News

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. Read More →

RRC Polytech awards honorary degrees or diplomas to individuals who demonstrate high standards of excellence in their personal and professional achievements, and whose involvement in the community is widely recognized.

This year’s deserving recipients are accomplished professionals and outstanding community role models whose lives’ work will resonate with and inspire our 2023 graduates.

Carolyn Young: Honorary Diploma in Early Childhood Education

Carolyn Young has been supporting and advocating for young children and their parents — particularly Indigenous and newcomer families — in Winnipeg’s North End for more than 30 years.

She empowers her community through her work in early childhood education (ECE) and works relentlessly to teach, mentor and dismantle barriers for others as executive director of Manidoo Gi-Miini Gonaan (The Great Spirit is Giving), a non-profit organization overseeing several child-care centres and a family resource centre in a historically disadvantaged neighbourhood. Read More →

This week, RRC Polytech raised three flags in an act of unity, pride and inclusivity to mark the beginning of National Indigenous History Month and Pride Month.

The Treaty One flag, Red River Métis flag and RRC Polytech’s new inclusive Pride flag will now fly year-round at the Notre Dame Campus in Winnipeg to acknowledge the history of the land, respect for the treaties made on the land, and representation of the people who live here.

“RRC Polytech is committed to enacting Truth and Reconciliation and equity, diversity and inclusion in everything we do. A big part of that is creating representative and inclusive spaces on our campuses,” says Fred Meier, President and CEO of RRC Polytech.

“By raising these three flags, we are demonstrating to staff, students and community members that this is a place where you belong. We know that there are still institutions and situations where 2SLGBTQIA+, Indigenous and Métis people don’t feel welcome or recognized, but at RRC Polytech we are sending a firm message that everybody belongs and is welcome here.”

The flag-raising was attended by representatives from the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF), Peguis First Nation, Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation and RRC Polytech’s Knowledge Keepers Council, along with Elders and Knowledge Keepers from Treaty One Territory. Ray “Coco” Stevenson provided a hand-drum flag song for the ceremony. Read More →

The Joyce Family Foundation has generously donated $1.5 million to support students who face barriers to education. The donation will be used to create 10 annual bursaries for youth in care and for vulnerable students at RRC Polytech.

An announcement to celebrate the gift was made at the College’s Child and Youth Care program graduation today. Graduates of this program (like those shown above) support and inspire children, youth and families, and often find employment in treatment homes, mental health and justice facilities, schools and community-based programs.

“The Joyce Family Foundation Bursary creates the largest fund for student aid at the College and more than doubles RRC Polytech’s ability to support financially vulnerable students pursuing post-secondary educations,” says College president Fred Meier.

“We thank The Joyce Family Foundation for recognizing this need and removing financial stress, allowing students to focus on their studies.”

The fund will provide bursaries of up to $5,000 for 10 students per year. Each successful applicant will be assigned an academic coach, who will work with them throughout their studies to ensure their success in the program.

In Manitoba, there are currently more than 9,800 youth in care, 91 per cent of whom are Indigenous. Less than five per cent of youth in care pursue post-secondary education.

The Joyce Family Foundation Bursary doubles the number of RRC Polytech bursaries available, from nine to 19. Read More →

Historically, the phrase “go to your room” has held a negative connotation for generations of youngsters. But thanks to a new learning opportunity from RRC Polytech, working in collaboration with IKEA, this will no longer be the case for dozens of Winnipeg tweens and teens.

Design Your Dream Room, one of four new day camps the College will offer this summer, teaches campers the basics of interior decorating and room layout under the guidance of an RRC Polytech interior decorating professional.

Other youth can learn the art of photography or how to design and launch their own product, or deepen their relationship with their cultural identity.

“Our summer youth camps give young people a taste of what a polytechnic education looks like,” says Breanna Sawatzky, Manager of Campus Well-Being at RRC Polytech. “They’ll learn new skills in hands-on, experiential environments — guided by experienced RRC Polytech leaders.”

Aspiring shutterbugs will learn about composition, posing, exposure and light control under the direction of a professional photographer in Out and About Photography, while budding entrepreneurs will develop a product from idea to minimal viable product, and go through a design sprint in Entrepreneurship Camp.

