Academic News

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!

October 29 marked a milestone for innovation and collaboration at the Inspire Conference, where over 900 students and 100+ industry professionals came together to explore the theme: “Future-Proof: Skills and Mindsets for a Disrupted World.”

The conference wasn’t just an event—it was a movement. Designed to prepare students for careers that don’t yet exist, Inspire focused on agility, curiosity, and innovation as the keys to thriving in a rapidly changing world.

With around 50 different sessions, participants explored topics that challenged conventional thinking and sparked new ideas.

Student Quote
“Keynote was GREAT! Steve brought some thought-provoking ideas to me around instilling an innovative culture.”

Highlights from the Day

• Dynamic Agenda: Around 50 different sessions, all aimed at bridging the gap between education and emerging career paths.
• Networking Opportunities: Students connected with professionals at our Exhibitor Lounge, gaining insights into real-world challenges and building relationships.
• Theme in Action: Many of our sessions reinforced the importance of adaptability and lifelong learning in today’s disrupted landscape.

Student Quote
“All sessions were excellent. I learned so many things for my career pathway.”

Why It Matters

The Inspire Conference is more than a single-day event—it’s a catalyst for transformation. By fostering collaboration between academia and industry, it equips students with the tools to navigate uncertainty and seize opportunities.

Looking Ahead

As we reflect on the success of this year’s conference, one thing is clear: the future belongs to those who are ready to adapt, innovate, and lead.

Thank you to our Session Room Sponsors Northfield IT and Canada Life; and to our Exhibitors MB Blue Cross, ID Fusion, Johnston Group, ISACA Winnipeg, New Media Manitoba, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, Pollard Banknote, and Exchange Technology Services.

Stay tuned for next year’s Inspire Conference and continue building the skills that will shape tomorrow’s world. Visit rrc.ca/inspire for more information.

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 RRC Polytech 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 – Research, Curriculum, and Quality Assurance

Welcome Remarks

Elder Paul Guimond, Elder-in-Residence

Congratulations

Fred Meier, President and CEO

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

Greetings from College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba

Rhonda Cairns, Chief of Quality Practice – College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba

Greetings and Presentation of the Association of Regulated Nurses of Manitoba Medal of Excellence

Katrin Ann Param-Vital, President-Elect –  Association of Regulated Nurses of Manitoba

History of the Pinning Ceremony / Significance of the BN Pin

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

Introduction of Graduates

Myrna Davis, Chair, BN Program – Labs & LPN Programming

Presentation of Nursing Pins and Roses

Lesley McGuirk, Associate Dean – Nursing

Joanna Simmons-Swinden, Chair, BN Program – Nursing Initiatives

Tracey Fallak, Chair, BN Program – Year 1 Theory & Clinical

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

Closing Remarks

Tasha Gregory, Chair – Research, Curriculum, and Quality Assurance

Recessional – Audience to stand as graduates leave

CONGRATULATIONS

TO ALL OUR 2025 GRADUATES!