News

Rebels Remain Undefeated

November 8, 2010

The RRC men’s and women’s volleyball teams were in action this past weekend as Assiniboine Community College made the trip to Rebel’s Country.

Both teams extended their MCAC league record to 4-0 with straight set victories over the Cougars. The women’s team won their double header by scores of 25-15, 25-20, 26-24 and 25-18, 25-23, 25-21. The men won by scores of 25-5, 25-11, 25-12 and 25-8, 25-13, 25-23. The volleyball teams have some time to focus on their training as they will now enter a bye week.

The men’s and women’s basketball teams will take over the court this weekend as they face Canadian Mennonite University at CMU on Friday before returning to RRC for a rematch on Saturday. The women tip off on Friday at 6:30pm followed by the men at 8:00pm. Saturday will see the women start the action off at 2:00pm, while the men’s action will follow at 3:30pm.

Come and cheer on your Rebels! Free admission for all students and staff by showing your RRC student or staff card at the door.

Fall Enrolment Hits Record High

November 8, 2010

Red River College welcomed more new faces than ever before this fall, as the number of full-time students at its eight Manitoba campuses jumped by 5.5%, setting a new enrolment record.

Growth took place across the college, including big jumps in Advanced Diploma (+15.1%) and Fast Track (+45.7%) enrolments.
 
The introduction of RRC’s first two degree programs, in Construction Management and Nursing, has also proven popular with new students.

"Degree programs allow students to obtain a more advanced level of technical training than is available in a traditional two-year diploma program," explained Ken Webb, RRC’s Vice-President of Academic & Research. "These programs have been developed in direct response to industry demand for more highly skilled graduates in certain occupational areas."

Full-time enrolment is also up 17.6% at RRC’s five regional campuses, located in Steinbach, Portage la Prairie, Gimli, Winkler and Peguis/Fisher River.

Those figures should continue to increase in the years ahead, as a new campus under development in Portage la Prairie — located in the historic former Victoria School building — will allow the College to expand training opportunities in the Central Plains region.

While students are increasingly seeing the advantages of a college education — including hands-on learning, instructors with real-world experience and work placement opportunities — RRC officials say finding somewhere to put them all is a growing challenge.
 
"Red River College has been operating at close to full capacity for several years," said Webb. "We’ve been very creative in making use of our existing space, but to continue our critical role in supporting the growth of Manitoba industry, we are going to have to grow ourselves."

Webb said the development of the Paterson GlobalFoods Institute in the Exchange District — a new home for RRC’s culinary and hospitality programs and site of the College’ first student residence — will provide some much-needed new teaching space. However, he stresses the college must continue to work closely with industry and government to ensure the facilities are in place to meet the labour demands of the province.

Rebels Volleyball Teams Win Again

November 1, 2010

Both the Rebels men’s and women’s volleyball teams were victorious this past weekend against the College Universitaire de St. Boniface.

On Friday, the women started the night by winning 3-0 (25-14, 25-16, 25-19) and the men followed with their own straight set victory (25-13, 25-20, 25-15). Saturday saw the women defeat CUSB 3-0 (25-17, 25-12, 25-21), while the men were equally dominant as they also came out on top 3-0 (25-23, 25-11, 25-18).

Both teams are undefeated in MCAC league play and will play host to ACC (Assiniboine Community College) on Saturday, Nov. 6th. The women play at 11:00am and 2:00pm, while the men’s matches will be at 12:30pm and 3:30pm. All Red River College staff and students are encouraged to attend. Free admission with your staff or student card!

Visit the Rebels Website for the entire season schedule, as well as the most up to date results.

Rebels Girls Volleyball Classic

October 22, 2010

Members of Red River College’s women’s volleyball team played mentor to up-and-comers from across the province last weekend, at the first ever Rebels Girls Volleyball Classic.

Held Oct. 16th and 17th at RRC’s Notre Dame Campus, the event drew eight middle school teams for a day-long tournament, followed by a day’s worth of coaching clinics and skills camps run by RRC coaching staff and players.

“It’s something we’ve really been looking forward to doing – using our athletics program to be more active in the community, and to raise the profile of college sports by reaching out and helping these teams and these coaches develop,” said Dan Gilbert, RRC’s Recreation Coordinator and Men’s Volleyball Coach.