The College’s Indigenous Cultural Exploration Camp, open to all youth ages nine to 11, will guide campers through experiential learning while incorporating cultural activities.

“We know the importance of introducing kids to technology, art, business, culture and creativity at an early age, as they’re beginning to think about their future careers,” says Sawatzky. “These camps are a fun, low-pressure opportunity for kids to start to explore their passions while familiarizing themselves with our campus.” Read More →

More than 100 representatives from Manitoba businesses are meeting today to learn the advantages and benefits of mentoring a student through Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunities at RRC Polytech.

Hosted by the College’s Applied Computer Education and Work Integrated Learning and Career Services department, the one-day conference Engaging in Work-Integrated Learning for the Changing Workplace aims to inform businesses about the WIL opportunities that exist within the College, and the supports they can receive to promote accessibility and equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

“The College is already well known for its experiential approach to learning, and we want to ensure our industry partners understand the many benefits of providing students with Work-Integrated Learning experiences,” says Dr. Christine Watson, RRC Polytech’s Vice President, Academic.

“Not only do our students gain important skills that support their future career paths, but our host employers also benefit through early access to high quality talent.

“Students come to RRC Polytech because they want a high-quality education that will prepare them to enter the workforce after graduation. This includes access to industry mentorship, experiential learning and co-operative work placements.”

The conference is funded through a partnership with the Business + Higher Education Roundtable (BHER), with support from the Government of Canada. Through the partnership, RRC Polytech has committed to providing 650 WIL opportunities for students in 2023. New initiatives created include the Sprint to Innovate competition, pitch workshops and additional projects completed through Applied Computer Education. Read More →

RRC Polytech is meeting with federal parliamentarians this week to discuss further opportunities for Canada’s colleges, Cégeps and institutions to be the driving force in providing the skills required to transition to a clean economy.

The virtual meetings, led by Canadian Colleges for a Resilient Recovery (C2R2) — a coalition of 14 institutions from across Canada that work together to provide the skills required to transition to a clean economy — build off the success of the recently launched Quick Train Canada initiative.

Quick Train Canada is a series of tuition-free micro-credential courses offered at C2R2 institutes across the country that focus on providing Canadian workers and employers with options to update skills quickly through multi-week, virtual and in-person learning designed to boost job security and participation as the economy transitions to more sustainable practices.

“RRC Polytech’s six Quick Train courses filled up within the first week of being launched, which shows there’s a demonstrated need for learners to quickly and easily bolster their portfolios with relevant skills that will contribute to a greener economy,” says Fred Meier, the College’s President and CEO.

“RRC Polytech and C2R2 members across Canada are positioned to quickly develop thousands of training and applied research opportunities to help Canadians access new careers, support the transition to a low-carbon economy and foster equity, diversity and inclusion.”

Each C2R2 institution offers Quick Train courses relevant to their areas of expertise. All courses are tuition-free, and many are offered virtually so anyone in Canada can access them. Read More →

A cohort of Pathway to Information Technology Programs students at RRC Polytech were gifted $50,000 worth of state-of-the-art laptops from tech giant Lenovo, preparing them to innovate and succeed in IT roles across the province.

“This partnership with Lenovo not only provides students with laptops, it’s also another way barriers to education are removed,” says Fred Meier, RRC Polytech’s President and CEO. “This gift enhances the student experience and provides access to technology that meets the needs of industry and allows students to be successful in achieving their educational goals.”

The College’s Pathway programs are designed to equip Indigenous Manitobans with the support and skills needed to confidently transition into specific RRC Polytech programs. Created in partnership with RBC Future Launch, Pathway to Information Technology Programs prepares and empowers students to enrol in RRC Polytech’s IT Operations, Information Security and Business Information Technology programs.

“Our vision is to help create a world where every person has access to the technology that allows them to achieve their goals,” says Libby Richards, Lenovo’s Community Engagement Manager. “Connecting students with technology is crucial in innovation and moving society forward. This program aligns with our goals and provides students with the foundational knowledge to be successful in the rapidly growing field of IT.”

