoba community,” said Stephanie Forsyth, President & CEO, Red River College. “With his passion for the transportation industry, Doug Harvey has been one of the most influential reasons for industry engagement in this monumental project that has allowed the realization of a 60,000 square foot state-of-the-art technical training centre.”

“The importance of Heavy Duty Technicians to our business cannot be overstated,”said Doug Harvey, President, Maxim Truck & Trailer.  “We are proud to support a first-class training centre at Red River College that helps promote, attract and train heavy duty technicians for the transportation industry.”

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Exchange District Biz has recognized Red River College’s contribution to the revitalization of the Exchange District with an Award of Excellence.

The Exchange District BIZ Awards of Excellence recognize community members who have made significant contributions to the vision of the Exchange District as Winnipeg’s prime heritage destination, cultural epicentre and premiere location for distinct and renowned dining and retail amenities.

Paterson GlobaFoods Institute (Located in the old Union Bank Tower) – Photo Credit: RRC

“We wish to thank the Exchange District BIZ for recognizing Red River College’s contribution to this historic neighbourhood,” said Stephanie Forsyth, President & CEO of Red River College. “Our institution is focused on fueling Manitoba’s economic growth and community development and this award reinforces the College’s strategic intent.”

“Red River College is a strong advocate for the Exchange District, continually encouraging development to take place in our expanding neighbourhood,” said Brian Timmerman, Executive Director, Exchange District BIZ. “RRC’s vision in converting the century old Union Bank Tower is not only exciting, but crucial to the success of the District.”

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Ray Hoemsen, P.Eng, FEC, Director, Applied Research & Commercialization

At the 2013 Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists (APEGM) Awards Gala Dinner held October 25, Ray Hoemsen, Director, Applied Research and Commercialization, Red River College (RRC) proudly received the Honorary Life Membership.

“It’s truly an honour,” said Hoemsen. “Even though this type of recognition is individual in nature, it would not be possible without the support of the academic/applied research team and the College.”

“Ray has had an incredible career spanning over 35 years, and we are pleased to be able to grant him an Honorary Life Membership,” said Dawn Nedohin-Macek, P.Eng, President, APEGM. “He is an inspiration to his students, faculty and fellow Professional Engineers.”

“On behalf of the College I wish to personally congratulate Ray,” said Stephanie Forsyth, President and CEO, Red River College. “He’s instrumental in positioning our College on the map through research initiatives and has made RRC become a place where industry comes to explore applied research needs.”

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Please join us on Friday, November 22 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm in the Voyageur Restaurant at the Notre Dame Campus to celebrate the annual Welcome Party for Immigrant and International Students. Take part in celebrating diversity and extending a warm College welcome to our immigrant and international students.

As we are celebrating diversity, we welcome you to share your traditions and come dressed in cultural clothing, and dressed for a party! Please bring a donation of non-perishable food items (canned food) for the RRC Student Food Bank. This is a College-wide and family-friendly event; everyone is welcome to bring family, children and friends.

This year’s party features live music and entertainment including performances by Punjab Dancers from India, South American band, Descarga Latina, African drummer, Evans Coffie and Cuban dance group, Yoslai de la Rosa. Take part in fun activities for children including arts and crafts, face painting and balloons. Participate in educational games and cultural teachings brought to you by RRC’s Aboriginal Student Support and Community Liaison Department. Enjoy lots of dancing and sample global cuisine.

Please register by Friday, November 15. To register, please find the attached invite and visit the on-line link: http://blogs.rrc.ca/diversity/welcomeparty/

If you have any questions please contact, Lauren Konrad, Student Integration Coordinator at 204.631.3345 or lkonrad@rrc.ca.

This event is organized by the Diversity and Immigrant Student Support department, with additional sponsorship from the International Education office and the RRC Students’ Association.

Since the 1930s, Red River College has delivered programs to provide a skilled workforce and drive Manitoba’s economy.

On Wednesday, Oct. 9, a special ceremony took place at RRC’s Notre Dame Campus to mark the College’s 75th Anniversary. Live-streamed to all nine campuses, the celebration paid tribute to the countless staff, students, alumni, donors and friends of the College who over the years have helped to make RRC one of North America’s leading post-secondary institutions – and Manitoba’s only polytechnic.

“Red River College has become a network of choice for post-secondary education and is a critical source of knowledge, training, research and innovation,” said Stephanie Forsyth, president and CEO, Red River College. “We’ve come a long way in 75 years and – as proud as we are of the past – we are equally excited about the vision for the future.”

“My sincere congratulations to Red River College on their 75th anniversary,” said the Hon. Erin Selby, Manitoba’s minister of advanced education and literacy. “The College plays an integral role in meeting our government’s target of adding 75,000 workers to Manitoba’s labour force by 2020.”

“On behalf of students past and present, I want to congratulate the College on their 75th Anniversary,” said Jocelle Cuvos, president of the Red River College Students’ Association. “The College has always been dedicated to students’ success and the SA is proud to be a partner in the continued success of students at RRC.”

Annually, Red River College has more than 30,000 enrolments 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.

Find out more about RRC’s 75th anniversary festivities →

On Wednesday, Oct. 9, at 2:30 p.m., a special ceremony will take place at the Notre Dame Campus, to officially mark Red River College’s 75^th anniversary.

The event will take place in the Voyageur Dining Room, and will be live-streamed to all nine RRC campuses, celebrating the countless staff, students, alumni, donors and friends of the College who have contributed to the vision of making RRC one of North America’s leading post-secondary institutions, and Manitoba’s only polytechnic.

The afternoon celebration will include a short program featuring the RRC Daycare Choir and Aboriginal drummers. In the evening, a Homecoming Barbecue will be held from 4:00-7:00pm at the Notre Dame Campus’ D,E,F courtyard, featuring a live performance by Free Ride.