Saturday’s tournament drew eight teams from seven Manitoba schools: Blumenort School (in Ritchot), Ecole Seven Oaks Middle School, Edmund Partridge Community School, Lincoln School, Mennonite Brethren Collegiate Institute, Powerview School (in Powerview) and Springs Christian Academy (who entered two teams). In between games, the RRC’s Rebels squared off against Providence College.

A follow-up tournament and skills camp for boys’ teams is scheduled for Nov. 20th and 21st, with 16 teams currently registered. Gilbert says last weekend’s tourney has already drawn high praise from participants.

“We’ve had a lot of very positive feedback from the schools involved, saying it was a great event for both the coaches and athletes,” he said.

For more information about Rebels Athletics, click here.

Strong Turnout at RRC Alumni Reception

October 1, 2010

Alumni Wine & Cheese

The achievements of Red River College grads were celebrated yesterday, as more than 150 former students gathered for the College’s second annual Alumni Wine & Cheese reception.

Held in the Loewen Atrium of RRC’s Exchange District Campus, the event gave grads a chance to get caught up with former classmates and instructors, and to shake hands with RRC’s newest President and C.E.O., British Columbia transplant Stephanie Forsyth.

“You are some of the living examples of the work this College has done,” said Forsyth, who for the last 10 years has served as president of Northwest Community College in B.C.

“We have graduates in every sector of the economy, and I’m looking forward to meeting as many of you as possible.”

In her address, Forsyth gave reasons for her decision to join the RRC team, citing the College’s national reputation, its growing focus on research and its plans for expansion into other areas downtown.

Alumnus Ryan Garriock, owner and president of Garriock Insurance (and a member of RRC’s Alumni Advisory Board), spoke of the 100,000-plus College grads now working in all corners of the globe. 

Garriock also spoke of his excitement over efforts to convert downtown’s Union Bank Tower to the Paterson GlobalFoods Institute (future home of RRC’s hospitality programs), before announcing the rooftop garden patio on the third floor of the finished building will be dedicated as an RRC alumni space.

Current and former RRC staff were on hand to provide tours of the Exchange District campus and to take donations for the Alumni Spirit Awards, which are awarded annually to recognize students’ commitment to their programs and to the College.

 

RRC Alumni Wine & Cheese from Red River College on Vimeo.

Upcoming Event: RRC Alumni Wine & Cheese

September 14, 2010

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On Thursday, September 30, join us for the Red River College Alumni Wine & Cheese event at the Exchange District Campus (formerly Princess Street Campus). The annual event is a great opportunity to connect with friends, former classmates and instructors. This year, alumni will have the opportunity to meet RRC's new President, Stephanie Forsyth.

Event Details

Date: Thursday, September 30, 2010
Time: 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Location: Loewen Atrium, Exchange District Campus
160 Princess Street, Winnipeg

Please confirm your attendance by contacting Melissa Warden at 632-2118 or e-mailing smwarden@rrc.mb.ca

RED Magazine: Humanitarian Aid in Nicaragua

September 7, 2010

Rrc_nicaragua
It was hot, humid beyond belief, and bugs of every shape and
size were crawling and buzzing around, but Red River College Medical
Radiological Technology instructor Jennifer Stayner couldn’t have been happier.

Stayner and MRT student Brandi Pollon traveled to Nicaragua during
the summer of 2009 with the Flying Doctors of Canada (FDOC), a
non-governmental, not for profit organization comprised of doctors, nurses and
other health care workers.

Doctor Benjamin Cavilla formed FDOC along with three other
doctors in 2006. During his medical training he traveled around the world
helping remote communities. It was in these situations that he noticed a
disconnect between non- governmental agencies and the communities they were
helping.

“Basically, what I saw was that these groups weren’t
addressing why the people were sick in the first place. If you don’t treat the
source of the illness and cure it, the people keep getting sick, so I started a
new sustainable approach to humanitarian efforts.”

This sustainable approach is key to the FDOC’s mission.

