Academic News

Meaning of the Pin

A nursing pin is a badge worn by nurses to identify the nursing school from which they graduated. They are traditionally presented to newly graduated nurses by faculty at a Pinning Ceremony as a symbolic welcome into the profession. 

Most pins have a symbolic meaning, often representing the history of the nursing program for that school. The Red River College Polytechnic pin was designed by graduates of the program and incorporates the following symbols:

The vine that encircles the school and program name symbolizes growth, prosperity, and continual development.

The traditional medical caduceus (two snakes wrapped around a staff with wings at the top) is understood to represent the image of a nurse as a guardian angel who provides guidance and protection. 

The three dots surrounding the caduceus represent the students’ past, present, and future. The lamp at the base of the pin references Florence Nightingale, the “lady with the lamp,” who cared for injured soldiers during the Crimean War and revolutionized the art and science of nursing practice.

Agenda

Processional

Land Acknowledgement and Introduction of Guests

Tasha Gregory, Chair, Quality Assurance, Research and Curriculum

Welcome Remarks

 Elder Paul Guimond, Elder-in-Residence

Congratulations

Dr. Tamara Chambers-Richards, Dean, School of Health Sciences and Community Services

Greetings from College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba

Deb Elias, CEO/Registrar, College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba

Greetings from the Association of Regulated Nurses of Manitoba and Presentation of the Medals of Excellence

Jacob Ahiaegbe, President, Association of Regulated Nurses of Manitoba

History of the Pinning Ceremony / Significance of the BN Pin

Monica Burfoot, Chair, BN Program – Year 2 Theory and Clinical

Introduction of Graduates

Doris Miller, Nursing Instructor/Course Leader – Senior Practicum

Presentation of Nursing Pins and Roses

Lesley McGuirk, Associate Dean, Nursing

Monica Burfoot, Chair, BN Program – Year 2 Theory and Clinical

Karen Di Pietro, Nursing Instructor/Clinical Mentor, BN Program

Closing Remarks

Tasha Gregory, Chair, Quality Assurance, Research and Curriculum

Recessional

Audience to stand as graduates leave

CONGRATULATIONS

TO ALL OUR 2026 GRADUATES!

For students looking to succeed in a business career, RRC Polytech’s Business Administration program is exactly where they need to be. With the option to take the program at the Exchange District Campus, students are placed right in the heart of downtown, surrounded by industry and potential future employers.

“We’re really in the middle of cultural and business communities and there are so many large employers downtown,” says Jennifer Prusak, an instructor in the program’s Human Resource Management major. “Being immersed in this environment during the program is hugely beneficial and gives students some really great opportunities.”

Students take classes in the Roblin Centre and have access to the campus’s newest building Manitou a bi Bii daziigae (Anishinaabe: Ojibwe, -mowin: language) too. This space was designed as a hub for technology, collaboration and community. It supports connections to local industry with spaces where students, entrepreneurs, non-profit organizations and corporations collaborate to bring ideas to life.

These opportunities to connect with industry are only growing in 2026. The campus is located right across the street from the upcoming Market Lands project – a creative hub, housing and market space scheduled to open in the Fall of 2026. It’s a strong indicator of the growth and economic development to come in Manitoba’s capital, and it puts students even closer to the industries and people that inspire them.

“The Exchange District Campus is accessible, convenient, and not too large that it feels overwhelming,” says Prusak. “With its proximity to businesses many students will apply to work in, it’s the perfect place to succeed in this program.”

Gauri, entering her second year of the program, feels the same way.

“I really enjoy being on campus because it is very peaceful, and everything here is easy to navigate,” she says. “The downtown location makes access to public transit and other amenities more convenient.”

Prusak has a background of 10 years in industry, some of it spent in downtown Winnipeg. She says that students becoming familiar with those environments early will help them enter the workforce prepared and ready. Many of the program’s other instructors come from industry backgrounds too, offering a direct connection to the workforce students will enter after graduation.

“The Business Administration program really gives students a lot of applied learning opportunities in a short period of time,” says Prusak. “All of that work that students put in really pays off because they are so prepared to enter the workforce as soon as they graduate.”

Students in the Business Administration program have seven majors to choose from in their second year from accounting, financial services, human resource management, marketing, logistics and supply chain management, tourism management or general studies – helping them learn the skills and make connections to be successful in any industry or chart their own course as an independent entrepreneur.

Gauri is looking forward to entering the Logistics and Supply Chain Management major this fall.

“My experience in the program has been very rewarding so far and I’m really interested in learning and getting to grow my knowledge within the field of my major,” says Gauri. “The most impactful aspect for me is that it provides a practical learning experience. I really enjoy working in a group setting, and the instructors have also been very supportive. They are experienced in their respective fields, which has made my learning experience even more valuable.”

Not only are students prepared to lead, succeed and innovate after graduation – they’re actually doing it. In fact, 96% of new grads from the program are hired after graduation.

Students have access to supports while on campus to support their success such as academic and accessibility, counselling and career services, along with safety services such as the SafeWalk and SafeRide programs and established reporting mechanisms — all in place to ensure a safe, positive on-campus experience. Indigenous students also have the opportunity to complete the Pathway to Business, Creative Communications and Digital Technologies program ahead of the Business Administration program to help ease the transition into post-secondary education.

For students who are curious, innovative, and ready to turn their ideas into impact, the Business Administration program at the Exchange District Campus builds the connections and skills to make it happen.

Written by Jennifer Pazdor (Creative Communications, 2019).

Wednesday, June 17, 2026 – 7 p.m. Ceremony

Congratulations to RRC Polytech’s Class of 2026!

Wednesday, June 17, 2026 – 1:30 p.m. Ceremony

Congratulations to RRC Polytech’s Class of 2026!

Tuesday, June 16, 2026 – 7 p.m. Ceremony

Congratulations to RRC Polytech’s Class of 2026!

Tuesday, June 16, 2026 – 1:30 p.m. Ceremony

Congratulations to RRC Polytech’s Class of 2026!

Monday, June 15, 2026 – 7 p.m. Ceremony

Congratulations to RRC Polytech’s Class of 2026!

Guide the next generation of learners and connect children, families and communities through education.

Early Childhood Education Diploma

For students new to the field, including those just out of high school. No experience necessary.

Winnipeg • Fall 2026

Early Childhood Education Workplace Diploma

For child-care assistants (CCAs) with 6+ months of experience.

Winnipeg • Fall 2026

Winnipeg • Winter 2027

Interlake • Fall 2026

Portage • Fall 2026

Steinbach • Fall 2026

Winkler • Fall 2026

Mentorship Micro-Credential

For early childhood educators: become a mentor to newer educators in early learning and child-care settings and strengthen your own skillset.

Online • Various Dates

Tuesday, November 18, 2025 – 7 p.m. Ceremony

Congratulations to RRC Polytech’s Class of 2025!

Tuesday, November 18, 2025 – 1:30 p.m. Ceremony

Congratulations to RRC Polytech’s Class of 2025!