Pathway to Information Technology Programs requires students to have access to a computer with certain memory and speed requirements; those who don’t already have access are provided with options to rent a computer from the College.

At the start of the program’s first semester, Lenovo provided all students with new ThinkBook 15 Gen4 laptops, which they will be able to keep even after they’ve completed their studies.

Earlier today, representatives from Lenovo were able to tour Manitou a bi Bii daziigae and meet with students from the program.

“It’s clear to see why these students selected this program,” says Warren Beleyowski, Client Executive, MB/SK Public Sector for Lenovo Canada. “Providing them with laptops was an easy decision, as these students are going to be the ones who are meeting the ever-changing needs of tomorrow.”

RRC Polytech hosts its 23rd annual Pow Wow today to celebrate Indigenous students and graduates, while also honouring the Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S), or Red Dress Day.

Each year, RRC Polytech’s Pow Wow welcomes hundreds of guests, community members, dancers, drummers, staff, faculty and Indigenous graduates from all programs to join in the celebration, hosted by the School of Indigenous Education with guidance and leadership from the College’s Elders-in-Residence.
This year, campus flags will be lowered to half-mast and the day will be recognized with a Memorial Song dedicated to MMIWG2S, their families and those impacted by the loss of loved ones.

“Creating space to celebrate Indigenous achievement is essential action for reconciliation and is the responsibility of all of us that call North America — Turtle Island — home,” says Isabel Bright, Dean of the School of Indigenous Education.

“While we celebrate the achievements of all Indigenous students, it’s important to recognize that the date of our Pow Wow coincides with the Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit People. Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit people deserve respect and safety.”

Earlier this year, College leaders were invited into Indigenous communities to hear directly from members about the barriers that Indigenous learners face when considering post-secondary education. Some individuals expressed fear for the safety of their daughters or granddaughters when they leave their communities to come to Winnipeg or other urban centres, and worried whether they would make it home.

“Not only should we ensure all students are getting the highest quality education we can offer, but they should feel safe while doing so — this should never be a barrier to access,” says Fred Meier, RRC President and CEO.

“We will continue to work collaboratively with Indigenous communities to ensure we are taking meaningful steps to address the calls for justice in the final report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, and to ensure that all women, girls and Two-Spirit people are supported and safe in their educational journey.” Read More →

A Winnipeg engineering technologist who has been a local, provincial and national leader in his profession has been honoured with the Distinguished Graduate Award from RRC Polytech.

Robert Okabe, CEO and Registrar at the Certified Technicians and Technologists Association of Manitoba (CTTAM), graduated with a Civil Engineering Technology diploma from RRC Polytech in 1983. His dedication to technicians and technologists, along with his passion for his community and volunteering, has set him apart and made him an outstanding candidate for the College’s highest achievement.

“RRC Polytech is proud to honour Robert Okabe with the Distinguished Graduate Award,” says College President Fred Meier. “His professional achievements truly embody the kind of commitment and leadership we aim to demonstrate to students. His contributions to Manitoba showcase the difference that RRC Polytech graduates make to our province, especially in the profession of applied science and engineering technology.”

Distinguished Graduate Awards honour and recognize the College’s finest graduates — those who have made an impact in their profession and their community through outstanding achievements in one or more of the following areas: humanitarianism, professional excellence and community service.

Okabe was recognized as a Fellow of Engineers Canada FEC in 2019 and as an International Engineering Technologist by the Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists (CCTT) in 2013. He has served in various positions for the CCTT and the Canadian Technology Accreditation Board.

Okabe is currently a Program Advisory Committee member with RRC Polytech, Assiniboine Community College and University of College of the North, and has provided invaluable guidance and advocacy with the accreditation of RRC Polytech’s engineering technology programs.

He also has a role in all nine of the College’s Engineering Technology Advisory Committees, which provide direction and curriculum support from those working on the ground.

“I am incredibly excited and proud to be receiving this award,” says Okabe. “I believe that giving back to the community is such an important thing I can do as a graduate and am proud to support the next generation. The College provided so much for me in my career, and it’s an honour to be celebrated in this way.” Read More →