Rrc_stayner

“We have a real goal of sustainability — at no point in time
do we want to go into a community and have that community rely on us,” says Dr.
Cavilla. “We want to go in and fix what’s wrong and leave knowing they’re on
their way.”

Since their vision of sustainability involves more than just
treating the illness, FDOC builds water filters, gives lessons on proper hand
washing, and they also involve a diagnostic aspect. That’s where Stayner comes
in.

Stayner has always believed in helping her community, so
when she was approached to work with communities within Nicaragua, she jumped
at the opportunity.

“It’s always been a goal of mine to find a way to do all
things I love which is teach, to x-ray, and do community work,” she says.

While in Nicaragua, Stayner and Pollon worked with the FDOC
doctors and volunteers in small clinics they set up. People would walk,
sometimes for hours, to get medical treatment.

“Some mornings there were 100 people there waiting for us,
mostly women and children. They would come from far distances to get health
care for their children,” says Stayner.

The partnership between FDOC and Red River College allows students
to gain valuable international experience, and Stayner is excited for her
students. “Getting here was hard work but rewarding, so rewarding,” she says.
“It’s a labour of love, and the students are so enthusiastic.”

One thing Stayner took away from the trip last August is the
positive spirit and generosity of the people she met.

“On one of the last days we were in a small town, one of the
women cooked for us. She killed a chicken, and made rice and beans; it was
clearly a lot for her, and she made a wonderful meal. It was very touching to
have people in the community care for us as we were caring for them.”

Want to read more stories from RED magazine? Visit the Red
River College Alumni Publications
page.

RED Magazine: Taking Work Experience to a New Level

September 7, 2010

Rrc_dentalTwo Red River College students got the opportunity of a
lifetime during the summer of 2009 to help those less fortunate and in need.

Jamee Wiebe, a Dental Assisting – Level II grad from the RRC
Winkler Campus, was one of two students who got the chance to travel to
Guatemala for 11 days as part of a mission trip in July 2009. She, along with fellow
student Kaitlin Ward and Dental Assisting instructor Brian Minaker, joined a
group made up of dentists and doctors from across Canada and the United States.
The group was based out of the Guatemalan city of Quetzaltenango (more commonly
known as Xela), but traveled to smaller communities in the surrounding area.

“We would go to a different town each day. I would help set
up and assist the dentists during the dental procedure,” says Wiebe, who
graduated last December and now works as a dental assistant at a dental clinic
in Winnipeg. The highly mobile group took three portable dental chairs and two
traveling units to perform fillings, as they visited the various communities.

They worked with the local population to promote good dental
care as well as perform fillings and tooth extractions.

“I found out that there are a lot of people in Guatemala
who, if they have a toothache or cavity, just get their teeth pulled out
instead of going to a dentist to get fillings,” says Wiebe. “It really makes
you appreciate what we have here and not take it for granted.”

The trip to Guatemala gave the students a chance to learn
about a different culture and get hands-on work experience that they’ll never
forget. Wiebe says it was an eye-opener for her and she plans on doing
something similar in the future. However, she’s quick to point out that even
with the beautiful scenery and hot weather, this trip was more than just
basking in the sun.

“It wasn’t anything fancy; that’s for sure. We were roughing
it out there, but it was worth it.”

Want to read more stories from RED magazine? Visit the Red River College
Alumni Publications
page.

RED Magazine: RRC Worldwide

September 7, 2010

Rrcworldwide2

When people think of Red River College, many see a school
focused on training the next generation of skilled trades people.

They see a school that is expanding its state-of-the-art
facilities. They see a school working with industry to conduct applied
research. What many don’t see are some of the smaller, but just as important,
aspects of the College that aren’t always in the spotlight. RRC’s international
work is one of those hidden gems.

RRC’s international efforts started in 1987 when it began a
partnership with Shenyang Institute of Engineering in China. Since then, the
College has developed partnerships with scores of institutions in countries
across the world.

David Leis, Vice-President of Business Development at RRC,
whose portfolio includes International Education, says there are two primary
reasons the College is involved in partnerships worldwide. “Many of our
international partnerships help enhance our core business of delivering high
quality education to our students,” says Leis. “And as a leader in applied
learning, we are able to bring a considerable amount of expertise to schools
and countries around the world.” 

Currently, RRC is actively engaged in partnerships in five
countries. Some of the affiliations involve student exchanges, while others
deal with RRC staff and faculty using their expertise and providing training
outside of Canada.

The College’s International Education department opened its
doors in 1994, welcoming a
Malaysian student as the College’s first official international learner. This
year, over 300 international students will come to RRC for an exceptional
education and to experience Canadian culture. The benefits of international
education are tremendous, both for international and Canadian students. 

One of the reasons why international students come to study
in Canada is to improve their English, which helps them get better jobs back
home. RRC’s Language Training Centre is one of the premier facilities in Canada
and is well equipped to provide students with the best possible English
training. International students also learn about Canadian culture and receive
the same high quality education as their Canadian counterparts.

“Red River College is the preferred destination for
newcomers to Manitoba,” says Leis. “With exceptional language training and a
wide-range of hands-on programming, RRC helps international students make the
most of their time in Manitoba.”

As for Canadian students at RRC, International Education has
opened doors to new opportunities for them. RRC has several partnerships with
schools around the world that include student exchanges, which allow College
students to not only get hands-on work experience, but also learn about new
cultures and develop a global network of contacts.

Want to read more stories from RED magazine? Visit the Red
River College Alumni Publications
page.

 
 

RRC Appoints New President & CEO

June 18, 2010


Stephanie_COLOUR
The Board of Governors of Red River College is proud to announce the appointment of Stephanie Forsyth as the institution’s next President and CEO.

Forsyth is currently the President of Northwest Community College (NWCC), based in Terrace, British Columbia, serving 10 communities in northern BC. She has held this position for the past ten years.

"Red River College is a dynamic and innovative institution that makes a significant contribution to the social and economic development of Manitoba," said Forsyth. "It is a good fit with my values and leadership style and a terrific opportunity."

Forsyth cited RRC’s national reputation, growing applied research program in sustainable technology, capital expansion plan and focus on aboriginal education as factors that drew her to the position.

"Stephanie’s positive and supportive leadership style will nurture the people-centered culture we’re creating at Red River College," said Sheryl Feller, Chair of RRC’s Board of Governors. "The Board is particularly impressed with her commitment to enhancing post-secondary education for aboriginal students, which is a strategic priority for the College and the Province."

At NWCC, Forsyth has woven indigenous knowledge and traditions into the college culture, and strengthened ties with aboriginal communities through initiatives like the Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art, the House of Learning and Applied Research, and the Challenge the Paradigm Conference on decolonizing post-secondary education. She is of Blackfoot ancestry, and is an adopted member of the Tsimshian Nation.

Forsyth has also been a leader within the Canadian college system in advocating for sustainability. She has challenged her colleagues across the country to green their campuses, initiated an ambitious plan to make NWCC a carbon-neutral institution, and overseen construction of several LEED Gold construction projects.

Prior to joining NWCC in 2000, Forsyth spent seven years as Dean of Community & College Partnerships and Dean of Career & Vocational Programs at Capilano College. She has also previously worked as an instructor and academic leader at Malaspina University College, Vancouver Community College and Selkirk College.

Forsyth holds a Bachelor of Arts from Acadia University, a Master of Education from the University of British Columbia, and is currently completing a PhD in Higher Education from Deakin University in Australia. She is a Director of the Association of Canadian Community Colleges, the BC Achievement Foundation, Science World British Columbia, and the BC Post-Secondary Roundtable on Aboriginal Education.

Forsyth’s progressive vision, passionate leadership, and tireless work have brought vibrancy and innovation to NWCC, resulting in a college actively engaged in the social and economic development of the northwest and a leader in Aboriginal education. She leaves NWCC well-positioned for continued excellence.

Forsyth will assume her new position on September 27, 2010. Catherine Rushton will continue to serve as Interim President & CEO until that time.

RRC Polytech campuses are located on the lands of the Anishinaabeg, Ininiwak, Anishininwak, Dakota Oyate, and Denésuline, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.

We recognize and honour Treaty 3 Territory Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, the source of Winnipeg’s clean drinking water. In addition, we acknowledge Treaty Territories which provide us with access to electricity we use in both our personal and professional lives.